JP2006331174A - Photographic print order management device, photographic print order management system and photographic print system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To report the progress of formation of photographic prints to a photographic print orderer who is located in a place distant from a photographic print forming place in real time. <P>SOLUTION: The photographic print order management device 160 communicable with a personal computer 110 used by the photographic print orderer through the Internet 3 comprises a progress information storage part storing information related to the progress of formation of photographic prints; a progress information change part sequentially changing the storage contents of the progress information storage part in accordance with the progress of formation of photographic prints; an authentication part authenticating an identification number transmitted from the personal computer 110 based on the storage contents of an authentication information storage part storing authentication information of the identification number; and a progress transmission control part controlling, when the identification number transmitted from the personal computer 110 is authenticated by the authentication part, to sequentially transmit the storage contents of the progress information storage part to the personal computer 110 in real time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a photo print order management apparatus and print order management system that can communicate with a terminal used by a photo print orderer via a communication network, and a photo print system for creating a photo print.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for notifying a photographic print orderer that a photographic print that has been ordered is finished when the photographic print is ordered at a print shop. Specifically, when the photo print is finished, the receipt number written on the receipt issued to the orderer at the time of order acceptance and the image of the orderer's face photographed at the time of order acceptance are displayed inside the print shop. Display on the display installed in. Thereby, the orderer can know that the ordered photo print is finished by looking at the display. Also, by looking at the image of the orderer's face displayed on the display, anyone in the store can know which orderer's photo print is finished. Therefore, even if the orderer forgets to see the display himself / herself, it is possible for another person to notify the orderer who has placed the order that the photo print is finished.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-20407

  However, it is only when the orderer waits for the finish in the print shop that the orderer can be notified of the finish of the photo print by the method as described above. When the orderer who has placed the order returns to his / her home once, the orderer cannot be notified of the finished photo print. In addition, even when the orderer orders photographic prints from a place other than a print store such as his home via the Internet, the orderer cannot be notified of the finished photo prints.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a photo print order management apparatus and photo print capable of notifying a photo print orderer who is away from a photo print creation location in real time of the progress of photo print creation. An order management system and a photo print system are provided.

Means and effects for solving the problems

  The photographic print order management apparatus according to the present invention is a photographic print order management apparatus capable of communicating via a communication network with a terminal used by a photographic print orderer. Progress information storage means for storing information on the status in order units, and progress in sequentially changing information on the progress status stored in the progress status information storage means in order units as photo print creation progresses Status information change means, and progress status transmission control means for performing control such that information on the progress status related to the order stored in the progress status information storage means is sequentially transmitted to the terminal via the communication network in real time. And.

  The photo print order management system according to the present invention includes a progress information storage means for storing information on the progress of creation of a photo print ordered by a photo print orderer in order units, and as the creation of the photo print progresses. The progress status information changing means for sequentially changing the information on the progress status stored in the progress status information storage means in units of orders, and the information on the progress status related to the order stored in the progress status information storage means are photographs. Progress status transmission control means for performing control such that the print orderer sequentially transmits to the terminal used by the print orderer in real time. In this photographic print order management system, each means does not need to be provided in one apparatus. That is, the present photo print order management system includes a mode in which each unit is provided in a separate apparatus and is in a state where it can communicate with each other.

  The photo print system of the present invention includes a printer for creating a photo print ordered by a photo print orderer, a terminal used by the photo print orderer, and a progress status of creating the photo print ordered by the photo print orderer. Progress information storage means for storing information on the order basis, and progress information for sequentially changing the information on the progress status stored in the progress information storage means on an order basis as photo print creation progresses Information changing means, and progress status transmission control means for performing control such that information on the progress status related to the order stored in the progress status information storage means is sequentially transmitted to the terminal in real time. Also in this photo print system, each means other than the printer and the terminal need not be provided in one apparatus. That is, the present photographic print system includes a mode in which each unit is provided in a separate apparatus and is in a state where it can communicate with each other.

  According to these configurations, the orderer of the photographic print can know the progress of creating the ordered photographic print from the information regarding the progress that is sequentially transmitted to the terminal used by the photographic print orderer. Therefore, it is possible to notify the photograph print orderer who is away from the photo print creation location of the progress of the photo print creation in real time.

  The photo print management apparatus of the present invention includes an authentication information storage means for storing authentication information of an identification number transmitted from the terminal via the communication network, and an identification transmitted from the terminal via the communication network. Authentication means for authenticating the number based on the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage means, and the progress sending means authenticates the identification information transmitted from the terminal by the authentication means. In this case, it is preferable to perform control such that information related to the progress related to the order stored in the progress storage means is transmitted to the terminal. According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the person who has transmitted the identification number authenticated by the authentication means of the progress of the photo print creation.

  The photo print order management apparatus of the present invention may further comprise an identification number issuing means for issuing an identification number for the order when the photo print orderer orders the photo print.

  The photo print order management apparatus of the present invention may be connected via a communication network to an identification number issuing device that issues an identification number for the order when the photo print orderer orders a photo print.

  According to these configurations, it is possible to issue an identification number relating to an order made by the orderer to the photograph print orderer. And when the identification number transmitted from the terminal of the orderer is authenticated by the authentication means, the progress of the order made by the orderer is transmitted by transmitting the order progress related to the identification number to the terminal. It is possible to reliably notify the orderer.

  In the photo print order management apparatus according to the present invention, the terminal stores a notification program that sequentially notifies the terminal of information on the progress status transmitted based on the control of the progress status transmission control means in real time. It is preferable. According to this configuration, the notification program makes it easy for the person who ordered the photo print to know the progress of the photo print creation in real time.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a photographic print system configured to include a photographic print order management apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  A photo print system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for receiving a photo print order using the Internet 3 and creating a photo print. The photo print system 1 is a personal computer (hereinafter “PC”) installed at the home of the photo print orderer. 110), a plurality of photo processing devices 140 for creating photo prints respectively installed at a plurality of print shops, and a photo print order management device (managing photo print orders made by a photo print orderer) Hereinafter, it is simply referred to as an “order management apparatus”) 160 and a payment server 190 that can communicate with the card company 190a and performs payment of a credit card. The personal computer 110, the photo processing device 140, the order management device 160, and the settlement server 190 are each connected to the Internet 3. Note that the detailed functions of the settlement server 190 are not directly related to the present invention and will not be described in this specification.

  Next, the configuration of the personal computer 110 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the personal computer 110 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the personal computer 110 is recorded on a set medium, a controller 120 that controls the personal computer 110 as a whole, a keyboard 111 and a mouse 112 for the photograph print orderer to input instructions to the personal computer 110, and the like. A media drive 113 for reading the image data file, a display 114 for displaying various information related to the personal computer 110, and an Internet connection terminal 115 for connecting to the Internet 3.

  The controller 120 includes a display control unit 121, content data acquisition unit 122, content data storage unit 123, image data storage unit 124, composition unit 125, input information storage unit 126, order information transmission unit 127, card information transmission unit 128, transmission. It has a request transmission unit 129, a notification program storage unit 130, a notification program execution unit 131, an identification number transmission unit 132, an error signal reception unit 133, and a cancel signal transmission unit 134.

  The display control unit 121 displays an initial screen 10 (see FIG. 6), an order screen 15 (see FIG. 7), a printer selection screen 20 (see FIG. 8), a receiving location selection screen 25 (see FIG. 9), payment route selection screen 30 (see FIG. 10), card information input screen 35 (see FIG. 11), confirmation screen 40 (see FIG. 12), completion screen 45 (see FIG. 13), identification number input screen 60 (see FIG. 13). 19) and a progress display screen 65 (see FIG. 20). In addition, the display control unit 121 displays a plurality of order screens 15 including thumbnail images of six frames as described later in detail, for a plurality of image data files stored in the image data storage unit 124 described in detail later. Among other thumbnail images, the screen is switched to another order screen 15 including thumbnail images not yet displayed on the display 113.

