JP2007249271A - Print service system, photograph providing server, method for controlling photograph providing server and control program for photograph providing server - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print service system for easily reprinting a photographic image acquired by a photographic sticker preparation device. <P>SOLUTION: This print service system is configured of a photographic sticker preparation part 300, a photograph providing server 400 equipped with an image storage part 404; an output server 500 and an output terminal 600. The photographic sticker preparation device 300 transmits a photographic image obtained by photographing through the Internet and ID corresponding to this to the photograph providing server 400. When the user of a system makes a print request to the photograph providing server 400 by a user terminal 200a, the photograph providing server 400 transmits the print number to a user terminal 200a. The user inputs the print number and a personal identification number from a touch panel display 641 of the output terminal 600. Thus, the image data are printed on a photographic paper or the sticker seat or the like, and provided to the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print service system, a photo providing server, a photo providing server control method, and a photo providing server control program, and more particularly to a print service system and a photo providing server for printing an image obtained by a photo sticker creating apparatus. The present invention relates to a photo providing server control method and a photo providing server control program.

  In amusement facilities such as game centers, there are many photo sticker creation devices called photo booth (registered trademark) that take a picture of a user and print the image on a sticker sheet. Such photo sticker creation devices are generally more satisfying for users because they can shoot subjects more beautifully than shooting with a digital camera or camera-equipped mobile phone, due to the arrangement of lighting, light intensity, and image processing. A high-quality photographic image can be provided.

  A user of a photo sticker creating apparatus often uses a photo sticker as a communication tool, such as handing out a photo sticker to another person or exchanging it with each other. For this reason, since a large number of photo stickers are necessary, there has been a desire to obtain as many as possible.

  In view of the above-described demand, Patent Document 1 below discloses an image printing apparatus capable of printing a necessary number of stickers having a size desired by a user.

  Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a photo sticker automatic sales method in which the number of sheets of photo sticker sheets is determined in accordance with the amount of money received and a printing process is executed.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a photo sticker dispensing apparatus provided with a duplicating unit that prints and prints print data on a duplication sticker mount.

  Conventionally, as a method of printing a photographic image taken with a digital camera or a mobile phone with a camera, a method of visiting a DPE store to print a photographic image, or transferring a photographic image to a printing system via a network, There is a service usage method that allows you to print.

Patent Documents 4 and 5 disclose a print service providing method and a print ordering system that perform print processing through the network as described above.
JP 2003-72165 A Patent Registration No. 3663417 JP 2005-173010 A JP 2003-169162 A JP 2004-265409 A

  In the photo sticker creating apparatuses disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 above, a plurality of photo stickers can be obtained, but the problem is that it is not possible to print many times when a photograph image of interest is desired. was there.

  Also, since the photo sticker creating apparatus is often used by a plurality of people, it is not enough for one person to print a photographic image, and there is a demand for a plurality of users to print a photographic image at their own free time. is there. Furthermore, since the photo stickers are often exchanged as described above, there is a demand for easy distribution to the user's friends.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and a print service system, a photo providing server, a photo providing server control method, and a photo providing server capable of easily reprinting a photo image acquired by a photo sticker creating apparatus, and The object is to provide a control program for a photo providing server.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a photo sticker creating apparatus that takes a photograph of a user and provides the image as a photo sticker, an image obtained by the photo sticker creating apparatus, and an image storage In a print service system comprising a photo providing server stored in a print unit and an output terminal for printing out an image stored in the photo providing server, the photo providing server outputs an image stored in the image storage unit from a user terminal. Receiving means for accepting a request for printing at the terminal, and sending means for sending to the user terminal a print number necessary for printing at the output terminal in response to acceptance at the accepting means. Accepting the print number and receiving the print number at the accepting means prints the image corresponding to the print number. That and a print means.

  Preferably, the photograph providing server further includes a generating unit that generates image data including an image stored in the image storage unit based on a request from the user terminal, and receives and stores the image data from the photograph providing server. An output server is further provided, and the output terminal prints out the image data stored in the output server.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the photo providing server associates an image obtained by photographing with the photo sticker creating apparatus and an ID for specifying the image with the received image and associates the received image with the ID. In response to the acceptance by the first accepting means, the first accepting means for accepting a request for printing the image stored in the image memory from the user terminal at the output terminal, Transmitting means for transmitting to the user terminal a print number necessary for printing at the output terminal; second receiving means for receiving information for identifying another user terminal that transmits the print number from the user terminal; Notification means for notifying the print number to the other user terminal received by the second reception means.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the photo providing server receives an image obtained by photographing with the photo sticker creating apparatus and an ID for specifying the image, and the received image as the ID. An image storage unit that stores the data in association with each other, a reception unit that receives a request for printing an image stored in the image storage unit from the user terminal on the output terminal, and a print on the output terminal in response to the reception on the reception unit Transmitting means for transmitting to the user terminal a print number necessary for performing the recording, and the image storage unit stores the member image and the non-member image in a distinguishable manner.

