JP2007164473A - Photograph printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To collectively place an order for photograph printing for an orderer oneself and another person. <P>SOLUTION: A photograph printing system has a personal computer and a plurality of enterprise terminals operated by a plurality of enterprises having specific delivery areas, which are connected to a server via the Internet. When an orderer inputs orderer information including his delivery destination address and a delivery destination address of a person other than him, on an orderer information input screen, in the server, for each delivery destination address, a plurality of enterprises including each delivery destination address in a delivery area are extracted among the plurality of enterprises. The orderer selects, an order destination on an order destination selection screen on which the name of the enterprise extracted for each delivery destination address is displayed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a photo print system that accepts photo print creation and delivery from a photo print orderer.

  Printing of digital image data files such as images taken with a digital camera or images read with a scanner is generally performed at a print shop equipped with a photo processing device for creating a photo print. The photograph print orderer takes various media on which image data files desired to be ordered for printing are recorded to a print shop and requests creation of a photo print. When the orderer wishes to deliver a photographic print, it is delivered by a delivery specialist.

In recent years, there has been known a photo print system that orders printing of digital image data files such as images taken with a digital camera and images read with a scanner via the Internet (see Patent Document 1). Specifically, the photograph print orderer operates a personal computer at home connected to the Internet (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) to create a photo print of an image data file desired to be ordered for printing. Upload to a print shop server with photo processing equipment. In the print shop, an operator who is an expert on photography performs a suitable correction process on the image data file uploaded to the server, and then the print process is performed. When the orderer wishes to deliver a photo print, it is delivered by a delivery specialist.
JP 2005-205761 A

  However, as a photograph print orderer, if a trader who delivers photo prints is an unfamiliar trader, he / she cannot place an order for photo prints with peace of mind.

  In addition, when ordering photo prints at a print shop or when ordering photo prints via the Internet, the photo print orderer requests the creation of his own photo prints and delivery to his home as well as the same. There may be a case where it is desired to create a photo print for sending to a friend based on the image data and to request delivery to a friend's house. At this time, if the person who ordered the photo print must perform the operation of the photo print creation and delivery request to himself / herself and then repeat the operation of the photo print creation and delivery request to the friend, the photo print The orderer performs a very troublesome operation. In particular, when making photo prints and requesting delivery to a large number of friends, the operation of the photo print orderer becomes extremely complicated.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a photographic print system that can order photographic prints with peace of mind.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a photographic print system in which a print orderer can collectively order and deliver photographic prints to persons other than himself / herself.

Means and effects for solving the problems

  The photo print system of the present invention has a plurality of orderer terminals operated by a plurality of photo print orderers and a predetermined delivery area, respectively, and is in the offices of a plurality of business operators that create and deliver photo prints. A plurality of operator terminals installed in the network can communicate with a server via a communication network, and the orderer terminal desires to print in accordance with an operation input to the orderer terminal of the photo print orderer. A photo print system for transmitting a data file to the server, wherein the orderer terminal transmits a plurality of delivery address information to the server in accordance with an operation input to the orderer terminal of a photo print orderer, The server extracts the address relating to each of the plurality of delivery address information received from the orderer terminal extracted from the plurality of business operators. Business information about a plurality of business operators included is transmitted to the orderer terminal for each of a plurality of delivery address information, and the orderer terminal is one delivery destination included in the delivery address information in the server. When a plurality of business operators are extracted with respect to the address information, according to the operation input to the orderer terminal of the photo print orderer, the selection information of the business operator selected by the photo print orderer from the plurality of business operators is displayed. For each delivery address information that is sent to the server, and for the delivery address information from which one operator is extracted in the server, the operator terminal of the extracted operator has a plurality of addresses in the server. Regarding the delivery address information from which the business operator is extracted, the business operator terminal selected by the selection information corresponding to the delivery address information is sent from the server to the image. It is characterized by receiving an over datafile and delivery address information.

  It should be noted that the present invention includes the case where the business terminal of the business operator that creates and delivers the photo print receives the image data file from the server at the same time as the delivery address information is received.

  According to this configuration, the orderer includes his / her delivery address in the delivery area, and he / she asks the business operator in close contact with the area to create and deliver the photo print. Can be ordered. In addition, when a plurality of business operators are extracted in the server, the orderer can select a business operator who requests creation and delivery of a photo print from a plurality of business operators, so it is intimate. Business operators and reliable business operators can be freely selected. In addition, the orderer places an order for a photo print for delivery to a delivery address other than his own delivery address (another delivery address) based on the same image data, and another delivery address for the photo print. When requesting delivery to an address, it is possible to collectively place an order for the orderer itself and an order for a person other than the orderer.

  In the photo print system of the present invention, the orderer terminal receives one or more image data files designated from among the image data files desired to be printed in accordance with an operation input to the orderer terminal by the photo print orderer. The image designation information on the image may be transmitted to the server for each of a plurality of delivery address information.

  According to this configuration, the orderer can designate an image desired to be printed for each of a plurality of delivery address information.

  In the photo print system of the present invention, the image designation information may include information relating to the number of printed images related to one or a plurality of image data files.

  According to this configuration, the orderer can designate the number of prints of images desired to be printed for each of a plurality of delivery address information.

  The photo print system of the present invention further includes a processor terminal that can communicate with the server via a communication network and is operated by an image processor, and the processor terminal calculates a correction value of the image data file. And an image processing device connected to the display for displaying an image related to the image data file being processed, and when the processor terminal receives a thumbnail image data file of the image data file from the server, The image processing device calculates an appropriate correction value for the thumbnail image data file according to an operation input to the image processing device by an image processor who is observing the image related to the thumbnail image data file on the display, The correction value calculated by the processor terminal may be transmitted to the server.

