JP2008305334A - Image print system, and image printing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable an orderer to easily print an image when performing online printing of the image photographed by a portable telephone terminal with an imaging (camera) function. <P>SOLUTION: The portable telephone terminal 2 generates compression data by compressing image data photographed by the portable telephone terminal 2 and transmits the compression data to a center server 3 via the Internet 7. The center server 3 distributes output places of the image data in accordance with print image receiving methods (reception at store or reception by home delivery) and transfers the compression data to a store server 5 or a lab server 6. The store server 5 or the lab server 6 receives the compression data via the Internet 7, decompresses the compression data to generate the original image data and prints the image in a proper print size by a store printer 8 or a lab printer 9. Consequently, image data exchange is performed as the compression data in a compressed state from the portable telephone terminal 2 up to the store server 5 or the lab server 6. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image printing system, an image printing method, and a program that are suitable for online printing of an image taken with a mobile phone terminal or other mobile terminal with an imaging (camera) function.

  Conventionally, when printing an image taken by a mobile phone terminal with an imaging function, the following measures have been taken depending on whether the image data storage destination is an internal memory or an external medium. That is, if the image data is stored in the internal memory, the image data is attached to a mail by the mobile phone terminal and transmitted, then the mail is received by the personal computer, and the image data is sent to the printer connected to the personal computer. To print the image. On the other hand, if the image data is stored in an external medium, the external medium is removed from the main body, and the external medium is brought into a store (DPE shop, convenience store, etc.) to request image printing.

  However, when the image data is stored in the internal memory, it is troublesome because the personal computer must be started up and the mail reception process and the print process must be executed. On the other hand, when the image data is stored in an external medium, it is troublesome because it is necessary to visit the store every time a print is ordered.

Therefore, in order to avoid such trouble, a method of ordering prints of images taken with a mobile phone terminal via the Internet, that is, an online print method has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-31859 A

  However, since image data is generally heavier (capacity is large) than text data, the online printing method has the following problems.

  First, it is not very convenient for an orderer (customer) because it takes time and cost to transmit image data.

  Secondly, for carriers (telecommunications carriers), lines are occupied by exchanging heavy image data, so it is difficult to work forward.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention provides an image printing system, an image printing method, and a program capable of improving the convenience of an orderer and improving the attitude of a career and improving the online printing environment. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve such an object, the invention described in claim 1 is an image print system in which a mobile terminal having a communication function and an imaging function is connected to an image processing server through a communication network, and the mobile terminal includes: After generating compressed data by compressing image data captured by the mobile terminal, the compressed data is transmitted via the communication network, and the image processing server receives the compressed data via the communication network. The compressed data is decompressed to generate original image data, and the image data is output to a printer to print an image.

  The invention according to claim 2 is an image printing system in which a mobile terminal having a communication function and an imaging function is connected to a center server and a plurality of image processing servers through a communication network, and the mobile terminal includes the mobile terminal After compressing the image data photographed in step (b) to generate compressed data, the compressed data is transmitted to the center server via the communication network, and the center server sends the compressed image data according to the print receiving method. The output location is distributed, and the compressed data is transferred to a specific image processing server among the plurality of image processing servers. The specific image processing server receives the compressed data via the communication network, and then compresses the compressed data. Decompress the data to generate the original image data, and output this image data to the printer Characterized in that the image printing system for printing an image.

  The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration according to claim 1 or 2, the mobile terminal avoids image quality degradation of the image data when the image data is compressed.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to any one of the first to third aspects, when the mobile terminal compresses the image data, the mobile terminal resizes the image data in accordance with a print size. It is characterized by.

  The invention according to claim 5 is an image printing method for printing an image photographed by a mobile terminal having a communication function and an imaging function, wherein image data of the image photographed by the mobile terminal is compressed and compressed. After the data is generated, this compressed data is transmitted, and the compressed data is received. After this compressed data is received, it is decompressed to generate the original image data, and this image data is output to print the image. And a decompression printing process.

  The invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 5, a data distribution step is provided in which the output location of the image data is distributed in accordance with a print receiving method.

  The invention described in claim 7 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 5 or 6, a receiver selection step of selecting a receiver of the printed material according to the request of the orderer is provided.

  According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in addition to the configuration according to any of the fifth to seventh aspects, the image data is resized in accordance with a print size in the compression transmission step.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a process of capturing an image to generate image data, a process of compressing the image data to generate compressed data, and a process of transmitting the compressed data to the mobile terminal are performed. It is characterized by being a program to be executed.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the image processing server receives the compressed data, decompresses the compressed data to generate the original image data, and outputs the image data to print the image. It is characterized by being a program for executing processing.