  Preferably, the image storage unit includes a first storage area for storing a member's image and a second storage area for storing a non-member's image. The member stores an image captured by the member in the past in the first storage area. The output terminal is selected from images stored in the first storage area for printing on the output terminal when the print request received by the receiving means is a request from a member. If the print request received by the receiving means is a request from a non-member, the image selected from the images stored in the second storage area for printing at the output terminal is printed.

  Preferably, the output terminal prints an image selected from images stored in the first storage area or the second storage area according to the user's layout.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a photo providing server includes a receiving step of receiving an image obtained by photographing with a photo sticker creating apparatus and an ID for specifying the image, and a received image An image storing step for storing in association with the ID, a first receiving step for receiving a request for printing an image stored in the image storing step from the user terminal at the output terminal, and an acceptance in the first receiving step In response, a transmission step of transmitting to the user terminal a print number necessary for printing at the output terminal, and a second step of receiving information for specifying another user terminal to transmit the print number from the user terminal A reception step, and a notification step of notifying the other user terminal received in the second reception step of the print number.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a method of controlling a photo providing server includes a receiving step of receiving an image obtained by photographing with a photo sticker creating apparatus and an ID for specifying the image, and the received image Is stored in association with the ID, a reception step for receiving a request for printing the image stored in the image storage step from the user terminal at the output terminal, and an output in response to the reception at the reception step A transmission step of transmitting to the user terminal a print number necessary for printing at the terminal, and the image storage step stores the member image and the non-member image in a distinguishable manner.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a control program for a photo providing server receives an image obtained by photographing with a photo sticker creating apparatus and an ID for specifying the image, and receives the received image. An image storing step for storing in association with the ID, a first receiving step for receiving a request for printing an image stored in the image storing step from the user terminal at the output terminal, and an acceptance in the first receiving step In response, a transmission step of transmitting to the user terminal a print number necessary for printing at the output terminal, and a second step of receiving information for specifying another user terminal to transmit the print number from the user terminal The receiving step and the notifying step of notifying the other user terminal received in the second receiving step of the print number are compiled. To be executed by the over data.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a control program for a photo providing server receives an image obtained by photographing with a photo sticker creating apparatus and an ID for specifying the image, and the received image Is stored in association with the ID, a reception step for receiving a request for printing the image stored in the image storage step from the user terminal at the output terminal, and an output in response to the reception at the reception step The computer executes a transmission step of transmitting to the user terminal a print number necessary for printing at the terminal, and the image storage step stores the member image and the non-member image in a distinguishable manner.

  According to these inventions, there are provided a print service system, a photo providing server, a photo providing server control method, and a photo providing server control program capable of easily reprinting a photo image acquired by a photo sticker creating apparatus. Is possible.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a print service system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to the figure, the print service system includes a photo sticker creating apparatus 300 including a coin control unit 112, a photo providing server 400 including an image storage unit 404, an output server 500, a coin control unit 612, and a touch panel display. And an output terminal 600 providing 641.

  The user inserts a coin into the coin control unit 112 so that the photograph sticker creating apparatus 300 takes a photograph. The photograph taken is output as a sticker sheet. The photo sticker creating apparatus 300 transmits a photo image obtained by photographing via the Internet and an ID corresponding to the photo image to the photo providing server 400. The photograph providing server 400 stores a photograph image and a corresponding ID in the image storage unit 404.

  Alternatively, the user transmits a photograph image obtained by photographing a user terminal (mobile phone, personal computer, etc.) 200a possessed by a camera or digital camera attached to the mobile phone to the photo providing server 400 via the Internet. You can also The photograph providing server 400 stores a photograph image and a corresponding ID in the image storage unit 404. For example, if you want to print a photographic image stored in a mobile phone, you can send it to a photo providing server 400 by attaching the photographic image to an e-mail and sending it to a predetermined address, or save it in a personal computer When it is desired to print a photograph image that has been displayed, it can be transmitted to the photograph providing server 400 on a predetermined image upload page.

  Photo images obtained from the photo sticker creating apparatus 300 and the user terminal 200a are stored in the member storage area of the image storage unit 404 when registered as a member, and may be printed on one print medium together. it can.

