JP2006191547A - Image printer and information-processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable respective users to distribute images of preference. <P>SOLUTION: An image selected by a user among images photographed by an image printer 1 is transmitted to an image distribution server connected through a network. The image distribution server distributes the image received by the image distribution server to a portable telephone designated by a mail address inputted when the image is selected by the image printer 1. When a group composed of a plurality of users uses the image printer 1, images selected by respective users are distributed to portable telephones designated by mail addresses inputted by the respective users. This invention is applicable to an image printer as an automatic photo seal vending machine. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention particularly relates to an image printing apparatus and an information processing method that enable each user to distribute a favorite image.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image printing apparatus such as a so-called “print club (registered trademark)” that captures a user's image and synthesizes it with a frame image prepared in advance and prints it on a sticker sheet or the like is known. .

  Among these image printing apparatuses, there is an image printing apparatus that allows a user to write (edit) arbitrary characters or figures on an image obtained by shooting with an attached pen. To do. Using such an editing function, the user can make the image printed on the sticker paper more original.

  Incidentally, in addition to printing an image obtained by editing on a sticker sheet, there are some which can transfer the image data to, for example, a user's mobile phone using the apparatus.

  For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-245290, a terminal device such as a cellular phone designated by an e-mail address is captured by an image printing apparatus and obtained image data is stored in a server (image center apparatus 105 (FIG. 1). It is disclosed that the captured image can be confirmed also on the mobile phone.

  However, in an image printing apparatus in which image data is transmitted to a user's mobile phone or the like, generally, only one type of image can be distributed, and there are a plurality of users (groups). For example, the same image is distributed to the mobile phones of all the groups.

  Therefore, there has been a problem that not all users necessarily like the delivered image.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and enables each user to distribute a favorite image.

  An image printing apparatus according to the present invention is an image printing apparatus connected to an information management apparatus via a network, a photographing unit that photographs a subject, and an image selected from image data obtained by photographing by the photographing unit. At least one of distributing data to a predetermined distribution destination via the information management apparatus and allowing the information management apparatus to store the selected image data in a state where it can be viewed from a predetermined terminal First receiving means for receiving a selection by a user to select.

  This image printing apparatus can be used, for example, as a photo sticker vending machine.

  A second unit that accepts selection of image data to be transmitted to the information management device from among image data obtained by photographing by the photographing unit and input of designation information that designates a distribution destination of the selected image data; The information processing apparatus may further include a receiving unit, the image data for which selection has been received by the second receiving unit, and a first transmission unit for transmitting the designation information for which the input has been received to the information management apparatus.

  Communication with the information management apparatus is performed via the network by the transmission means. This network may be configured by a network in which wired and wireless communications are mixed as well as wired and wireless.

  The terminal may be any device that can communicate and display an image. For example, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), or a personal computer corresponds to the terminal.

  Further, the designation information that designates the terminal as the distribution destination of the image data may be a mail address or identification information assigned to each device.

  The second accepting unit can further accept input of the number of delivery destinations and accept input of the number of designation information corresponding to the accepted number of delivery destinations and selection of the image data. .

  Necessary when selecting the image data to be stored in the information management device from the image data obtained by the photographing by the photographing means and browsing the stored image data on the predetermined terminal A third receiving unit that receives an input of identification information; a second transmission that transmits the image data for which selection has been received by the third receiving unit; and the identification information for which the input has been received to the information management device. Means can be further provided.

  The identification information is information that can identify each image data. The identification information may be information including a predetermined number of alphabets and numbers, for example.

  The third accepting unit further accepts an input of the number of the image data to be stored in the information management apparatus, and selects the number of the image data corresponding to the number of the accepted image data and the identification information. Input can be accepted.

  The information processing method of the present invention is an information processing method of an image printing apparatus connected to an information management apparatus via a network, photographing a subject, and selecting image data selected from image data obtained by the photographing. A user who selects at least one of distribution to a predetermined distribution destination via an information management device and storage of the selected image data in a state in which the selected image data can be viewed from a predetermined terminal Including a step of accepting a selection by.

  In the image printing apparatus and the information processing method of the present invention, a subject is photographed, and image data selected from image data obtained by photographing is distributed to a predetermined distribution destination via the information management apparatus; A selection by a user who selects at least one of storing the selected image data in the information management apparatus in a state where it can be viewed from a predetermined terminal is accepted.