  The invention described in claim 11 is characterized in that the program is a program for causing the center server to execute a process of assigning the output location of the image data in accordance with the printed matter receiving method.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a center server to execute a process of transmitting a finished mail based on output confirmation information.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, image data is exchanged in a compressed state as compressed data from a mobile terminal (such as a mobile phone terminal) to an image processing server (such as a store server or a laboratory server). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time and cost required for transmitting the image data, and it is possible to improve the convenience of the orderer. Further, since it is possible to avoid a situation where the line is occupied due to heavy image data exchange, it is possible to improve the attitude of the carrier. As a result, an online printing environment is established, and an image taken by the orderer with the mobile terminal can be printed easily.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the exchange of image data is performed in a compressed state as compressed data from a mobile terminal (such as a mobile phone terminal) to an image processing server (such as a store server or a laboratory server). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time and cost required for transmitting the image data, and it is possible to improve the convenience of the orderer. Further, since it is possible to avoid a situation where the line is occupied due to heavy image data exchange, it is possible to improve the attitude of the carrier. As a result, an online printing environment is established, and an image taken by the orderer with the mobile terminal can be printed easily. In addition, when printing an image, the output location of the image data is distributed according to the method of receiving the printed matter, so that the time required from the order of the print to the delivery can be shortened.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the image data does not deteriorate with compression, the printed matter (print image or the like) can be maintained at high quality.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is not necessary to decompress the compressed data on the side of the image processing server, so that it is possible to shorten the work time in the image processing server, and in turn, the time required from ordering to delivery of the print. .

  According to invention of Claim 5, there exists an effect similar to Claim 1.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when printing an image, the output location of the image data is distributed according to the method of receiving the printed matter, so that the time required from the order of the print to the delivery can be shortened.

  According to the invention described in claim 7, since the recipient of the printed matter can be arbitrarily determined for the convenience of the orderer, the convenience at the time of receiving the printed matter is improved.

  According to invention of Claim 8, there exists an effect similar to Claim 4.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
Embodiment 1 of the Invention

  1 to 23 show a first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the configuration will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image print system 1 includes a mobile phone terminal (mobile terminal) 2, a center server 3, a store server (image processing server) 5, a lab server (image processing server) 6, and an information provider server 10. The mobile phone terminal 2, the center server 3, the store server 5, and the laboratory server 6 are connected to the Internet (communication network) 7. Further, a store printer (printer) 8 is connected to the store server 5, and a lab printer (printer) 9 is connected to the lab server 6.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone terminal 2 has a foldable casing 20, and a display 21, a power button 22, a receive button is provided on the inner surface of the casing 20 (the surface hidden inside when folded). 23, a center key 24, a cursor key 25, twelve dial keys 26, an application key 31, a microphone (speaker) 27, and a receiver (receiver) 28 are provided. In addition, a digital camera 29 is incorporated on the outer surface of the casing 20 (the surface that appears outside when folded), and the mobile phone terminal 2 captures an image with the digital camera 29 and a predetermined file format (for example, JPG format). An imaging function (imaging program) for generating the image data is provided. Further, the casing 20 includes an internal memory 30. The internal memory 30 compresses the image print ordering application and the image data of the image taken by the digital camera 29 to compress the data in another file format. And a file compression application for generating a store and a store search application for searching for a store by three-dimensionally positioning the position of the mobile phone terminal 2 using GPS (Global Radio Positioning System) are stored in a freely readable manner. Yes.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the center server 3 distributes the output location of the image data according to the function (program) for receiving the compressed data transmitted from the mobile phone terminal 2 and the print image receiving method. A function (program) for transferring compressed data to the server 5 or the lab server 6; a function (program) for receiving output confirmation information transmitted from the lab server 6 or the store server 5 and sending a finished mail to the mobile phone terminal 2; It has. Further, the center server 3 stores a customer information database corresponding to the mobile phone terminal 2, and the customer information database includes basic information (name, address) about the customer (orderer who owns the mobile phone terminal 2). , Telephone number, e-mail address, etc.), store setting data, order record data (order number data, total number of pieces of data, total amount data, receiving location data, estimated finish time data, etc.) and the like.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the store server 5 has a function (program) for receiving the compressed data transmitted from the center server 3, and a function for decompressing (decompressing) the compressed data to generate original image data. (Program) and a function (program) for outputting the image data to the store printer 8 and printing the image in a predetermined print size.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the lab server 6 has a function (program) for receiving the compressed data transmitted from the center server 3, and a function (program) for decompressing the compressed data to generate original image data. And a function (program) for outputting the image data to the lab printer 9 and printing the image in a predetermined print size.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the information provider server 10 distributes a function (program) for searching for a store based on area information and regional data and neighboring store information as a search result via the Internet 7. Function (program).

  The operation of the image print system 1 having the above configuration will be described below.

  In this image printing system 1, when online printing an image taken by the mobile phone terminal 2, the customer can select the simple mode or the advanced mode. The simple mode has the advantage that the print size is fixed to one type of L size and the number of printed sheets is fixed one by one, but since the operation is simple, it can be ordered easily. On the other hand, in the advanced mode, although there is a drawback that the operation is somewhat troublesome, the print size (L size, 2L size, KG size (postcard size), etc.) and the number of prints (1, 2, 3) for each image. Etc.) can be specified arbitrarily.

  First, when online printing is performed in the simple mode, the customer turns on the power by pressing the power button 22 of the mobile phone terminal 2. Then, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays a standby screen on the display 21. Next, the customer presses the application key 31 of the mobile phone terminal 2 to start up an image print ordering application. Then, the cellular phone terminal 2 reads out and activates the image print ordering application from the internal memory 30, and then displays the data management screen P1 on the display 21, as shown in FIG. The store setting) ”and“ order confirmation ”are shown, and the customer is prompted to select one of the options (step S301 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3). If necessary, the user can return to the previous screen (that is, the standby screen) by clicking the “return” button B11 on the data management screen P1.