  When a user of the system makes a print request to the photo providing server 400 using the user terminal (such as a mobile phone) 200a, the photo providing server 400 transmits the image data of the print image and the personal identification number to the output server 500. In response to this, the output server 500 generates a print number, associates the print number with the image data, stores it in a storage unit (not shown) of the output server, and transmits the print number to the photograph providing server 400. The photograph providing server 400 transmits the received print number and password to the user terminal 200a.

  By installing the photo providing server 400 and the output server 500 as described above, the load on the server can be distributed. Further, since only the image data is stored in the output server 500, the data download at the time of printing at the convenience store is quick, so there is no stress on the user. Furthermore, since it is only necessary to change the function of the photo providing server 400 when another service is added or extended, various services can be easily provided. Of course, the function of the photo providing server 400 and the function of the output server 500 may be provided and executed by a single server.

  In addition, according to an instruction from the user terminal 200a, a print number (and a personal identification number if necessary) can be transmitted to the user terminals 200b to 200d of other users via the photo providing server 400.

  The users of the user terminals 200a to 200d go to the place where the output terminal 600 is installed. The user inserts necessary coins into the coin control unit 612 and inputs a print number and a password from the touch panel display 641. As a result, the print number and the password are transmitted from the output terminal 600 to the output server 500. The output server 500 transmits the corresponding image data to the output terminal 600. The output terminal 600 prints the image data on a printing medium such as photographic paper or a sticker sheet and provides it to the user.

  The photo sticker created by the photo sticker creating apparatus is used for communication such as exchange between users. In many cases, the photo sticker to be replaced in this way is cut and replaced by the photo sticker created by the photo sticker creating apparatus. In such a case, the number of the photo stickers is limited. With the above-described configuration, the user can provide the photographic image created by the photo sticker creating apparatus to other users such as friends only by transmitting the print number. Also, other users who have been provided with photographic images can easily obtain and print photographic images of friends even if they are far away from home or have no opportunity to meet directly.

  The output terminal 600 can be installed in a convenience store, a store, a street, or the like. Here, it is assumed that there are a plurality of output terminals in Japan and overseas.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the photo sticker creating apparatus 300 of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 2, a photo sticker creating apparatus 300 includes a computer device 101 that executes processing of the photo sticker creating device 300, and a control board that receives instructions from the computer device 101 and controls various devices connected thereto. 102. In the present embodiment, the computer apparatus 101 performs all the processing by one unit, but a plurality of computer apparatuses may be provided to perform distributed processing. These function as control means of the photo sticker creating apparatus 300.

The computer apparatus 101 receives a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103, a program for causing the apparatus to execute a predetermined process, standby content, graphic data necessary for the process, audio data, photographed photograph image, and the like. A hard disk drive (HDD) 104 which is a storage means for storing the edited image, and a memory 105 which is a temporary work area for the program.

The computer apparatus 101 also has a PHS (Personal Handy-phone) that serves as the communication unit 120.
System (registered trademark) unit is provided with an input / output interface (not shown) for mounting.

  In the present embodiment, the computer apparatus 101 is connected to the communication unit 120 in order to communicate with the photograph providing server via the network.

  The computer apparatus 101 executes a standby processing program at the standby booth, a shooting processing program at the shooting booth, an editing processing program at the editing booth, a printing processing program at the printing booth, and the like, and controls the operation of the photo sticker creation apparatus 300. To do.

  The computer apparatus 101 includes a camera 2, an operation monitor 20A for the standby booth A, an operation monitor 20B for the standby booth B, an operation monitor 41 for photographing, an operation monitor 51 for editing, a printing guide monitor 61, and a control board 102. And connected to control them.

  The touch panel 21A (not shown) is stacked on the operation monitor 20A for the standby booth A, and the touch panel 21B (not shown) is stacked on the operation monitor 20B for the standby booth B. The touch panels 20 </ b> A and 20 </ b> B detect contact with a user's finger or the like, and transmit an instruction signal corresponding to the contact to the computer apparatus 101. The operation monitors 20A and 20B display options, guidance, content, and the like transmitted from the computer apparatus 101.

  The touch panel 42 (not shown) is stacked on the operation monitor 41 for photographing. The touch panel 42 detects contact of a user's finger or the like, and transmits an instruction signal corresponding to the contact to the computer apparatus 101. The photographing operation monitor 41 displays an image transmitted from the computer apparatus 101, specifically, a photographed image captured by the camera 2, guidance for photographing, options, and the like.