  According to the present invention, a photographed image can be distributed.

  According to the present invention, a photographed image can be saved.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an image printing apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied.

  An imaging device 12 is provided on a vertical surface 11 a above the housing 11. The imaging device 12 is movable in the vertical direction according to a rail (not shown) disposed on the surface 11a in the vertical direction. That is, the user who is a subject can move the photographing device 12 in the vertical direction and photograph at a desired angle.

  The photographing device 12 includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 13 for photographing a subject and an image display unit 14 that displays an image (moving image) captured by the CCD 13. Since the image display unit 14 is provided in the vicinity of the CCD 13, the user can take a picture while checking his / her own image displayed on the image display unit 14 with the line of sight toward the CCD 13. .

  Flash irradiation units 15-1 and 15-2 are provided on the left and right of the imaging device 12, and the flash irradiation units 15-1 and 15-2 are provided from the illumination device provided inside the housing 11. Transmits flash light and illuminates the subject.

  In the center of the surface 11b of the housing 11 facing slightly upward, a display unit 16 composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tude) is provided. In addition to the photographed image, various selection buttons or messages are displayed on the display unit 16 in accordance with the shooting process and the printing process. The user can use the input pen 17 provided in the vicinity of the display unit 16. -1 or 17-2 is used to perform shooting processing and editing processing.

  A coin insertion slot 18 is provided on the left side surface 11 d of the housing 11. When shooting using the image printing apparatus 1, the user inserts a predetermined price into the coin slot 18. Further, the surface 11d is provided with a sticker outlet 19, and the edited image is printed on the sticker paper at a predetermined size, and the sticker paper on which the image is printed is discharged from the sticker outlet 19. Is done.

  In the image printing apparatus 1 having the appearance configuration as described above, the user can designate a terminal such as his / her mobile phone or PDA as a transmission destination of the photographed image, and in the designated mobile phone or PDA Also, an image taken using the image printing apparatus 1 can be browsed.

  That is, the image printing apparatus 1 is provided with a communication function, and image data captured and acquired by the user in the image printing apparatus 1 is sent to an image distribution server 65 (see FIG. 3) that manages the distribution of the image data. Sent. The transmitted image data is received by the image distribution server 65 via a network such as the Internet, and the image distribution server 65 transmits the image data to a terminal designated by the user. The processing of the image printing apparatus 1 will be described in detail later with reference to a flowchart.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the image printing apparatus 1 of FIG. Detailed description of the same configurations as those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

  The control device 31 is configured by a personal computer or the like, and controls the overall operation of the image printing apparatus 1. Specifically, a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a hard disk is executed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided in the control device 31, and shooting processing and image editing processing are performed according to the program. Will proceed.

  The coin processing unit 32 detects and notifies the control device 31 when a predetermined price is inserted into the coin slot 18 by the user. The communication unit 33 communicates with a device connected via a network by wire or wireless, and transmits, for example, image data selected by the user to an image distribution server 65 that manages the distribution.

  Based on an instruction from the control device 31, the illumination control unit 34 emits flash light in accordance with the timing when the imaging device 12 captures the subject. The emitted flash light irradiates the subject (user) via the flash irradiation units 15-1 and 15-2 in FIG.

  The printer unit 35 includes a printer unit 41 and a control tag reader / writer 42, and the sticker paper unit 36 attached to the printer unit 35 manages sticker paper 51 and identification information for identifying individual sticker paper units 36. A control tag 52 is used.

  When image data that has undergone editing processing is supplied from the control device 31, the printer unit 41 displays an image represented by the supplied image data according to the number of divisions (printing pattern) selected by the user. The sticker paper 51 printed on the image 51 is printed on the sticker take-out port 19.

  The control tag reader / writer 42 reads the identification information stored in the control tag 52 by contact or non-contact, and outputs it to the control device 31. Based on the identification information supplied from the control tag reader / writer 42, the control device 31 determines whether or not the attached sticker unit 36 is a unit that can be used in the image printing apparatus 1, and can be used. Only when it is determined to be a unit, the printer unit 41 is enabled. That is, the control device 31 manages the identification information of the sticker unit that can be used in the image printing apparatus 1.

  Thereby, it is possible to suppress the use of sticker paper that is not compatible with the image printing apparatus 1 (not genuine). Further, the remaining amount of the sticker 51 is managed by the control tag 52. Note that whether or not the sticker paper unit 36 is genuine may be confirmed by a barcode or the like printed on the surface of the sticker paper unit 36.