  According to this configuration, since an image processor having knowledge about a photograph performs an operation input to the image processing apparatus that calculates the correction value, a preferable correction value can be calculated. Therefore, by creating a photo print based on the image data file that has been corrected using the correction value calculated by the image processing device, even a business operator who does not have knowledge about the photo can print a high-quality photo print. Can be provided. In addition, since the thumbnail image data file having a smaller data amount than the image data file is transmitted and received between the server and the processor terminal, a large amount of images can be transmitted and received in a short time.

  In another aspect, the photo print system of the present invention has input means for inputting a plurality of delivery address information that the photo print orderer desires to deliver photo prints, and a predetermined delivery area. A storage means for storing a plurality of businesses that deliver photo prints, and a plurality of delivery address information input by the input means from among the plurality of businesses stored in the storage means Extracting means for extracting a plurality of businesses including addresses in a delivery area for each of a plurality of delivery address information, and when a plurality of businesses are extracted for one delivery address information, the plurality of businesses Display means for displaying a waiting state instructing selection of a business operator desiring delivery from among the plurality of delivery address information desired to be delivered. Is characterized by courier of the photographic print is determined by determining the carrier to the desired delivery from the displayed operators to Lee means.

  According to this configuration, the orderer includes his / her delivery address in the delivery area, and he / she asks the business operator in close contact with the area to create and deliver the photo print. Can be ordered. Further, when a plurality of business operators are extracted for the delivery address of the customer, the orderer can select a business operator who requests creation and delivery of a photo print from the plurality of business operators. Therefore, you can freely choose the company that you are talking to and the company that you can trust. In addition, the orderer places an order for a photo print for delivery to a delivery address other than his own delivery address (another delivery address) based on the same image data, and another delivery address for the photo print. When requesting delivery to an address, it is possible to collectively place an order for the orderer itself and an order for a person other than the orderer.

  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 photo print system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The photo print system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a system that accepts an order for photo prints using the Internet 3 and creates and delivers photo prints. As shown in FIG. A personal computer 10 operated by the orderer, an image processing apparatus 30 operated by an image processor having expertise in photography, a predetermined delivery area, and a product delivery contract (in the embodiment, a regular delivery contract) ) To a consumer, and a plurality of business terminals 50 operated by a plurality of business operators and a server 70 are provided. Here, in FIG. 1, among the plurality of business operator terminals 50, the plurality of business operator terminals operated by the plurality of business operators including the home of the photo print orderer and the friend N home in the delivery area are business operator terminals. A plurality of operator terminals operated by a plurality of operators including a friend M's home in the delivery area are illustrated as an operator terminal 50b. The personal computer 10, the image processing apparatus 30, and the operator terminal 50 are all connected to the server 70 via the Internet 3 so as to be communicable.

  In the present embodiment, the business having a predetermined delivery area will be described by taking three types of business as newspaper dealers, convenience stores, and liquor stores as examples, but these are examples, for example, rice stores, milk Any number of businesses of any type of business may be included as long as the business has an existing delivery system such as a store. Further, in FIG. 1, one newspaper store, one convenience store, and one liquor store are shown in each delivery area. In addition, the photo print system 1 includes a plurality of businesses with different delivery areas. A plurality of business operator terminals 50 installed in the store of the worker are provided. Further, although only one personal computer 10 is shown in FIG. 1, the photographic print system 1 is provided with a large number of personal computers 10 connected to the Internet 3 of photographic print orderers all over the country.

  Here, a delivery area of a business operator such as the above-mentioned newspaper store will be described. In the present embodiment, it can be assumed that the delivery areas of the same type of operators are distributed without overlapping. On the other hand, it is assumed that there are areas where all or some of the delivery areas of different businesses overlap each other. That is, as in this embodiment, when considering businesses in three industries, there are one, two, or three businesses that include a specific address in the delivery area. It becomes.

  The personal computer 10 stores hardware such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and hard disk, and various software is stored in the hard disk. The personal computer 10 functions by combining these hardware and software. As shown in FIG. 2, the personal computer 10 includes a display 15 for displaying various information related to the personal computer 10, a keyboard 16 and a mouse 17 for inputting instructions to the personal computer 10, a CD-ROM, an FD, A media drive 18 that reads image data files recorded on various media such as MO and a communication interface 19 for connecting to the Internet 3 are connected.

  Accordingly, the photograph print orderer who operates the personal computer 10 places order information, that is, orderer information (specifically, his / her name and friend's name, one or more delivery addresses of finished photo prints, delivery) Destination telephone number, etc.), selection information of a business selected for each delivery address as a business ordering of a photo print from business operators of a plurality of industries included in the photo print system 1, image designation information (specifically, Among the image data files read out by the media drive 18, the image data file desired to be printed, the thumbnail image data file related to the image data file, the number of prints of the image related to the image data file), and the selected business Upload purchase information, etc. of products sold by users to the server 70 via the Internet 3 It can be.

  The image processing apparatus 30 is, for example, a general-purpose personal computer, and stores hardware such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk. The hard disk includes various programs for causing the personal computer to function as the image processing apparatus 30. Software is stored. And the correction value calculation part 31 (refer FIG. 3) mentioned later is comprised by combining these hardware and software. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the image processing apparatus 30 includes a display 35 for displaying various information related to the image processing apparatus 30, a keyboard 36 and a mouse 37 for inputting instructions to the image processing apparatus 30, A communication interface 39 for connecting to the Internet 3 is connected.