The touch panel 52 (not shown) is stacked on the operation monitor 51 for editing. The touch panel 52 transmits a signal corresponding to an input operation with the touch pen 53 on the touch panel 52 to the computer apparatus 101. Specifically, the touch pen 53 described above is connected to a main body such as an image editing apparatus including an operation monitor 51 for editing, in which the touch panel 52 is stacked from a cable extending in a direction opposite to the tip, and via the cable, A detection signal including a detected pen switch signal indicating ON / OFF of the pen switch and a coordinate signal indicating the position of the tablet display indicated by the tip (detection axis) of the touch pen is transmitted to the computer apparatus 101. The editing operation monitor 51 displays an image transmitted from the computer apparatus 101, specifically, a captured image, an editing image, an editing screen, options, guidance, and the like.

  The printer 60 prints a composite image of the captured image and the edited image on a print medium such as sticker paper. The printer 60 of this embodiment prints an image on a sticker sheet, but the print medium is not limited to sticker paper, and may be another print medium.

  In addition to the computer device 101, the control board 102 includes a strobe control unit 110, a strobe 43, a fluorescent lamp 44, a background curtain unit 71, a first coin control unit 112A, a second coin control unit 112B, a service panel 113, and a standby booth A. The order display lamp 22A, the standby booth B order display lamp 22B, the standby booth A speaker 27A, the standby booth B speaker 27B, the photographing speaker 47, and the editing speaker 57 are connected.

  The strobe control unit 110 is connected to the camera 2 and controls the strobe 43 to emit light according to the shutter timing of the camera 2.

  The background curtain unit 71 is connected to the computer apparatus 101 via the control board 102. Based on the instruction signal from the computer apparatus 101, the background curtain unit 71 controls to wind up or feed out the necessary background curtain.

  The first coin control unit 112A and the second coin control unit 112B (collectively referred to as the coin control unit 112) detect the legitimacy of the coins inserted into the coin insertion slot, and the computer device 101 via the control unit 102. A control signal indicating that a coin has been inserted is transmitted.

  The control unit 102 transmits a control signal to each coin control unit 112 according to the control signal received from the computer apparatus 101. In accordance with the control signal, the coin control unit 112 blocks the coin insertion slot so that coins are not inserted, or discharges coins inserted into the coin insertion slot from the coin ejection slot.

  The service panel 113 performs a coin counter that counts the number of inserted coins, a print counter that counts the number of printed prints, a volume adjustment knob that adjusts the volume of audio output from each booth speaker, and a test mode. A panel having a test button for use, a service button for enabling the apparatus to be used without inserting coins, and the like, used when the installer of the photo sticker creation apparatus performs various settings and maintenance operations . When a control operation such as operation of a service button is performed, service panel 113 transmits a control signal according to the operation to control unit 102.

  Standby booth A order indicator lamp 22A is provided in standby booth A, and standby booth B order indicator lamp 22B is provided in standby booth B. Each of the order indicator lamps 22 receives an instruction signal from the computer apparatus 101 via the control board 102 and is turned on or off.

  The standby booth A speaker 27A is installed in the standby booth A, the standby booth B speaker 27B is installed in the standby booth B, the shooting speaker 47 is installed in the shooting booth, and the editing speaker 57 is installed in the editing booth. Based on an instruction signal given through the substrate 102, guidance on operation methods, BGM, and the like are output corresponding to the processing.

  Although not shown, necessary power is supplied from a power supply control unit to devices that require a power source, such as the computer device 101, the strobe 43, the fluorescent lamp 44, and the like.

  Note that the configurations of the photo providing server 400 and the output server 500 are the same as the configurations of the computer apparatus 101. The output terminal 600 includes a computer device 101, an editing operation monitor 51, a touch pen 53, a control board 102, and a first coin control unit 112A.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the user terminals 200a to 200d in FIG.
Referring to the figure, a user terminal includes a control unit 201 that controls the entire apparatus, a communication unit 203 that is connected to a communication line such as a telephone line or the Internet, a camera 205 that includes a CCD, a color liquid crystal display, and the like. The display unit 207 is configured to include a speaker 209 that outputs audio, a microphone 211 that inputs audio, and an input unit 213 that includes a numeric keypad.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of data stored in the image storage unit 404 of FIG.
Referring to the figure, image storage unit 404 has a storage area for members and a storage area for non-members. In the storage area for members, photographic images stored by the members are stored in association with the member numbers. The photographic images stored in the member storage area are photographic images obtained from the photo sticker creating apparatus 300, the user terminal 200, and the like. Note that “PF” indicates a print flag, and a photograph with a PF indicates that printing is to be performed.

