JP2017016563A - Server system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new technique for printing a content image with lottery number, using a print service system.SOLUTION: When print request information including image identification information of a desired content image is transmitted from a user terminal 2500 to a server system 1100 (1), the server system 1100 issues a lottery number (2), reads a content image corresponding to the image identification information from a high-quality image DB 1560, and generates post image data with the issued lottery number (3). The post image data is posted to a print service system 4 (4). A print instruction number is transmitted from the print service system 4 (5). The print instruction number is transferred to the user terminal 2500 (6). A user 2 inputs the print instruction number to the print service system 4 (7), to obtain a printed matter with a post image printed thereon (8). The user 2 inputs the lottery number printed on the printed matter on a member site 7, to enjoy lottery (9).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a system related to image printing.

  A print service system using a printing apparatus (also called a multi-copy machine or an image forming apparatus) installed in a convenience store, a print shop, or the like is known (see, for example, the image forming system in Patent Document 1). By using this print service system, the user can print an image transmitted from the user terminal with a printing apparatus installed at a desired location.

  Non-Patent Document 1 describes a service for printing content images such as idols and animation characters for a fee using the above-described print service system. By using the service, the user can obtain a printed matter on which a desired content image is printed. The printed matter is further printed with a lottery number (lottery execution number) called a mobile lottery number associated with the content image, and the user inputs the lottery execution number at a predetermined lottery site. I was able to enjoy the lottery drawing.

JP 2007-87076 A

“Print Carmide”, [online], Banpresto, Internet (URL: http://1kuji.bpnavi.jp/corner/251)

  However, the conventional service described in Non-Patent Document 1 is a print image in which a content image and a lottery execution number are fixed, and the same lottery execution number is printed on a printed matter of the same content image. Therefore, in the site where the lottery is performed, there is a mechanism for managing whether or not a lottery has been drawn (whether or not the lottery has been performed) by managing the information specifying the user in addition to the lottery execution number. It was introduced. As a result, even if the user purchases (prints) a plurality of printed materials of the same content image at a considerable price, the lottery execution number printed on the printed material is the same, and the user's own ID is naturally Since it is the same, the number of times that the user can draw a lottery was only one. In addition, after the lottery is drawn, there is a risk of misuse that another user who has not paid the price uses the same lottery execution number to draw a lottery.

  Therefore, a new technique for solving the above-described problem has been demanded in printing a content image with a lottery execution number using a print service system. In particular, a business operator who operates a print service system and a business operator who sells content images using the print service system separately manage and operate the system. For this reason, it is more preferable that a new technique for solving the above-described problems can be realized without requiring modification on the print service system side.

The first invention for solving the above-described problem is as follows.
A print service system that assigns a print instruction number to given input image data and prints an image based on the input image data in response to a print instruction input including the print instruction number (for example, FIG. 1) A print service system 4) and a server system (for example, the server system 1100 of FIG. 1) capable of communicating with a user terminal (for example, the user terminal 2500 of FIG. 1),
Print request information (for example, print request information 2640 in FIG. 8, FIG. 7) including at least given image identification information (for example, image identification information 2641 in FIG. 8, image identification information 1536 in FIG. 7) from the user terminal. Print request information receiving means (for example, the server processing unit 1200 and the print request information receiving unit 1203 in FIG. 6) for receiving the print request information 1535);
An image for reading a content image corresponding to the image identification information included in the print request information from a storage unit (for example, server storage unit 1500, request data 1530 in FIG. 7) that stores the content image corresponding to the image identification information. Reading means (for example, the server processing unit 1200 and the image reading unit 1205 in FIG. 6);
In accordance with the print request information, a lottery execution number (for example, lottery execution number 1548 in FIG. 7) is a unique number that can be drawn in a predetermined lottery system (for example, the member site 4 in FIGS. 1 and 3). ) For issuing a number (for example, the server processing unit 1200 and the lottery execution number issuing unit 1207 in FIG. 6);
Submitted image data generating means for generating submitted image data including the content image read by the image reading means and the lottery execution number issued by the number issuing means (for example, the server processing unit 1200 in FIG. 6). , A submitted image data generation unit 1209),
The submitted image data generated by the submitted image data generation means is transmitted to the print service system, and the print instruction number (for example, the print instruction number 1547 in FIG. 7) assigned to the received image data is displayed. Print ordering means (for example, server processing unit 1200, order management unit 1221 in FIG. 6) received from the print service system;
Print instruction number transmission means for transmitting the print instruction number received by the print ordering means to the user terminal that is the transmission source of the print request information (for example, the server processing unit 1200, the order management unit 1221 in FIG. 6, the print instruction number) Number notification unit 1227),
Is a server system.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a unique lottery execution number can be assigned to an image relating to a print request, and an image including the lottery execution number can be submitted to the print service system and printed. From the user's point of view, when an image print is requested using the user terminal, a print instruction number for actually executing printing in the print service system can be obtained, and this print instruction number is input to the print service system. By doing so, a printed matter on which the requested image is printed can be obtained. Therefore, since the user can obtain the printed matter by the same procedure as before, the present invention can be realized by a simple procedure. In addition, a unique lottery execution number is printed on the printed matter. As a result, even when the user requests to print a plurality of the same content images, the user can acquire different unique lottery execution numbers for each printed matter, and can enjoy a lottery according to each printed matter. . Further, the lottery execution number is not disclosed until the print instruction number is actually input and printed in the print service system, and since the number is unique, it is determined whether or not it is a used (lottery already executed) number. It can be easily managed. Therefore, there is no possibility of being abused.

  The print service system is a system that assigns a print instruction number to given input image data and prints an image based on the input image data in response to a print instruction input including the print instruction number. Therefore, any known print service system that employs the technology can be used without modification.

In addition, the second invention,
The print service system manages the print status of whether or not image printing based on the corresponding submitted image data has been completed for each print instruction number;
Print status inquiry means (for example, the server processing unit 1200, the order management unit 1221, and the print status inquiry unit 1228 in FIG. 6) that inquires the print service system about the print status of image printing related to the print instruction number received by the print ordering unit. ),
Is a server system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to grasp the print status in the print service system based on the print instruction number. Therefore, it is possible to provide a detailed service according to the printing status and past printing history for the printing request information received from the user terminal.

For example, as a third invention,
If the result of the inquiry by the print status inquiry means is unprinted, an unprint notification means for notifying the user terminal that is the transmission source of the print request information that the print request information has not been printed (for example, the server processing unit 1200 in FIG. 6). , Order management unit 1221, print status notification unit 1229),
The server system according to the second aspect of the present invention can be configured.

  According to the third aspect, when the server system places an order for printing to the print service system in response to a request from the user but is not yet printed, it is possible to notify the user to that effect.

Furthermore, as a fourth invention,
The print service system is a system that deletes submitted image data for which a print instruction is not input during a given print execution waiting period, and the unprint notification means includes a deadline for the print execution waiting period. (For example, the server processing unit 1200, the order management unit 1221, and the print status notification unit 1229 in FIG. 6),
It is good also as comprising the server system of 3rd invention.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent an unlimited number of unprinted orders from being accumulated in the print service system. In addition, when notifying the user that printing has not been performed, it is possible to notify the user of the deadline of the print execution standby period, and therefore it is possible to prompt the user to execute printing in the print service system until the deadline.