  The content data acquisition unit 122 acquires content data stored in a content data storage unit 171 described later of the order management apparatus 160 via the Internet 3. The content data storage unit 123 stores the content data acquired by the content data acquisition unit 122. The content data includes an initial screen 10 (see FIG. 6), an order screen 15 (see FIG. 7), a printer selection screen 20 (see FIG. 8), a receiving location, which are displayed on the display 113 under the control of the display control unit 121. Selection screen 25 (see FIG. 9), payment route selection screen 30 (see FIG. 10), card information input screen 35 (see FIG. 11), order details confirmation screen 40 (see FIG. 12), and completion screen 45 (see FIG. 13) ) Template data file is included.

  On the initial screen 10 displayed on the display 113 based on the template data file of the initial screen 10, a start button 11 for starting an order for a photo print is displayed as shown in FIG. The operator can operate the start button 11 by clicking the right button or the left button of the mouse 112 with the cursor of the mouse 112 positioned on the start button 11.

  The template data file of the order screen 15 is combined with the thumbnail image file of the image data file stored in the image data storage unit 124 by the combining unit 125, as will be described in detail later. Based on the order screen data file generated by the composition, the order screen 15 displayed on the display 113 includes a plurality of thumbnail images related to the image data file stored in the image data storage unit 124 as shown in FIG. Thumbnail image 16 of 6 frames, an input field 17 for inputting the number of prints of each thumbnail image, an increase button 18 for increasing the number of prints displayed in the input field 17, and a button for decreasing A decrease button 18 is displayed. The operator can input the input field 17 by clicking the right button or the left button of the mouse 112 with the cursor of the mouse 112 positioned on the input field 17 related to the thumbnail image 16 for which the number of prints is desired. In this state, the number of prints can be entered in the input field 17 using the numeric keypad (not shown) of the keyboard 111. Further, by clicking the right button or the left button of the mouse 112 with the cursor of the mouse 112 positioned on the increase button 18 or the decrease button 19, the increase button 18 or the decrease button 19 is operated and displayed in the input field 17. You can also increase or decrease the number of prints.

  The template data file of the printer selection screen 20 includes, for a plurality of photo processing devices 140, the name and address of the print store where each photo processing device 140 is installed, and whether or not the finished photo print can be delivered, Information on whether or not cash settlement is possible and whether or not credit settlement is possible is included. Based on the template data file on the printer selection screen 20, the printer selection screen 20 displayed on the display 113 creates a photo print with a photo processing apparatus 140 installed in any print shop as shown in FIG. Multiple choices are displayed. The operator clicks the right button or the left button of the mouse 112 with the cursor of the mouse 112 placed on one of a plurality of options displayed on the printer selection screen 20, thereby installing the photo processing apparatus 140. One can be selected from the plurality of printed stores.

  The template data file of the receiving location selection screen 25 includes a choice of a location where the finished photo print can be received (at the store or home of the print store), and the sales of the print store where the plurality of photo processing devices 140 are respectively installed. Contains date and time information. Then, based on the template data file on the receiving location selection screen 25, the receiving location selection screen 25 displayed on the display 113 displays the finished photo print as shown in FIG. Two options, a case of receiving at the store of the print store where the apparatus 140 is installed and a case of receiving at the home, and the business date and time of the print store selected on the printer selection screen 20 are displayed. The operator clicks the right or left button of the mouse 112 with the cursor of the mouse 112 placed on one of a plurality of options displayed on the receiving location selection screen 25, and receives the photo print. Can be selected.

  The template data file of the payment route selection screen 30 includes information on payment route options (cash payment or credit card payment) for the photo print. Based on the template data file of the payment route selection screen 30, the payment route selection screen 30 displayed on the display 113 includes a case of paying for the photo print in cash and a credit card as shown in FIG. Two choices for payment are displayed. The operator clicks the right button or the left button of the mouse 112 with the cursor of the mouse 112 placed on one of a plurality of options displayed on the payment route selection screen 30, thereby paying for the photo print. A payment route can be selected.

  On the card information input screen 35 displayed on the display 113 based on the template data file on the card information input screen 35, a card number input field 36 and an expiration date input field 37 are displayed as shown in FIG. . The operator makes the input field ready for input by clicking the right button or left button of the mouse 112 with the cursor of the mouse 112 positioned on the input field 36 or 37, and the numeric keypad (not shown) of the keyboard 111. ) Can be used to enter numbers. In this manner, the card number and the expiration date of the credit card owned by the photograph print orderer (hereinafter may be collectively referred to as “card information”) are entered in the card number input field 36 and the expiration date input field 37, respectively. can do.

  The template data file of the confirmation screen 40 is combined with the input data file stored in the input information storage unit 126 by the combining unit 125, as will be described in detail later. Then, on the confirmation screen 40 displayed on the display 113 based on the confirmation screen data file generated by the synthesis, as shown in FIG. 12, the number of printed photo prints, the amount, the ordering party, The receiving location of the photo print and the payment route are displayed. Furthermore, when paying with a credit card, card information is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the completion screen 45 displayed on the display 113 based on the template data file of the completion screen 45 includes a message notifying that an order for photo printing has been accepted and an identification number for the order. The ID and password required when confirming the progress of the creation of the photo print of the order, and the download button 46 for requesting the order management apparatus 160 to transmit a notification program described in detail later. Is displayed. The operator can operate the download button 46 by clicking the right button or the left button of the mouse 112 with the cursor of the mouse 112 positioned on the download button 46.

  The order screen 15, the printer selection screen 20, the receiving location selection screen 25, the payment route selection screen 30, the card information input screen 35, and the confirmation screen 40 include the contents displayed on the screens 15 to 40 and the operator. Confirms the content input using the keyboard 111 or the mouse 112 and switches the screen displayed on the display 113 to the screen displayed immediately before the screen displayed on the display 113. A return button 52 for switching and a cancel button 53 for canceling the photo print order are displayed. The confirm button 51, the return button 52, and the cancel button 53 can be operated by clicking the right button or the left button of the mouse 112 with the cursor of the mouse 112 being set to the button 51, 52, or 53, respectively. it can.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the image data storage unit 124 stores the image data file read from the medium by the media drive 114.

  Based on information relating to the image layout included in the template data file of the order screen 15 stored in the content data storage unit 123, the composition unit 125 performs thumbnails related to the image data file stored in the image data storage unit 124. A thumbnail image of the image data file stored in the image data storage unit 124 is generated so that an order screen data file corresponding to the order screen 15 on which the image is arranged is generated, and a template data file of the order screen 15 is generated. Are combined with the thumbnail image file of the image data file. Further, the combining unit 125 combines the template data file of the confirmation screen 40 stored in the content data storage unit 123 and the input data file stored in the input information storage unit 126, thereby displaying the confirmation screen 40. Generate a corresponding confirmation screen data file.

  The input information storage unit 126 stores an input data file that is information input by the operator of the personal computer 110 using the keyboard 111 or the mouse 112. The input information storage unit 126 includes an order information storage unit 126a and a card information storage unit 126b. Order information input using the keyboard 111 or the mouse 112 is stored in the order information storage unit 126a. The order information is the number of prints of the image related to each image data file input on the order screen 15 and options selected on the printer selection screen 20, the receiving location selection screen 25, and the payment route selection screen 30, respectively. The card information input on the card information input screen 35 is stored in the card information storage unit 126b.