  In the non-member storage area, a photograph image taken by the user is stored in association with the ID provided when using the photograph sticker creating apparatus.

5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the operation of the print service system.
Referring to the drawing, in step S101, a process for creating a photographic image is performed by photographic sticker creating apparatus 300. In step S103, the photo sticker creating apparatus 300 transmits a photo image and an ID for specifying the photo image to the photo providing server 400.

  In step S <b> 105, the photograph providing server 400 stores the received photograph image and ID in a predetermined area (here, a non-member storage area) of the image storage unit 404. In step S107, when the user terminal 200a makes a photo image browsing request to the photo providing server 400, in step S109, the corresponding photo image is displayed on the user terminal 200a, and print guidance is performed.

  In step S111, a photo selection screen is displayed on the user terminal 200a, and the user selects a photo image to be printed. In the case of a member, a desired one can be selected from photographic images stored in the past, and in the case of a non-member, a desired one can be selected from photographic images corresponding to the ID. In step S113, a print service selection screen is displayed on the user terminal 200a to allow the user to select a print service to be used. In step S115, the consent form and the receiving method are displayed on the user terminal 200a. In step S117, a paper / size selection screen is displayed on the user terminal 200a to allow the user to select the paper to be used and the size of the photo to be printed.

  In step S119, a division selection screen is displayed on the user terminal 200a to allow the user to select what division number / layout to print. In step S121, a transmission destination mail address setting screen (multiple addresses can be set) is displayed on the user terminal 200a, and the user is prompted to input a mail address for notifying the print number.

  In step S123, a confirmation screen is displayed on the user terminal 200a. In step S125, a password setting screen is displayed on the user terminal 200a, and an input of the password is accepted from the user. Here, a password is set, but a mode in which a password is not set may be used.

  In step S127, the photograph providing server 400 generates print image data based on the above processing. In step S129, the photograph providing server 400 transmits the image data and the password to the output server 500. In step S131, the output server 500 creates a print number, associates the print number with the image data, stores the print number in the storage unit of the output server, and transmits the print number to the photo providing server 400. The print number is transmitted to the user terminal 200a.

  In step S133, processing for displaying a print number on the user terminal 200a is performed. In step S135, the photo providing server 400 transmits the print number and the password to the mail address set in step S121.

  In step S137, any one of the user terminals 200a to 200d inputs a print number and a personal identification number to the output terminal 600, and when a consideration is input in step S139, printing is performed in step S141.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the photo sticker creating apparatus 300.
Referring to the figure, in step S201, a predetermined number of coins are inserted. In step S203, shooting processing is performed. In step S205, graffiti processing (composite image input processing) is performed on the image obtained by shooting. In step S207, print setting processing such as print image selection and print layout selection is performed.

  Printing is started under the conditions set in step S209. During printing, processing for selecting an image to be transmitted is performed in step S211, and processing for inputting a mail address to be transmitted from the user is performed. Based on this, a process of notifying the photograph providing server 400 of the photograph image, ID, and mail address is performed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the output terminal 600.
Referring to the figure, a menu screen is displayed on the monitor in step S301. If “pre-photo print” is selected in step S303, a screen for inputting a print number is displayed in step S305. In step S307, it is determined whether or not the OK button has been pressed. If YES, input of a password is accepted in step S309. In step S311, it is determined whether the OK button has been pressed. If YES, the print number and the password are transmitted to the output server 500 in step S313.

  In step S315, a data receiving screen is displayed, and the process waits until data is received in step S317. In step S319, it is determined whether an error has occurred. If YES, an error screen is displayed in step S335. If NO, a print confirmation screen is displayed in step S321.

  In step S323, it is determined whether the OK button has been pressed. If YES, a coin insertion guidance screen is displayed in step S325. If it is determined in step S327 that a coin has been inserted and a predetermined amount has been inserted in step S329, the process waits until the print start key is pressed in step S331, and when it is pressed, printing is started in step S333.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the browsing request method in step S107 of FIG.
When the user using the photo sticker creating apparatus 300 inputs the e-mail address of the user terminal 200a, an e-mail is transmitted from the photo providing server 400 to the user terminal 200a, and the screen shown in FIG. 9A is displayed on the user terminal 200a. Is displayed. When the “Pre-photograph acquisition” URL is selected, the photo providing server 400 is accessed, and as shown in FIG. 9B, the photo image (“A” selected by the user with the photo sticker creating apparatus 300). Displayed image). A user who has registered as a member can log in, and a user who has not registered as a member can perform printing. Both members and non-members can view photographic images on the screen shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of the browsing request method in step S107 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, an address and an ID for making a browsing request are written on the sticker printed by the photo sticker creating apparatus 300. By sending an e-mail from the user terminal 200a to this address, the e-mail is transmitted from the photo providing server 400 to the user terminal 200a, and the screen shown in FIG. 10B is displayed on the user terminal 200a. When the “Pre-photo acquisition” URL is selected, the photo providing server 400 is accessed, and a screen for performing photo acquisition, login, or member registration is displayed as shown in FIG. . A user who has registered as a member can log in, and a user who has not registered as a member can register or print ("Pre-photograph acquisition").