For example, as 5th invention,
It is determined whether or not the number or combination of content images that have been printed by the print service system satisfies a condition for giving a given privilege, and privilege grant processing means (for example, FIG. Server processing unit 1200, privilege grant processing control unit 1233),
The server system according to any one of the second to fourth aspects of the invention may further be configured.

  According to the fifth aspect, the privilege granting process can be executed when the number or combination of content images that have been printed by the print service system satisfies the condition for giving a given privilege.

More specifically, for example, as the sixth invention,
The privilege grant processing means executes processing for enabling a print request related to a given special image at the user terminal,
The server system of the fifth invention can be configured.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to give as a privilege that the user terminal can make a print request related to a given special image.

In addition, the seventh invention,
The print request information receiving means receives, in addition to the image identification information, edit information including at least information on a superimposed image input at the user terminal, included in the print request information,
The submitted image data generation means includes an image obtained by superimposing the superimposed image on the content image read by the image reading means based on the editing information included in the print request information, and the lottery execution number. Including the submitted image data including,
A server system according to any one of the first to sixth inventions.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to receive editing information including at least information on the superimposed image from the user terminal, and to set an image obtained by superimposing the superimposed image on the content image desired to be printed by the user as the submitted image. . Therefore, for example, an image reflecting edits such as “graffiti” and “stamp” input by operation on the user terminal can be printed by the print service system.

Further, the eighth invention is
The user terminal is configured to display, as a content image corresponding to the image identification information, an image in which visible information including a given visible mark or given text is mixed,
The storage unit stores an image in which the viewable information is not mixed as an image corresponding to the image identification information.
A server system according to any one of the first to seventh inventions.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the content image corresponding to the image identification information can be displayed on the user terminal, and the displayed image includes visible information including a given mark or given text. Displayed in a mixed state. Of course, the visible information is not mixed in the content image stored in the storage unit. That is, a print image in the print service system can be a high added value image.

In addition, the ninth invention,
A computer which is the user terminal capable of communicating with the server system of any one of the first to eighth inventions;
Print request information transmission control means for transmitting the print request information to the server system (for example, the terminal processing unit 2200 and the image print request processing unit 2210 in FIG. 8);
Print instruction number receiving means (for example, the terminal processing unit 2200 and the image print request processing unit 2210 in FIG. 8) for receiving, from the server system, a print instruction number in the print service system for the print request information;
It is a program to make it function as.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, it is possible to realize a program for configuring a user terminal for communicating with the above-described server system and exhibiting the above-described effects.

The figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of the whole system. The front external view for demonstrating document arrangement | positioning of a user terminal. The figure for demonstrating the basic mechanism of the whole system. The figure which shows an example of a content image and printed matter. The figure which shows an example of a content image, its edit, and printed matter. The figure which shows the function structural example of a server system. The figure which shows the structural example of the server memory | storage part of a server system. The figure which shows the function structural example of a user terminal. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process performed with a user terminal. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process performed with a server system.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described, but the form to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to the following embodiment.

[Overview]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the entire system 1 of the present embodiment. The overall system 1 is configured such that a server system 1100, a user terminal 2500, a print service system 4, and a member site 7 can communicate with each other via a communication network 9.

  The communication network 9 means a communication path capable of data communication. That is, the communication network 9 includes a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet in addition to a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection and a LAN (Local Area Network) using Ethernet (registered trademark). This means that the communication method may be wired or wireless. Moreover, although the communication network 9 is illustrated as one communication network, it may be configured by a plurality of communication networks.

  The user terminal 2500 is a computer and an electronic device (electronic device) that can connect to the communication network 9 and access the server system 1100, the print service system 4, and the member site 7. The user terminal 2500 of the present embodiment is a device that can be carried by the user 2 classified as a so-called smartphone, but is a portable game device, a stationary home game device, a game controller for a stationary home game device, a business A game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, or the like may be used.

  Further, for convenience of explanation, only one user terminal 2500 is shown in FIG. 1, but the overall system 1 has user terminals 2500 each of which has a plurality of users 2 and can be connected to the communication network 9. It is configured.

  The print service system 4 is a system including a printing device (also called a multi-copy machine or an image forming device) installed in a convenience store, a print shop, or the like, and is given via a communication network 9. When a print instruction number including the print instruction number is input in the printing apparatus, an image based on the input image data is printed in response to the instruction input. This is a system for discharging printed matter. In the present embodiment, the server system 1100 transmits the submitted image data to the print service system 4. Further, the print service system 4 manages the print status of whether or not image printing based on the corresponding submitted image data has been completed for each print instruction number.

  The member site 7 is a site that provides a predetermined service that can be used when the user 2 registers as a member using the user terminal 2500. For example, the member site 7 is a site that provides digital contents such as games, animations, and comics. . Further, the member site 7 has a lottery system, and performs a lottery process for the given lottery execution number inputted. Specifically, it is managed whether or not each lottery execution number has been used. When an unused lottery execution number is input, a lottery such as a given lottery or gacha is performed once. The prizes won in the lottery can be set as appropriate, such as points that can be used in the member site 7 or use tickets for predetermined digital contents.

  The server system 1100 is a computer system that plays a central role in the overall system 1. For example, the server system 1100 includes a main device 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and a storage 1140. A control board 1150 is mounted on the main device 1101. The control board 1150 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), various microprocessors such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), various ICs such as a VRAM, a RAM, and a ROM. A memory 1152 and a communication device 1153 are installed.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the server system 1100 is described as a single unit, but a plurality of blade servers that share user management functions, website management functions, print control management functions, and the like are mounted, and internal buses are mutually connected. It is also possible to have a configuration in which data communication is possible via the network. Alternatively, the server system 1100 may be configured to function as a whole by performing data communication with a plurality of independent servers installed at remote locations via the communication network 9.

FIG. 2 is a front external view showing a specific configuration example of the user terminal 2500.
The user terminal 2500 according to the present embodiment is an apparatus classified as a so-called smartphone, and includes a direction input key 2502, a button switch 2504, a touch panel 2506 that functions as an image display device / contact position input device, and an image that is a photographing unit. A sensor unit 2508, a speaker 2510, a built-in battery 2509, a microphone 2512, a control board 2550, and a memory card reader 2542 that can read and write data from a memory card 2540 that is a computer-readable storage medium are provided. In addition, a power button, a volume control button, etc., not shown, are provided. In addition, an IC card reader or the like that can read and write data without contact with an IC card type credit card or prepaid card may be provided.

  The control board 2550 wirelessly communicates with the CPU 2551, various microprocessors such as GPU and DSP, various IC memories 2552 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and mobile phone base stations and wireless LAN base stations connected to the communication network 9. And a positioning module 2554 serving as a positioning unit that measures the current position of the user terminal 2500 compliant with GPS (Global Positioning System), Galileo, GLONASS, and the like. In addition, a driver circuit of the touch panel 2506, a circuit that receives signals from the direction input key 2502 and the button switch 2504, an output amplifier circuit that outputs an audio signal to the speaker 2510, and an input signal that generates an audio signal collected by the microphone 2512 A so-called I / F circuit 2557 (interface circuit) such as a generation circuit, an input of image data photographed / generated by the image sensor unit 2508, a signal input / output circuit to the memory card reader 2542, and the like are mounted. Each element mounted on the control board 2550 is electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and is connected so as to be able to read / write data and transmit / receive signals. Note that a part or all of the control board 2550 may be configured by ASIC or FPGA.