  A touch panel 37 is stacked on the display unit 16. The touch panel 37 outputs instructions from the user input by the input pens 17-1 and 17-2 to the control device 31.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a distribution system that distributes image data captured and acquired by the image printing apparatus 1, and the image printing apparatus 1 includes, for example, a network 61 as illustrated in FIG. To the image distribution server 65.

  For example, when the user who uses the image printing apparatus 1 inputs the mail addresses of the mobile phones 66 and 67 as the distribution destination of the image data, the mail address and the image data are transmitted from the image printing apparatus 1 via the network 61. To the image distribution server 65.

  When the image data and the mail address are transmitted from the image printing apparatus 1, the image distribution server 65 receives the image data and the mail address, and transmits the image data to the mobile phones 66 and 67 specified by the mail address. As a result, the users of the mobile phones 66 and 67 (for example, users using the image printing apparatus 1) can check the images taken by the image printing apparatus 1 on their own mobile phones.

  Further, in the image printing apparatus 1, when there are a plurality of users (when shooting with a group of a plurality of people), the image data to be transmitted and the transmission destination of the image data can be designated for each user. Has been made. Therefore, for example, when the image printing apparatus 1 is used in a group of two people, the first user can cause the first image to be transmitted to his / her mobile phone 66 from among the captured images. The second user can transmit the second image to his / her mobile phone 67.

  As a result, each user can select a favorite image, and each user can obtain a more satisfactory image with his / her device than when one type of image is transmitted to all devices in the group. You can browse.

  In the distribution system of FIG. 3, image printing apparatuses 62 to 64 having the same configuration as the image printing apparatus 1 are connected to the network 61, and image data captured by these apparatuses is also image distribution server 65. Sent to.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image distribution server 65 of FIG.

  The CPU 81 executes various processes according to a program stored in the ROM 82 or a program loaded from a storage unit 88 into a RAM (Random Access Memory) 83. The RAM 83 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 81 to execute various processes.

  For example, the CPU 81 controls the communication unit 89 to receive the image data transmitted from the image printing apparatus 1 and a mail address specifying the transmission destination. Further, the CPU 81 transmits image data (image data captured and obtained by the image printing apparatus 1) to a device specified by the received mail address.

  The CPU 81, ROM 82, and RAM 83 are connected to each other via a bus 84. An input / output interface 85 is also connected to the bus 84.

  The input / output interface 85 includes an input unit 86 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display such as a CRT and an LCD, an output unit 87 such as a speaker, and a hard disk. For example, the input / output interface 85 is transmitted from the image printing apparatus 1. A storage unit 88 for storing image data, a communication unit 89 including a modem, a terminal adapter, and the like are connected. The communication unit 89 performs communication via the network 61.

  A drive 90 is connected to the input / output interface 85 as necessary, and a magnetic disk 91, an optical disk 92, a magneto-optical disk 93, a semiconductor memory 94, or the like is appropriately mounted, and a computer program read from the disk is required. Is installed in the storage unit 88 accordingly.

  Next, processing of the image printing apparatus 1 and the image distribution server 65 configuring the distribution system of FIG. 3 will be described.

  First, processing of the image printing apparatus 1 that transmits image data of a captured image to the image distribution server 65 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6.

  In step S1, based on the output from the coin processing unit 32, the control device 31 determines whether or not a price has been inserted, that is, whether or not there is a user who starts shooting, and determines that the price has been inserted. Wait until.

  If the control device 31 determines in step S1 that the price has been inserted, the control device 31 proceeds to step S2 and executes a photographing process. That is, when the height of the photographing device 12 is adjusted, the photographing mode is set, and the like, and the start of photographing is instructed by the user, the control device 31 controls the photographing device 12 and follows the set photographing mode. Take a picture. Specifically, when the countdown until shooting is displayed on the display unit 16 and the time until shooting becomes “0” (when the countdown becomes “0”), the control device 31 includes the illumination control unit 34. , The flash is irradiated onto the subject, and photographing is performed by the CCD 13 (shutter is closed).

