JP2008252556A - Image network system, commodity manufacturing method, and center server - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently allocate order information showing order contents to a processing terminal of an operator in charge when providing an image network system. <P>SOLUTION: User terminals 1, a network center 2 for receiving orders, and a laboratory system 3 are made communicable with each other via a network. An identification number is set by an ID setting part 35 of the network center 2 corresponding to order information transmitted from the user terminals 1 via the network. The order information is easily allocated to a processing terminal of the laboratory system 3 corresponding to the ID number. The processing terminal executes image processing so as to execute commodity output. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image network system for recording an image on various products according to an online order on a communication network, a method for creating a product, and a center server used therefor.

  In recent years, digital cameras have rapidly become popular. Communication networks such as the Internet are also widely used. Since an image photographed by a digital camera is handled as digital image data, it can be transmitted using a communication network, and various services have been proposed using this.

In Patent Document 1, service centers that accept print service orders and mini-labs scattered in each region can communicate with each other via a network, and the center server of the service center transmits the order information transferred from the user via the network. Accordingly, by selecting a print output destination lab and distributing the processing, it is possible to cause the print output to be performed not by the center server but by a desired lab.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-154218

  However, since the lab system responds to orders for various products, there are cases where a plurality of operators each have a processing terminal and process the image data. At that time, the lab system has a problem in that the order is distributed to each processing terminal when the order is received.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an image network system, a product creation method, and a center server capable of automatically sorting and transmitting orders to an appropriate processing terminal. .

    An image network system according to the present invention includes a center server that receives order information including image data and product selection information from a user terminal via a communication network, at least one processing terminal, and a user. In an image network system comprising an output unit that produces products according to orders, an identification number setting unit that sets an identification number for each order information based on a result of analysis of order information by a center server And an order information distribution unit that distributes and transmits at least order information and image data to any of the processing terminals according to the identification number, and the lab system uses the order information transmitted by the center server in the processing terminal. Corresponding image processing is applied to the image data to create corrected image data. It is characterized in that to produce the merchandise in accordance with the order of the user based on the corrected image data through the processing terminal.

  Here, the “order information” means order instruction content including image template selection information and / or character composition type selection information for designating a specific print order service content.

  “Commodity” means products such as photographs, mugs, postcards, calendars, clothing, etc., as well as recording media such as CDs and DVDs that are stored as image data, and can be downloaded and delivered via the Internet. Includes electronic data.

  “Identification number” means data consisting of numbers, characters, etc. for distributing image data and order information to processing terminals.

The product creation method of the present invention includes a center server that receives order information including image data and product selection information from a user terminal by a user via a communication network;
In a product creation method in an image network system, comprising: a lab system comprising at least one processing terminal; and an output unit that creates a product according to a user's order. A step of setting an identification number for each order information based on the analysis result, a step of distributing and transmitting at least order information and image data to any of the processing terminals according to the identification number, and the lab system In the terminal, predetermined image processing corresponding to the order information transmitted by the center server is performed on the image data to generate corrected image data, and in the output unit, the user orders based on the corrected image data via the processing terminal It is characterized by producing a commercial product according to the above.

  The center server of the present invention analyzes order information in a center server that accepts order information including image data and product selection information from a user terminal by a user via a communication network, and orders information based on the analysis result An identification number setting unit that sets an identification number every time, and an order information distribution unit that distributes and transmits at least order information and image data to any of the processing terminals according to the identification number It is characterized by.

  According to the image network system, the material creation method, and the center server of the present invention, the center server that accepts an order for the print service and the lab system can communicate with each other via the network, and the center server transmits from the user via the network. In order to analyze the received order information, set an identification number for each order information according to the analysis result, and distribute and send image data and order information to the processing terminals according to the identification number. When present, there is an effect that the image data and the order information can be automatically transmitted to an appropriate processing terminal.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the identification number indicates a specific processing content, a work operator handling the processing terminal can confirm the identification number, so that the work content is clearly grasped from the identification number. It is possible to improve the work efficiency.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the identification number indicates a specific processing terminal, even if the service contents of digital printing are diverse and the skill differs for each work operator handling the processing terminal, the operator Since the identification number corresponding to each processing terminal is set according to the skill, there is an effect that the operator's work efficiency can be further improved.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a system configuration of an image network system. As shown in FIG. 1, the image network system uses a communication network such as the Internet, receives orders for different products from users, and creates and provides products according to the orders.

  The image network system of the present embodiment includes a network center 2 for receiving an order, a user terminal 1 for which a user requests a print order, a lab system 3 for producing a product according to the user's order, It is comprised.

  In the image network system according to the present embodiment, the user terminal 1, the network center 2, and the laboratory system 3 are connected to each other via a communication network such as the Internet.

