JP2014206847A - Automatic print selling device, charge-free mode signal transmission method, and server device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic print selling device that can reduce a burden on users and allows the users to casually receive the provision of privilege services.SOLUTION: A automatic print selling device 1 according to the present invention is an automatic print selling device 1 that prints and sells acquired image data, and includes a charge-free mode signal receiving unit 9 that receives charge-free mode signals, and a printing unit 7 that prints image data. When receiving charge-free signals, the automatic print selling device 1 prints and provides image data free of charge.

Description

  The present invention relates to a print vending apparatus, a free mode signal transmission method, and a server apparatus, and more particularly to a print vending terminal that prints and sells acquired image data.

  With the rapid spread of digital cameras in recent years, a service for outputting and selling digital image data as photographs with an unattended print vending apparatus in photo shops and the like has been provided. These print vending apparatuses provide various benefits such as free prints and discount prints in order to increase the number of customers and improve service recognition.

  For example, in the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a print service is proposed in which a free coupon is issued to a tour travel participant in a photo ordering system using the Internet, and a privilege is received based on the free coupon. Further, in the apparatus described in Patent Document 2, a system has been proposed in which the user authentication information of the mobile phone and the settlement by the vending apparatus connected to the network are performed in the print vending apparatus. In this system, it is also possible to provide a privilege such as a free print.

  However, in any apparatus, it is assumed that a user registers specific information in advance, and authentication by inputting a coupon number is required, so that the user is troublesome. Therefore, it cannot be said that the convenience is high for the user. In addition, when a unique coupon number is issued for each user, the cost and management burden are great for service providers such as coupon number management and coupon printing.

JP 2008-191933 A JP 2004-139165 A

  As mentioned above, when a user receives benefits such as free printing in an unattended print vending machine, the user needs operations such as prior personal information registration and authentication code input, which is troublesome. was there. In addition, due to such time and effort, there is a problem that the above-mentioned privilege is not sufficiently utilized by the user.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a print vending apparatus that reduces the burden on the user and enables the user to easily receive a privilege service. To do.

  A print vending apparatus according to the present invention is a print vending apparatus that prints and sells acquired image data, a free mode signal receiving unit that receives a free mode signal, a printing unit that prints image data, When the free mode signal is received, the image data is printed and provided free of charge.

  According to the print vending apparatus according to the present invention, if a free mode signal can be transmitted from the user's mobile communication terminal to the print vending apparatus, operations such as prior registration of personal information and input of an authentication code are performed. The user can receive a free print service without doing so. Therefore, the burden on the user is reduced and convenience is improved.

2 is a functional block diagram of a print vending apparatus and the like according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print vending apparatus according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart of a free mode signal transmission method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a print vending apparatus and the like according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a print vending apparatus or the like according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a print vending apparatus or the like according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a print vending apparatus or the like according to a fifth embodiment.

<Embodiment 1>
<Configuration>
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a print vending terminal 1, a mobile communication terminal 2, and a server device 3 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the print vending apparatus 1 provides a print service free of charge in response to a free mode signal. The print service is a service for printing an acquired image and providing it to a user. The mobile communication terminal 2 has a network communication function. The mobile communication terminal 2 acquires free print information from the server device 3 via the Internet, generates a free mode signal based on the free print information, and transmits it to the print vending apparatus 1.

  The print vending apparatus 1 includes a print order receiving unit 4 configured by a device in which a memory card reader or the like is connected to a personal computer with a touch panel monitor, and a print order management unit that manages print order information transmitted from the print order receiving unit 4 5 is provided. The print vending apparatus 1 further includes a fee payment accepting unit 6 that accepts payment of a print fee, a printing unit 7 that executes printing in accordance with an instruction from the print order management unit 5, and a printed material reception that delivers a printed material printed to the customer to the customer. A delivery unit 8 is provided. The print vending apparatus 1 further includes a free mode signal receiving unit 9 that receives a free mode signal transmitted from the mobile communication terminal 2, and a free print service management unit 10 that instructs the print order receiving unit 4 to execute a free print service. Is provided.