  The order information transmission unit 127 receives order information including the image data file stored in the image data storage unit 124 and the order information stored in the order information storage unit 126 a via the Internet 3. Send to. The card information transmission unit 128 transmits the card information stored in the card information storage unit 126 b to the settlement server 190 via the Internet 3.

  When the download button 46 is operated by the operator on the completion screen 45, the transmission request transmission unit 129 transmits a notification program stored in a notification program storage unit 185 (to be described later) of the order management device 160 to the personal computer 110. The request is transmitted to the order management device 160.

  The notification program storage unit 130 stores the notification program transmitted from the order management apparatus 160 in response to the transmission request transmitted by the transmission request transmission unit 129. The notification program execution unit 131 executes the notification program stored in the notification program storage unit 130.

  When the notification program is executed by the notification program execution unit 131, an identification number input screen 60 as shown in FIG. 19 is displayed on the display 113 under the control of the display control unit 121. On the identification number input screen 60, an ID input field 61, a password input field 62, an OK button 63, and a cancel button 64 are displayed. The operator clicks the right button or the left button of the mouse 112 with the cursor of the mouse 112 positioned on the input field 61 or 62 to make the input field ready for input, and the numeric keypad (not shown) of the keyboard 111 is displayed. ) Can be used to enter numbers. In this way, the ID and password displayed on the completion screen 45 can be input to the ID input field 61 and the password input field 62, respectively. When the operator inputs the ID and password and clicks the right button or the left button of the mouse 112 with the cursor of the mouse 112 positioned on the OK button 63, the identification number input screen is controlled by the display control unit 121. 60 is closed, and as will be described in detail later, the identification number transmission unit 132 transmits the input ID and password to the order management apparatus 160. When the operator clicks the right button or the left button of the mouse 112 with the cursor of the mouse 112 positioned on the cancel button 64, the identification number input screen 60 is closed under the control of the display control unit 121. The notification program ends.

  Then, after the ID and password input on the identification number input screen 60 are transmitted to the order management apparatus 160, information related to the progress of creation of the photo print ordered by the orderer is transmitted from the order management apparatus 160. Under the control of the display control unit 121, a progress status display screen 65 as shown in FIG. On the progress display screen 65, information on the progress transmitted from the order management apparatus 160 is sequentially displayed in real time. In addition, a stop button 66 is displayed on the progress display screen 65. When the operator clicks the right button or the left button of the mouse 112 with the cursor of the mouse 112 positioned on the stop button 66, the progress display screen 65 is closed by the control of the display control unit 121 and the notification program is ended. To do. At this time, as will be described in detail later, the cancellation signal transmission unit 134 transmits a cancellation signal to the order management apparatus 160.

  The identification number transmission unit 132 sends the identification number input on the identification number input screen 60 to the order management apparatus 160 via the Internet 3 when the OK button 63 on the identification number input screen 60 is operated by the operator. Send. The error information reception unit 133 receives an error signal that is transmitted by an error signal transmission unit 180 (to be described later) of the order management device 160 and that means that the identification number transmitted by the identification number transmission unit 132 has not been authenticated. When the error signal receiving unit 133 receives the error signal, the identification number input screen 60 is displayed again on the display 113 under the control of the display control unit 121.

  When the operator operates the stop button 66 on the progress status display screen 65, the cancel signal transmission unit 134 is a personal computer 110 for information on progress status under the control of a progress status transmission control unit 184 (to be described later) of the order management device 160. A stop signal for stopping the sequential transmission to is sent to the order management device 160.

  Next, the configuration of the order management apparatus 160 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3 which is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the order management apparatus 160 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the order management apparatus 160 includes a controller 170 that controls the entire order management apparatus 160 and an Internet connection terminal 161 for connecting to the Internet 3.

  The controller 170 includes a content data storage unit 171, an order information reception unit 172, an order information storage unit 173, an order destination determination unit 174, an order information transmission unit 175, a completion signal reception unit 176, an identification number issue unit 177, and an authentication information storage unit. 178, authentication unit 179, error signal transmission unit 180, progress status information storage unit 181, progress status information determination unit 182, progress status information change unit 183, progress status transmission control unit 184, notification program storage unit 185, and program transmission control Part 186 is provided.

  The content data storage unit 171 includes an initial screen 10, an order screen 15, a printer selection screen 20, a receiving location selection screen 25, a payment route selection screen 30, a card information input screen 35, a confirmation screen 40, and a completion screen as described above. 45 template data files are stored. The content stored in the content data storage unit 171 is, for example, when a new print store is opened and the options of the photo processing device 140 for creating a photo print are increased, or when the service of the print store is changed and the photo print is received. When the place option or the payment route option is changed, or when the print shop business date is changed, the clerk of the print shop or the manager of the order management apparatus 160 rewrites the information.

  The order information receiving unit 172 receives order information transmitted from the personal computer 110 via the Internet 3. The order information storage unit 173 stores the order information received by the order information receiving unit 172.

  The order determination unit 174 determines a plurality of photographic processing apparatuses from order information included in the order information stored in the order information storage unit 173, specifically, information on options selected by the orderer on the printer selection screen 20. It is determined which of the devices 140 is to order a photographic print. The ordering information transmission unit 175 transmits the ordering information stored in the ordering information storage unit 173 to the photo processing apparatus 140 that has been determined by the ordering party determination unit 174 as the ordering party for the photo print.

  The completion signal reception unit 176 receives a completion signal transmitted by a completion signal transmission unit 156 (to be described later) of the photo processing apparatus 140, which means that the creation of the photo print has been completed.

  When the ordering information receiving unit 172 receives the ordering information, the identification number issuing unit 177 issues an identification number including an ID number and a password for the order related to the ordering information. The identification number issued by the identification number issuing unit 177 is reflected in the information regarding the identification number included in the template data file of the completion screen 45 stored in the content data storage unit 171.

  The authentication information storage unit 178 stores the authentication information of the identification number transmitted via the Internet 3 by the identification number transmission unit 132 of the personal computer 110. The authentication unit 179 authenticates the identification number transmitted via the Internet 3 by the identification number transmission unit 132 of the personal computer 110 based on the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit 178. The error signal transmission unit 180 transmits an error signal to the personal computer 110 when the identification number transmitted via the Internet 3 by the identification number transmission unit 132 of the personal computer 110 is not authenticated by the authentication unit 179.

  The progress status information storage unit 181 stores information on the progress status of creation of a photo print ordered by the photo print orderer in units of orders. Note that the progress status information storage unit 181 stores information indicating “accepting” by default. The progress status information determination unit 182 determines the progress status regarding creation of a photo print. Specifically, in the present embodiment, after the ordering information receiving unit 172 receives the ordering information from the personal computer 110, the state until the ordering information transmitting unit 175 transmits the ordering information to the photo processing device 140 is “accepting” " Then, after the order information transmission unit 175 transmits the order information, the state until the completion signal reception unit 176 receives the completion signal transmitted from the photo processing device 140 is determined as “printing”. Further, when the completion signal receiving unit 176 has received the completion signal and the photo print receiving place is the store of the print shop, it is determined as “waiting for receiving”. On the other hand, if the completion signal receiving unit 176 has received the completion signal and the photo print is received at the orderer's home, it is determined as “delivering”.