  In step S3, the control device 31 determines whether or not to end the shooting process, and returns to step S2 and repeats the shooting until it is determined to end the shooting process. For example, in the image printing apparatus 1, the number of times of photographing is set in advance by a predetermined number, and the time limit for photographing is set in advance, and the remaining number of times of photographing becomes “0”, or When the time limit is reached, the shooting process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S3 that the shooting is to be ended, the control device 31 ends the shooting process, proceeds to step S4, and executes an editing process for editing the image obtained by the shooting process.

  In step S4, the control device 31 displays a list of images taken in the shooting process, and allows the user to select an image to be edited (hereinafter referred to as an image to be edited as appropriate). Since the selected image to be edited is displayed on the display unit 16 in an enlarged manner, the user can select a button that is displayed in the vicinity of the editing pen and is operated when selecting an editing tool. The image to be edited is edited with the selected editing tool. When there are a plurality of users, editing is performed by appropriately changing the user.

  For example, in the vicinity of the image to be edited, a pen menu in which buttons operated when selecting a “pen tool” for inputting a line, a character, or the like to the image to be edited, or a predetermined stamp image on the image to be edited When the “stamp tool” is selected, a stamp menu in which buttons to be operated are arranged is displayed.

  Based on the input from the touch panel 37, the control device 31 edits the image to be edited with the editing tool selected from these menus (displays the image corresponding to the editing tool superimposed on the image to be edited). .

  In step S5, the control device 31 determines whether or not to end the editing process. For example, since the end button displayed at a predetermined position of the display unit 16 is not operated, it is determined not to end the editing process. If so, the process returns to step S4 and the above processing is repeated. On the other hand, when the end button is operated, or when the preset time limit ends, the control device 31 determines in step S5 that the editing process is to end, and proceeds to step S6.

  In step S6, the control device 31 transfers the data of the image (edited image) edited by the editing process to the printer unit 41 of the printer unit 35, and the edited image is displayed on the sticker sheet 51 according to the division number selected by the user. Let it print. When the editing process is completed, for example, the display unit 16 displays an image of the sticker paper divided into “32 divisions”, “16 divisions”, “8 divisions”, “4 divisions”, and the like. On the screen, the number of divisions of the sticker paper 51 is selected by the user.

  After printing of the edited image is completed or while the edited image is being printed on the sticker paper 51, the display unit 16 displays a screen asking whether to distribute the image to a device such as a mobile phone. . For example, when the user desires to transmit the edited image created by the processing so far to his / her own mobile phone, the user instructs to distribute the image on the inquiry screen.

  In step S <b> 7, the control device 31 determines whether or not image distribution is instructed based on the output from the touch panel 37. If it is determined that the image distribution is not instructed, the control device 31 ends the processing. As a result, the user receives the sticker paper 51 (the sticker paper 51 on which the edited image is printed by a predetermined number of divisions) discharged to the sticker outlet 19, and ends the use of the image printing apparatus 1.

  On the other hand, if the control device 31 determines in step S7 that the user has instructed image distribution, the control device 31 proceeds to step S8 and causes the display unit 16 to display an input screen for the number of users who use the image distribution.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the input screen displayed on the display unit 16 in step S8.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the character 101 is displayed at the upper center of the display unit 16, and in the balloons 102 to 104, “Image can be distributed!” And “Everyone can choose their favorite image!” , The message “Please enter the number of people to distribute images!” Is displayed.

  In addition, the number of people input unit 106 is displayed, and the user operates the numeric keypad 105 displayed on the right side thereof with the input pen 17-1 or 17-2, and the number of users who use the image distribution (for example, taken together). Enter the number of people in the group. Below the display unit 16, a determination button 107 ("OK") operated when determining the number of people and a cancel button 108 ("cancel") operated when canceling the number of people displayed on the number of people input unit 106 are displayed. Is displayed.

  When the number of users who use image distribution is input on the input screen shown in FIG. 7, the control device 31 accepts it in step S9. For example, when the enter button 107 is pressed with the touch pen 17-1 in the screen state of FIG. 7, the number of users who use image distribution is registered as six.

  In step S10, the control device 31 determines whether or not the number of people who use the image distribution is larger than a predetermined number (threshold value) set in advance. Is calculated. For example, the number of people who can use image distribution is preset as five people according to the fee charged when shooting starts, and it is input that there are six users who use image distribution. In this case, a charge for one person is calculated as an additional charge.

  The calculated additional fee is displayed on the display unit 16 in step S12, and the user is guided (requested) to pay the additional fee.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for requesting payment of an additional fee displayed on the display unit 16 in step S12.