  Therefore, the image processing apparatus 30 downloads the thumbnail image data file related to the image data file uploaded from the personal computer 10 to the server 70 and displays the image related to the thumbnail image data file on the display 35. An image processor who operates the image processing device 30 observes the image displayed on the display 35 and corrects the color density, sharpness, contrast, saturation, and the like of the image using the keyboard 36 and the mouse 37. Perform operation input. Then, the correction value calculation unit 31 calculates an appropriate correction value related to the thumbnail image data file in accordance with the operation input of the image processor. Further, the image processing apparatus 30 uploads the correction value calculated by the correction value calculation unit 31 to the server 70 via the Internet 3.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the business entity terminal 50 includes a general-purpose personal computer 60 and a printer 51 that are connected to each other and capable of transmitting and receiving data. The personal computer 60 stores hardware such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and hard disk. Various software including programs for causing the personal computer 60 to function is stored in the hard disk. By combining these hardware and software, an order information storage unit 61, a correction unit 62, a customer information storage unit 63, and a search unit 64, which will be described later, are configured. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a display 65 for displaying various information and a communication interface 69 for connecting to the Internet 3 are connected to the personal computer 60.

  Therefore, the personal computer 60 receives the order information uploaded from the orderer's personal computer 10 to the server 70, that is, the orderer information and the image data file, and the correction value uploaded from the image processing apparatus 30 of the image processor to the server 70. Is stored in the order information storage unit 61. Then, the correction unit 62 corrects the image data file related to the thumbnail image data file based on the correction value of the thumbnail image data file acquired from the server 70. Thereafter, the printer 51 creates a photo print based on the corrected image data file.

  The search unit 64 searches for an orderer from a database of names and addresses of business customers stored in the customer information storage unit 63. Further, the purchase information and delivery address information included in the ordering information acquired from the server 70 are displayed on the display 65. When the orderer is detected from the database by the search unit 64, that is, when the orderer of the photo print is a business customer, this is also displayed on the display 65. If the orderer is not detected, the orderer information acquired from the server 70 is registered in the database as a customer of the print order. The contents displayed on the display 65 may be printed by the printer 51 or a printer dedicated for printing.

  The server 70 stores hardware such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk, and various software including a program for causing the server 70 to function is stored in the hard disk. Then, by combining these hardware and software, a web file storage unit 71, a company information storage unit 72, an order information storage unit 73, a thumbnail generation unit 74, a correction value writing unit 75, an order destination extraction, which will be described later. A unit 76, an order signal generation unit 77, and an order preparation completion signal generation unit 78 (see FIG. 5) are constructed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, a communication interface 79 for connecting to the Internet 3 is connected to the server 70.

  The web file storage unit 71 stores a large number of web files such as HTML files in order to provide the contents of the photo print service to the client personal computer that has accessed the server 70. Therefore, the server 70 can provide a Web site for accepting an online print order to the personal computer 10 that can access the server 70 via the Internet 3.

  The business operator information storage unit 72 stores information on businesses in a plurality of industries registered in the photo print system 1 as businesses that create and deliver photo prints. Specifically, in addition to basic information such as the name, type of business, address, telephone number, business hours, regular holidays, etc. of the business operator, information on the delivery area, sales information of the products being sold, information on the scheduled delivery date, etc. Is remembered. It should be noted that the operator can be registered / deleted by rewriting the contents stored in the operator information storage unit 72.

  Here, the information related to the scheduled delivery date and time is information that can determine the scheduled delivery date and time from the time zone and the day of the week when the orderer places an order. As a method of determining the scheduled delivery date and time, for example, it is performed based on the business hours and regular holidays of the business. Specifically, when an order is placed after the business hours on the day before the fixed holiday, the next day after the fixed holiday is set as the scheduled delivery date.

  In the order information storage unit 73, the order information uploaded from the personal computer 10, that is, the orderer information, the image data file, the thumbnail image data file, the selection information of the selected business operator, and the orderer requests delivery of the photo print. The purchase information and the like of the product sold by the business operator is stored.

  In more detail, the information related to the image stored in the order information storage unit 73 includes a plurality of types of files respectively stored in a folder group configured as shown in FIG. The image folder 5 stores an image data file that is pixel data. The thumbnail image folder 6 stores a thumbnail image data file that is pixel data of a thumbnail image. The shooting date and time folder 7 stores a file in which information on the date and time when the image is shot is stored. The correction value folder 8 stores a file in which correction values of image data files are stored. These folder groups are generated in order units.

  When the thumbnail image data file is not included in the information related to the image uploaded from the personal computer 10, the thumbnail generation unit 74 generates a thumbnail image data file related to the image. The correction value writing unit 75 writes the correction value uploaded from the image processing apparatus 30 to a file in the correction value folder 8.

  The ordering party extracting unit 76 extracts a business whose delivery area is the delivery address stored in the ordering information storage unit 73 from a plurality of businesses registered in the photographic print system 1. Is generated. At this time, one, two, or three business operators are extracted from a plurality of business operators stored in the business operator information storage unit 72. For example, the Wakayama City Northern Area for newspaper stores, the Wakayama City Umehara area for convenience stores, and the area near Umehara National Highway Route 26 for Wakayama City are delivery areas, and businesses that include specific addresses in the delivery area. Is picked up. Further, the number of businesses included in the ordering party list cannot exceed the number of businesses extracted by the ordering party extracting unit 76, that is, the number of businesses including the delivery address in the delivery area. All the extracted business operators may be included in the ordering party list, or only the business operators extracted from the extracted business operators may be included in the orderer list.