  The progress status information changing unit 183 sequentially changes the information on the progress status stored in the progress status information storage unit 181 for each order as the creation of the photo print progresses. Specifically, the storage content of the progress status information storage unit 181 is rewritten with the progress status determined by the progress status information determination unit 182. When the authentication unit 179 authenticates the identification number transmitted from the personal computer 110, the progress state transmission control unit 184 displays information regarding the progress state of the order related to the identification number stored in the progress state information storage unit 181. To be transmitted sequentially in real time. In addition, when the progress status transmission control unit 184 receives the cancel signal transmitted by the cancel signal transmission unit 134 of the personal computer 110, the progress status transmission control unit 184 cancels transmission of information regarding the progress status to the personal computer 110.

  The notification program storage unit 185 stores a notification program that sequentially displays information on the progress status transmitted to the personal computer 110 based on the control of the progress status transmission control unit 184 on the display 113 of the personal computer 110 in real time. . When the program transmission control unit 186 receives the transmission request transmitted by the transmission request transmission unit 129 of the personal computer 110, the program transmission control unit 186 controls the notification program stored in the notification program storage unit 185 to be transmitted to the personal computer 110.

  Next, the configuration of the photographic processing apparatus 140 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4 which is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the photographic treatment apparatus 140 of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the photo processing apparatus 140 includes a controller 150 that controls the entire photo processing apparatus 140, a print unit 141 that performs print processing, and an operator of the photo processing apparatus 140 inputs an instruction to the photo processing apparatus 140. A keyboard 142 and a mouse 143, a display 144 for displaying various information related to the photo processing device 140, and an Internet connection terminal 145 for connecting to the Internet 3.

  The controller 150 includes an order information receiving unit 151, an order information storage unit 152, a display control unit 153, a print control unit 154, a completion determination unit 155, and a completion signal transmission unit 156.

  The order information receiving unit 151 receives the order information transmitted by the order information transmitting unit 175 of the order management device 160. The order information storage unit 152 stores the order information received by the order information receiving unit 151.

  The display control unit 153 displays the order receiving screen 70 as shown in FIG. 17 on the display 144 based on the stored contents of the order information storage unit 152. On the order receiving screen 70, as shown in FIG. 17, the ID and password, which are the order identification numbers related to the ordering information stored in the ordering information storage unit 152, the total number of prints, and the place where the finished photo print is received Then, a payment route for the price of the photo print and a start button 71 for starting creation of the photo print are displayed. The operator of the photo processing apparatus 140 can operate the start button 71 by operating the right button or the left button of the mouse 143 while the cursor of the mouse 143 is set to the start button 71.

  The print control unit 154 causes the print unit 141 to create a photo print based on the image data file included in the order information stored in the order information storage unit 152 and the number of prints of the image related to each image data file. Control.

  The completion determination unit 155 determines whether or not the printing process in the printing unit 141 is completed and the creation of the photo print is completed. The completion signal transmission unit 156 transmits a completion signal to the order management apparatus 160 via the Internet 3 when the completion determination unit 155 determines that the creation of the photo print is completed.

  Next, a procedure for making a photo print order and creating a photo print in the photo print system 1 will be described. First, referring to FIG. 5 which is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the personal computer 110 when ordering a photo print, a processing procedure for ordering a photo print will be described.

  First, the content data acquisition unit 122 acquires content data from the order management apparatus 160 via the Internet 3, and the content data storage unit 123 stores the content data acquired by the content data acquisition unit 122 (step S101). The content data acquired at this time is the template data file of the initial screen 10, the order screen 15, the printer selection screen 20, the receiving location selection screen 25, the payment route selection screen 30, the card information input screen 35, and the confirmation screen 40. It is.

  Next, the initial screen 10 is displayed on the display 113 under the control of the display control unit 121 (step S102). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the start button 11 has been operated by the operator (step S103). If it is determined that the start button 11 has not been operated (step S103: NO), the determination in step S103 is repeated until it is determined that the start button 11 has been operated. If it is determined that the start button 11 has been operated (step S103: YES), the image data file read from the medium set in the media drive 114 is stored in the image data storage unit 124 (step S103). S104).

  Subsequently, the synthesizing unit 125 generates a thumbnail image file of the image data file stored in the image data storage unit 124 and the template data file and image of the order screen 15 stored in the content data storage unit 123. The thumbnail image file of the data file is synthesized and an order screen data file corresponding to the order screen 15 is generated (step S105). And the order screen 15 is displayed on the display 113 by control of the display control part 121 (step S106). At this time, the operator inputs the number of prints of the image corresponding to the input field 17 in each input field 17, and determines whether or not the confirm button 51 has been operated (step S107).

  If it is determined that the confirm button 51 has not been operated (step S107: NO), the determination in step S107 is repeated until it is determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated. If it is determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated (step S107: YES), whether or not thumbnail images relating to all image data files stored in the image data storage unit 124 have been displayed on the display 113. Is determined (step S108).

  If it is determined that there is a thumbnail image not yet displayed on the display 113 (step S108: NO), the process returns to step S106, and the order screen 15 including the thumbnail image not yet displayed on the display 113 is displayed. The On the other hand, when it is determined that all thumbnail images are displayed on the display 113 (step S108: YES), the printer selection screen 20 is displayed on the display 113 by the display control unit 121 (step S109).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether the operator has selected one of a plurality of options displayed on the printer selection screen 20 and has operated the confirmation button 51 (step S110). If it is determined that the confirm button 51 has not been operated (step S110: NO), the determination in step S110 is repeated until it is determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated. If it is determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated (step S110: YES), the photo processing apparatus 140 corresponding to the option selected by the operator on the printer selection screen 20 has been created, and finished. It is determined whether or not it is possible to select whether the photo print is received at the print store or at home (step S111).

  If it is determined that the receiving location cannot be selected (step S111: NO), steps S112 and S113 described later are omitted, and the process proceeds to step S114. On the other hand, when it is determined that the receiving location can be selected (step S111: YES), the display control unit 121 displays the receiving location selection screen 25 on the display 113 (step S112).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the operator has selected one of a plurality of options displayed on the receiving location selection screen 25 and operated the confirm button 51 (step S113). If it is not determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated (step S113: NO), the determination in step S113 is repeated until it is determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated. If it is determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated (step S113: YES), if a photo print is created by the photo processing device 140 corresponding to the option selected by the operator on the printer selection screen 20, the photo print It is determined whether or not it is possible to select whether to pay by cash or by credit card (step S114).

  If it is determined that the payment route cannot be selected (step S114: NO), steps S115 and S116 described later are omitted, and the process proceeds to step S117. On the other hand, if it is determined that the payment route can be selected (step S114: YES), the display control unit 121 displays the payment route selection screen 30 on the display 113 (step S115).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the operator has selected one of a plurality of options displayed on the payment route selection screen 30 and operated the confirmation button 51 (step S116). If it is not determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated (step S116: NO), the determination in step S116 is repeated until it is determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated. If it is determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated (step S116: YES), it is determined whether or not the price for the photo print is settled with a credit card (step S117). If it is determined that the payment is not made with a credit card (step S117: NO), steps S118 and S119 described later are omitted, and the process proceeds to step S120.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the payment is made with a credit card (step S117: YES), the display control unit 121 displays the card information input screen 35 on the display 113 (step S118). Thereafter, after the card information is input by the customer, it is determined whether or not the confirm button 51 has been operated (step S119). If it is not determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated (step S119: NO), the determination in step S119 is repeatedly performed until it is determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated.