  In the image network system of the present invention, the net center 2 and the lab system 3 are connected to each other by a public communication network such as the Internet. The net center 2 and the lab system 3 are a single system or premises. It may be constituted by. The network center 2 may be configured as a part of the laboratory system 3, and the network center 2 and the laboratory system 3 may be connected via a local communication line such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  In the user terminal 1, the cameras 10a to 10c and the personal computers 15a to 15c are connected via a local communication line such as a LAN line, and image data captured by the user with the cameras 10a to 10c is transferred to the personal computers 15a to 15c. .

  In the image network system of the present invention, the user terminal 1 includes a first user terminal personal computer 15a that uses a web browser, a second user terminal personal computer 15b that uses a general-purpose application or website, and There are three types of third user terminal personal computers 15c that use order software that is a dedicated order application.

  The first user terminal personal computer 15a that uses a web browser is connected to an online print order 20 that manages a web screen using a known web browser, and uses the web screen to place print orders and the like. Is what you do.

  The second user terminal personal computer 15b that uses general-purpose software or a website is a print order function that uses a communication network installed in the operating system of the PC, and a print that uses a communication network that an application attached to the digital camera has. Using the order function, the print order function set in the public web on the communication network, etc., the online print order 20 is accessed and the print order is made.

  Further, the third user terminal personal computer 15c using dedicated order software is a calculation processing apparatus in which order software, which is a dedicated application for ordering products at the network center 2, is installed. Then, the online print order 20 is accessed using the web screen and a print order is made.

  One user terminal may correspond to at least one of the first user terminal personal computer 15a, the second user terminal personal computer 15b, and the third user terminal personal computer 15c.

  The personal computers 15 a to 15 c transmit image data and order information using a web screen which is an online print order 20 of the network center 2.

  As an example, the web screen for accessing the online print order 20 of the net center 2 may display content linked to the net center 2 on a home page or the like, or without using the home page or the like. A dedicated web screen may be provided only for accessing the online print order 20 of the net center 2.

  The database 25 is connected to the online print order 20. The database 25 includes, for example, a user information database 30, an image management unit 31, a basic information processing unit 32, a product selection unit 33, an order processing unit 34, an identification number setting unit 35 (hereinafter referred to as an ID setting unit), An identification number determination unit 40 (hereinafter referred to as an ID determination unit 40) and an order information distribution unit 45 are included.

  The image management 31 manages image data transmitted by the user via the online print order 20. The image management 31 manages image information including the image code specifying the transmitted image data, file format type, storage file size, storage file name, creation date, and the like.

  The basic information management 32 includes information such as the user's name (or company name), address, email address, and past order history. In addition, it has functions for user registration and authentication of the online print order 20, and when the user accesses the online print order 20, the member can be authenticated. In the basic information management 32, the basic information can be changed or updated as required or necessary.

  The product selection unit 33 provides a management function for products handled by the lab system 3 and the network center 2 and includes information on products that can be selected when the user places an order. For example, a photograph (the photograph includes a composite of an image template and characters, and a resized photograph), a mug, a postcard, a calendar, clothing, and the like can be given. The present invention is not limited to these merchandise, but is stored in a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a mail distribution service of image data, an image on the network. It may be a data sharing service.

  The order processing unit 34 manages the order information transmitted by the user via the online print order 20. The order information includes information related to a product for recording image data, selection of an image template, and selection of a character composition type. In addition, when ordering various products, the order processing unit 34 also inputs and gives instructions for receiving the product (receiving store) or delivery destination, payment method, etc. Can also be managed.

  The ID setting unit 35 analyzes the order information created by the user, and sets an identification number for each order information based on the analysis result. In the user order information, data selected by the user from various elements (for example, merchandise, image templates, character synthesis, etc.) so as to have some desired settings is recorded as data. . For example, the order information includes postcards for products, three types of image templates (T1: for New Year's cards, T2: for birth reports, T3: for marriage reports), and three types of character composition (M1: character composition 1). It is assumed that the data is recorded for a location, M2: character synthesis 2 locations, and M3: no character synthesis. The ID setting unit 35 analyzes whether or not the commercial material, the image template, and the character composition that are each element are recorded in the order information. Furthermore, the ID setting unit 35 sets an ID number according to each type of each element based on the analysis result. The ID setting unit 35 adds an ID number to the order information.

  The ID determination unit 40 has a database indicating which processing terminal the order for which the ID number is set is processed (image processing or the like), and the order information according to the ID number set by the ID setting unit 35 To which processing terminal of the lab system 3 the image data should be transmitted.

  The order information distribution unit 45 transmits image data and order information (including an identification number) to desired processing terminals 55a to 55d based on the determination result of the ID determination unit 40.

  The lab system 3 includes processing terminals 55a to 55d which are personal computers and output units 60a to 60b which are printers capable of printing on various commercial materials. The processing terminal is not limited to a personal computer, and may be a workstation, a server device, or the like.