  The mobile communication terminal 2 includes a network communication unit 11 that performs network communication with the Internet and acquires free print information 14 from the server device 3. The mobile communication terminal 2 further determines a free print service determination unit 12 that determines whether or not to provide a free print service according to the free print information 14, and a free mode signal that generates and transmits a free mode signal according to the determination of the free print service determination unit 12. A transmission unit 13 is provided.

  The server device 3 includes a storage unit 14 that stores free print information 14 and a network communication unit 15 that can transmit the free print information via the Internet 30.

<Operation>
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the print vending apparatus 1. The user inserts the memory card storing the image data into the memory card reader provided in the print order receiving unit 4. Then, the print order receiving unit 4 acquires the image data stored in the inserted memory card and displays it on the monitor (step S101).

  Next, the free print service management unit 10 determines whether or not the free mode signal receiving unit 9 has received a free mode signal (step S102). Here, the free mode signal is a signal transmitted from the mobile communication terminal 2.

  When the free print service management unit 10 determines that the free mode signal has been received, the free print service management unit 10 instructs the print order reception unit 4 to provide the free print service. The print order accepting unit 4 accepts the print order within a predetermined limit and creates print order information (step S103). Specifically, the user confirms the image displayed on the monitor, selects an image to be printed by an input operation or the like from the touch panel, and sets the number of prints, the size, etc., and the print order is made. At this time, the number of prints that can be ordered, the size, and the like are restricted due to restrictions that are defined in advance. The print order information includes the selected image, the number of printed sheets, the size, the print fee, and the like. In the column of the print fee, it is described that the print fee is free. The selected image data and print order information are transmitted to the print order management unit 5.

  On the other hand, if the free print service management unit 10 determines in step S102 that the free mode signal has not been received, the print order reception unit 4 receives the print order and creates print order information (step S104). . In the column of the print fee of the print order information, the print fee calculated based on the print order is described. The selected image data and print order information are transmitted to the print order management unit 5.

  The print order management unit 5 determines whether the print fee is free based on the received print order information (step S105). The print order management unit 5 refers to the print fee column of the print order information, and if it is described as free, the print order management unit 5 transmits the image data on which the print order has been executed to the printing unit 7 and responds to the print order. Instruct to print.

  On the other hand, if it is not described as free in the print fee column of the print order information, the user is charged for the print fee. The print order management unit 5 acquires fee payment information from the order fee payment reception unit 6, and determines whether or not the completion of payment of the order fee by the user has been confirmed (step S106). When it is confirmed that payment of the printing fee has been completed, the selected image data is transmitted to the printing unit 7 to instruct printing according to the printing order. The printed material printed by the printing unit 7 is provided to the user via the printed material delivery unit 8.

  The operation in which the mobile communication terminal 2 in the present embodiment outputs a free mode signal output will be described using FIG. First, the mobile communication terminal 2 periodically acquires free print information stored in the server device 3 via the network communication unit 11 (step S201). Next, the free print service determination unit 12 determines whether or not the free print service can be provided based on the acquired free print information (step S202). If it is determined that the free print service can be provided, a free mode signal is generated and the free mode signal can be transmitted (step S203). Specifically, the free print information includes the period during which the free print service can be provided (date, time, day of the week, etc.), the maximum number of prints that can be ordered with one free print service, and the free charge that can be provided within a certain period. The conditions for using the free print, such as the number of print services, are described. The free print service determination unit 12 determines whether the user satisfies the above condition. The user goes to the place where the print vending apparatus is installed in order to receive the service within the range of the above-mentioned conditions, and the effect of attracting customers to the installation store can be expected.

  If it is determined in step S202 that the free print service can be provided and a free mode signal is generated, the free mode signal can be transmitted from the free mode signal transmission unit 13 (step S203). The transmission of the free mode signal by the free mode signal transmission unit 13 is performed by wireless communication such as WiFi or Bluetooth (registered trademark), for example. Also, wired communication such as a USB cable or a wired LAN may be used.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that the free print service cannot be provided and the free mode signal is not generated, the free mode signal cannot be transmitted from the free mode signal transmission unit 13 (step S204).