  The control board 2550 stores in the IC memory 2552 a program and data for realizing processing related to a print request at the user terminal 2500 and access to the member site 7. Then, the program is executed to execute arithmetic processing, and each unit of the user terminal 2500 is controlled in accordance with operation inputs from the direction input key 2502, the button switch 2504, and the touch panel 2506.

Next, a basic mechanism of the entire system 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The user terminal 2500 has a local image DB 2560, and the server system 1100 has a high-quality image DB 1560 (DB is an abbreviation for database. The same applies hereinafter). Both the local image DB 2560 and the high-quality image DB 1560 are databases that store a large number of content images in association with image identification information for identifying the content images. The content image is an image of a character such as a game, animation, or manga, an image of an idol or a celebrity, an image of a famous thing, a military image of a fighter, a tank, or a warship. The local image DB 2560 and the high-quality image DB 1560 store content images having the same object (subject) in association with the same image identification information. However, the content image stored in the local image DB 2560 has lower image quality than the content image stored in the high-quality image DB 1560, and viewable information is mixed therein. The visually recognizable information is a sign that represents a sample or a given mark indicating that copying / copying is prohibited or a given text in a visible form.

  For example, the image D1 shown on the left side of FIG. 4 is an example of a content image stored in the local image DB 2560. The image D1 has lower resolution than the content image stored in the high-quality image DB 1560, and is mixed with viewable information M that indicates that it is “sample”. The visually recognizable information M may be any sign (mark) or other text information. Further, the content image stored in the local image DB 2560 may be either of low image quality or that the viewable information M is mixed.

  The content image stored in the local image DB 2560 is only used when the user terminal 2500 selects an image to be printed, and is not transmitted to the server system 1100. What is transmitted to the server system 1100 is not the content image but the image identification information. Therefore, the content image stored in the local image DB 2560 may of course be one that does not contain the viewable information M and does not have low image quality.

  The user 2 operates the user terminal 2500 to select a desired content image from the content images stored in the local image DB 2560 and requests the server system 1100 to perform printing in the print service system 4. From the user terminal 2500, print request information is transmitted to the server system 1100 ((1) print request in FIG. 3). The print request information includes image identification information of the content image selected by the user 2.

  Upon receiving the print request information, the server system 1100 issues a lottery execution number that enables the lottery process to be performed at the member site 7 ((2) Issue lottery execution number in FIG. 3). The lottery execution number may be issued by the server system 1100 communicating with the member site 7 and acquiring the number from the member site 7, or a lot of lottery executions set in advance as a set of unique numbers. It is good also as issuing by selecting one unissued number from numbers.

  Next, the server system 1100 reads a content image (high quality image) corresponding to the image identification information included in the print request information from the high quality image DB 1560, and includes image data including the read content image and the issued lottery execution number. Is generated as input image data ((3) generation of input image data in FIG. 3). Then, the submitted image data is submitted by sending it to the print service system 4 ((4) submission in FIG. 3), and the print instruction number for the submission is received from the print service system 4 (((3) in FIG. 3)). 5) Print instruction number).

  When the print instruction number is received from the print service system 4, the print instruction number is returned (transmitted) to the user terminal 2500 that has transmitted the print request information ((6) Print instruction number in FIG. 3). As a result, the user 2 can cause the print service system 4 to print the desired image. That is, the user 2 inputs the print instruction number to the print service system 4 ((7) input of the print instruction number in FIG. 3), and the printed material on which the image related to the previously input image data is printed. Can be obtained ((8) Printed matter acquisition in FIG. 3). The print service system 4 includes a plurality of printing apparatuses installed in a convenience store, a print shop, or the like, and printing can be performed with any printing apparatus. Therefore, the user 2 can acquire the printed matter by inputting the print instruction number using the printing apparatus of the print service system 4 installed at a desired place.

  An example of the printed material P1 is shown on the right side of FIG. The printed material P1 is printed with a content image of the same subject as the content image selected by the user 2 operating the user terminal 2500 and having high image quality and no viewable information M mixed therein. Is printed. Therefore, the user 2 can access the member site 7 from the user terminal 2500 and execute a lottery process using the lottery execution number printed on the printed matter P1 ((9) lottery execution in FIG. 3).

  According to the present embodiment, the server system 1100 generates a submitted image including a unique lottery execution number in addition to the image requested for printing, and submits it to the print service system 4. For this reason, the lottery execution number printed on the printed matter acquired by the user 2 is a different number for each printed matter even if the content images requested for printing are the same. Therefore, it is possible to enjoy a lottery according to each printed matter. In addition, since the lottery execution number is unique, the member site 7 manages whether or not the lottery is executed (whether it has been used) for each lottery execution number. Therefore, there is no possibility of being abused. In addition, if the print service system 4 has a function of outputting a print instruction number for the submitted image data, it can be used without modification.

  Note that the editing information of the user 2 can be added to the content image requested to be printed. For example, as shown on the left side of FIG. 5, the user 2 selects a frame image D9 that is a frame-shaped content image from the local image DB 2560 of the user terminal 2500, and an arbitrary image H9 ( The print request base image B9 can be created by superimposing a person image in FIG. For example, the image H9 can be an image taken by the image sensor unit 2508 (see FIG. 2). In addition, the user 2 further applies a stamp using the stamp image ST to the print request base image B9. The editing information includes such information as the image H9 and the type and arrangement position of the stamp as image information to be superimposed on the frame image D9 (content image). In addition, so-called graffiti is possible, and information on graffiti can be included in the editing information. Since the frame image D9 is a content image stored in the local image DB 2560, it has a lower image quality than the content image stored in the high-quality image DB 1560, and the viewable information M is mixed therein.

  When the server system 1100 receives print request information including edit information, the server system 1100 reads a content image (in this case, a frame image) corresponding to the image identification information included in the print request information from the high-quality image DB 1560. Then, the image included in the editing information (in this case, the image H9) and the stamp image are superimposed, and the submitted image data with the lottery execution number added is generated. An example of the printed matter P9 finally obtained by the print service system 4 is shown on the right side of FIG. The frame image printed on the printed material P9 has high image quality, and the visually recognizable information M is not mixed. An image as edited by the user 2 such as an image H9 or a stamp is printed on the printed material P9.

[Server system configuration]
Next, a functional configuration example of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the server system 1100 according to the present embodiment. The server system 1100 includes an operation input unit 1310, a server processing unit 1200, an image display unit 1360, a communication unit 1370, and a server storage unit 1500.

  The operation input unit 1310 is a means for inputting various operations for managing the server system 1100. In the example of FIG. 1, the keyboard 1106 corresponds.

  The server processing unit 1200 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC or IC memory, and inputs / outputs data to / from each function unit including the operation input unit 1310 and the server storage unit 1500. Take control. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on predetermined programs and data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 1310, and data received from the user terminal 2500, and the operation of the server system 1100 is integratedly controlled. In the example of FIG. 1, the control board 1150 corresponds to this.