  The lab system 3 receives the image data and the order information via the order information sorting unit 45. In the lab system 3, a product according to the user's order is produced and delivered to a delivery destination or a receiving store according to the order information.

  The configuration of the image network service system according to the present invention has been described above. Next, the processing flow from the setting of the ID number of this system to the production of a product will be described.

  In FIG. 2, the ID setting unit 35, the ID determination unit 40, and the order information sorting unit 45 of the network center 2 transmit the order information to the lab system 3, and the product is produced at the output unit 60 of the lab system 3. FIG.

(1) Judgment whether image data and a template are combined with a product (step ST1)
First, the ID setting unit 35 analyzes the product information and the image template information recorded in the order information received by the order processing unit 34, and analyzes whether or not to perform image template synthesis according to the product. Do.

(2) Template selection (step ST2)
The ID setting unit 35 analyzes which image template is recorded to be selected in the order information when image template composition is performed on the product (step ST1; YES).

(3) When the product image template synthesis is not performed (step ST1; NO)
Note that, when the image template is not combined with the product, the ID setting unit 35 determines that the image template and the character are combined as the analysis result, and then sets the ID (step ST4). .

(4) Character synthesis type selection (step ST3)
The ID setting unit 35 analyzes what character composition is selected for the order information received in the online print order 20.

(6) ID setting (step ST4)
The ID setting unit 35 sets an ID number based on the analysis result of the order information described above.

As described above, in the ID setting unit 35, the user's order information is selected from various elements (for example, merchandise, image template, character composition, etc.) so as to have some desired settings. It is recorded as data. For example, the order information includes postcards for products, three types of image templates (T1: for New Year's cards, T2: for birth reports, T3: for marriage reports), and three types of character composition (M1: character composition 1). It is assumed that the data is recorded for a location, M2: character synthesis 2 locations, and M3: no character synthesis. The ID setting unit 35 analyzes whether or not the merchandise, image template type, and character synthesis type, which are each element, are recorded in the order information. Furthermore, the ID setting unit 35 sets an ID number according to each type of each element based on the analysis result.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of ID numbers that are set when merchandise is recorded as postcards in the order information. The merchandise, image template, and character composition type selected in the order information are used as elements, and an ID number is set by a combination of individual elements.

  For example, if the product is a postcard, the image template type is T1, and the character composition type is M1, the ID number is 0001. When the image template type is T1 and the character composition type is M2, the ID number is 0002. If the image template type is T1 and the character composition type is M3, the ID number is 0003. In this way, when the product is a postcard, when two elements of the image template (three types) and the character composition (three types) are the setting factors of the ID number, the combination of the three types and the three types is used. There are 10 patterns including the case where the pattern and the image template are not combined (there is no accompanying character synthesis). Then, the ID setting unit 35 adds the set ID number to the order information and transmits it to the ID determination unit 40.

  It should be noted that at least one element may be an ID number setting factor of the present invention, and each element may have at least one kind.

  The ID setting unit 35 records the order information elements and types as list data. FIG. 5 is a screen example of the list data reflecting the result of the order information analysis performed by the ID setting unit 35. In the ID setting unit 35 of the network center 2, the result of analyzing the order information is an example. The items of image template, character composition, merchandise, ID number, and memo are stored and managed in a list such as two-side mount, character composition on the upper right, mug, 0030, and XX. If the order setting information is analyzed, the ID setting unit 35 updates the list data as shown in FIG.

(7) ID determination (step ST5)
The ID determining unit 40 determines what number the ID number transmitted by the ID setting unit 35 is, and determines whether the ID number is distributed to any of the processing terminals 55 a to 55 d of the lab system 3. The ID determination unit 40 has a correspondence database in which the processing terminals to be distributed according to the ID number are recorded. It is possible to determine the correspondence between the ID number recorded in the correspondence database and the processing terminal.

(8) Send order information to the operator in charge (step ST6)
The order information distribution unit 45 transmits the image data and the order information to the processing terminal determined to be transmitted by the ID determination unit 40. At that time, ID number information is added to the order information.

  As described above, the ID number is set through the ID setting unit 35, the ID determination unit 40, and the order information sorting unit 45 of the network center 2 as described above, and the image data and the order information are optimally used for the processing terminal of the lab system 3. Sent to.

(9) Image processing (step ST7)
The processing terminals 55a to 55d receive the image data and the order information (including the ID number) from the order information sorting unit 45, and perform desired image processing.

  For example, it is possible to further synthesize characters with data obtained by combining image data and an image template, or by combining image data and an image template. Further, it is possible to perform processing related to color management such as red-eye correction and CMYK correction.

  FIG. 4 is an example of an order processing screen displayed on the processing terminals 55 a to 55 d of the lab system 3. As shown in FIG. 4, on the selection screen 130, three templates can be selected by tabs T1 to T3. In addition, image data U0 is inserted into the currently selected base design B1, and default text and merchandise are inserted into the text area 131 and the merchandise area 134, respectively.