  When the order information is uploaded from the orderer's personal computer 10, the order signal generation unit 77 generates an order signal for notifying the image processing apparatus 30 that an order has been received for a photo print. The order signal generated by the order signal generation unit 77 is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 30 via the Internet 3. The order preparation completion signal generation unit 78 notifies the operator terminal 50 that preparation for ordering a photo print is completed when a correction value is uploaded from the image processing apparatus 30. Is generated. The order preparation completion signal generated by the order preparation completion signal generator 78 is transmitted to the operator terminal 50 of the operator selected by the orderer.

  Here, a procedure for creating a photo print in the photo print system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 7 which is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the personal computer 10, a procedure for ordering a photographic print using the personal computer 10 will be described.

  First, when a photograph print orderer accesses the server 70 using the personal computer 10, a top page (not shown) of an online print order website is displayed on the display 15. Further, when accessing a page for ordering prints, an orderer information input screen 91 as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed (step S101). In the orderer information input screen 91 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the orderer name, the delivery address and the delivery destination telephone number corresponding to the delivery destination 1 are entered as the orderer information, and the delivery is performed. The names, addresses, and telephone numbers corresponding to the points 2 to 5 are input. The orderer information corresponding to each of the delivery destinations 2 to 5 may not be input, or only a part of them may be input. FIG. 8 illustrates a case where the orderer information corresponding to each of the delivery destinations 2 and 3 is input in addition to the orderer information corresponding to the delivery destination 1. In addition, when a member is registered in advance, an ID, a password, or the like may be input to the orderer information input screen 91.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the confirm button 91a on the orderer information input screen 91 has been operated (step S102). If it is determined that the confirm button 91a has not been operated (step S102: NO), the determination in step S102 is repeated until it is determined that the confirm button 91a has been operated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation of the confirm button 91a has been performed (step S102: YES), the image data file is read from the medium by the media drive 18 (step S103). Then, the read image data file and the web file acquired from the server 70 are combined, and an order screen 92A corresponding to the delivery destination 1 as shown in FIG. 9A is displayed on the display 15 (step S104). ). In the present embodiment, only the image data files for six frames (NO.1 to NO.6) are read from the medium by the media drive 18, and the images for the six frames are displayed on the order screen. And At this time, the orderer inputs the number of prints for each frame image using the keyboard 16 or the mouse 17.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the confirmation button 92a on the order screen 92A has been operated (S105). If it is determined that the confirm button 92a has not been operated (step S105: NO), the determination in step S105 is repeated until it is determined that the confirm button 92a has been operated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation of the confirmation button 92a has been performed (step S105: YES), it is determined whether or not another delivery destination other than the delivery destination 1 is input on the orderer information input screen 91. (S106). If it is determined that there is another delivery destination (step S106: YES), the process returns to step S104, and an order screen corresponding to the other delivery destination is displayed on the display 15. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no other delivery destination (step S106: NO), an order confirmation screen 93 as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display 15 (step S107).

  Here, in the present embodiment, since there are other delivery destinations 2 and 3 in addition to the delivery destination 1, when the confirmation button 92a on the order screen 92A corresponding to the delivery destination 1 is operated, FIG. The order screen 92B corresponding to the delivery destination 2 as shown in FIG. Subsequently, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the confirm button 92b on the order screen 92B has been operated. If it is determined that the confirm button 92b has been operated, the delivery destination 3 as shown in FIG. A corresponding order screen 92C is displayed on the display 15. Subsequently, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the confirmation button 92c on the order screen 92C has been operated. When it is determined that the confirmation button 92c has been operated, an order confirmation screen 93 is displayed on the display 15.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the confirmation button 93a on the order confirmation screen 93 has been operated (step S108). If it is determined that the confirm button 93a has not been operated (step S108: NO), the determination in step S108 is repeated until it is determined that the confirm button 93a has been operated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation of the confirmation button 93a has been performed (step S108: YES), the orderer information input on the orderer information input screen 91 is transmitted to the server 70 (step S109).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not an order list is received from the server 70 (step S110). If it is determined that the list has not been received (step S110: NO), the determination in step S110 is repeated until it is determined that the list has been received. On the other hand, if it is determined that the list has been received (step S110: YES), an order selection screen 94A corresponding to the delivery destination 1 as shown in FIG. 11A is displayed (step S111).

  On the supplier selection screen 94A, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), the names of the three businesses that include the delivery destination 1 in the delivery area, the current date and time, and the business hours and regular holidays of the business operator are displayed. The estimated delivery date and time is displayed. Therefore, the orderer can know the scheduled delivery date and time when requesting delivery from each business operator. In addition, a selection box 95a is displayed on the left side of each business name.

  As described above, since the three business operators of the newspaper dealer, the convenience store, and the liquor store are displayed on the ordering party selection screen 94A of FIG. 11A, the orderer is one of these three business operators. After selecting one business operator as a business operator who requests creation and delivery of photo prints, the confirmation button 93a is operated. Here, the orderer can select one business operator by changing the selection box 95a corresponding to the business operator who wishes to create and deliver a photo print to a state of being blacked out. FIG. 11A shows a state where the C box is selected by changing the selection box 95a corresponding to the C box to a state where the box is blacked out. When only one business operator is displayed, the orderer requests the displayed business operator to print.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the confirmation button 94a on the order selection screen 94A has been operated (step S112). If it is determined that the confirm button 94a has not been operated (step S112: NO), the determination in step S112 is repeated until it is determined that the confirm button 94a has been operated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation of the confirm button 94a has been performed (step S112: YES), it is determined whether or not another delivery destination other than the delivery destination 1 is input on the orderer information input screen 91. (Step S113). If it is determined that there is another delivery destination (step S113: YES), the process returns to step S111, and an ordering party selection screen corresponding to the other delivery destination is displayed on the display 15. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no other delivery destination (step S112: NO), the selection information of the operator selected on the order destination selection screen 94A is transmitted to the server 70 (step S114).