  When “Pre-photograph acquisition” is selected, as shown in FIG. 10D, a screen for inputting the ID written on the printed sticker is displayed. When the ID is input, a screen shown in FIG. 10E (the same screen as FIG. 9B) is displayed.

  11 and 12 are diagrams showing display examples of the user terminal 200a after the non-member print instruction is given in FIG. 9B or 10E.

As shown in FIG. 11 (A), when a non-member print instruction is given, a photographic image corresponding to the ID is displayed as shown in FIG. 11 (B). Here, it is assumed that four images A to D corresponding to the ID are displayed, the image A is an image selected by the user from a plurality of captured images, and the images B to D are images selected at random. Suppose that The user checks what he / she wants to print from the images displayed on the screen of FIG. 11B, and presses an OK button. If a non-member photo image is deleted after a predetermined period from the date taken by the photo sticker creation device, a screen for selecting a service to be used is displayed as shown in FIG. Here, the user can select a service to be used from “convenience store print service”, “DPE store print service”, “print service over the net”, and the like. Here, it is assumed that “convenience store print service” is selected.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11D, the terms of use and the receiving method are displayed, and a screen for prompting the user's consent is displayed. Thereafter, in FIGS. 11E and 11F, a screen for selecting the paper to be printed, the size, and the layout is displayed, and the user selects a desired one. The photo providing server 400 generates print image data including a photo image to be printed based on the paper, size, and layout selected here.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12A, a screen prompting input of a mail address for transmitting the print number is displayed. This is a process for notifying that a friend can be printed by notifying the friend or the like in the photograph of the print number.

  The print reservation is confirmed on the screen of FIG. 12B, and the password is set on the screen of FIG.

Thereafter, the user is notified of the print number on the screen of FIG.
FIGS. 13 and 14 are diagrams showing display examples of the user terminal 200a after the member print instruction is given in FIG. 9B or FIG. 10E.

  When a member print instruction is given, a photographic image corresponding to the ID is displayed as shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that four images A to D corresponding to the ID are displayed, the image A is an image selected by the user from a plurality of captured images, and the images B to D are images selected at random. Suppose that In FIG. 13A, only images A and B are displayed, but images C and D are similarly displayed by scrolling.

  In each image, the user can select one of the processes “set to standby size”, “add to album”, “graffiti on photo”, and “print”. When “set to standby size” is selected, the photographic image is displayed in the size for the standby image, and the user can save the photographic image as a standby image in the user terminal 200a. When “Add to Album” is selected, the photo image is stored in the corresponding member area of the member storage area. When “Graffiti on Photo” is selected, a graffiti process for inputting a stamp image, text, or the like can be performed on the photo image. When “print” is selected, the same screen as when a non-member prints is displayed (FIG. 11B to FIG. 12D), and printing is possible by the output terminal 600.

  When “Add to album” is selected in image A in FIG. 13A, a message indicating that a photo has been added to the album is displayed as shown in FIG. 13B. Further, when the user selects “print” at this time, as shown in FIG. 13C, it is possible to view the photos stored in the member area of the member storage area. A member can select and print up to 24 desired photographic images among the stored photographic images. Note that images not saved in the album are deleted after a predetermined period.

  By doing so, it is possible to simultaneously select and print past photographic images stored in an album (member's storage area) or photographic images taken with a camera or digital camera attached to a mobile phone. It has become.

  Note that a PF (print flag) can be set as a favorite image of a photo image selected by the user for printing. In this case, the photographic image covered by the PF may be selected as a print target from the beginning on the photographic image selection screen.