  The management of the number of times of use of the free print service may be performed by the mobile communication terminal 2 or by the print vending apparatus 1 or the server apparatus 3 by recording the device unique number of the mobile communication terminal 2. May be.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, free print information is stored in the server device 3, and the mobile communication terminal 2 is free of charge for the print vending apparatus 1 based on the free print information acquired via the Internet 30. Send a mode signal. Therefore, the user can receive a free print service simply by starting a program installed in advance in the mobile communication terminal 2.

  In addition, the user can download and install a program for realizing the function of the free print service determination unit 12 in the mobile communication terminal 2 from a specific location (for example, the server device 3) on the network. That is, the user can easily realize the function of the free print service determination unit 12 in his / her mobile communication terminal 2 such as a mobile phone or a mobile device. Therefore, the user can receive a free print service using his / her mobile communication terminal 2.

  Further, not only a free print service but also a print service with a special charge, a print service with advance payment such as purchase of a print coupon, and the like can be realized by the same method.

<Effect>
The print vending apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is a print vending terminal 1 that prints and sells acquired image data, and prints image data with a free mode signal receiving unit 9 that receives a free mode signal. And a printing unit 7. When the free mode signal is received, the image data is printed and provided free of charge.

  Accordingly, if a free mode signal can be transmitted from the user's mobile communication terminal 2 to the print vending apparatus 1, the user is free without performing operations such as prior registration of personal information and input of an authentication code. You can get a print service. Therefore, the burden on the user is reduced and convenience is improved.

  In addition, the free mode signal transmission method according to the present embodiment is a free mode signal transmission method for transmitting a free mode signal to the print vending apparatus 1, and free print information in which conditions for receiving a free print service are described. , A step of generating a free mode signal based on the free print information, and a step of transmitting the free mode signal.

  Therefore, when the user's mobile communication terminal 2 transmits the free mode signal to the print vending apparatus 1 using the above method, the user registers personal information or inputs an authentication code. It is possible to receive a free print service without any operation. Therefore, convenience for the user is improved.

  The server device 3 in the present embodiment is a server device 3 that provides free print information used in the free mode signal transmission method, and includes a storage unit 14 that stores free print information, and a network that transmits free print information. And a communication unit 15.

  Therefore, by storing the free print information in the server device 3, the mobile communication terminal 2 can acquire the free print information via the Internet 30 and generate a free mode signal. By generating and transmitting a free mode signal, the user can easily receive a free print service. Therefore, convenience for the user is improved.

<Embodiment 2>
<Configuration>
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the print vending apparatus 1, the mobile communication terminal 2, and the server apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the print vending apparatus 1 further includes a print vending apparatus information transmitting unit 17 that transmits an apparatus unique number. Here, the device unique number is a device unique number such as a manufacturing management number of the print vending apparatus 1 that can identify the device.

  The mobile communication terminal 2 further includes a print vending apparatus information receiving unit 18. In addition, the free print information stored in the storage unit 14 of the server device 3 further includes a device unique number list as a list of print vending apparatuses 1 that can provide a free print service. Since the other configurations of the print vending apparatus 1, the mobile communication terminal 2, and the server apparatus 3 according to the second embodiment are the same as those in FIG.

<Operation>
The print vending apparatus 1 stores an apparatus unique number. In addition to the operation described in the first embodiment, the free print service determination unit 11 of the mobile communication terminal 2 determines whether or not the free print service can be provided based on the free print information. Perform the action.

  The free print service determination unit 11 acquires the device unique number from the print vending apparatus information transmission unit 17 of the print vending apparatus 1 via the print vending apparatus information receiving unit 18. Then, it is determined whether or not the acquired device unique number is described in the device unique number list included in the free print information. When the acquired device unique number is described in the device unique number list and other conditions included in the free print information are also satisfied, the free print service determination unit 11 provides the free print service. Judge that it is possible. On the other hand, if the acquired device unique number is not described in the device unique number list, the free print service determining unit 11 determines that the free print service cannot be provided. Since other operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  For example, by providing the device unique number of the print vending apparatus 1 in a specific region in the device unique number list, it is possible to provide a free print service only in the specific region.

<Effect>
The print vending apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is further provided with a print vending apparatus information transmitting unit 17 and transmits its own device unique number from the print vending apparatus information transmitting unit 17.