  In this embodiment, since there are other delivery destinations 2 and 3 in addition to the delivery destination 1, when the confirmation button 94a on the ordering destination selection screen 94A corresponding to the delivery destination 1 is operated, FIG. An ordering party selection screen 94B corresponding to the delivery destination 2 as shown in FIG. In the ordering party selection screen 94B of FIG. 11B, the names of the three business operators including the delivery destination 2 in the delivery area are displayed as in the ordering party selection screen 94A. Here, FIG. 11B shows a state in which the convenience store B is selected by changing the selection box 95b corresponding to the convenience store B to a state of being blacked out. Subsequently, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the confirm button 94b on the order selection screen 94B has been operated. If it is determined that the confirm button 94b has been operated, a delivery destination as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display 15. In the ordering party selection screen 94C in FIG. 11C, names of three business operators including the delivery destination 3 in the delivery area are displayed. Here, FIG. 11C illustrates a state in which the convenience store E is selected by changing the selection box 95c corresponding to the convenience store E to a state of being blacked out. Subsequently, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the confirm button 94c on the ordering party selection screen 94C has been operated. When it is determined that the confirm button 94c has been operated, the selection information of the business operator is transmitted to the server 70.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the sales information of the business operator of the ordering party has been received (step S115). If it is determined that the sales information has not been received (step S115: NO), the determination in step S115 is repeated until it is determined that the sales information has been received. On the other hand, if it is determined that the sales information has been received (step S115: YES), a product selection screen 96 as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed (step S116).

  At this time, the orderer can select a product desired to be delivered together with the photo print from the products displayed on the product selection screen 96. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the confirmation button 96a on the product selection screen 96 has been operated (step S117). If it is determined that the confirm button 96a has not been operated (step S117: NO), the determination in step S117 is repeated until it is determined that the confirm button 96a has been operated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation of the confirm button 96a has been performed (step S117: YES), the server 70 receives the image data file and ordering information such as purchase information of the product sold by the business operator of the ordering party. (Step S118).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 13, which is a flowchart showing the exchange of the server 70 with the personal computer 10, a procedure for placing a photo print order in the server 70 will be described.

  First, in response to access from the personal computer 10, the web file stored in the web file storage unit 71 is transmitted to the personal computer 10. Then, it is determined whether or not the orderer information transmitted from the personal computer 10 has been received (step S201). If it is determined that the orderer information has not been received (step S201: NO), the determination in step S201 is repeated until it is determined that the orderer information has been received. On the other hand, if it is determined that the orderer information has been received (step S201: YES), the ordering party extraction unit 76 extracts the ordering company and generates an ordering party list (step S202). Then, the ordering party list generated in step S202 is transmitted to the personal computer 10 (step S203).

  Further, it is determined whether or not the selection information of the business selected by the orderer transmitted from the personal computer 10 has been received (step S204). If it is determined that the selection information has not been received (step S204: NO), the determination in step S204 is repeated until it is determined that the selection information has been received. On the other hand, if it is determined that the selection information has been received (step S204: YES), the sales information of the business selected by the orderer is transmitted to the personal computer 10 (step S205).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the order information transmitted from the personal computer 10 has been received (step S206). If it is determined that the order information has not been received (step S206: NO), the determination in step S206 is repeated until it is determined that the order information has been received. On the other hand, if it is determined that the order information has been received (step S206: YES), the received order information is stored in the order information storage unit 73 (step S207).

  Next, a procedure for acquiring a correction value in the server 70 will be described with reference to FIG. 14 which is a flowchart showing the exchange of the server 70 with the image processing apparatus 30.

  First, it is determined whether or not the thumbnail image data file is included in the information related to the image stored in the order information storage unit 73 (step S301). If a thumbnail image data file is included (step S301: YES), the processing in step S302 described later is omitted, and the process proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, if the thumbnail image data file is not included, the thumbnail generation unit 74 generates a thumbnail image data file related to the image data file stored in the order information storage unit 73 (step S302). The thumbnail image data file generated at this time is written into a file stored in the thumbnail image folder 6. Further, an order signal is generated by the order signal generation unit 77 (step S303) and transmitted to the image processing apparatus 30 via the Internet 3 (step S304).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a correction value (calculated in S405 described later) has been received from the image processing apparatus 30 (step S305). If it is determined that the correction value has not been received (step S305: NO), the determination in step S305 is repeated until it is determined that the correction value has been received. On the other hand, if it is determined that the correction value has been received (step S305: YES), the correction value writing unit 75 writes the received correction value into a file stored in the correction value folder 8 (step S306). ).

  Here, a procedure for calculating a correction value will be described with reference to FIG. 15 which is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the image processing apparatus 30.

  First, it is determined whether or not an order signal transmitted from the server 70 has been received (step S401). If it is determined that the order signal has not been received (step S401: NO), the determination in step S401 is repeated until it is determined that the order signal has been received. On the other hand, if it is determined that the order signal has been received (step S401: YES), the server 70 is accessed to download the thumbnail image data file stored in the order information storage unit 73 (step S402). Then, the thumbnail image related to the thumbnail image data file acquired in step S402 is displayed on the display 35 (step S403).