  Then, looking at the data management screen P1, the customer selects the “image folder” by appropriately operating the cursor key 25 and the center key 24 of the mobile phone terminal 2 (step S302 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3). Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays an image selection screen P2 on the display 21, shows one or more images (six images in FIG. 11), and displays an image to be printed online. The customer is prompted to select (step S303 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3). If necessary, the user can return to the previous screen (that is, the data management screen P1) by clicking the “return” button B21 on the image selection screen P2.

  Then, looking at this image selection screen P2, the customer appropriately operates the cursor key 25 and the center key 24 of the mobile phone terminal 2 to select one or more images to be printed online (in FIG. 11, the images A and A). Check “D” and select it. Note that by clicking the “Select All and Order” button B22 on the image selection screen P2, all images (six images A to F in FIG. 11) can be selected at once. Thus, when all the images to be printed online are selected, the customer clicks the “order” button B23 on the image selection screen P2. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays an order confirmation screen P3 on the display 21 and prompts the customer to confirm whether the display content is correct (step S304 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3). ).

  When the customer confirms that the displayed content is correct, the customer clicks the “OK” button B32 on the order confirmation screen P3 (step S305 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3). Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays a recipient selection screen P4 on the display 21, and the menu includes “receive at shop”, “receive at home delivery”, and “setting (shop setting)”. One option is shown and the customer is prompted to select a recipient (reception method) (step S401 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4). If the display content of the order confirmation screen P3 is incorrect, the customer clicks a “return” button B31 on the order confirmation screen P3. Then, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays the previous screen, that is, the image selection screen P2. As a result, the customer can reselect an image to be printed online.

  Then, the customer sees the recipient selection screen P4 and appropriately operates the cursor key 25 and the center key 24 of the cellular phone terminal 2 to select “at the store” according to the recipient (receipt method) desired by the customer. Select “Receive” or “Receive by home delivery”. If necessary, the user can return to the previous screen (that is, the order confirmation screen P3) by clicking the “return” button B41 on the recipient selection screen P4.

  That is, when the customer wishes to receive at the store, the customer selects “receive at the store” (step S402 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4). Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the mobile phone terminal 2 shows three choices of “ordinary shop”, “near shop”, and “history” as submenus on the recipient selection screen P4. The customer is prompted to select such an option (step S403 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4).

  Here, when the customer wishes to receive at the usual store, the customer appropriately operates the cursor key 25 and the center key 24 of the mobile phone terminal 2 to select “ordinary store” (FIG. 4). Step S406 of the flowchart shown). Then, the mobile phone terminal 2 makes an online inquiry to the center server 3 for the presence / absence of the store setting (step S507 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5).

  As a result, when there is a store setting for the mobile phone terminal 2, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays an order confirmation screen P5 including a receiving location corresponding to the store setting on the display 21 as shown in FIG. Step S509 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when there is no store setting for the mobile phone terminal 2, the mobile phone terminal 2 shifts to the personal information setting subroutine shown in FIG. 9 (step S508 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5), The personal information is transferred to the center server 3, and the center server 3 registers the personal information in the customer information database.

  That is, in this personal information setting subroutine, as shown in FIG. 20, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays a personal information setting screen P11 on the display 21 and prompts the customer to input a name and other personal information (FIG. 9). Step S901 in the flowchart shown in FIG. Therefore, the customer appropriately operates the dial key 26, the cursor key 25, and the center key 24 of the mobile phone terminal 2 to display the name, address, and address in the four fields F1, F2, F3, and F4 on the personal information setting screen P11, respectively. A telephone number and a mobile mail address are input (step S902 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9). Next, in order to search and set the usual shop (step S903 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9), the customer selects either “search from area” or “search for location information” as the search method (FIG. 9). Step S904 in the flowchart shown in FIG. If necessary, the user can return to the previous screen (that is, the recipient selection screen P4) by clicking the “return” button B111 on the personal information setting screen P11.

  When selecting “Search from area”, the customer appropriately operates the dial key 26, the cursor key 25, and the center key 24 of the mobile phone terminal 2 to display the desired area in the field F5 on the personal information setting screen P11. (For example, Kochi City, Shin-Yokohama, etc.) is input and the “Search” button B113 is clicked (step S905 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9). Then, the cellular phone terminal 2 transmits regional data corresponding to the region input in the field F5 to the information provider server 10 via the Internet 7. In response to this, the information provider server 10 searches for stores in the area based on the area data, acquires area store information, and returns the area store information to the mobile phone terminal 2 via the Internet 7. To do. In response to this, the cellular phone terminal 2 displays the regional store information as “ordinary store” in the field F5 on the personal information setting screen P11. The customer confirms the personal information including the name, address, telephone number, mobile mail address, and usual store displayed in the five fields F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5 on the personal information setting screen P11. Then, the “OK” button B112 on the personal information setting screen P11 is clicked. Then, the cellular phone terminal 2 transfers this personal information to the center server 3 via the Internet 7 (step S907 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9). In response to this, the center server 3 registers this personal information in the customer information database.

  When selecting “location information search”, the customer clicks the “search” button B113 with the field F5 on the personal information setting screen P11 blank (step S906 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9). Then, the cellular phone terminal 2 reads and activates the store search application from the internal memory 30, acquires the current location data of the cellular phone terminal 2, and transmits this current location data to the information provider server 10 via the Internet 7. To do. In response to this, the information provider server 10 searches for nearby stores based on the current position data, acquires nearby store information, and returns the nearby store information to the mobile phone terminal 2 via the Internet 7. In response to this, the cellular phone terminal 2 displays the neighboring store information as “ordinary store” in the field F5 on the personal information setting screen P11. The customer confirms the personal information including the name, address, telephone number, mobile mail address, and usual store displayed in the five fields F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5 on the personal information setting screen P11. Then, the “OK” button B112 on the personal information setting screen P11 is clicked. Then, the cellular phone terminal 2 transfers this personal information to the center server 3 via the Internet 7 (step S907 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9). In response to this, the center server 3 registers this personal information in the customer information database.