  The server processing unit 1200 according to the present embodiment includes an account management unit 1201, a print request information reception unit 1203, an image reading unit 1205, a lottery execution number issuing unit 1207, a submitted image data generation unit 1209, and an order. A management unit 1221, a print history management unit 1231, a privilege grant processing control unit 1233, a lottery management unit 1241, a clock unit 1250, an image generation unit 1260, and a communication control unit 1270 are provided.

The account management unit 1201 performs processing related to the user registration procedure and registration management processing of various data associated with the registered user. Data to be managed is stored in the server storage unit 1500 as user account information 1521 (see FIG. 7).
For example, 1) Issuing process of a unique user account (user ID) to a user who has undergone a predetermined registration procedure, 2) Login / logout process, 3) Sending various notifications to the user (more precisely, user terminal 2500) It is possible to perform processing for setting a destination (for example, an e-mail address) at the time of execution, and 4) management of data related to a usage history.

  The print request information reception unit 1203 performs processing related to reception of print request information from the user terminal 2500 by the communication unit 1370. The print request information includes, for example, image identification information 1536 for identifying a content image included in an image to be printed and editing information 1538 such as an image to be superimposed, a stamp, and a graffiti as shown in print request information 1535 in FIG. It includes an edit information presence / absence flag 1537 indicating whether or not it is included, and edit information 1538. The print request information receiving unit 1203 assigns a print request ID 1531 to the received print request information 1535, and associates the user ID 1532 of the requested user 2 with the request date 1533 as the request data 1530, and the server storage unit 1500. To store. The print request ID 1531 and the request date 1533 are also transmitted to the user terminal 2500 and stored in the request data 2630 on the user terminal 2500 side (see FIG. 8).

  Returning to FIG. 6, the image reading unit 1205 reads the content image corresponding to the image identification information 1536 included in the print request information 1535 from the high-quality image DB 1560 and outputs the content image to the submitted image data generation unit 1209.

  The lottery execution number issuing unit 1207 issues one unique lottery execution number for one print request information 1535 (in other words, one request data 1530). The method of issuing may be issued by communicating with the member site 7 and specifying and acquiring one number for executing the lottery process, or among a number of lottery execution numbers prepared in advance. May be issued by selecting one unissued lottery execution number.

  When the print request information 1535 does not include the editing information 1538, the submitted image data generation unit 1209 adds the lottery execution number issued by the lottery execution number issuer 1207 to the content image read by the image reading unit 1205. The attached submitted image data is generated (see the image of the printed matter P1 on the right side of FIG. 4). If the editing information 1538 is included, the submitted image data generation unit 1209 performs editing based on the editing information 1538 included in the print request information 1535 on the content image read by the image reading unit 1205, and further selects a lottery. Submitted image data is generated by adding the lottery execution number issued by the execution number issuing unit 1207 (see the image of the printed matter P9 on the right side of FIG. 5). For example, if the editing information 1538 includes an image, image processing for overlaying the image is performed, or if information such as a stamp or graffiti is included, image processing for overlaying the image such as the stamp Apply. The input image data is stored and managed as input image data 1545 in the print data 1540 managed by the order management unit 1221 (see FIG. 7).

  The order management unit 1221 has functions related to print ordering, such as ordering printing to the print service system 4 and checking the status after ordering. Further, data relating to one print order related to one request data 1530 is created and managed as print data 1540 (see FIG. 7). The order management unit 1221 includes a waiting time limit setting unit 1223, a print ordering unit 1225, a print instruction number notification unit 1227, a print status inquiry unit 1228, and a print status notification unit 1229 as more detailed functional units.

  The waiting time limit setting unit 1223 sets a waiting time limit 1546 for submission to the print service system 4. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the print service system 4 can set a deadline for waiting for printing of unprinted input image data to a given deadline. The waiting time limit 1546 is the time limit. For example, it can be set as appropriate, for example, 48 hours after the date of submission, or 24:00 the day after the submission date. The waiting time limit 1546 set by the waiting time limit setting unit 1223 is transmitted to the print service system 4 together with the submitted image data 1545. The set waiting time limit 1546 is stored in the print data 1540. The order management unit 1221 can delete or disable the print instruction number 1547 or delete the print data 1540 itself for the print data 1540 that has passed the set waiting time limit 1546. When deleting the print data 1540 itself, the corresponding request data 1530 is also deleted.

  The print ordering unit 1225 submits the submitted image data 1545 generated by the submitted image data generation unit 1209 together with the waiting time limit 1546 by sending control to the print service system 4, and orders printing. Since the print instruction number 1547 for the submitted image data 1545 is transmitted from the print service system 4, the print ordering unit 1225 receives this print instruction number 1547 and associates it with the submitted image data 1545 in the print data 1540. Store. The print data 1540 includes a print order ID 1541 for specifying each print order, an order date 1543, a print request ID 1544 and a user ID 1542 related to the request data 1530 that is the basis of the submitted image data 1545. Store. Further, the print instruction number 1547 received from the print service system 4 is stored in the print data 1540. The print status 1549 stores information indicating whether the print service system 4 is “unprinted” or “printed”, but stores “unprinted” at the time of ordering. Also, the lottery execution number 1548 corresponding to the submitted image data 1545 issued by the lottery execution number issuing unit 1207 is stored in the print data 1540.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the print instruction number notification unit 1227 assigns the print instruction number assigned to the submitted image data 1545 by the print service system 4 to the user 2 (more precisely, the user associated with the submitted image data 1545). This is a functional unit that notifies the terminal 2500). The notification destination may be, for example, addressed to the user 2's e-mail, or may be notified directly to the user terminal 2500 if the user terminal 2500 is in communication connection. Further, the print instruction number notification unit 1227 notifies the waiting time limit 1546 together with the print instruction number.

  The print status inquiry unit 1228 is a functional unit that inquires of the print service system 4 whether the submitted image data 1545 has been printed for each print data 1540. The printing status inquiry unit 1228 updates the printing status 1549 based on the inquiry result.

  The print status notifying unit 1229 is a functional unit that notifies the user 2 (more precisely, the user terminal 2500) of the print status (printed or unprinted) as a result of the query by the print status query unit 1228.

  The print history management unit 1231 organizes the request data 1530 by user ID 1532 and manages it as user-specific print request record data 1571, and arranges the print data 1540 whose print status 1549 is “printed” by user ID 1542 for each user. This is a functional unit managed as printed record data 1573 (see FIG. 7). The request data 1530 stored in the user-specific print request record data 1571 and transferred to the management, or the print data 1540 stored in the user-specific print record data 1573 and transferred to the management can be deleted.

  The privilege granting process control unit 1233 determines whether or not the number or combination of content images that have been printed by the print service system 4 satisfies the condition for granting a given privilege, and executes the privilege granting process if the condition is satisfied. It is a functional part. Specifically, from the request data 1530 and the print data 1540 (or the user-specific print request record data 1571 and the user-specific print record data 1573), the image identification information 1536 whose print status 1549 is “printed” is stored in the user 2 It searches separately, and it is determined whether the conditions defined in privilege provision condition data 1577 (refer FIG. 7) are satisfy | filled. And when satisfy | filling, privilege provision processing is performed. In the privilege granting condition data 1577, a plurality of conditions are defined on the condition that the number of “printed” image identification information 1536 and the combination of specific image identification information 1536 that is “printed” are defined. A privilege to be given in association is set. As a privilege, for example, as a so-called unreleased image, the restriction on the special image (special content image) stored in the local image DB 2560 that is initially restricted so that a print request cannot be made is released and released. For example, it is possible to make a print request, or to use a new stamp when editing an image on the user terminal 2500. The privilege granting process control unit 1233 communicates with the user terminal 2500 of the user 2 that satisfies the privilege granting condition, and executes the process related to the privilege grant described above.