  At this time, the image processor who observes the thumbnail image displayed on the display 35 can perform an operation input to the image processing apparatus 30 using the keyboard 36 or the mouse 37. Therefore, it is determined whether or not an operation input has been performed by the image processor (step S404). If it is determined that no operation input has been performed (step S404: NO), the determination in step S404 is repeated until it is determined that an operation input has been performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that an operation input has been made (step S404: YES), the correction value calculation unit 31 calculates an appropriate correction value for the thumbnail image displayed on the display 35 (step S405). . Thereafter, the correction value calculated in step S405 is transmitted to the server 70 (step S406).

  Next, a procedure for ordering a photo print from the business operator in the server 70 will be described with reference to FIG. 16 which is a flowchart showing the exchange of the server 70 with the business operator terminal 50.

  First, in step S305 of the procedure for acquiring the correction value in the server 70 described above, the correction value transmitted from the image processing device 30 is written in the file in the correction value folder 8, and then the order preparation completion signal generation unit. In 78, an order preparation completion signal is generated (step S501). Thereafter, the order preparation completion signal generated in step S501 is transmitted via the Internet 3 to the business operator terminal 50 of the business operator from whom the orderer requests printing (step S502).

  Further, a procedure for creating a photo print will be described with reference to FIG. 17 which is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the business operator terminal 50.

  First, in the personal computer 60, it is determined whether or not the order preparation completion signal transmitted from the server 70 has been received (step S601). If it is determined that no signal has been received (step S601: NO), the determination in step S601 is repeated until it is determined that a signal has been received. On the other hand, if it is determined that a signal has been received (step S601: YES), the server 70 is accessed to obtain the ordering information stored in the ordering information storage unit 73 (step S602). After that, the order information downloaded in step S602 is stored in the order information storage unit 61 (step S603).

  Subsequently, the search unit 64 searches the orderer from the database stored in the customer information storage unit 63 (step S604). Further, an order status notification screen 95 as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on the display 65 (step S605). As shown in FIG. 18, the order status notification screen 95 displays orderer information, the number of printed sheets, product purchase information, and the like stored in the order information storage unit 61. In step S604, when the orderer is detected from the database, for example, the customer number assigned in the database is displayed on the order status notification screen 95 (in FIG. 18, in the orderer name). ) To indicate that the orderer is a customer. If no orderer is detected as a result of the search in step S604, the orderer information received from the server 70 is registered in the database as a customer of the print order.

  Thereafter, the correction unit 62 performs image data file correction processing based on the correction values stored in the order information storage unit 61 (step S606). Then, the corrected image data file and information such as the number of prints of the image data file are transmitted to the printer 51, and a photo print is created in the printer 51 (step S607).

  The photo print created in the above-described procedure is delivered to the delivery address along with the purchased product by the business operator who created the photo print. When the orderer is a customer who has a regular delivery contract with the business operator, the photo print is delivered together with the contracted product.

  As described above, in the photo print system 1 according to the present embodiment, the orderer includes the delivery address of his / her own in the delivery area, and creates and delivers photo prints to businesses that are in close contact with the area. You will be able to order photographic prints with confidence. In addition, when a plurality of business operators are extracted in the server, the orderer can select a business operator who requests creation and delivery of a photo print from a plurality of business operators, so it is intimate. Business operators and reliable business operators can be freely selected. In addition, when the orderer orders a photo print for sending to a friend based on the same image data, and requests the delivery of the photo print to a friend's house, the orderer and the friend Can be placed together.

  The photo print system 1 of the present embodiment further includes an image processing apparatus 30 that can communicate with the server 70 via the Internet 3 and is operated by an image processor. In the image processing device 30, when the thumbnail image data file of the image data file is received from the server 70, the correction value calculation unit 31 is operated by an image processor who observes the image related to the thumbnail image data file on the display 35. An appropriate correction value related to the thumbnail image data file is calculated in accordance with an operation input to the image processing apparatus 30. Further, the image processing apparatus 30 transmits the calculated correction value to the server 70. Therefore, since an image processor having knowledge about a photograph performs an operation input to the image processing apparatus 30, a suitable correction value can be calculated. Then, by creating a photo print based on the image data file that has been corrected using the correction value calculated by the image processing device 30, even a business operator who does not have knowledge about the photo can obtain high-quality photos. A print can be provided. In addition, since the thumbnail image data file having a smaller data amount than the image data file is transmitted and received between the server 70 and the image processing apparatus 30, a large amount of images can be transmitted and received in a short time.

  Furthermore, in the photo print system 1 of the present embodiment, the business entity terminal 50 includes a correction unit 62 that corrects the image data file based on the correction value of the image data file received from the server 70. Therefore, a photo print can be created based on the image data file corrected by the correction unit 62. Further, since it is not necessary to correct a large amount of image data files in the server 70, the burden on the server 70 is reduced.

  In addition, in the photo print system 1 of the present embodiment, a business operator who creates and delivers a photo print is a business operator who may conclude a regular delivery contract for goods with a consumer. When a photo print orderer requests a business with a regular delivery contract to create a photo print, the photo print can be delivered following the regular delivery specified in the contract. There is no need to adjust the date and time of print delivery. Accordingly, it is possible to easily request delivery of a photographic print.