  When a photograph to be printed is selected on the screen of FIG. 13C and printing is instructed, a screen for selecting a service to be used is displayed as shown in FIG. 13D. Here, the user can select a service to be used from “convenience store print service”, “DPE store print service”, “print service over the net”, and the like. Here, it is assumed that “convenience store print service” is selected.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 13E, the terms of use and the receiving method are displayed, and a screen for prompting the user's consent is displayed. Thereafter, in FIGS. 13 (F) and 14 (A), a screen for selecting the paper to be printed, the size, and the layout is displayed, and the user selects a desired one. The photo providing server 400 generates print image data including a photo image to be printed based on the paper, size, and layout selected here.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 14B, a screen prompting the user to select or enter a mail address for sending the print number is displayed. This is a process for notifying that a friend can be printed by notifying the friend or the like in the photograph of the print number. For members, it is possible to register a plurality of addresses in advance in the photo providing server 400 in order to reduce the labor of inputting an e-mail address. In the screen of FIG. Can choose.

  A password is set on the screen shown in FIG. 14C, and a print reservation is confirmed on the screen shown in FIG.

Thereafter, the user is notified of the print number on the screen of FIG.
In the screens of FIGS. 11F and 14A, the layout to be presented may be changed according to the selected paper size.

  In the case of a member, the user can create and print an image of an album in which images are laid out like a notebook or a message card on a screen as shown in FIG. 17 using a personal computer or the like.

  17 to 19 are image creation screens. Each time the switch button in the figure is pressed, a list of photographic images stored in the storage area for members (see FIG. 17) and a list of decorative images such as stickers and stamps (see FIG. 18) are alternately displayed. Is done. The user can drag and drop a photo image or decoration image into the layout area and freely place it in the desired location. If necessary, change the size or rotate it, and enter characters. An image is created as shown in FIG. On the image image creation screen, the user can lay out a plurality of photo images, characters and stamps and collage them like an album or a message card. Such an image can be printed by the print service by pressing the print button and performing a series of print reservation processes.

15 and 16 are diagrams showing display examples of the output terminal 600. FIG.
In the standby state, the output terminal 600 displays a menu screen shown in FIG. When “pre-photo print” is selected from the menu, the screen shifts to a print number input screen as shown in FIG. Here, the user inputs the number received in FIG. 12D or FIG.

  When the input of the print number is completed, the screen shifts to a password input screen as shown in FIG. Here, the user inputs the number set in FIG. 12C or FIG.

  When the input of the password is completed, a screen indicating that data is being received from the output server 500 to the output terminal 600 is displayed as shown in FIG. At this time, data such as advertisements may be displayed.

  When the data reception is completed, as shown in FIG. 16B, the image, contents, and fee of the print image are displayed and confirmed by the user. After confirmation, the screen shifts to a coin insertion screen as shown in FIG. 16C, and after the coin is inserted, printing is performed by pressing a print start key.

[Effects of the embodiment]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can print a favorite image among the photographic images taken with the photo sticker creation device as many times as he or she wants. There is.

  In addition, the device is configured so that the print ordering method and the printable period differ depending on the member / non-member, and the member can keep a favorite photograph in the BOX so that it can be printed at any time. It has become. Even non-members can print images for a predetermined period. When you become a member, you can always print your favorite photos in combination with past photos, so there is a guiding effect from non-members to members. In addition, by providing a print function to non-members, a photographic image can be printed many times.

Members can also create and print album images.
[Others]
A program for executing the processing of the flowchart in the above-described embodiment can be provided, or the program can be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, or a memory card. You may decide to provide it. The program may be downloaded to the apparatus via a communication line such as the Internet.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a print service system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the photograph sticker production apparatus 300 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the user terminals 200a-200d of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the data preserve | saved at the image memory | storage part 404 of FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the print service system. It is a flowchart following FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the photo sticker creating apparatus 300. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the output terminal 600. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of the browsing request | requirement in FIG.5 S107. It is a figure for demonstrating the other example of the method of the browsing request | requirement in FIG.5 S107. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the user terminal 200a after the instruction | indication of the printing for nonmembers was made in FIG.9 (B) or FIG.10 (E). It is a figure following FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the user terminal 200a after the instruction | indication of the print for a member was made in FIG.9 (B) or FIG.10 (E). It is a figure following FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the output terminal 600. FIG. It is a figure following FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of an image image creation screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of an image image creation screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of an image image creation screen.

Explanation of symbols

  2 camera, 51 editing operation monitor, 101 computer device, 112 coin control unit, 200a to 200d user terminal, 300 photo sticker creation device, 400 photo providing server, 404 image storage unit, 500 output server, 600 output terminal, 612 coin control Part, 641 Touch panel display.