  In the example of FIG. 8, a message “Additional charge is 200 yen” is displayed in the balloon 121 of the character 101. In response to confirming this display, the user inserts coins for the additional fee into the coin insertion slot 18 and pays the additional fee.

  In step S <b> 13, the control device 31 determines whether or not an additional fee has been paid based on the output from the coin processing unit 32, and waits until it is determined that the additional fee has been paid. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the additional fee has been paid, the control device 31 proceeds to step S14 and causes the display unit 16 to display a mail address input screen. In step S10, when the number of users who use image distribution is equal to or less than the preset number of users, the processes in steps S11 to S13 are skipped.

  9 to 11 are diagrams showing examples of the mail address input screen displayed in step S14. First, the screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit 16. FIG.

  The screen shown in FIG. 9 is a screen for inputting the cellular phone company (carrier) of the cellular phone as the transmission destination of the image data. The balloon 131 of the character 101 indicates “Please select the cellular phone company for the first person. ! "Message is displayed.

  In addition, the display unit 16 displays “Company A”, “Company B”, “Company C”, and “Company D”, which are the names of four types of mobile phone companies, and the user (first person in the group). The user) moves the cursor 132 with the input pen 17-1, for example, and inputs the mobile phone company of the mobile phone to which the image is distributed.

  A determination button 133 and a cancel button 134 are displayed below the display unit 16, and the user presses the determination button 133 to determine the mobile phone company selected by the cursor 132.

  When the mobile phone company is entered on the screen shown in FIG. 9, next, the input screen for entering the email address (letters or numbers from the beginning to “@” in the whole email address) shown in FIG. Is displayed on the display unit 16.

  In the example of FIG. 10, a message “Please input up to the @ mark!” Is displayed in the balloon 141 of the character 101, and it is input by operating the alphabet key 143 and the numeric keypad 145 below it. In addition, an e-mail address display unit 142 displaying e-mail addresses from the top to “@” is displayed.

  In addition, a return button 144 (“return one”) that is operated to cancel one character each time the alphabet or number entered in the mail address display unit 142 is pressed is displayed. The return button 144 and the numeric keypad 145 are pressed by, for example, the input pen 17-1, and the characters or numbers from the top to “@” of the mail address of the mobile phone to which the image is transmitted are input.

  When the e-mail address is input on the screen shown in FIG. 10 and the enter button 146 is pressed, the screen shown in FIG.

  The screen shown in FIG. 11 is a screen for selecting a region (area) of the mobile phone company. That is, in this example, the mail address of the mobile phone is input according to the mobile phone company that manages the mobile phone, the part from the top of the mail address to “@”, and the area of the company. .

  In the example of the screen of FIG. 11, a message “Please select an area!” Is displayed in a balloon 151 of the character 101, followed by “Hokkaido (jp-d)”, “Tohoku / Niigata (jp- h) "," Kanto / Koshin (jp-t) "," Tokai (jp-c) "," Kansai (jp-k) "," Hokuriku (jp-r) "," China (jp-n) " , “Shikoku (jp-s)” and “Kyushu / Okinawa (jp-q)” are displayed. For example, the user moves the cursor 152 with the input pen 17-1, and selects the area of the mobile phone company that manages the mobile phone of the delivery destination.

  The user selects an area with the cursor 152 and presses the determination button 153 to determine the area, and finishes inputting the mail address to which the image data is distributed. In this way, the email address is entered according to the mobile phone company name and the email address from the beginning to the “@” and the region, so compared to entering characters and numbers from the beginning to the end of the email address. Thus, the destination mobile phone can be easily specified.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 6, the control device 31 accepts the e-mail address input to the screen as described above in step S <b> 15, proceeds to step S <b> 16, and all users (all users who use image distribution). Determine whether an email address has been entered.

  If the control device 31 determines in step S16 that the mail addresses of all the users have not been input, the control device 31 returns to step S14 and repeats the subsequent processing. That is, the screens shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 are repeatedly displayed on the display unit 16 as many times as the number of people.

  For example, as described above, when the number of users who use image distribution is input as “6”, the processing from step S14 to step S16 is repeatedly executed only six times, and each user distributes the image data distribution destination. Is specified. For example, when an input is made by the second user, the message is switched in a balloon 131 in FIG. 9 such as “Please select a mobile phone company for the second person!”.