  If it is determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated (step S119: YES), the combining unit 125 displays the template data file of the confirmation screen 40 stored in the content data storage unit 123 and the input information storage unit. A confirmation screen data file corresponding to the confirmation screen 40 is generated by combining the input data file stored in 126, and the display control unit 121 displays the confirmation screen 40 on the display 113 (step S120).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the operator confirms the order contents and operates the confirmation button 51 (step S121). If it is not determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated (step S121: NO), the determination in step S121 is repeated until it is determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated. If it is determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated (step S121: YES), it is determined whether or not card information has been input on the card information input screen 35 (step S122).

  If it is determined that the card information has not been input (step S122: NO), step S123 described later is omitted, and the process proceeds to step S124. On the other hand, if it is determined that the card information has been input (step S122: YES), the card information stored in the card information storage unit 126b by the card information transmission unit 128 is transferred via the Internet 3 to the settlement server 190. (Step S123). After that, the order information including the image data file stored in the image data storage unit 124 and the order information stored in the order information storage unit 126 a is managed by the order information transmission unit 127 via the Internet 3. It is transmitted to the device 160 (step S124).

  Next, the content data acquisition unit 122 acquires content data from the order management apparatus 160 via the Internet 3, and the content data storage unit 123 stores the content data acquired by the content data acquisition unit 122 (step S125). The content data acquired at this time is a template data file of the completion screen 45. Thereafter, the display control unit 121 displays a completion screen 45 on the display 113 (step S126). Note that the processing related to the operation of the download button 46 displayed on the completion screen 45 will be described in the processing procedure for confirming the progress status to be described later, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, processing performed in the order management apparatus 160 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the order management apparatus 160 when order information is transmitted from the personal computer 110. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure of interrupt processing performed in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not the order information receiving unit 172 has received the order information transmitted from the personal computer 110 (step S201). If it is determined that the order information has not been received (step S201), the determination in step S201 is repeated until it is determined that the order information has been received. If it is determined that the ordering information has been received (step S201: YES), the ordering information received by the ordering information receiving unit 172 is stored in the ordering information storage unit 173, and the identification number issuing unit 177 An identification number for the order related to the order information received by the order information receiving unit 172 is issued (step S202). At this time, the progress status information determination unit 182 determines that the progress status regarding the creation of the photo print is “accepting”. The progress status information storage unit 181 stores information indicating “accepting”. Thereafter, interrupt processing, which will be described in detail later, is started (step S203).

  Subsequently, the order determination unit 174 determines which photo processing device 140 is to order the photo print (step S204). Then, the order information transmission unit 175 transmits the order information to the photo processing apparatus 140 determined by the order destination determination unit 174 (step S205). At this time, the progress status information determination unit 182 determines that the progress status regarding the creation of the photo print is “printing”, and the progress status information change unit 183 stores “ The information “receiving” is changed to the information “printing” (step S206).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the completion signal receiving unit 176 has received the completion signal transmitted from the photo processing device 140 (step S207). If it is determined that the completion signal has not been received (step S207: NO), the determination in step S207 is repeated until it is determined that the completion signal has been received. If it is determined that the completion signal has been received (step S207: YES), the ordering information stored in the ordering information storage unit 173, more specifically, the personal computer that is the orderer on the receiving location selection screen 25 is displayed. Based on the information regarding the options selected by the operator 110, it is determined whether or not the place where the finished photo print is received is the store of the print shop where the photo processing device 140 is installed (step S208).

  If it is determined that the photo print is received at the print store (step S208: YES), the progress information determination unit 182 indicates that the progress of the photo print creation is “waiting to receive”. The progress status information changing unit 183 changes the information indicating “printing” stored in the progress status information storage unit 181 to information indicating “waiting for reception” (step S209).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the photo print receiving location is not the store of the print store, that is, the photo print receiving location is the orderer's home (step S208: NO), the progress information determining unit 182 The progress status regarding the creation of the print is determined to be “delivering”, and the progress status information changing unit 183 indicates that the information indicating “printing” stored in the progress status information storage unit 181 is “delivering”. Is changed to information indicating that the information is “” (step S210).

  Next, the procedure of the interrupt process started in step S203 of the flowchart of FIG. 14 will be described using FIG. The interrupt process performed here is a process for transmitting information related to the progress status to the personal computer 110, and is performed in parallel with the process of step S204 to step S209 or step S210 of the flowchart of FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not a transmission request transmitted from the personal computer 110 has been received (step S301). If it is determined that a transmission request has not been received (step S301: NO), step S302 described later is omitted, and the process proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, when it is determined that the transmission request has been received (step S301: YES), the notification program stored in the notification program storage unit 185 is transmitted to the personal computer 110 under the control of the program transmission control unit 186. (Step S302).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the identification number transmitted from the personal computer 110 has been received (step S303). If it is determined that the identification number has not been received (step S303: NO), the process returns to step S301 to determine again whether or not a transmission request has been received. On the other hand, when it is determined that the identification number has been received (step S303: YES), the authentication unit 179 authenticates the identification number transmitted from the personal computer 110. At this time, it is determined whether or not the identification number has been authenticated by the authentication unit 179 (step S304).

  When the identification number is not authenticated (step S304: NO), the error signal transmission unit 180 transmits an error signal to the personal computer 110 (step S305). Thereafter, the process returns to step S303, and it is determined again whether or not the identification number has been received. On the other hand, when the identification number is authenticated (step S304: YES), the progress status transmission control unit 184 controls the progress status information stored in the progress status storage unit 181 to sequentially transmit information about the progress status to the personal computer 110. The process is started (step S306).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a stop signal transmitted from the personal computer 110 has been received (step S307). If it is determined that the stop signal has not been received (step S307: NO), the determination in step S307 is repeated until it is determined that the stop signal has been received. If it is determined that a stop signal has been received (step S307: YES), information on the progress status stored in the progress status information storage unit 181 is transferred to the personal computer 110 under the control of the progress status transmission control unit 180. Sequential transmission is stopped, and the interrupt processing ends.

  Next, processing performed in the photo processing apparatus 140 will be described with reference to FIG. 16 showing a processing procedure in the photo processing apparatus 140 when order information is transmitted from the order management apparatus 160.

  First, it is determined whether or not the order information receiving unit 151 has received the order information transmitted from the order management apparatus 160 (step S401). If it is determined that the order information has not been received (step S401: NO), the determination in step S401 is repeated until it is determined that the order information has been received. If it is determined that the order information has been received (step S401: YES), the order information received by the order information receiving unit 151 is stored in the order information storage unit 152 (step S402). After that, the display control unit 153 displays the order reception screen 70 on the display 144 based on the order information included in the order information stored in the order information storage unit 152 (step S403).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the start button 71 on the order receiving screen 70 has been operated by the operator of the photo processing apparatus 140 (step S404). If it is determined that the start button 71 has not been operated (step S404: NO), the determination in step S404 is repeated until it is determined that the start button 71 has been operated. If it is determined that the start button 71 has been operated (step S404: YES), the print processing in the print unit 141 is started under the control of the print control unit 154 (step S405).

  Thereafter, the completion determining unit 155 determines whether or not the creation of the photo print is completed (step S406). If it is determined that the creation of the photo print has not been completed (step S406: NO), the determination in step S406 is repeated until it is determined that the creation of the photo print has been completed. If it is determined that the creation of the photo print has been completed (step S406: YES), the completion signal transmission unit 156 transmits a completion signal to the order management apparatus 160 (step S407).

  Next, referring to FIG. 18 which is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed in the personal computer 110 when confirming the progress status of the creation of the photo print ordered by the orderer, the progress status confirmation processing procedure will be described. explain.