  The lottery management unit 1241 includes a lottery status inquiry unit 1243 and a lottery execution status notification unit 1245. The lottery status inquiry unit 1243 is a functional unit that inquires the member site 7 about the lottery status as to whether or not the lottery process has been performed for each lottery execution number 1548. The lottery status as a result of the inquiry is collected and managed and stored as user-specific lottery status data 1575 for each user 2 (or for each user terminal 2500) (see FIG. 7).

  The lottery implementation status notifying unit 1245 is a functional unit that notifies the corresponding user 2 (more precisely, the user terminal 2500) of the lottery implementation status (whether or not it has been implemented).

  The clock unit 1250 is a functional unit related to a clock that measures the current date and time.

  The image generation unit 1260 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC or a video codec, a drawing frame IC memory such as a frame buffer, or the like. The image generation unit 1260 generates an image necessary for system management and outputs an image signal to the image display unit 1360.

  The image display unit 1360 displays various images for system management based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 1260. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. In the example of FIG. 1, the touch panel 1108 corresponds.

  The communication control unit 1270 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 1370.

  The communication unit 1370 connects to the communication network 9 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a cable communication cable jack, a control circuit, or the like. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication device 1153 corresponds.

  The server storage unit 1500 stores a program and various data for realizing various functions for causing the server processing unit 1200 to control the server system 1100 in an integrated manner. Further, it is used as a work area of the server processing unit 1200, and temporarily stores calculation results and the like executed by the server processing unit 1200 according to various programs. Such a function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM or a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD, an online storage, or the like. In the example of FIG. 1, a storage medium such as an IC memory 1152 and a hard disk, and a storage 1140 correspond to this.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of various programs and data stored in the server storage unit 1500. The server storage unit 1500 stores a server system program 1507 and a management program 1508 as programs.

  The server system program 1507 is a basic program for realizing basic input / output functions necessary as a computer by being read and executed by the server processing unit 1200.

  The management program 1508 is a program for realizing a function related to image printing. By executing the management program 1508, an account management unit 1201, a print request information receiving unit 1203, an image reading unit 1205, a lottery execution number issuing unit. Functions such as 1207, a submitted image data generation unit 1209, an order management unit 1221, a print history management unit 1231, a privilege grant processing control unit 1233, and a lottery management unit 1241 are implemented. The flow of management processing realized by executing the management program 1508 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The server storage unit 1500 also includes, as various data, user account information 1521, request data 1530, print data 1540, high-quality image DB 1560, user-specific print request record data 1571, user-specific printed record data 1573, and user-specific lottery status. Data 1575 and privilege grant condition data 1577 are stored.

[User terminal configuration]
Next, the functional configuration of the user terminal 2500 will be described.
FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the user terminal 2500 in the present embodiment. The user terminal 2500 includes an operation input unit 2310, an imaging unit 2320, a positioning unit 2330, a terminal processing unit 2200, a sound output unit 2355, an image display unit 2360, a communication unit 2370, and a terminal storage unit 2600. Prepare.

  The operation input unit 2310 outputs an operation input signal to the terminal processing unit 2200 in accordance with various operation inputs made by the user 2. For example, it can be realized by a switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a trackball, an acceleration sensor, a gyro, a gesture controller, or the like. In the example of FIG. 2, the direction input key 2502, the button switch 2504, and the touch panel 2506 correspond to this.

  The image capturing unit 2320 is a functional unit of a digital camera that captures an image in response to an operation input and outputs captured image data to the terminal processing unit 2200. The image sensor unit 2508 corresponds to this in the example of FIG.

  The positioning unit 2330 measures the current position of the user terminal 2500 and outputs the measured position information to the terminal processing unit 2200. A conventionally known technique can be applied to the positioning method, and for example, a configuration conforming to a positioning system using a satellite such as GPS, Galileo, or GLONASS can be adopted. In addition, a configuration based on a positioning system such as specifying the position of the user terminal 2500 based on whether or not it is within a communication range of a short-range wireless device that emits a position specifying signal installed on the ground, instead of a satellite positioning system. It can also be. In the example of FIG. 2, the positioning module 2554 corresponds to the positioning unit 2330.

  The terminal processing unit 2200 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC, FPGA, or IC memory. Data is exchanged with each functional unit including the operation input unit 2310 and the terminal storage unit 2600. Performs input / output control. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on a predetermined program and data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 2310, data received from the server system 1100, data received from the member site 7, and the like. Control the behavior. In the example of FIG. 2, the control board 2550 corresponds to this.

  The terminal processing unit 2200 of the present embodiment includes an image print request processing unit 2210, a member site processing unit 2220, a notification reception control unit 2231, a clock unit 2250, a sound generation unit 2255, and an image generation unit 2260. And a communication control unit 2270.

  The image print request processing unit 2210 is a functional unit responsible for processing when requesting the server system 1100 to print an image in the print service system 4, and generates one print request information 2640 for one request to generate the server system. A print request is sent to 1100, and a print request ID 2631 and a request date / time 2633 are associated with each other and stored and managed as request data 2630 in the terminal storage unit 2600. The image print request processing unit 2210 includes, as more specific function units, an image selection unit 2211, an image editing unit 2213, a print request control unit 2215, a local image management unit 2217, and a privilege granting process local control unit 2219. Have

  The image selection unit 2211 is a functional unit that selects a content image for which the server system 1100 is requested to print an image from the local image DB 2560 in response to an operation input. The image identification information 2641 of the selected content image is stored in the print request information 2640.

  The image editing unit 2213 is a functional unit for editing the selected content image, such as setting an image to be superimposed on the content image selected by the image selection unit 2211. For example, if the content image selected by the image selection unit 2211 is a frame image, as shown in FIG. 5, a shot image shot by the shooting unit 2320 is combined with the frame image, or a stamp corresponding to an operation input. Edit the image by drawing additional characters and graffiti. The edited content is stored in the print request information 2640 as edit information 2645. Note that whether or not to edit the image is arbitrary by the user 2, and thus may not be edited and the content image selected by the image selection unit 2211 may remain as it is. Whether or not the edit has been made is stored in the print request information 2640 as an edit presence / absence flag 2643.

The print request control unit 2215 is a functional unit that sends print request information 2640 to the server system 1100 to make a print request, and receives a print instruction number sent from the server system 1100 in response to the print request. Further, the print request ID 2631 transmitted from the server system 1100 in the print request and the request date and time 2633 related to the print request are stored in the terminal storage unit 2600 as the request data 2630 in association with the print request information 2640. The print instruction number for each print request is stored in the print instruction number data 2671 in association with the print request ID 2631. Also, the print instruction number data 2671 is associated with various status data 2672 related to the corresponding print request, and is stored in the terminal storage unit 2600 as service data 2670. The status data 2672 stores the waiting time limit notified from the print instruction number notification unit 1227 of the server system 1100, the printing status notified from the printing status notification unit 1229, and the lottery execution status notified from the lottery execution status notification unit 1245. Is done.
The print instruction number, the waiting time limit, the printing status, and the lottery execution status stored in the service data 2670 are appropriately displayed on the image display unit 2360 according to the operation input.