  If the control device 31 determines in step S16 that the mail addresses of all the users have been input, the control device 31 proceeds to step S17 and causes the display unit 16 to display a selection screen for images to be distributed.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image selection screen displayed in step S17.

  In the example of FIG. 12, a message “Please select a distribution image!” Is displayed in the balloon 161 of the character 101, and below that, a list of images taken by the shooting process in step S2 is displayed. The user determines the image to be distributed by moving the cursor 162 and pressing the determination button 163 on the screen shown in FIG.

  The distribution image selected on the screen shown in FIG. 12 is received by the control device 31 in step S18.

  In step S19, the control device 31 determines whether or not an image has been selected by all users. If it is determined that the image has not been selected, the control device 31 returns to step S17 and repeats the above processing. Accordingly, the screen shown in FIG. 12 is repeatedly displayed as many times as the number of people, and the users of the group select images to be distributed to the mobile phone.

  Thereby, each user can select a favorite image. Note that a plurality of images distributed by each user may be selected.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S19 that the image has been selected by all the users, the control device 31 proceeds to step S20, controls the communication unit 33, and designates the image selected by the user and its transmission destination. The mail address of the mobile phone is transmitted to the image distribution server 65. The image data and mail address transmitted from the communication unit 33 are transmitted to the image distribution server 65 via the network 61.

  Therefore, for example, when an image is distributed by a group of six people, the image selected by each of the six people and the input mail address are transmitted to the image distribution server 65.

  Next, an image distribution process of the image distribution server 65 executed in correspondence with the processes of FIGS. 5 and 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S31, based on the output from the communication unit 89, the CPU 81 determines whether the image data and the mail address of the transmission destination of the image data have been transmitted from the image printing apparatus 1, and have been transmitted. Wait until it is judged.

  If the CPU 81 determines that the image data and the mail address are transmitted from the image printing apparatus 1, the CPU 81 proceeds to step S32 and receives it. The received data is stored in the storage unit 88 as appropriate.

  In step S <b> 33, the CPU 81 controls the communication unit 89 and transmits image data via the network 61 based on the transmitted mail address. Accordingly, the image data selected by the first user is transmitted to the cellular phone specified by the email address input by the first user, and the cellular phone specified by the email address input by the second user. Thus, the image data selected by the second user is transmitted.

  In the cellular phone from which the image data is transmitted from the image distribution server 65 and received, an image photographed by the image printing apparatus 1 (selected by the user using the image printing apparatus 1 is selected in accordance with an instruction from the user. Are displayed on the display unit.

  In the above description, the user who uses the image printing apparatus 1 can select each favorite image and transmit it to his / her mobile phone or the like. However, the image distribution server 65 selects the image selected by the image printing apparatus 1. The image may be stored by storing the image in an image distribution server 65 and accessing the image distribution server 65 from a terminal such as a mobile phone. Even in this case, when there are a plurality of users who use the image printing apparatus 1, an image to be stored in the image distribution server 65 is selected by each user.

  14 and 15 are flowcharts for explaining the processing of the image printing apparatus 1 that transmits image data to be stored in the image distribution server 65.

  The processes in steps S41 to S46 are the same as the processes in steps S1 to S6 in FIG. That is, when a predetermined price is input by the user, a photographing process is performed (step S42), and subsequently, an editing process is performed on the photographed image (step S44). The edited image obtained by the editing process is printed on the sticker paper 51 and provided to the user (step S46).

  When the sticker paper 51 is provided to the user or when an edited image is printed on the sticker paper 51, the display unit 16 displays a screen for inquiring whether or not to save the image in the image distribution server 65. Based on the response to the screen, the control device 31 determines whether or not an instruction to save the image is instructed in step S47.

  Based on the output from the touch panel 37, the control device 31 ends the process when it is determined in step S47 that the image storage is not instructed. As a result, the user receives the sticker paper 51 discharged to the sticker outlet 19, and ends the use of the image printing apparatus 1.

  On the other hand, when the control device 31 determines in step S47 that the user has instructed to store the image, the control device 31 proceeds to step S48, and the number of users who store the image in the image distribution server 65 (the number of images to be stored). Is displayed on the display unit 16.

  In step S48, an input screen that is basically the same as the screen of FIG. 7 is displayed on the display unit 16, and the user operates the input pen 17-1 or 17-2 to input the number of users to save images. To do. The number of persons input on the input screen displayed in step S48 is accepted by the control device 31 in step S49.