  First, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the download button 46 on the completion screen 45 displayed on the display 113 is last operated in the processing procedure for ordering a photo print (step S501). If it is determined that the download button 46 has not been operated (step S501: NO), the determination in step S501 is repeated until it is determined that the download button 46 has been operated. If the download button 46 is operated (step S501: YES), the transmission request transmission unit 129 transmits a transmission request to the order management apparatus 160 (step S502). Thereafter, the notification program transmitted from the order management apparatus 160 is stored in the notification program storage unit 130 (step S503). If the orderer has previously used the notification program and the notification program storage unit 130 has already stored the notification program, the above-described steps S501 to S503 are omitted.

  Subsequently, whether or not the operator has performed an operation for executing the notification program stored in the notification program storage unit 130, such as operating an icon (not shown) for executing the notification program. Is determined (step S504). If it is determined that an operation for executing the notification program is not performed (step S504: NO), the determination in step S504 is repeatedly performed until it is determined that the operation is performed. When it is determined that an operation for executing the notification program has been performed (step S504: YES), the notification program stored in the notification program storage unit 130 is executed by the notification program execution unit 131, The identification number input screen 60 is displayed on the display 113 (step S505).

  Next, after the ID and password, which are identification numbers, are input by the operator, it is determined whether or not the cancel button 64 has been operated (step S506). If it is determined that the cancel button 64 has been operated (step S506: YES), processing in steps S507 to S513, which will be described later, is omitted, and the progress status confirmation processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the cancel button 64 has not been operated (step S506: NO), it is determined whether or not the OK button 63 has been operated (step S507).

  If it is determined that the OK button 63 has not been operated (step S507: NO), the process returns to step S506 to determine again whether or not the cancel button 64 has been operated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the OK button 63 has been operated (step S507: YES), the identification number input screen 60 is closed by the control of the display control unit 121, and the identification number input unit 132 inputs the identification number. The identification number consisting of the ID and password input in the ID input field 61 and password input field 62 of the screen 60 is transmitted to the order management apparatus 160 (step S508).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the error signal receiving unit 133 has received the error signal transmitted from the order management apparatus 160 (step S509). If it is determined that an error signal has been received (step S509: YES), the process returns to step S505, and the identification number input screen 60 is displayed again on the display 113. On the other hand, if it is determined that an error signal has not been received (step S509: NO), it is determined whether or not information on the progress status transmitted from the order management apparatus 160 has been received (step S510).

  If it is determined that the information regarding the progress status has not been received (step S510: NO), the process returns to step S509 to determine again whether or not an error signal has been received. On the other hand, when it is determined that the information on the progress status has been received (step S510: YES), the progress status display screen 65 is displayed on the display 113 under the control of the display control unit 121 (step S511).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the cancel button 66 on the progress display screen 65 has been operated by the operator (step S512). If it is determined that the cancel button 66 has not been operated (step S512: NO), the determination in step S512 is repeated until it is determined that the cancel button 66 has been operated. If it is determined that the cancel button 66 has been operated (step S512: YES), the progress status display screen 65 is closed under the control of the display control unit 121, and the cancel signal is transmitted by the cancel signal transmission unit 134. It is transmitted to the order management apparatus 160 (step S513).

  As described above, in the photo print system 1 according to the present embodiment, the order management device 160 stores the progress status information storage unit 181 that stores information on the progress status of photo print creation in units of orders, and the creation of photo prints. As the progress proceeds, information on the progress status stored in the progress status information storage unit 181 is changed to the progress status information change unit 183 that sequentially changes in units of orders and the order stored in the progress status information storage unit 181. A progress status transmission control unit 184 that performs control such that information on the progress status is sequentially transmitted to the personal computer 110 in real time is provided. Therefore, the orderer of the photographic print can know the progress of the creation of the ordered photographic print from the information regarding the progress that is sequentially transmitted to the personal computer 110 used by the photographic print orderer. Thereby, it is possible to notify the photograph print orderer who is away from the photo print creation location of the progress of the photo print creation in real time.

  Also, the photo print system 1 of the present embodiment has an authentication information storage unit 178 that stores authentication information of an identification number transmitted from the personal computer 110 via the Internet 3 and is transmitted from the personal computer 110 via the Internet 3. And an authentication unit 179 that authenticates the identification number received based on the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit 178, and the progress status transmission control unit 184 authenticates the identification number transmitted from the personal computer 110. When the unit 179 authenticates, control is performed so that information regarding the progress is transmitted to the personal computer 10. Therefore, it is possible to notify the person who transmitted the identification number authenticated by the authentication unit 179 of the progress of the photo print.

  In the photo print system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the order management apparatus 160 receives the order information transmitted from the personal computer 110, the order management apparatus 160 issues an identification number including an ID and a password for the order related to the order information. An identification number issuing unit 177 is provided. Therefore, an identification number relating to the order made by the orderer can be issued to the photo print orderer. When the identification number transmitted from the personal computer 110 of the orderer is authenticated by the authentication unit 179, the progress of the order performed by the orderer is transmitted by transmitting the progress of the order related to the identification number to the personal computer 110. The situation can be reliably notified to the orderer.

  In addition, in the personal computer 110 included in the photo print system 1 of the present embodiment, when the notification program is executed, the information on the progress status transmitted from the order management apparatus 160 is controlled in real time under the control of the display control unit 121. A progress status display screen 65 that sequentially displays is displayed on the display 113. Therefore, the orderer can know the progress of the photo print by viewing the display 113 of the personal computer 110 used by the orderer. In addition, the notification program makes it easy for the person who ordered the photo print to know the progress of the photo print creation in real time.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a photographic print system configured to include an order management apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The configuration of the photo print system 2 according to the second embodiment is mainly different from the configuration of the photo print system 1 according to the first embodiment. In the photo print system 1, the orderer of photo prints In contrast to the photo print system 2 according to the present embodiment, the photo print orderer is installed in the print shop in the photo print system 2 according to the present embodiment. The photographic print order receiving apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as “order receiving apparatus”) 210 is used to place an order for photographic prints.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the photo print systems 1 of the present embodiment are all installed in a print shop and are connected to each other via a local area network (hereinafter referred to as “LAN”) 5. It includes an order receiving device 210, an order management device 230, a photo processing device 260, and a personal computer 280 installed at the home of the photo print orderer. The order management device 230 and the personal computer 280 are connected to the Internet 3.

  Next, the configuration of the order receiving apparatus 210 will be described with reference to FIG. 22 which is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the order receiving apparatus 210.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the order receiving device 210 has a controller 220 for controlling the entire order receiving device 210 and a touch panel 211 a for a photograph print orderer to input instructions to the order receiving device 210 on the surface. A display 211, a media drive 212, a receipt certificate issuing printer 213 for issuing a receipt certificate (see FIG. 27), which will be described in detail later, and a LAN connection terminal 214 for connecting to the LAN 5 are provided.

  The controller 220 includes an image data storage unit 221, a display control unit 222, an input information storage unit 223, an order information transmission unit 224, an order signal transmission unit 225, an identification number issuance unit 226, and a receipt certificate issuance control unit 227. Yes.

  The image data storage unit 221 stores an image data file read by the media drive 212 from the media set in the media drive 212. The display control unit 222 displays the initial screen 10, the order screen 15, the receiving location selection screen 25, and the confirmation screen 40 on the display 211. Further, the display control unit 222 displays the order screen 15 including the thumbnail images of six frames on the display 211 among the plurality of thumbnail images related to the plurality of image data files stored in the image data storage unit 221. The screen is switched to another order screen 15 including a thumbnail image that has not been displayed. The input information storage unit 223 stores input data input by the operator using the touch panel 211a. Specifically, the order information including the number of prints input on the order screen 15 and options relating to the photo print receiving location input on the receiving location selection screen 25 is stored.