  When the customer personal information is registered in the center server 3 in this way, the personal information setting subroutine ends.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays the order confirmation screen P5 on the display 21 (step S509 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5).

  Thus, the order confirmation screen P5 is finally displayed on the display 21 regardless of whether or not the store is set.

  When the customer who has seen the recipient selection screen P4 shown in FIG. 13 wishes to receive at a nearby store, the customer appropriately operates the cursor key 25 and the center key 24 of the cellular phone terminal 2 to “near” Is selected (step S405 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4). Then, the cellular phone terminal 2 reads out and starts the store search application from the internal memory 30 (step S504 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5), and displays an area information transmission confirmation screen P6 on the display 21 as shown in FIG. To prompt the customer to confirm the contents of the transmission.

  When the customer confirms the transmission content, the customer clicks an “OK” button B61 on the area information transmission confirmation screen P6. Then, the cellular phone terminal 2 transmits this area information to the information provider server 10 via the Internet 7. In response to this, the information provider server 10 searches for nearby stores based on the area information, acquires nearby store information, and returns the nearby store information to the mobile phone terminal 2 via the Internet 7. In response to this, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays a nearby store list screen P7 on the display 21, as shown in FIG. 16, and consists of a plurality of stores (XX camera, XX print, XX photo shop, etc.). The customer is prompted to select any one of the nearby store lists (steps S505 and S506 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5). Note that not all neighboring stores are displayed on the neighboring store list screen P7 due to restrictions on the number of display lines on the display 21, and therefore the desired stores are included in the neighboring store list listed on the neighboring store list screen P7. If not, the customer appropriately operates the cursor key 25 of the mobile phone terminal 2 and scrolls the neighborhood store list on the neighborhood store list screen P7, thereby using the neighborhood store information received from the information provider server 10 Neighboring stores can be displayed in order. If necessary, the user can return to the previous screen (that is, the area information transmission confirmation screen P6) by clicking the “return” button B71 on the neighboring store list screen P7.

  Then, looking at the neighboring store list screen P7, the customer appropriately operates the cursor key 25 and the center key 24 of the mobile phone terminal 2 to select one desired store from the neighboring store list. Then, as shown in FIG. 17, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays a neighboring store detailed information screen P8 showing the detailed information (address, map) of the store selected by the customer on the display 21, and confirms the display contents. Prompt. If necessary, the user can return to the previous screen (that is, the neighboring store list screen P7) by clicking the “return” button B81 on the neighboring store detailed information screen P8.

  After confirming this display content, the customer clicks the “Next” button B82 on the neighboring store detailed information screen P8. Then, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays the order confirmation screen P5 on the display 21 as shown in FIG. 14 (step S509 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5).

  Furthermore, on the recipient selection screen P4 shown in FIG. 13, when the customer wants to refer to the history of recipients selected by the customer so far, the customer appropriately operates the cursor key 25 and the center key 24 of the mobile phone terminal 2 to “ “History” is selected (step S404 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4). Then, the cellular phone terminal 2 reads out the order record data (order number data, total number data, total amount data, receipt location data, expected finish time data, etc.) from the internal memory 30 and stores the order record data thus far. All the receiving place data is picked up and displayed on the display 21. By looking at these receiving location data, the customer appropriately operates the cursor key 25 and the center key 24 of the mobile phone terminal 2 to select a desired receiving destination from these receiving location data. Then, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays the order confirmation screen P5 on the display 21 as shown in FIG. 14 (step S509 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5).

  In this way, after “usual shop”, “near shop” or “history” is selected according to the customer's wish, the order confirmation screen P5 is displayed on the display 21 of the mobile phone terminal 2. After confirming the order confirmation screen P5, the customer clicks the “confirm” button B52 on the order confirmation screen P5. Then, the cellular phone terminal 2 generates the order record data and stores it in the internal memory 30, and then displays a confirmed order confirmation screen P13 consisting of an order record based on this order record data on the display 21, as shown in FIG. (Step S601 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6). If necessary, the user can return to the previous screen (that is, the order confirmation screen P11) by clicking the “return” button B51 on the order confirmation screen P5.

  Then, after confirming this order record, the customer clicks a “Next” button B132 on the confirmed order confirmation screen P13. Then, the cellular phone terminal 2 reads and activates the file compression application from the internal memory 30 (step S602 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6), compresses the image data of the image that the customer desires to print online, and uses another file format. Then, the compressed data is transmitted to the center server 3 via the Internet 7 together with the order record data (step S603 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6). At this time, the image data is uniformly compressed regardless of the print size of the order record data by a compression method that avoids the deterioration of the image quality. If necessary, the user can return to the previous screen (that is, the order confirmation screen P5) by clicking the “return” button B131 on the confirmed order confirmation screen P13.

  The center server 3 automatically assigns the output location of the image data according to the print image receiving method (reception at the store or delivery by home delivery), and transfers the compressed data to the store server 5 or the lab server 6. (Step S604 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6).