  The local image management unit 2217 is a functional unit that manages use permission / prohibition of each content image stored in the local image DB 2560, and determines use permission / rejection based on the image use permission / refusal table 2561. In the image use permission / refusal table 2561, whether or not to permit a print request for each content image and the conditions for permission are defined. For example, a permission condition is set when the current position measured by the positioning unit 2330 satisfies a predetermined location condition, a permission condition is set when the current date and time satisfies a predetermined time condition, and a service that can be used even by non-members is provided. In some cases, the permission condition is that the member has already been registered. If unconditional permission is granted, this is stipulated. Moreover, it can be set as permission conditions that the privilege to the effect that a printing request is possible was provided in the privilege grant process.

  The privilege grant process local control unit 2219 is a control unit on the local side (user terminal 2500 side) that executes a process of granting a privilege in accordance with the control of the privilege grant process control unit 1233 of the server system 1100.

  The member site processing unit 2220 is a functional unit for performing communication connection with the member site 7 and providing a predetermined service for the member. For example, image browsing such as moving images and still images, and game execution are performed. Also, management of member site account information 2673 for logging in to the member site 7, management of member site user data 2675, which is user data using the member site 7, and the like are performed.

  Further, the member site processing unit 2220 includes a lottery execution control unit 2221 responsible for execution control of the lottery process based on the lottery execution number executed at the member site 7.

  The notification reception control unit 2231 receives a notification transmitted from the server system 1100 and displays the notification on the image display unit 2360 or emits a predetermined notification sound from the sound output unit 2355. For example, although a print request has been made, a notification that the print service system 4 has not yet printed the printed material, or a lottery that has been printed on the print service system 4 but has been printed. For example, a notification that the lottery process using the execution number has not been performed, a notification that a given privilege has been granted, and the like.

  The clock unit 2250 is a functional unit related to a clock that measures the current date and time.

  The sound generation unit 2255 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a speech synthesis IC, an audio codec that can reproduce an audio file, and generates sound signals of various notification sounds and operation sounds. Output to the output unit 2355.

  The sound output unit 2355 is realized by a device that outputs a notification sound, BGM, or the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 2255. The speaker 2510 in FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

  The image generation unit 2260 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC or a video codec, an IC memory for a drawing frame such as a frame buffer, and the like to generate an image signal. The image is output to the image display unit 2360.

  The image display unit 2360 can display various screens based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 2260. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. In this embodiment, the touch panel 2506 in FIG.

  The communication control unit 2270 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 2370.

  The communication unit 2370 connects to the communication network 9 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a cable communication cable jack, a control circuit, and the like, and the wireless communication module 2553 in FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

  The terminal storage unit 2600 stores programs and various data for causing the terminal processing unit 2200 to implement various functions for controlling the user terminal 2500 in an integrated manner. Further, it is used as a work area of the terminal processing unit 2200, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the terminal processing unit 2200 according to various programs, input data input from the operation input unit 2310, and the like. Such a function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM or a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. The IC memory 2552 mounted on the control board 2550 in FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

  The terminal storage unit 2600 displays a menu screen to display a main program 2601 that is a system program for selecting items to be executed, and an image print request program for causing the terminal processing unit 2200 to function as the image print request processing unit 2210. 2603 and a member site program 2605 for causing the terminal processing unit 2200 to realize the function as the member site processing unit 2220 are stored.

  As various data, the terminal storage unit 2600 stores a user ID 2621, request data 2630, a local image DB 2560, service data 2670, member site account information 2673, and member site user data 2675.

[Description of process flow]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing executed by the user terminal 2500.
The processing flow described here is realized by the user terminal 2500 executing the main program 2601 and then executing the image print request program 2603 and the member site program 2605 as appropriate. The main program 2601, the image print request program 2603, and the member site program 2605 may be a single program instead of separate programs.

  First, when the user terminal 2500 executes the main program 2601, the user terminal 2500 transmits login information such as a user ID 2621 input by the user 2 or stored in the user terminal 2500 to the server system 1100, and the latest service is received from the server system 1100. Data related to content images to be added to or deleted from the local image DB 2560, data related to addition or deletion of the image use permission / refusal table 2561, the latest data related to the status data 2672 corresponding to the user ID 2621, etc. Then, the information in the terminal storage unit 2600 is updated, and the menu screen is displayed to wait for selection of an item (application) to be executed (step T2).

  If the “image print request” item is selected, the image print request program 2603 is executed to perform the processes of steps T12 to T28. That is, when a privilege grant notification is received from the server system 1100 and the privilege grant process is executed (step T12: YES), the privilege grant process is executed (step T14).

  Next, whether to use each content image stored in the local image DB 2560 is determined based on the image use permission table 2561 (step T16). At this time, the terminal processing unit 2200 determines whether to use the device by appropriately using information such as the current date and time measured by the clock unit 2250 and the current position measured by the positioning unit 2330.

  Then, the terminal processing unit 2200 displays the content image determined to be usable on the image display unit 2360 so as to be selectable, and selects the content image to be a print request target according to the operation input of the user 2 (step T18). . Further, the selected content image is edited as necessary (step T20). When an operation input for determining execution of the print request is made (step T22: YES), print request information 2640 including image identification information 2641 and edit information 2645 of the content image to be printed is obtained. It is created and transmitted to the server system 1100 (step T24), and a print request is made. Further, the date and time when the print request is made is set as the request date and time 2633, and the request data 2630 is created by adding the print request ID 2631 determined with the server system 1100 to the print request information 2640 and stored in the terminal storage unit 2600. The request data 2630 is stored in the server storage unit 1500 as request data 1530 in the server system 1100. In response to the print request, the print instruction number transmitted from the server system 1100 is received (step T26), and stored in the print instruction number data 2671 in association with the print request ID 2631.

  If an operation input for ending the “image print request” is made and the operation input is to be ended (step T28: YES), the process proceeds to step T52. If the “image print request” is to be continued, the process proceeds to step T12.

  When the item “member site” is selected in step T2, the terminal processing unit 2200 executes the member site program 2605 to execute member site processing (step T42). In the member site process, a lottery process that can be performed at the member site can be performed using the lottery execution number. When the member site process is completed, the process proceeds to step T52.

  When the item “reservation list” is selected in step T2, the terminal processing unit 2200 executes a process of displaying the service data 2670 of the print instruction number data 2671 corresponding to each print request ID 2631 in a list (step). T46).

  Here, various display forms are possible. For example, for each print request, a content image related to the print request (for example, the left image D1 in FIG. 4) or a print request base image to which editing information is added (for example, the left print request base image D9 in FIG. 5) is selected. Display in the list as possible. For the selected print request, the print instruction number, the waiting time limit, the print status, and the lottery execution status are read from the service data 2670 and displayed as a detailed display.