  In step S50, the control device 31 determines whether or not the number of users storing images is larger than a predetermined number set in advance. If it is determined that the number is large, the control device 31 proceeds to step S51 and calculates an additional fee. To do. In step S52, the calculated additional fee is presented to the user on a screen as shown in FIG. 8, for example, and payment is requested.

  In step S53, the control device 31 determines whether or not the additional fee has been paid based on the output from the coin processing unit 32, and waits until it is determined that the additional fee has been paid. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S53 that the additional fee has been paid, the control device 31 proceeds to step S54 and causes the display unit 16 to display a selection screen for selecting an image to be stored.

  For example, a list of images taken by the shooting process is displayed on the display unit 16, and a user (for example, the first user among a plurality of users who store images) selects a favorite image. In addition, the selection screen displayed in step S54 allows the input of a personal identification number (identification information) necessary for accessing and browsing an image stored in the image distribution server 65 from a mobile phone or the like. The user selects an image to be saved and inputs a personal identification number corresponding to the selected image.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed in step S57.

  In the example of FIG. 16, the message “Select an image to save and enter your PIN!” Is displayed in the balloon 171 of the character 101, and below that is taken by the shooting process in step S 52. A list of images is displayed. For example, the user uses the input pen 17-1 to move the cursor 172, select an image to be saved, and use the alphabet key 174 or the numeric keypad 175 to enter a password including a predetermined number of alphabets and numerals. The password is input to the password input unit 173. The user presses the determination button 163 to determine an image to be saved and a password required when browsing the image.

  The image selected on the screen shown in FIG. 16 and the input password are received by the control device 31 in step S55.

  In step S56, the control device 31 determines whether or not selection of an image and input of a personal identification number have been performed by all users. If it is determined that they have not been performed, the control device 31 returns to step S54 and performs the above processing. Run repeatedly. That is, when a plurality of users are instructed to store an image in the image distribution server 65, each user selects an image and inputs a password.

  Thus, since each user can select a favorite image, the user can browse his favorite image by accessing the image distribution server 65 from a mobile phone.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S56 that the selection of the image and the input of the personal identification number have been performed by all the users, the control device 31 proceeds to step S57 and controls the communication unit 33 to display the image data and the personal identification number as the image. Transmit to the distribution server 65. The image data and password transmitted from the communication unit 33 are transmitted to the image distribution server 65 via the network 61.

  Since the input of a personal identification number is required, when a friend or the like browses an image stored in the image distribution server 65, a user who has taken a picture using the image printing apparatus 1 uses the personal identification number that he / she entered as his friend. Notify Thereby, the friend who has received the notification of the personal identification number can also view the image stored in the image distribution server 65 on his / her (friend) mobile phone. Of course, the user himself / herself who has stored the image in the image distribution server 65 can also access the image distribution server 65 with his / her mobile phone and view the image by inputting the personal identification number.

  Next, an image storage process of the image distribution server 65 executed in correspondence with the processes of FIGS. 14 and 15 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 71, the CPU 81 determines whether image data and a personal identification number have been transmitted from the image printing apparatus 1 based on the output from the communication unit 89, and waits until it is determined that they have been transmitted.

  If the CPU 81 determines in step S71 that the image data and the password have been transmitted from the image printing apparatus 1, the CPU 81 receives them in step S72, and proceeds to step S73 to store the image data and the password in association with each other. Stored in the unit 88.

  Next, processing of the image distribution server 65 that provides stored image data in response to access from a terminal such as a mobile phone will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S81, the CPU 81 determines whether browsing of the stored image (providing image data) is requested based on the output from the communication unit 89, and waits until it is determined that the request is made.

  In a mobile phone that requests browsing of an image, a password input screen is displayed on the screen. Therefore, a user who requests browsing of an image can enter the password entered in the image printing apparatus 1 or the image printing apparatus 1. Enter the PIN number notified by the user using. The password entered on the mobile phone is received by the image distribution server 65 via the network 61.

  In step S82, the CPU 81 determines whether the password transmitted from the mobile phone is valid based on the information stored in the storage unit 88, and is not valid (stored in the storage unit 88). If it is determined that the password is different), the process proceeds to step S83 where error processing is performed and the process ends. Due to error processing by the image distribution server 65, a message notifying that an image cannot be provided is displayed on the screen of the mobile phone.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 81 determines in step S82 that the personal identification number is valid, the process proceeds to step S84, where the CPU 81 controls the communication unit 89 to request the mobile phone requesting image browsing to be provided. Send the image data.