  The order information transmission unit 224 transmits order information including the image data file stored in the image data storage unit 221 and the order information stored in the input information storage unit 223 to the photo processing device 260. The order signal transmission unit 225 transmits an order signal indicating that the order information transmission unit 224 has transmitted the order information to the order management device 230. The identification number issuing unit 226 issues an identification number for the order when the photographic print orderer orders the photographic print.

  The receipt certificate issuance control unit 227 controls the receipt certificate issuance printer 213 so that a receipt as shown in FIG. 27 is issued. In the receipt, as shown in FIG. 27, an identification number made up of an ID and password issued by an identification number issuing unit 226, a price for a photo print, and the like are described.

  Next, the configuration of the order management device 230 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the order management device 230.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the order management apparatus 230 includes a controller 240, an Internet connection terminal 231 for connecting to the Internet 3, and a LAN connection terminal 232 for connecting to the LAN 5.

  The controller 240 includes a content data storage unit 241, an order signal reception unit 242, a completion signal reception unit 243, an authentication information storage unit 244, an authentication unit 245, an error signal transmission unit 246, a progress status information storage unit 247, and a progress status information determination. Unit 248, progress status information changing unit 249, progress status transmission control unit 250, notification program storage unit 251, and program transmission control unit 252. The completion signal receiving unit 243, the authentication information storage unit 244, the authentication unit 245, the error signal transmission unit 246, the progress status information storage unit 247, the progress status information change unit 249, the progress status transmission control unit 250, and the notification program storage unit 251. As for the functions of the program transmission control unit 252, the completion signal receiving unit 176, the authentication information storage unit 178, the authentication unit 179, the error signal transmission unit 180, and the progress status information storage of the order management device 160 of the first embodiment. The function is the same as that of the unit 181, the progress status information changing unit 183, the progress status transmission control unit 184, the notification program storage unit 185, and the program transmission control unit 186.

  The content data storage unit 241 stores a template data file of a notification program acquisition screen 80 (see FIG. 30), which will be described in detail later. The order signal receiving unit 242 receives the order signal transmitted from the order receiving device 210. The progress status information determination unit 248 determines the progress status regarding the creation of the photo print. Specifically, in the present embodiment, after the order signal receiving unit 242 receives the order signal from the order receiving device 210, the completion signal receiving unit 243 until the completion signal transmitted from the photo processing device 260 is received. The status is determined as “printing”. Furthermore, when the completion signal receiving unit 243 receives the completion signal and the photo print is received at the store, it is determined as “waiting for reception”. On the other hand, if the completion signal receiving unit 243 has received the completion signal and the photo print is received at the orderer's home, it is determined as “delivering”.

  FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the photo processing apparatus 260. As shown in FIG. 24, the configuration of the photo processing apparatus 260 is the same as that of the photo processing apparatus 140 according to the first embodiment except that a LAN connection terminal 265 is provided instead of the Internet connection terminal 145. Since the configuration is the same as that of the photo processing apparatus 140 of the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the configuration of the personal computer 280 will be described with reference to FIG. 25 which is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the personal computer 280. As shown in FIG. 25, the personal computer 280 includes a controller 290, a keyboard 281, a mouse 282, a display 283, and an Internet connection terminal 284.

  The controller 290 includes a display control unit 291, content data acquisition unit 292, content data storage unit 293, transmission request transmission unit 294, notification program storage unit 296, notification program execution unit 297, identification number transmission unit 298, error signal reception unit. 299, and a cancel signal transmission unit 300. The content data acquisition unit 292, content data storage unit 293, transmission request transmission unit 294, notification program storage unit 296, notification program execution unit 297, identification number transmission unit 298, error signal reception unit 299, and cancel signal transmission unit 300 Are the content data acquisition unit 122, content data storage unit 123, transmission request transmission unit 129, notification program storage unit 130, notification program execution unit 131, identification number transmission unit 132 of the personal computer 110 of the first embodiment, Since the functions of the error signal receiving unit 133 and the cancel signal transmitting unit 134 are the same, the description thereof is omitted.

  The display control unit 291 displays a notification program acquisition screen 80, an identification number input screen 60, and a progress status display screen 65 on the display 283. On the notification program acquisition screen 80, a download button 81 for requesting the order management apparatus 230 to transmit a notification program is displayed as shown in FIG.

  Next, a procedure for making a photo print order and creating a photo print in the photo print system 2 of the present embodiment will be described. First, referring to FIG. 26, which is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the order receiving apparatus 210 when ordering a photographic print, a processing procedure for photographic print order will be described.

  First, the initial screen 10 is displayed on the display 211 under the control of the display control unit 222 (step S601). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the start button 11 has been operated (step S602). If it is determined that the start button 11 has not been operated (step S601: NO), the determination in step S601 is repeated until it is determined that the start button 11 has been operated. If it is determined that the start button 11 has been operated (step S601: YES), the image data file read from the medium by the media drive 212 is stored in the image data storage unit 221 (step S603).

  Thereafter, the order screen 15 is displayed on the display 211 under the control of the display control unit 222 (step S604). At this time, the operator inputs the number of thumbnail images to be printed corresponding to the input field 17 in each input field 17, and determines whether or not the confirm button 51 has been operated (step S605). If it is determined that the confirm button 51 has not been operated (step S605: NO), the determination in step S605 is repeated until it is determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated.

  If it is determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated (step S605: YES), whether or not thumbnail images relating to all image data files stored in the image data storage unit 221 have been displayed on the display 211. Is determined (step S606). If it is determined that there is a thumbnail image not yet displayed on the display 211 (step S606: NO), the process returns to step S604, and the order screen 15 including the thumbnail image not yet displayed on the display 211 is displayed. The

  On the other hand, when it is determined that all the thumbnail images are displayed on the display (step S606: YES), the receiving location selection screen 25 is displayed on the display 211 by the display control unit 222 (step S607). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the operator has selected one of a plurality of options displayed on the receiving location selection screen 25 and operated the confirm button 51 (step S608).

  If it is not determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated (step S608: NO), the determination in step S608 is repeated until it is determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated. If it is determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated (step S608: YES), the display control unit 222 displays the confirmation screen 40 on the display 211 (step S609).

  Thereafter, the operator confirms the order details and determines whether or not the confirm button 51 has been operated (step S610). If it is not determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated (step S610: NO), the determination in step S610 is repeated until it is determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated. If it is determined that the confirm button 51 has been operated (step S610: YES), the identification number issuing unit 226 issues an identification number including an ID and a password (step S611). Next, the order information transmission unit 224 transmits the order information to the photo processing device 260, and the order signal transmission unit 225 transmits the order signal to the order management device 230 (step S612). Finally, a receipt is issued under the control of the receipt certificate issuance control unit 227 (step S613).

  Subsequently, processing performed in the order management apparatus 230 will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the order management apparatus 230 when an order signal is transmitted from the order reception apparatus 210.

  First, it is determined whether or not the order signal receiving unit 242 has received the order signal transmitted from the order receiving device 210 (step S701). If it is determined that the order signal has not been received (step S701: NO), the determination in step S701 is repeated until it is determined that the order signal has been received. If it is determined that the order signal has been received (step S701: YES), the progress status information determination unit 248 determines that the progress status of the photo print creation is “printing”, and the progress status information. The information indicating “being received” stored in the progress information storage unit 247 is changed to information indicating “printing” by the changing unit 249 (step S702). Thereafter, interrupt processing is started (step S703). The interrupt process performed here is the same as the interrupt process performed by the order management apparatus 160 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The processes performed in subsequent steps S704 to S706 or S707 are the same as the processes in steps S207 to S209 or S210 performed in the order management apparatus 160 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The description is omitted because it is similar.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 29 which is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed by the personal computer 280, a processing procedure for confirming the progress status in the present embodiment will be described.