  A print request that has been printed or has not yet been printed but whose waiting time limit has expired may not be displayed in the list. By not displaying the information related to the print request that has reached the waiting time limit, the print instruction number is stored on the user terminal 2500 side for some reason and the print instruction number that cannot be used in the print service system 4 is displayed. It is possible to prevent the user 2 from misunderstanding as if it can be used.

  In addition, when the actual print request is made, the content image use permission condition is satisfied, but when the list display is not satisfied, the print request is made based on the content image already deleted from the local image DB. In such a case, a predetermined image indicating that it cannot be used may be displayed as a list instead of the content image.

  When the display of various information related to the print request is completed, the process proceeds to step T52.

  In step T52, the terminal processing unit 2200 determines whether various notifications are made from the server system 1100 (step T52). When the notification is made (step T52: YES), the terminal processing unit 2200 displays the notification content on the image display unit 2360 or notifies the user by emitting a notification sound from the sound output unit 2355 (step S52). T54). For example, when a notification instructing execution of the privilege granting process has been made, the privilege granting process (step T14) is executed when the “image print request” item is executed next time, or this notification It is good also as performing privilege provision processing (step T14) at the time of receiving. In addition, when a print request is made but a notification that printing by the print service system 4 is in an unprinted state is received, the fact is displayed on the image display unit 2360 for notification. In addition, when printing in the print service system 4 is completed but a notification that the lottery process using the issued lottery execution number has not been performed is received, the fact is displayed on the image display unit 2360. To inform. When the notification is received from the server system 1100, the corresponding status data 2672 is updated.

  If notification has not been made (step T52: NO), or after notification (step T54), the menu screen is displayed, and the process returns to step T2, which waits for selection of an item (application) to be executed.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of processing related to management processing executed in the server system 1100. The process flow described here is realized by the server system 1100 executing the management program 1508.

  First, the server processing unit 1200 determines whether or not print request information has been sent from the user terminal 2500, and when the print request information is received (step S2: YES), the image included in the print request information. A content image corresponding to the identification information is read out from the high quality image DB 1560 (step S4). Then, after newly issuing a lottery execution number (step S6), the submitted image data is generated (step S8). If the print request information includes edit information, the content image read in step S4 is edited according to the edit information, and a lottery execution number is added to generate submitted image data.

  Next, the server processing unit 1200 sets a waiting time limit, which is a time limit for the print service system 4 to wait for execution of printing of the printed material (step S10). Then, the submitted image data is transmitted to the print service system 4 together with the waiting time limit and submitted (step S12). The print instruction number transmitted from the print service system 4 in response to the submission is received (step S14), and the print data 1540 is created together with the submitted image data and stored in the server storage unit 1500. Further, the print instruction number is transmitted to the user terminal 2500 that has made the print request and notified (step S16).

  Further, the server processing unit 1200 determines whether or not the print status inquiry timing has arrived based on the timing of the clock unit 1250 (step S18). For example, a predetermined time interval such as every 5 minutes may be set as the printing status inquiry timing, or every hour on the hour may be set as the printing status inquiry timing. If it is the print status inquiry timing (step S18: YES), the print service system 4 is inquired whether printing of the printed matter corresponding to each print instruction number 1547 is completed (step S20), and the inquiry result is sent to the print status 1549. Update memorize. As a result of the inquiry, an unprinted print instruction number 1547 for which the waiting time limit 1546 has not arrived is extracted, and based on the user ID 1542 and the user account information 1521 of the print data 1540, the print corresponding to the unprinted print instruction number 1547 is performed. The user terminal 2500 that made the request is notified of the fact that it has not been printed and the waiting time limit 1546 (steps S22 to S24). Of course, the printing status may be notified even when the printing has been completed.

  It should be noted that by using the result of the inquiry, the printed print instruction number 1547 and the unprinted print instruction number 1547 for which the waiting time limit 1546 has arrived are extracted, and the extracted print instruction number 1547 is associated with the print instruction number 1547. The print data 1540 and the request data 1530 including the request IDs 1531 and 1544 may be deleted.

  Next, the server processing unit 1200 determines the user 2 that matches the conditions set in the privilege granting condition data 1577 based on the number and combination of content images that have been printed (step S26). A process of giving a privilege determined in association with the condition is executed (step S28). For example, the user terminal 2500 of the user 2 is notified of granting a privilege, and the privilege granting process is executed.

  Next, the server processing unit 1200 determines whether the inquiry timing of the lottery implementation status has arrived based on the time measured by the clock unit 1250 (step S30). For example, a predetermined time interval such as every 5 minutes may be used as the inquiry timing, or every hour on the hour may be used as the inquiry timing. If it is the inquiry timing of the lottery execution status (step S30: YES), the member site 7 is inquired whether or not the lottery processing related to each lottery execution number 1548 has been executed (step S32). The user terminal 2500 that has requested printing corresponding to 1548 is notified that lottery has not been performed (step S36). Of course, the lottery implementation status may be notified even when the lottery has been performed.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S2, and the processes in steps S2 to S36 are repeated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a unique lottery execution number can be assigned to an image relating to a print request, and an image including the lottery execution number can be submitted to the print service system 4 and printed. From the viewpoint of the user 2, when an image print is requested using the user terminal 2500, a print instruction number for actually executing printing in the print service system 4 can be obtained. By inputting to the system 4, a printed matter on which the requested image is printed can be obtained. Therefore, since the user 2 can obtain the printed matter by the same procedure as the conventional method, the procedure is the same as the familiar procedure as before. In addition, a unique lottery execution number is printed on the printed matter. Thereby, even when the user 2 requests to print a plurality of the same content images, the user 2 can acquire different unique lottery execution numbers for each printed matter, and enjoy the lottery according to each printed matter. it can. The lottery execution number is not disclosed until the print instruction number is actually input and printed in the print service system 4, and the number is unique, so whether the number is already used (lottery has been executed) or not. Can be easily managed. Therefore, there is no possibility of being abused.

  The print service system 4 assigns a print instruction number to given input image data and prints an image based on the input image data in response to a print instruction input including the print instruction number. Therefore, any known print service system that employs the technology can be used without modification.

[Modification]
As mentioned above, although the example of embodiment which applied this invention was demonstrated, the form which can apply this invention is not limited to the said form, A component can be added, abbreviate | omitted, and changed suitably.

  For example, a printing device of the print service system 4 may include a device called a print sticker (or photo sticker).

Further, in the above embodiment, when the user terminal 2500 makes a print request again for an image for which a print request has been made based on a content image in the past, the same procedure had to be repeated from the beginning. A specification that simplifies reprinting requests may be incorporated.
For example, when a request for reprinting is made, if the use permission condition for the corresponding content image is satisfied, an operation for requesting reissuance of the print instruction number can be performed, or the same image can be reprinted A specification that enables an operation of an additional print request may be incorporated. In this case, it is more preferable that the server system 1100 reuses data received from the user terminal 2500 in the past.