  Accordingly, since it is possible to consider the device unique number in the step of generating the free mode signal, it is possible to set whether or not the free print service can be provided for each individual print vending apparatus 1. .

  Further, the server device 3 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the free print information includes the device unique number of the available print vending device 1.

  Accordingly, since the free print information includes the device unique number of the print vending apparatus 1 that can be used, the free print determination unit 12 of the mobile communication terminal 2 uses the device unique number acquired from the free print information, the print The free mode signal can be generated based on the comparison with the device unique number acquired from the vending device 1.

<Embodiment 3>
<Configuration>
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the print vending apparatus 1, the mobile communication terminal 2, and the server apparatus 3 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 5, the server device 3 further includes a free print information changing unit 20. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment (FIG. 1), description thereof is omitted.

<Operation>
The free print information changing unit 20 changes the free print information stored in the storage unit 14 at regular intervals. For example, when a free print service is provided in some print vending apparatuses 1 among a large number of print vending apparatuses 1, the free print information changing unit 20 periodically stores the apparatus unique number list included in the free print information. By changing to, it is possible to prevent the print vending apparatus 1 capable of providing a free print service from being biased. Since other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  The free print information changing unit 20 may be an information terminal such as a service provider's PC connected to the Internet.

<Effect>
In the server device 3 in the present embodiment, the free print information is updated at regular intervals.

  Therefore, the free print information can be easily kept up-to-date by updating the free print information at regular intervals. By keeping the free print information up-to-date, it is possible to provide the latest service to the user.

<Embodiment 4>
<Configuration>
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the print vending apparatus 1, the mobile communication terminal 2, and the server apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 6, the print vending apparatus 1 further includes a pay mode signal receiving unit 23 and a pay print service management unit 10. The mobile communication terminal 2 further includes a pay mode signal transmission unit 21 and a pay print service frequency recording unit 22. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment (FIG. 1), description thereof is omitted.

<Operation>
The free print service determination unit 12 of the mobile communication terminal 2 acquires free print information and acquires the number of paid print services from the paid print service number recording unit 22. If the number of paid print services exceeds a predetermined number, the free print service determination unit generates a free mode signal. As a result, the free mode signal transmission unit 13 can transmit the free mode signal.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the free print service is impossible based on the free print information and the number of pay print services does not exceed the predetermined number, the pay mode signal can be transmitted. When the pay mode signal transmission unit 21 transmits the pay mode signal, the pay print service number recording unit 22 records the number of times the pay mode signal is transmitted (that is, the number of use of the pay print service).

  When the pay mode signal reception unit 23 of the print vending apparatus 1 receives the pay mode signal, the pay print service management unit 24 instructs the print order reception unit 4 to provide the pay print service. Since operations other than those described above are the same as those described in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  The free mode signal transmission unit 13 and the pay mode signal transmission unit 21, the free mode signal reception unit 9 and the charge mode signal reception unit 23, and the free print service management unit 10 and the pay print service management unit 24 are realized by the same mechanism. May be.

<Effect>
The free mode signal transmission method according to the present embodiment further includes a step of acquiring the number of pay prints and a step of generating the free mode signal when the number of pay prints exceeds a predetermined number.

  Accordingly, when the user repeatedly uses the pay print service and the number of pay print services exceeds a predetermined number, the user can be provided with a free print service. Therefore, it is possible to provide a motivation for the user to use the pay print service and realize further sales promotion.

<Embodiment 5>
<Configuration>
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the print vending apparatus 1, the mobile communication terminal 2, and the server apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 7, the mobile communication terminal 2 further includes a position information detection unit 25 that detects the current position of the mobile communication terminal 2, a display unit 27, and a display signal generation unit 26 that generates a position information display signal. The position information detection unit 25 detects the current position of the mobile communication terminal 2 using, for example, a GPS signal.