  Here, since the customer has selected receipt at the store, the center server 3 transfers the compressed data to the store server 5 (step S607 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6). In response to this, the store server 5 receives the compressed data in the compressed state via the Internet 7, and then decompresses the compressed data to generate the original image data (step S608 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6). The image data is output to the store printer 8, and the image is printed with an appropriate print size (L size set in advance in the simple mode) (step S707 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7). At this time, as described above, since the image data is not deteriorated in image quality when compressed on the mobile phone terminal 2 side, high-quality printing can be realized.

  Thereafter, the store server 5 transmits information indicating that this image has been printed by the store printer 8, that is, output confirmation information to the center server 3 (step S708 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7), and also packs the print image to the customer. Is instructed to be stored until it is received (step S709 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7).

  Further, when the center server 3 receives the output confirmation information, the center server 3 refers to the customer information database and confirms whether or not the customer mail address is registered (step S704 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7). As a result, when the customer mail address is not registered, the center server 3 takes no action (step S705 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7). On the other hand, when the customer mail address is registered, the center server 3 transmits a finished mail to the mobile phone terminal 2 via the Internet 7 (step S706 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7). When this finished mail is received, the cellular phone terminal 2 displays a mail screen P12 indicating that the printing operation is completed on the display 21, as shown in FIG. By seeing this, the customer knows that the printing operation has been completed, and can receive the print image at the shop anytime thereafter.

  When the customer receives the print image at the store, the customer presents the confirmed order confirmation screen P13 of the mobile phone terminal 2 to the store clerk. For this purpose, the customer presses the power button 22 of the cellular phone terminal 2 to turn on the power, and then reads the image print ordering application from the internal memory 30 and starts it. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays the data management screen P1 on the display 21, and shows three options of “image folder”, “setting (store setting)”, and “order confirmation”. The customer is prompted to select one of the options (step S301 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3). Therefore, the customer appropriately operates the cursor key 25 and the center key 24 of the mobile phone terminal 2 to select “order confirmation” (step S308 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3). Then, the cellular phone terminal 2 reads out the previous order record data from the internal memory 30 and, as shown in FIG. 23, displays an order confirmation screen P14 in which one or more order numbers based on this order record data are listed on the display 21. (Step S309 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3). Looking at this, the customer appropriately operates the cursor key 25 and the center key 24 of the mobile phone terminal 2 to select an order number desired to be received at the store. Then, as shown in FIG. 22, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays the confirmed order confirmation screen P13 on the display 21 for the order number selected by the customer. Then, the customer presents this confirmed order confirmation screen P13 to the store clerk. Thereby, the customer can easily receive the print image simply by bringing the mobile phone terminal 2 and presenting it, and the store can easily perform identity verification at the time of delivery of the print image. If necessary, the user can return to the previous screen (that is, the order confirmation screen P14) by clicking the “return” button B131 on the confirmed order confirmation screen P13. Furthermore, if necessary, the user can return to the previous screen (that is, the data management screen P1) by clicking the “return” button B141 on the order confirmation screen P14.

  Thus, when a print image is received at a store, the image data is exchanged (transferred) as compressed data from the mobile phone terminal 2 to the lab server 6 or the store server 5 in a compressed state. Therefore, it is possible for the orderer (customer) to improve the convenience because the time and cost required to transmit the image data can be reduced. Moreover, since it is possible for the carrier to avoid a situation where the line is occupied by exchanging heavy image data, it becomes easy to work forward. As a result, an online printing environment is established, and an image taken by the orderer with the mobile phone terminal 2 can be printed easily.

  Furthermore, because the ordering party (customer) can arbitrarily select the destination for receiving the print image as the usual store or a nearby store, convenience in receiving the print image is improved.

  If the customer who has seen the menu on the recipient selection screen P4 shown in FIG. 13 wishes to receive by home delivery, the customer selects “receive by home delivery” (step S407 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4). Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the mobile phone terminal 2 shows three options “deliver to home”, “new setting”, and “history” as submenus on the recipient selection screen P4. Is selected (step S408 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4).

  When the customer desires home delivery, the customer appropriately operates the cursor key 25 and the center key 24 of the mobile phone terminal 2 to select “deliver to home” (step S412 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4). ). Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays a home delivery screen P9 on the display 21 and prompts the customer to decide whether or not to pre-register the delivery destination (in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5). Step S501).

  Here, when the customer pre-registers the delivery destination, the customer clicks the “Register” button B92 on the home delivery screen P9. Then, the cellular phone terminal 2 displays a delivery destination input screen on the display 21 and prompts the customer to input the delivery destination. Then, after the customer inputs the delivery destination by appropriately operating the dial key 26, the cursor key 25, and the center key 24 of the mobile phone terminal 2, it is determined whether or not the delivery destination needs to be changed (in the case of incorrect input, etc.). Confirmation is performed, and a predetermined operation is performed according to the necessity (step S502 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5). That is, when an operation corresponding to when the delivery destination does not need to be changed, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays the order confirmation screen P5 on the display 21 and confirms the order contents as shown in FIG. The customer is prompted (step S509 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5). If an operation corresponding to when the delivery destination needs to be changed is performed, the mobile phone terminal 2 shifts to the personal information setting subroutine (step S503 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5), and similarly to the above-described procedure. After the personal information including the delivery destination is transferred to the center server 3, as shown in FIG. 14, the order confirmation screen P5 is displayed on the display 21 to prompt the customer to confirm the order details (flow chart shown in FIG. 5). Step S509).