  Further, in the photo print system 1 of the present embodiment, when the server 70 places an order for photo prints, the orderer's personal computer 10 receives the sales information of the products sold by the business operator who creates and delivers the ordered photo prints. Send to. Then, the purchase information from the personal computer 10 is received, and the purchase information is transmitted to the business operator terminal 50. Therefore, the business opportunity of the original business can be increased by the trader having the delivery system working on the photo print business. Further, the photograph print orderer can select a business operator who handles the desired product, and can place an order for the desired product following the order for the photo print.

  Further, in the photo print system 1 of the present embodiment, the business entity terminal 50 has a printer that creates a photo print based on the image data file. Therefore, a photo print can be created based on the image data file received from the server 70.

  Next, a photo print system 101 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a photographic print system according to the second embodiment.

  A photographic print system 101 shown in FIG. 19 includes a general-purpose personal computer 160 and a printer 151 that are connected to each other and capable of transmitting and receiving data. The personal computer 160 stores hardware such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and hard disk, and various software including a program for causing the personal computer 160 to function is stored in the hard disk. By combining these hardware and software, an order information storage unit 161, a company information storage unit 162, a customer information storage unit 163, a search unit 164, and an order destination extraction unit 165, which will be described later, are configured. As shown in FIG. 19, the personal computer 160 includes a display 115 for displaying various information, a keyboard 116 and a mouse 117 for inputting instructions to the personal computer 160, a CD-ROM, an FD, an MO, and the like. A media drive 118 for reading image data files recorded on various media is connected.

  The order information storage unit 161 stores the order information input to the personal computer 160, that is, the orderer information, the image data file, the selection information of the selected business operator, and the business operator from whom the orderer requests delivery of photo prints. The purchase information and the like of the products sold by is stored.

  The business operator information storage unit 162 stores information on businesses of a plurality of industries registered in the photo print system 101 as businesses that deliver photo prints. Specifically, in addition to basic information such as company name, business type, address, telephone number, business hours, regular holidays, etc., it also relates to delivery area, fee, sales information of products being sold, and scheduled delivery date and time. Information is stored. It should be noted that the operator can be registered / deleted by rewriting the stored contents of the operator information storage unit 162.

  The search unit 164 searches for an orderer from a database of names and addresses of business customers stored in the customer information storage unit 163.

  The ordering party extraction unit 165 extracts a business whose delivery area is a delivery address stored in the ordering information storage unit 161 from a plurality of businesses registered in the photo print system 101, and receives an ordering list. Is generated.

  The photo print system 101 according to the present embodiment is installed in a print store, and a printer orderer who visits the print store inputs order information, that is, order information, an image data file, and the like to the personal computer 160 which is a reception terminal. To do. Then, the personal computer 160 stores the orderer information input by the orderer in the order information storage unit 161. In the print store, a suitable correction process is performed on the image data file stored in the order information storage unit 161 by an operator who is an expert on photography, and then the print process in the printer 151 is performed. Thereafter, the photographic print is delivered to an ordering party selected for each delivery destination, and delivered to a plurality of delivery destinations desired by the orderer to deliver the photographic print.

  As described above, in the photo print system 101 of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the image data file is read by the media drive 118 and the orderer information input displayed on the display 115 by the orderer. Order information is input to the screen, the order screen, the order confirmation screen, the supplier selection screen, and the product selection screen. Note that the procedure for placing an order for a photo print in the photo print system 101 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the display 115 of the personal computer 160 desires delivery from a plurality of businesses extracted based on each delivery destination on the ordering destination selection screen corresponding to all delivery destinations. A waiting state in which selection of the operator is instructed is displayed.

  As described above, in the photo print system 101 of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the orderer includes its own delivery address in the delivery area and is in close contact with the area. Since the business operator is requested to deliver the photo print, the photo print can be ordered with peace of mind. Further, when a plurality of business operators are extracted for the delivery address of the customer, the orderer can select a business operator who requests creation and delivery of a photo print from the plurality of business operators. Therefore, you can freely choose the company that you are talking to and the company that you can trust. In addition, the orderer places an order for a photo print for delivery to a delivery address other than his own delivery address (another delivery address) based on the same image data, and another delivery address for the photo print. When requesting delivery to an address, it is possible to collectively place an order for the orderer itself and an order for a person other than the orderer.

  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. It is. For example, in the above-described embodiment, by specifying the number of prints of an image desired to be printed on the order screen, the image desired to be printed and the number of prints are specified. Instead of specifying the number of prints, only the image desired to be printed may be specified. In this case, it is preferable that the number of images to be printed is set in advance.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the server 70 includes the thumbnail generation unit 74 that generates the thumbnail image data file of the image data file received from the orderer's personal computer 10 has been described. Is not necessary.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the image processing company observes the image displayed on the display 35 based on the thumbnail image data file transmitted to the image processing apparatus 30, and uses the keyboard 36 or the mouse 37. Although the case where the correction value calculation unit 31 calculates an appropriate correction value related to the thumbnail image data file according to the operation input has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, you may have a function which calculates a correction value automatically, without depending on the operation input by an image processor. Further, the correction value calculation function may be included in the server 70 or the operator terminal 50.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the business entity terminal 50 includes the correction unit 62 that corrects the image data file based on the correction value of the image data file received from the server 70 has been described. It is not limited to. For example, the server 70 may include a correction unit.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the business operator who creates and delivers the photo print is a business operator who concludes a regular delivery contract for the product with the consumer. It may be a business that does not connect with consumers.