  Note that the processing terminal may analyze the contents of the order information and display the product or character reflecting the order information as the default on the order processing screen. Further, the list data as shown in FIG. 5 created by the ID setting unit 35 may be transmitted from the order information sorting unit 45 to the processing terminal, and the processing terminal may have the list data. In that case, you may set so that quotient material and a character may be displayed as default of an order processing screen using list data.

  A character composition information area A0 is provided below the image data U0. In this character composition information area A0, a user can input and edit desired comment characters recorded in order information. . Further, a word list 133 is displayed on the left and right of the base design. A confirmation button 135 for confirming the selection is also displayed.

  When the operator clicks and selects a desired word in the default word list 133 while confirming the order information, the selected word can be inserted into the word area 131 in the base design B1.

  When the user clicks and selects a desired product illustration in the product list 134, the selected product illustration is inserted into the base design B1.

  Next, for example, sender information such as a user's name and address can be input, edited, and displayed in the user information area A0 by an operator.

  As described above, arbitrary sender information can be input in the user information area A0. However, order information may be used to display the user information of the order information.

  When the confirm button 135 is clicked, the layout is confirmed, and it becomes possible to create corrected image data of the postcard of the layout determined based on the image data.

  When the forward button 138 is clicked, order information and image data (including corrected image data) can be forwarded to a printer or other processing terminal. With this function, the processing terminal forwards the corrected image data to the printer.

  The processing terminal can forward order information and image data (including corrected image data) to other processing terminals. As a result, the processing terminal can share work with other processing terminals.

  When the character composition button 136 is clicked, the character composition pattern can be changed. It is possible to set whether to synthesize one character, two characters, or none.

(10) Print (step ST8)
Subsequently, based on the print order, the postcard having the determined layout is printed out from the printers 60a to 60b of the output unit 60, and the process is terminated.

  In the present embodiment, the post card has been described. However, the output unit 60 may be a device capable of printing on a product other than the post card, or may be output as a print. Image data and / or modified image data uploaded to the Internet so that it can be shared not only as a device but also as a device that records image data, order information, modified image data, etc. on a recording medium or as a public image album on the web Alternatively, it may be a mail delivery device.

Functional block diagram of image network system Flowchart diagram from analyzing order information to printing out Example of image processing work screen on processing terminal Correspondence diagram of order information and identification number Data list after order information analysis

Explanation of symbols

1 User terminal 2 Net center 3 Lab system 15a Personal computer (1)
15b PC (2)
15c PC (3)
15d PC (4)
20 Online Print Order 25 Database 34 Order Processing Unit 35 ID Setting Unit 40 ID Determination Unit 45 Order Information Sorting Unit 55a Processing Terminal (Part 1)
55b Processing terminal (2)
55c Processing terminal (3)
55d Processing terminal (4)
60 Output Unit 60a Printer (Part 1)
60b Printer (Part 2)

Claims (6)

A center server for receiving order information including image data and product selection information from a user terminal by a user via a communication network;
In an image network system comprising at least one processing terminal and a lab system including an output unit that merchandises a product according to a user's order,
The center server has an identification number setting unit that sets an identification number for each order information based on the result of analyzing the order information;
An order information sorting unit that sorts and transmits at least the order information and the image data to any of the processing terminals according to the identification number,
The lab system, in the processing terminal, performs a predetermined image processing according to the order information transmitted by the center server to create the corrected image data,
The image network system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit creates a merchandise according to the order of the user based on the corrected image data via the processing terminal.   2. The image network system according to claim 1, wherein the order information includes image template selection information and / or character composition type selection information.   The image network system according to claim 1, wherein the product includes one of a photograph, a mug, a post card, a calendar, and clothing.   4. The image network system according to claim 1, wherein the identification number indicates a specific processing content or a processing terminal. A center server for receiving order information including image data and product selection information from a user terminal by a user via a communication network;
In a product creation method in an image network system, comprising a lab system comprising at least one processing terminal and an output unit that creates a product according to a user's order,
The center server sets an identification number for each order information based on a result of analyzing the order information;
Distributing and transmitting at least the order information and the image data to any of the processing terminals according to the identification number;
The lab system, in the processing terminal, to perform a predetermined image processing according to the order information transmitted by the center server to the image data to create corrected image data,
In the output unit, a product according to the order of the user is prepared based on the corrected image data via the processing terminal. In a center server that accepts order information including image data and product selection information from a user terminal by a user via a communication network,
An identification number setting unit that analyzes the order information and sets an identification number for each order information based on an analysis result;
A center server, comprising: an order information distribution unit that distributes and transmits at least the order information and the image data to one of the processing terminals according to the identification number.

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