  On the other hand, when the customer does not pre-register the delivery destination, the customer clicks a “return” button B91 on the home delivery screen P9. In this case, since the delivery destination (home) is unregistered and delivery cannot be actually performed, the process returns to step S408 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, and the mobile phone terminal 2 displays a submenu on the recipient selection screen P4. Display again.

  Further, in the recipient selection screen P4 shown in FIG. 13, when the customer desires a new setting, the customer appropriately operates the cursor key 25 and the center key 24 of the mobile phone terminal 2 to select “new setting” ( Step S410 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Then, the cellular phone terminal 2 displays a delivery destination input screen on the display 21 and prompts the customer to input the delivery destination (step S411 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4). Next, as shown in FIG. 18, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays the home delivery screen P9 on the display 21 and prompts the customer to decide whether or not to pre-register the delivery destination (the flowchart shown in FIG. 5). Step S501). Thereafter, the process proceeds in the same manner as the above-mentioned “delivery to home” (steps S502 and S503 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5). As a result, when the delivery destination is registered, the cellular phone terminal 2 displays the order confirmation screen P5 on the display 21 and prompts the customer to confirm the order details (step S509 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5).

  Furthermore, in the recipient selection screen P4 shown in FIG. 13, when the customer wants to refer to the delivery destination history input by the customer so far, the customer appropriately operates the cursor key 25 and the center key 24 of the mobile phone terminal 2 to “ “History” is selected (step S409 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4). Then, the cellular phone terminal 2 reads the order record so far from the internal memory 30, picks up all the delivery destination data from the order record, and displays it on the display 21. The customer confirms whether or not the delivery destination needs to be changed by looking at these delivery destination data, and performs a predetermined operation according to the necessity (step S502 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5). Then, when an operation corresponding to the case where the change of the delivery destination is unnecessary is performed, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays the order confirmation screen P5 on the display 21 and confirms the order contents as shown in FIG. The customer is prompted (step S509 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5). If an operation corresponding to when the delivery destination needs to be changed is performed, the mobile phone terminal 2 shifts to the personal information setting subroutine (step S503 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5), and similarly to the above-described procedure. After the personal information is transferred to the center server 3, as shown in FIG. 14, the order confirmation screen P5 is displayed on the display 21 to prompt the customer to confirm the order details (step S509 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5). .

  In this way, after “delivery to home”, “new setting” or “history” is selected according to the customer's wish, when the order confirmation screen P5 is displayed on the display 21 of the mobile phone terminal 2, the customer After confirming the order confirmation screen P5, the “confirmation” button B52 on the order confirmation screen P5 is clicked. Thereafter, the process proceeds in the same manner as the above-mentioned “receive at the store”.

  However, since the customer has selected reception by delivery here, the center server 3 transfers the compressed data to the lab server 6 (step S605 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6). In response to this, the lab server 6 receives the compressed data in the compressed state via the Internet 7, and then decompresses the compressed data to generate original image data (step S606 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6). The data is output to the lab printer 9 and the image is printed in an appropriate print size (L size set in advance in the simple mode) (step S701 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7). At this time, as described above, since the image data is not deteriorated in image quality when compressed on the mobile phone terminal 2 side, high-quality printing can be realized.

  Thereafter, the lab server 6 transmits information indicating that the image has been printed by the lab printer 9, that is, output confirmation information to the center server 3 (step S702 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7), packs the print image, and the customer An instruction is given to deliver to the designated delivery destination (home, etc.) (step S703 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7).

  Further, when the center server 3 receives the output confirmation information, the center server 3 refers to the customer information database and confirms whether or not the customer mail address is registered (step S704 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7). As a result, when the customer mail address is not registered, the center server 3 takes no action (step S705 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7). On the other hand, when the customer mail address is registered, the center server 3 transmits a finished mail to the mobile phone terminal 2 via the Internet 7 (step S706 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7). When this finished mail is received, the cellular phone terminal 2 displays a mail screen P12 indicating that the printing operation is completed on the display 21, as shown in FIG. The customer knows that the printing operation has been completed by seeing this, so that it can be understood that the print image will reach the delivery destination soon.

  Note that the customer presents the confirmed order confirmation screen P13 of the mobile phone terminal 2 to the store clerk when receiving the print image at a delivery destination other than the home in the same procedure as when receiving the print image at the store. As a result, the customer can easily receive the print image simply by presenting the mobile phone terminal 2 at the delivery destination, and the store (or a courier service entrusted by the store) can verify the identity at the time of delivery of the print image. Can be carried out easily.

  In this way, even when a print image is received at a delivery destination other than home, the image data is exchanged (transferred) as compressed data from the mobile phone terminal 2 to the lab server 6 or the store server 5 in a compressed state. Therefore, it is possible for the orderer (customer) to improve the convenience because the time and cost required to transmit the image data can be reduced. Moreover, since it is possible for the carrier to avoid a situation where the line is occupied by exchanging heavy image data, it becomes easy to work forward. As a result, an online printing environment is established, and an image taken by the orderer with the mobile phone terminal 2 can be printed easily.

  In addition, in the simple mode, when printing an image, the output location of the image data is distributed according to the print image receiving method (reception at the store or delivery by home delivery), so the time required from the order of printing to delivery is reduced. It can be shortened.