Claims (10)

A photo sticker creation device that takes a picture of a user and provides the image as a photo sticker;
A photo providing server for receiving an image obtained by the photo sticker creating apparatus and storing it in an image storage unit;
A print service system comprising an output terminal for printing out an image stored in the photo providing server,
The photo providing server includes:
Accepting means for accepting a request for printing an image stored in the image storage unit from a user terminal at the output terminal;
Transmitting means for transmitting to the user terminal a print number necessary for printing at the output terminal in response to acceptance by the accepting means;
The output terminal is
A receiving means for receiving a print number;
A print service system comprising: a print unit that prints an image corresponding to the print number when the print unit receives the print number. The photo providing server further includes a generating unit that generates image data including an image stored in the image storage unit based on a request from the user terminal,
An output server for receiving and storing the image data from the photograph providing server;
The print service system according to claim 1, wherein the output terminal prints out image data stored in the output server. Receiving means for receiving an image obtained by photographing with the photo sticker creating apparatus and an ID for identifying the image;
An image storage unit for storing the received image in association with an ID;
First receiving means for receiving a request for printing an image stored in the image storage unit from a user terminal at an output terminal;
Transmitting means for transmitting to the user terminal a print number necessary for printing at the output terminal in response to acceptance by the first accepting means;
Second accepting means for accepting information for identifying the other user terminal that transmits the print number from the user terminal;
A photograph providing server, comprising: a notifying unit that notifies the other user terminal received by the second receiving unit of the print number. Receiving means for receiving an image obtained by photographing with the photo sticker creating apparatus and an ID for identifying the image;
An image storage unit for storing the received image in association with an ID;
Receiving means for receiving a request for printing an image stored in the image storage unit from a user terminal at an output terminal;
In response to acceptance by the accepting means, a transmission means for transmitting to the user terminal a print number necessary for printing at the output terminal;
The image storage unit stores a member image and a non-member image in a distinguishable manner. The image storage unit includes a first storage area for storing an image of the member and a second storage area for storing an image of the non-member, and the member stores an image captured by the member in the past. Can be stored in the storage area
The output terminal prints an image selected from the images stored in the first storage area for printing on the output terminal when the print request received by the receiving means is a request from a member; 5. The image selected from the images stored in the second storage area for printing at the output terminal is printed when the print request accepted by the accepting means is a request from a non-member. The provided photo server.   The photograph providing server according to claim 5, wherein the output terminal prints an image selected from images stored in the first storage area or the second storage area according to a user layout. A receiving step of receiving an image obtained by photographing with the photo sticker creating apparatus and an ID for identifying the image;
An image storing step for storing the received image in association with an ID;
A first accepting step of accepting a request for printing the image stored in the image storing step from the user terminal at the output terminal;
A transmission step of transmitting to the user terminal a print number required when printing is performed at the output terminal in response to the acceptance at the first reception step;
A second accepting step of accepting information for identifying another user terminal that transmits the print number from the user terminal;
A photo providing server control method comprising: a notifying step of notifying the other user terminal received in the second accepting step of the print number. A receiving step of receiving an image obtained by photographing with the photo sticker creating apparatus and an ID for identifying the image;
An image storing step for storing the received image in association with an ID;
An accepting step of accepting a request for printing the image stored in the image storing step from the user terminal at the output terminal;
A transmission step of transmitting to the user terminal a print number required when printing is performed at the output terminal in response to the reception at the reception step;
The image storage step stores the member image and the non-member image in a distinguishable manner, and controls the photograph providing server. A receiving step of receiving an image obtained by photographing with the photo sticker creating apparatus and an ID for identifying the image;
An image storing step for storing the received image in association with an ID;
A first accepting step of accepting a request for printing the image stored in the image storing step from the user terminal at the output terminal;
A transmission step of transmitting to the user terminal a print number required when printing is performed at the output terminal in response to the acceptance at the first reception step;
A second accepting step of accepting information for identifying another user terminal that transmits the print number from the user terminal;
A control program for a photo providing server, which causes a computer to execute a notification step of notifying the print number to another user terminal received in the second reception step. A receiving step of receiving an image obtained by photographing with the photo sticker creating apparatus and an ID for identifying the image;
An image storing step for storing the received image in association with an ID;
An accepting step of accepting a request for printing the image stored in the image storing step from the user terminal at the output terminal;
In response to accepting in the accepting step, causing the computer to execute a sending step of sending to the user terminal a print number necessary for printing at the output terminal,
The image storing step stores the member image and the non-member image so as to be distinguishable, and the control program of the photo providing server.

Images