  More specifically, in the display of the “reservation list” in step T46 of FIG. 9, the print status of the print request selected by the user 2 from the list of past print requests displayed in the list is unprinted, and When the waiting time limit has arrived, a reissue request image for requesting (instructing) reissuance of the print instruction number is displayed in a selectable manner. When the user 2 performs a selection instruction operation on the reissue request image, the user terminal 2500 generates reissue request information including a print request ID 2631 (also referred to as an old print request ID) related to the print request, The data is transmitted to the server system 1100 and a reissue request is made. The print reissue request information need not include the image identification information 2641 and the editing information 2645.

  On the other hand, when the server system 1100 receives the reissue request information, the server system 1100 transmits again the submitted image data 1545 corresponding to the print request ID (old print request ID) included in the reissue request information to the print service system 4. A new print instruction number 1547 is acquired. At this time, when a lottery execution number 1548 is newly issued, the lottery execution number 1548 is assigned to the new lottery execution number 1548 based on the print request information 1535 of the request data 1530 corresponding to the print request ID (old print request ID). The new submitted image data 1545 is generated and transmitted to the print service system 4 to obtain a new print instruction number 1547. The server system 1100 generates new request data 1530 and new print data 1540 related to these new prints, and transmits a new print request ID 1544 and a new print instruction number 1547 to the user terminal 2500. The user terminal 2500 receives the received new print request ID 1544 and the new print instruction number 1547, and generates and stores new request data 2630.

  Note that the user terminal 2500 generates new print request information 2640 by copying the print request information 2640 of the print request ID 2631 (also referred to as the old print request ID) related to the print request, and makes a print request to the server system 1100. The subsequent processing in this case is as described with reference to FIG.

  In the “reservation list” display, the print status of the print request selected by the user 2 from the list of past print requests displayed in the list has been printed, and the use permission conditions for the corresponding content image are set. If the request data 1530 is satisfied and the request data 1530 corresponding to the server system 1100 is stored (that is, when the waiting period 1546 has not been deleted, such as the waiting period 1546 has not been deleted: the additional printable condition is satisfied) An additional print request image for requesting (instructing) printing is displayed in a selectable manner. When the user 2 performs a selection instruction operation on the additional print request image, the user terminal 2500 generates additional print request information including a print request ID 2631 (also referred to as an old print request ID) related to the print request, A request is sent to the server system 1100 to request additional printing. The additional print request information does not need to include the image identification information 2641 or the editing information 2645.

  On the other hand, when the server system 1100 receives the additional print request information, the server system 1100 transmits the submitted image data 1545 corresponding to the print request ID (old print request ID) included in the additional print request information to the print service system 4 again. A new print instruction number 1547 is acquired. At this time, when a lottery execution number 1548 is newly issued, the lottery execution number 1548 is assigned to the new lottery execution number 1548 based on the print request information 1535 of the request data 1530 corresponding to the print request ID (old print request ID). The new submitted image data 1545 is generated and transmitted to the print service system 4 to obtain a new print instruction number 1547. The server system 1100 generates new request data 1530 and new print data 1540 related to these new prints, and transmits a new print request ID 1544 and a new print instruction number 1547 to the user terminal 2500. The user terminal 2500 receives the received new print request ID 1544 and the new print instruction number 1547, and generates and stores new request data 2630.

  Note that the user terminal 2500 generates new print request information 2640 by copying the print request information 2640 of the print request ID 2631 (also referred to as the old print request ID) related to the print request, and makes a print request to the server system 1100. The subsequent processing in this case is as described with reference to FIG.

  When the user terminal 2500 receives error information from the server system 1100, the data corresponding to the received print request ID is updated as non-reusable data.

4. Print service system 7. Membership site (lottery system)
1100: Server system 1200: Server processing unit
1203 ... Print request information receiving unit
1205 ... Image reading unit
1207 ... lottery execution number issuing department
1209: Submitted image data generation unit
1221 ... Order management department
1231: Print history management unit
1233 ... privilege grant processing control unit 1233
1241 ... Lottery management unit 1500 ... Server storage unit
1508: Management program
1530: Request data
1535: Print request information
1536 ... Image identification information
1538 ... Editing information
1540: Print data
1545 ... Submitted image data
1546 ... Waiting time limit
1547: Print instruction number
1548 ... Lottery execution number
1549 ... Printing status
1560 ... High-quality image DB
1571: Print request record data by user
1573 ... Printed record data by user
1575 ... User-selected lottery status data
1577 ... privilege granting condition data 2500 ... user terminal 2200 ... terminal processing unit
2210 ... Image print request processing unit
2220: Member site processing department
2231 ... Notification reception control unit 2600 ... Terminal storage unit
2601: Main program
2603: Image print request program
2605: Member site program
2630 ... Request data
2640 ... Print request information
2560 ... Local image DB
2561 ... Image use permission / denial table
2671 ... Print instruction number data

Claims (9)

A print service system that assigns a print instruction number to given input image data and prints a content image based on the input image data in response to a print instruction input including the print instruction number, and a user terminal Server system capable of communicating with
Print request information receiving means for receiving print request information including at least given image identification information from the user terminal;
Image reading means for reading a content image corresponding to the image identification information included in the print request information from a storage unit storing a content image corresponding to the image identification information;
Number issuing means for issuing a lottery execution number, which is a unique number that can be drawn in a predetermined lottery system according to the print request information;
Submitted image data generating means for generating submitted image data including the content image read by the image reading means and the lottery execution number issued by the number issuing means;
Print ordering means for transmitting the submitted image data generated by the submitted image data generating means to the print service system and receiving a print instruction number assigned to the submitted image data from the print service system; ,
A print instruction number transmitting means for transmitting the print instruction number received by the print ordering means to the user terminal that is the transmission source of the print request information;
Server system with The print service system manages, for each print instruction number, the print status of whether or not image printing based on the corresponding submitted image data has been completed,
Printing status inquiry means for inquiring of the print service system the printing status of image printing related to the print instruction number received by the print ordering means;
The server system according to claim 1, further comprising:   The non-print notification unit according to claim 2, further comprising: an unprint notification unit that notifies the user terminal that is a transmission source of the print request information that the print request information is unprinted when the print status query unit is unprinted. Server system. The print service system is a system that deletes submitted image data for which a print instruction is not input during a given print execution waiting period. The unprint notification unit also includes a deadline for the print execution waiting period. Notice,
The server system according to claim 3. A privilege grant processing means for determining whether or not the number or combination of content images printed by the print service system satisfies a condition for granting a given privilege, and executing the privilege granting process when the condition is satisfied;
The server system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising: The privilege grant processing means executes a process for enabling a print request related to a given special image at the user terminal;
The server system according to claim 5. The print request information receiving means receives, in addition to the image identification information, edit information including at least information on a superimposed image input at the user terminal, included in the print request information,
The submitted image data generation means includes an image obtained by superimposing the superimposed image on the content image read by the image reading means based on the editing information included in the print request information, and the lottery execution number. Including the submitted image data including,
The server system as described in any one of Claims 1-6. The user terminal is configured to display, as a content image corresponding to the image identification information, an image in which visible information including a given visible mark or given text is mixed,
The storage unit stores an image in which the viewable information is not mixed as a content image corresponding to the image identification information.
The server system as described in any one of Claims 1-7. A computer that is the user terminal capable of communicating with the server system according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Print request information transmission control means for transmitting the print request information to the server system;
Print instruction number receiving means for receiving, from the server system, a print instruction number in the print service system for the print request information;
Program to function as.