  The free print information stored in the storage unit 14 of the server device 3 further includes a device position information list as a list of position information of the print vending apparatus 1 capable of providing a free print service. . Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

<Operation>
First, the display signal generation unit 26 acquires the current position of the mobile communication terminal 2 from the position information detection unit 25. In addition, the display signal generation unit 26 acquires a device position information list from the network communication unit 11. Next, the display signal generator 26 calculates the distance from the current position of the mobile communication terminal 2 to each print vending apparatus 1 described in the apparatus position information list. Then, the print vending apparatus 1 whose distance is equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, 1 km or less) is selected. Then, a display signal for displaying the current position of the mobile communication terminal 2 and the position of the selected print vending apparatus 1 is output to the display unit 27.

  As a result, the current position of the mobile communication terminal 2 and the position of the print vending apparatus 1 whose distance from the mobile communication terminal 2 is within 1 km, for example, are displayed on the map displayed on the display unit 27. Therefore, since the user carrying the mobile communication terminal 2 can easily find the nearest print vending apparatus 1 that provides the free print service, the convenience for the user is improved. Since other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  In addition, when there is a print vending apparatus 1 that provides a free print service within a predetermined distance from the mobile communication terminal 2, the presence of the print vending apparatus 1 such as outputting a notification sound and displaying a message is actively activated. An operation for notifying the user may also be performed. By performing such an operation, the degree of recognition of the installation location of the print vending apparatus 1 can be increased.

  When the print vending apparatus 1 includes the position information detection unit, the mobile communication terminal 2 acquires the device unique number and the position information from the print vending apparatus 1 when the print service is performed, and stores the storage unit 14 of the server apparatus 3. By updating the device position information list stored in, the device position information list can always be kept up-to-date. Note that the same can be realized by using the position information of the mobile communication terminal 2 connected when the print service is provided as the position information of the print vending apparatus 1.

<Effect>
In the free mode signal transmission method according to the present embodiment, the free print information includes the position information of the available print vending apparatus 1, the step of acquiring own position information, the own position, And a step of outputting a display signal capable of displaying the position of the available print vending apparatus 1 on the display unit 27.

  Therefore, for example, by displaying the position of the available print vending apparatus 1 installed within a distance from the mobile communication terminal 2 on the display unit 27, the user carrying the mobile communication terminal 2 Since the vending machine 1 can be easily found, the convenience for the user is improved.

  It should be noted that the present invention can be freely combined with each other within the scope of the invention, and each embodiment can be appropriately modified or omitted.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Print vending apparatus, 2 Mobile communication terminal, 3 Server apparatus, 4 Print order reception part, 5 Print order management part, 6 Charge payment reception part, 7 Printing part, 8 Printed material delivery part, 9 Free mode signal receiving part, 10 Free print service management unit, 11, 15 Network communication unit, 12 Free print service determination unit, 13 Free mode signal transmission unit, 14 Storage unit, 20 Free print information change unit, 21 Paid mode signal transmission unit, 22 Paid print service times Recording unit, 23 Pay mode signal receiving unit, 24 Pay print service management unit, 25 Location information detection unit, 26 Display signal generation unit, 27 Display unit, 30 Internet.

Claims (8)

A printing vending machine that prints and sells acquired image data,
A free mode signal receiver for receiving a free mode signal;
A printing unit for printing the image data;
With
When the free mode signal is received, the image data is printed and provided free of charge,
Print vending machine. It further includes a print vending machine information transmission unit,
The self-device unique number is transmitted from the print vending device information transmission unit,
The print vending apparatus according to claim 1. A free mode signal transmission method for transmitting the free mode signal to the print vending apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
Obtaining free print information describing conditions for receiving a free print service;
Generating a free mode signal based on the free print information;
Transmitting the free mode signal;
Comprising
Free mode signal transmission method. Obtaining the number of paid prints;
Generating the free mode signal when the number of paid prints exceeds a predetermined number;
Further comprising
The free mode signal transmission method according to claim 3. The free print information includes location information of available print vending devices,
Obtaining self location information;
Outputting a display signal capable of displaying the self position and the position of the available print vending apparatus on the display unit;
Further comprising
The free mode signal transmission method according to claim 3 or 4. A server device that provides the free print information used in the free mode signal transmission method according to claim 3,
A storage unit for storing the free print information;
A network communication unit for transmitting the free print information;
Comprising
Server device. The free print information includes a device unique number of an available print vending device,
The server device according to claim 6. The free print information is updated at regular intervals.
The server device according to claim 6 or 7.

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