  Next, when performing online printing in the advance mode, the customer clicks the “advance mode” button B33 on the order confirmation screen P3 shown in FIG. 12 (step S310 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3). Then, as shown in FIG. 19, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays a size / number selection screen P10 on the display 21 and prompts the customer to specify the print size and the number of prints for each image (in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8). Step S801). If necessary, the user can return to the previous screen (that is, the order confirmation screen P3) by clicking a “return” button B101 on the size / number selection screen P10.

  Therefore, the customer designates the print size and the number of prints for each image by appropriately operating the cursor key 25 and the center key 24 of the mobile phone terminal 2 and selecting a desired candidate from the pull-down menu. For example, in the size / number selection screen P10 shown in FIG. 19, the image A has been selected with two L sizes, the image B with two 2L sizes, the image C with two L sizes, and the image D with three L sizes. Is shown.

  Next, the customer determines whether there is an image to be added (step S802 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8). If there is no image to be added, “Next” on the size / number selection screen P10. Click button B103. Then, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays a recipient selection screen P4 on the display 21 as shown in FIG. 13 (step S401 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4). Thereafter, the process proceeds in the same procedure as in the simple mode described above. However, the print size and the number of prints designated by the customer for each image are written in the order record data. Therefore, in the lab printer 9 and the store printer 8, each image has an appropriate print size (print size specified by the customer in the advanced mode) and an appropriate number of prints (the number of prints specified by the customer in the advanced mode). Will be printed. At this time, as described above, since the image data is not deteriorated in image quality when compressed on the mobile phone terminal 2 side, high-quality printing can be realized.

  If there is an image to be added, the customer clicks an “add” button B102 on the size / number selection screen P10. Then, the cellular phone terminal 2 displays the size / number selection screen P10 including the images E, F,... On the display 21. Therefore, the customer designates the print size and the number of prints for each image in the same procedure ( Step S803 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Then, the customer repeats the same operation until all the images to be printed online are specified, and when there are no more images to be added, the customer clicks the “Next” button B103 on the size / number selection screen P10. Then, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays a recipient selection screen P4 on the display 21 as shown in FIG. 13 (step S401 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4). Thereafter, the process proceeds in the same procedure as in the simple mode described above. However, the print size and the number of prints designated by the customer for each image are written in the order record data. Therefore, in the lab printer 9 and the store printer 8, each image has an appropriate print size (print size specified by the customer in the advanced mode) and an appropriate number of prints (the number of prints specified by the customer in the advanced mode). Will be printed. At this time, as described above, since the image data is not deteriorated in image quality when compressed on the mobile phone terminal 2 side, high-quality printing can be realized.

  Thus, also in the advance mode, as in the simple mode described above, the image data is exchanged (transferred) as compressed data from the mobile phone terminal 2 to the lab server 6 or the store server 5 in a compressed state. Therefore, it is possible for the orderer (customer) to improve the convenience because the time and cost required to transmit the image data can be reduced. Moreover, since it is possible for the carrier to avoid a situation where the line is occupied by exchanging heavy image data, it becomes easy to work forward. As a result, an online printing environment is established, and an image taken by the orderer with the mobile phone terminal 2 can be printed easily.

  Moreover, in the advanced mode, as in the simple mode, when printing an image, the output location of the image data is sorted according to the print image receiving method (reception at the store or delivery by home delivery). Can be shortened.

  Furthermore, because the ordering party (customer) can arbitrarily select the destination for receiving the print image as the usual store or a nearby store, convenience in receiving the print image is improved.

  When the customer sets basic information such as his / her name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address prior to online printing in the simple mode or advanced mode, the customer uses the data management screen P1 shown in FIG. The cursor key 25 and the center key 24 of the mobile phone terminal 2 are appropriately operated to select “setting (store setting)” (step S306 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3) or on the recipient selection screen P4 shown in FIG. Then, by appropriately operating the cursor key 25 and the center key 24 of the mobile phone terminal 2, “setting (shop setting)” is selected (step S413 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4). Then, the cellular phone terminal 2 proceeds to the personal information setting subroutine (step S307 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 and step S414 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4), and transfers the personal information to the center server 3 in the same manner as described above. After that, the screen returns to the original data management screen P1 or the recipient selection screen P4.

Further, when the customer confirms the order contents after ordering the online print, the customer appropriately operates the cursor key 25 and the center key 24 of the mobile phone terminal 2 on the data management screen P1 shown in FIG. "Order confirmation" is selected (step S308 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3). Then, the cellular phone terminal 2 reads out the previous order record data from the internal memory 30 and, as shown in FIG. 23, displays an order confirmation screen P14 in which one or more order numbers based on this order record data are listed on the display 21. (Step S309 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3). The customer sees this and appropriately operates the cursor key 25 and the center key 24 of the mobile phone terminal 2 to select the order number for which the order contents are to be confirmed. Then, as shown in FIG. 22, the mobile phone terminal 2 displays the confirmed order confirmation screen P13 on the display 21 for the order number selected by the customer. Therefore, the customer can easily confirm the order contents by looking at the confirmed order confirmation screen P13.
[Other Embodiments of the Invention]

  In the first embodiment described above, the case where the image data of the image captured by the mobile phone terminal 2 is compressed to a different file format regardless of the print size has been described. It is also possible to resize the image data in accordance with the print size in the file format (for example, JPG format). In this case, the labor of decompressing the compressed data in the lab server 6 or the store server 5 is not required, so that the work time in the lab server 6 or the store server 5 and, in turn, the time required from the order of the print to delivery can be shortened.