  In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which the information related to the scheduled delivery date and time of the photo print is included in the business operator information, but the information related to the scheduled delivery date and time may not be included.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the server 70 transmits, to the orderer's personal computer 10, the sales information of the products sold by the business operator who creates and delivers the ordered photo prints when ordering the photo prints. In addition, although the case where the purchase information from the personal computer 10 is received and the purchase information is transmitted to the business operator terminal 50 has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto. Exchange of sales information between the server 70 and the orderer's personal computer 10 and exchange of purchase information between the server 70 and the operator terminal may not be performed.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the orderer's personal computer 10, the image processing device 30, and the operator terminal 50 can communicate with the server 70 via the Internet 3 has been described. Not limited. The personal computer 10, the image processing apparatus 30, and the business entity terminal 50 may communicate with the server 70 not via the Internet 3 but via another communication network. Moreover, you may make it communicate with the server 70 via two or more communication networks.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the image processing apparatus 30 is connected to the Internet 3 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image processor terminal is constituted by a personal computer connected to the Internet 3 and an image processing device 30 connected to the personal computer, and the image processing device 30 stores thumbnail image data files from the server 70 via the personal computer. Acquisition or transmission of correction values to the server 70 may be performed. Further, for example, an image processor terminal may be configured by a personal computer connected to the Internet 3 and an image processing apparatus 30 not connected to the personal computer. In this case, the thumbnail image data file acquired by the personal computer is recorded on the medium, and the image processing apparatus 30 reads the thumbnail image data file from the medium and calculates a correction value. Then, the calculated correction value is recorded on a medium, and the personal computer reads the correction value from the medium and transmits it to the server 70.

  In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the business entity terminal 50 is configured by the personal computer 60 connected to the Internet 3 and the printer 51 connected to the personal computer 60 has been described. I can't. For example, the printer 51 is not connected to the personal computer 60, and the personal computer 60 acquires an image data file, a correction value, and the like from the server 70, and an image data file that has been subjected to correction processing based on the acquired correction value is used as a medium. It is also possible that the printer 51 reads the corrected image data file from the medium and performs the printing process.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a photographic print system 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 image processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the provider terminal shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the server shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the folder in which the multiple types of file contained in the information regarding the image memorize | stored in the order information storage part shown in FIG. 5 is stored. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the personal computer shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the orderer information input screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the order screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the order confirmation screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the supplier selection screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the goods selection screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows exchanges with the personal computer of the server shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows exchanges with the image processing apparatus of the server shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows exchanges with the provider terminal of the server shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the provider terminal shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the order status alerting | reporting screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the photograph printing system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1,101 Photo printing system 3 Internet (communication network)
10, 160 PC (orderer terminal)
15, 115 Display 30 Image processing device (processor terminal)
35 Display 50 Service provider terminal 51, 151 Printer 62 Correction unit (correction means)
70 servers

Claims (5)

Multiple business owners who have multiple orderer terminals operated by multiple photo print orderers and a predetermined delivery area, and are installed in the offices of multiple businesses that create and deliver photo prints. A terminal can communicate with a server via a communication network, and the orderer terminal transmits an image data file desired to be printed to the server according to an operation input to the orderer terminal by a photograph print orderer. A photo print system,
The orderer terminal sends a plurality of delivery address information to the server in accordance with an operation input to the orderer terminal of the photo print orderer,
The server includes business information related to a plurality of businesses that includes addresses in the delivery area that are extracted from the plurality of business operators and that are associated with each of a plurality of delivery address information received from the orderer terminal. Send to the orderer terminal for each of a plurality of delivery address information,
When a plurality of business operators are extracted with respect to one delivery address information included in a plurality of delivery address information in the server, the orderer terminal is operated according to an operation input to the orderer terminal by a photo print orderer. , Sending the selection information of the business selected by the photo print orderer from the plurality of businesses to the server for each of a plurality of delivery address information,
Regarding the delivery address information from which one operator is extracted in the server, the operator terminal of the extracted operator is related to the delivery address information from which a plurality of operators are extracted in the server. The photograph printing system, wherein the business terminal selected by the selection information corresponding to delivery address information receives the image data file and delivery address information from the server.   The orderer terminal delivers a plurality of image designation information relating to one or more image data files designated from among the image data files desired to be printed in accordance with an operation input to the orderer terminal by a photo print orderer. The photographic print system according to claim 1, wherein each destination address information is transmitted to the server.   3. The photo print system according to claim 2, wherein the image designation information includes information related to the number of prints of images related to one or more image data files. It further includes a processor terminal that can communicate with the server via a communication network and is operated by an image processor.
The processor terminal includes an image processing device that calculates a correction value of the image data file, and a display that is connected to the display and displays an image related to the image data file being processed.
When the processor terminal receives a thumbnail image data file of the image data file from the server, the image processor according to an operation input to the image processor by the image processor observing the image related to the thumbnail image data file on the display 4. The photo print according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus calculates an appropriate correction value related to the thumbnail image data file, and the processor terminal transmits the calculated correction value to the server. system. An input means for the photograph print orderer to input information on a plurality of delivery addresses to which the photograph print is desired to be delivered;
Storage means for storing a plurality of business operators each having a predetermined delivery area and delivering photo prints;
Among a plurality of business operators stored in the storage means, a plurality of business destinations including a plurality of business operators that include addresses corresponding to each of a plurality of delivery address information input by the input means in a delivery area. An extraction means for extracting information,
Display means for displaying a waiting state in which selection of a business operator who desires delivery from the plurality of business operators is instructed when a plurality of business operators are extracted with respect to one delivery address information;
A photo print delivery company is determined by determining a business operator who desires delivery from among business operators displayed on the display means in all of a plurality of delivery address information desired to be delivered. Photo print system.

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