  In the mobile phone to which image data has been transmitted from the image distribution server 65, an image taken by the image printing apparatus 1 (an image stored in the image distribution server 65) is displayed. Can be viewed.

  Through the processing as described above, the user who uses the image printing apparatus 1 can store favorite images in the image distribution server 65, respectively. That is, it is possible to view a favorite image stored in the image distribution server 65 on its own mobile phone or a friend's mobile phone.

  Note that the user using the image printing apparatus 1 may select whether the image distribution server 65 distributes the image data and the image distribution server 65 stores the image data. Good. Naturally, it may be possible to request the image distribution server 65 to distribute the image data and to store the image data.

  In addition, the image distributed by the image distribution server 65 and the image stored by the image distribution server 65 may be an image obtained by shooting or may be edited. Good.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of sticker paper that is printed by the image printing apparatus 1 and discharged to the sticker outlet 19.

  As shown in FIG. 19, an image that has been edited (doodles) such as characters and graphics is printed on the sticker sheet 181 in accordance with the division number (four divisions) set by the user. In the edited image of FIG. 19, the characters “Konoyaro” and “Superior”, which are shown around the subject image (person image) or partially superimposed on the subject image, The star-shaped stamp image is an edited image input by the user. In this way, the user can apply a favorite character or image to the captured image.

  Such a sticker sheet is provided to a user who uses the image printing apparatus 1.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an appearance of an image printing apparatus to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image printing apparatus in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of an image delivery system. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the image delivery server of FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating image transmission processing of the image printing apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart following FIG. 5 for explaining image transmission processing of the image printing apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the screen in an image printing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the other example of a display in the screen in an image printing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the other example of a display of the screen in an image printing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the screen in an image printing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the other example of a display in the screen in an image printing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the other example of a display of the screen in an image printing apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the image delivery process of an image delivery server. 3 is a flowchart illustrating image transmission processing of the image printing apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG. 15 is a flowchart following FIG. 14 for explaining image transmission processing of the image printing apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the screen in an image printing apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the image preservation | save process of an image delivery server. It is a flowchart explaining the image provision process of an image delivery server. It is a figure which shows the example of the sticker paper provided by the image printing apparatus of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image printer 13 CCD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 16 Display part 17-1 and 17-2 Input pen 31 Control apparatus 35 Printer unit 36 Sticker paper unit 41 Printer part 42 Control tag reader / writer 51 Sticker paper 52 Control tag

Claims (6)

In an image printing apparatus connected to an information management apparatus via a network,
Photographing means for photographing the subject;
Distribution of image data selected from image data obtained by photographing by the photographing means to a predetermined distribution destination via the information management apparatus, and browsing of the selected image data from a predetermined terminal An image printing apparatus comprising: a first accepting unit that accepts a selection made by a user who selects at least one of storing the information in the information management device. A second unit that accepts selection of image data to be transmitted to the information management device from among image data obtained by photographing by the photographing unit and input of designation information that designates a distribution destination of the selected image data; Receiving means;
The image printing according to claim 1, further comprising: the image data for which selection has been received by the second reception unit, and first transmission unit for transmitting the designation information for which input has been received to the information management apparatus. apparatus. The second receiving unit further receives an input of the number of the delivery destinations, and receives an input of the number of the designation information corresponding to the received number of the delivery destinations and a selection of the image data. Image printing device. Necessary when selecting the image data to be stored in the information management device from the image data obtained by the photographing by the photographing means and browsing the stored image data on the predetermined terminal Third receiving means for receiving input of identification information;
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: the image data for which selection has been received by the third reception unit, and a second transmission unit for transmitting the identification information for which input has been received to the information management device. The image printing apparatus described. The third receiving means further receives an input of the number of the image data to be stored in the information management apparatus, selects a number of the image data corresponding to the received number of the image data, and inputs the identification information The image printing apparatus according to claim 4. In an information processing method for an image printing apparatus connected to an information management apparatus via a network,
Shoot the subject,
Distributing image data selected from image data obtained by photographing to a predetermined distribution destination via the information management device; and selecting the image data in a state in which the selected image data can be viewed from a predetermined terminal. An information processing method including a step of accepting a selection by a user who selects at least one of storing in an information management device.

Images