  In the first embodiment described above, the case where the mobile phone terminal 2 is used as the mobile terminal has been described. However, in the present invention, as long as the communication function and the imaging function are provided, a mobile terminal (for example, a PDA (personal digital assistant), a game machine, etc.) other than the mobile phone terminal 2 can be substituted.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, the print image is taken up as the printed material. However, the printed material other than the printed image (for example, a material obtained by printing on a material such as a mug, a coaster, a T-shirt, a trainer, a towel, or memo paper) ) Can be substituted.

  Furthermore, although the case where the store server 5 and the lab server 6 are used as the image processing server has been described in the above-described first embodiment, an image processing server other than the store server 5 and the lab server 6 can be substituted. Further, the number of image processing servers is not limited to two, and any number may be used as long as it is one or more.

  In the first embodiment described above, the case where the store printer 8 and the lab printer 9 are used as printers has been described. However, printers other than the store printer 8 and the lab printer 9 may be used instead.

  In the first embodiment described above, the case where the Internet 7 is used as a communication network connecting the mobile phone terminal 2, the center server 3, the store server 5, the laboratory server 6, and the information provider server 10 has been described. It is also possible to use a network using a dedicated line, an intranet, an extranet, or the like as this communication network.

1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an image print system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 2 is a front view of the mobile phone terminal according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a business flow 1 (from start to order confirmation) in the image print system according to the first embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing a work flow 2 (selection of recipient) in the image print system according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a business flow 3 (from receiving destination selection to order confirmation) in the image printing system according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a business flow 4 (from order record storage to decompression) in the image print system according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a business flow 5 (from printer output to delivery / delivery) in the image print system according to the first embodiment. 14 is a flowchart showing a work flow 6 (advance mode order) in the image print system according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a work flow 7 (setting of orderer information) in the image print system according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen 1 (data management screen) of the mobile phone terminal according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen 2 (image selection screen) of the mobile phone terminal according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen 3 (order confirmation screen) of the mobile phone terminal according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen 4 (recipient selection screen) of the mobile phone terminal according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen 5 (order confirmation screen) of the mobile phone terminal according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen 6 (area information transmission confirmation screen) of the mobile phone terminal according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen 7 (neighboring store list screen) of the mobile phone terminal according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen 8 (neighboring store detailed information screen) of the mobile phone terminal according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen 9 (home delivery screen) of the mobile phone terminal according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen 10 (size / number selection screen) of the mobile phone terminal according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen 11 (personal information setting screen) of the mobile phone terminal according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen 12 (mail screen) of the mobile phone terminal according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen 13 (confirmed order confirmation screen) of the mobile phone terminal according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen 14 (order confirmation screen) of the mobile phone terminal according to the first embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 …… Image Print System 2 …… Mobile Phone Terminal (Mobile Terminal)
3 …… Center server 5 …… Store server (image processing server)
6 ... Lab server (image processing server)
7 …… Internet (communication network)
8 …… Store printer (printer)
9 …… Lab printer (printer)
10 …… Information provider server

Claims (12)

An image printing system in which a mobile terminal having a communication function and an imaging function is connected to an image processing server through a communication network,
The mobile terminal generates compressed data by compressing image data captured by the mobile terminal, and then transmits the compressed data via the communication network.
The image processing server receives the compressed data via the communication network, decompresses the compressed data to generate original image data, outputs the image data to a printer, and prints the image. Image printing system. An image printing system in which a mobile terminal having a communication function and an imaging function is connected to a center server and a plurality of image processing servers through a communication network,
The mobile terminal generates compressed data by compressing image data captured by the mobile terminal, and then transmits the compressed data to the center server via the communication network,
The center server distributes the output location of the image data according to a printed matter receiving method, and transfers the compressed data to a specific image processing server among the plurality of image processing servers,
The specific image processing server receives the compressed data via the communication network, decompresses the compressed data to generate original image data, and outputs the image data to a printer to print an image. An image printing system characterized by this.   The image printing system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal avoids deterioration in image quality of the image data when the image data is compressed.   4. The image printing system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal resizes the image data in accordance with a print size when the image data is compressed. An image printing method for printing an image taken with a mobile terminal having a communication function and an imaging function,
A compressed transmission step in which the compressed data is transmitted after the compressed image data is generated by compressing the image data of the image captured by the mobile terminal;
An image printing method comprising: a decompression printing step in which after the compressed data is received, the image data is decompressed to generate original image data, and the image data is output to print the image.   6. The image printing method according to claim 5, further comprising a data distribution step of distributing the output location of the image data in accordance with a printed material receiving method.   7. The image printing method according to claim 5, further comprising a recipient selection step in which a recipient of a printed matter is selected according to a request of an orderer.   8. The image printing method according to claim 5, wherein in the compression transmission step, the image data is resized according to a print size.   A program that causes a mobile terminal to execute processing for capturing an image and generating image data, processing for compressing the image data to generate compressed data, and processing for transmitting the compressed data.   The image processing server is configured to execute a process of receiving compressed data, a process of decompressing the compressed data to generate original image data, and a process of outputting the image data and printing an image. Program to do.   A program for causing a center server to execute a process of assigning output locations of image data in accordance with a printed material receiving method.   A program that causes a center server to execute a process of sending a finished mail based on output confirmation information.

Images