  First, the content data acquisition unit 292 acquires content data from the order management apparatus 230 via the Internet 3, and the content data storage unit 293 stores the content data acquired by the content data acquisition unit 292 (step S801). Next, the notification program acquisition screen 80 is displayed on the display 293 under the control of the display control unit 291 (step S802). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the download button 81 on the notification program acquisition screen 80 has been operated by the operator (step 803). If it is determined that the download button 81 has not been operated (step S803: NO), the determination in step S803 is repeated until it is determined that the download button 81 has been operated. If the download button 81 is operated (step S803: YES), the transmission request transmission unit 294 transmits a transmission request to the order management device 230 (step S804).

  The processing performed in subsequent steps S805 to S815 is the same as the processing in steps S503 to S513 performed in the personal computer 110 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  Further, the processing performed in the photographic processing apparatus 260 of the present embodiment is the same as the processing performed in the photographic processing apparatus 140 of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, in the photo print system 2 of the present embodiment, as with the photo print system 1 of the first embodiment, a photo print orderer who is away from the photo print creation location is requested to take a photo. The progress of print creation can be reported in real time.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various design changes can be made as long as they are described in the claims. Is. For example, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the order management device has a notification program in which the personal computer sequentially notifies the information on the progress status transmitted based on the control of the progress status transmission control unit in real time. A stored notification program storage unit, and a program transmission control unit that performs control such that the notification program stored in the notification program storage unit is transmitted to the personal computer when a transmission request to the personal computer is received However, the notification program storage unit and the program transmission control unit may not be provided.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments described above, when the notification program is executed, the progress status that sequentially displays in real time information on the progress status transmitted from the order management device under the control of the display control unit. Although the case where the display screen 65 is displayed on the display has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display control unit and the display may not be provided, and information regarding the progress status may be notified in real time by voice.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the communication between the order management apparatus and the personal computer is performed via the Internet 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may make it communicate via another communication network not via the internet 3. FIG. Further, communication may be performed via two or more communication networks.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments described above, a photographic print order management apparatus including a progress status information storage unit, a progress status information change unit, an authentication information storage unit, an authentication unit, and a progress status transmission control unit is provided. Although the photographic print system including the above has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. Even if the photo print system does not include a photo print order management device, the progress status on the communication network including the personal computer used by the photo print orderer and the photo processing device where the photo print is created There should be a photo print order management system composed of elements having functions similar to those of the information storage unit, progress status information change unit, authentication information storage unit, authentication unit, and progress status transmission control unit. That is, the progress status information storage unit, the progress status information change unit, the authentication information storage unit, the authentication unit, the progress status transmission control unit, and the like may be provided in different servers that are connected to each other via a communication network.

  In addition, in the first and second embodiments described above, the case has been described in which information related to ordering information is transmitted to a personal computer used by the person who ordered the photo print. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, information regarding ordering information may be transmitted to a mobile phone or PDA that can be connected to the Internet used by the person who ordered the photo print.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the case where authentication is performed using an ID and a password has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an authentication technique that does not use an ID and a password may be employed. For example, in the first embodiment, the order management apparatus 160 may issue a cookie to the personal computer 110 when placing an order. In addition, a known authentication technique can be used as appropriate.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a photographic print system configured to include a photographic print order management apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the personal computer shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the photograph print order management apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the photographic processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart (first half) showing a procedure of a photo print order process performed by the personal computer shown in FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart (second half) showing a procedure of order processing for a photo print performed by the personal computer shown in FIG. 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the initial screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the order screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a printer selection screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows the receiving place selection screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the payment path | route selection screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the card information input screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the confirmation screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the completion screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process performed with the photo print order management apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the interruption process performed in the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process performed with the photograph processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the order receipt screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the confirmation process of the progress condition about preparation of the photo print performed with the personal computer shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the identification number input screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the progress condition display screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the photograph print system comprised including the photograph print order management apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the photograph print order reception apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the photographic print order management apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the photographic processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the personal computer shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process performed with the photograph print order reception apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the receipt issued by the receipt certificate issuing printer shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process performed with the photo print order management apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process performed with the personal computer shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the alerting | reporting program acquisition screen displayed on the display shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2 Photo printing system 3 Internet (communication network)
110, 280 PC (terminal)
113, 283 Display 121, 291 Display control unit (display control means)
140, 260 Photo processing device (printer)
160, 230 Photo print order management device 177 Identification number issuing unit (identification number issuing means)
178, 244 Authentication information storage unit (authentication information storage means)
179, 245 Authentication unit (authentication means)
181, 247 Progress status information storage unit (progress status information storage means)
183, 249 Progress status information change unit (progress status information change means)
184, 250 Progress status transmission control unit (progress status transmission control means)
185, 251 Notification program storage unit (notification program storage means)
186, 252 Program transmission control unit (program transmission control means)
226 Identification number issuing unit (identification number issuing device)
213 Receipt certificate issuing printer (identification number issuing device)

Claims (7)

In a photo print order management apparatus that can communicate with a terminal used by a photo print orderer via a communication network,
Progress information storage means for storing information on the progress of creation of a photo print ordered by the photo print orderer in units of orders;
As the photo print progresses, progress information changing means for sequentially changing information on the progress stored in the progress information storage means in units of orders;
Progress status transmission control means for performing control so that information on the progress status related to the order stored in the progress status information storage means is sequentially transmitted to the terminal in real time via the communication network. Photo print order management device characterized by Authentication information storage means for storing authentication information of an identification number transmitted from the terminal via the communication network;
An authentication unit for authenticating the identification number transmitted from the terminal via the communication network based on the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit;
When the progress transmitting means authenticates the identification information transmitted from the terminal, the information related to the progress related to the order stored in the progress storing means is transmitted to the terminal. 2. The photo print order management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control is performed as described above.   3. The photo print order management apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising identification number issuing means for issuing an identification number for the order when the photo print orderer orders the photo print.   3. The photo print order management according to claim 2, wherein the photo print orderer is connected via a communication network to an identification number issuing device that issues an identification number for the order when the photo print orderer orders the photo print. apparatus.   5. A notification program for causing the terminal to sequentially notify in real time the information related to the progress status transmitted based on the control of the progress status transmission control means is stored in the terminal. The photo print order management apparatus according to any one of the above. Progress information storage means for storing information on the progress of creation of a photo print ordered by a photo print orderer in units of orders;
As the photo print progresses, progress information changing means for sequentially changing information on the progress stored in the progress information storage means in units of orders;
Progress status transmission control means for performing control so that information on the progress status relating to the order stored in the progress status information storage means is sequentially transmitted in real time to a terminal used by the photograph print orderer. Photo print order management system. A printer that creates photo prints ordered by the photo print orderer;
A terminal used by the photograph print orderer;
Progress information storage means for storing information on the progress of creation of a photo print ordered by the photo print orderer in units of orders;
As the photo print progresses, progress information changing means for sequentially changing information on the progress stored in the progress information storage means in units of orders;
Progress print transmission control means for performing control such that information related to the progress related to the order stored in the progress information storage means is sequentially transmitted to the terminal in real time. system.

Images