JP3753237B2 - Online print order system, server system, online print order processing method and photo processing system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an online print ordering system and server system, an online print order processing method, and a photo processing system that can receive a photo print order from a customer via online such as the Internet.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When receiving an order for a photo print from a customer, the customer usually visits the photo store directly and places an order for a simultaneous print or a reprint. For customers who come to the store, the photo store gives you something like a voucher. After the printing process is completed, the customer visits the photo shop and presents the voucher received at the time of ordering. As a result, it is possible to confirm the identity of the person who ordered, so that the finished photo print can be handed over to the customer.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
On the other hand, a system for receiving a photo print order online is known. For example, a system that uses a Web site existing on the Internet. The customer can place an order via the Web site without visiting the photo store directly. After the printing process is completed, the customer directly visits the photo shop and receives a photo print.
[0004]
However, in the case of online ordering, there is no voucher to give to customers who have come directly to the store, so make sure that the person who came to pick up the photo print is the person who actually ordered it. Is difficult. In order to authenticate the customer, the customer writes down the order number displayed on the website and notifies the customer of the order number at the store, and the order confirmation screen displayed on the website is printed on the customer's printer. The method of letting you bring it to the store can be considered.
[0005]
However, from the customer's standpoint, it is troublesome to write down an order number or print an order confirmation screen, which is not a preferable method. Also, the order number may be long for security and data management reasons. Then, it is difficult to remember the order number, and it is troublesome to keep it in a memo. From the above, the present situation is that a photo print is handed over at the store, considering the customer as the orderer only by offering the name of the orderer, even if the order number is not presented. Therefore, when another person uses a pseudonym to enter the name, there is a possibility that the photograph print will be mistakenly handed over.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem is that when receiving a print order online and handing over a photo print at a storefront, it is possible to reliably authenticate the user and to ensure reliability in terms of security. It is to provide an online print ordering system that can enhance the performance.
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, an online print ordering system according to the present invention includes:
A server system that accepts print orders from clients and uploads image data from clients;
A photo processing system that downloads the image data from the server system and creates a photo print according to the print order;
When print processing is completed, identification information for personal authentication is transmitted to the customer's mobile terminal by the server system, and personal authentication is performed by the identification information displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal when the customer visits the store. It is characterized by having comprised so that.
[0007]
The operation and effect of the system with this configuration is as follows.
First, image data related to an image to be printed by a server system is uploaded from a client (customer). The file format of the image data may be an appropriate format. A photo processing system provided in a photo shop or the like can confirm that a print order has been made by accessing the server system, and downloads the uploaded image data as described above. A photo print is created using the downloaded image data. Regarding the creation of a photographic print, a known creation method may be followed.
[0008]
When the printing process ends, the server system transmits identification information for personal authentication to the customer's mobile terminal. This identification information may be generated by a photo processing system or a server system. When it is generated by the photo processing system, it is transmitted to the server system, and when it is generated by the server system, it may be transferred to the photo processing system.
[0009]
The identification information transmitted from the server system can be displayed on the display screen of the customer's mobile terminal. When the customer visits the store to receive a photo print, the customer presents the identification information displayed on the display screen to the store staff. With this identification information, personal authentication can be performed.
[0010]
Since the mobile terminal is normally used by an individual, it is preferable from the viewpoint of security to perform personal authentication. Further, the identification information is transmitted from the server system to the mobile terminal, so that the customer does not have time and effort to obtain the identification information. The customer only needs to show the identification information received when visiting the store. As a result, it is possible to provide an online print ordering system that can reliably authenticate a person and improve the reliability in terms of security when receiving a print order online and handing over a photo print at a store. .
[0011]
The server system used in the online print ordering system according to the present invention is:
An image data storage unit that accepts a print order from a client and stores image data related to the print order uploaded from the client;
In response to a download request from the photo processing system, an image data transmission unit that transmits the image data to the photo processing system;
And an identification information transmitting unit that transmits identification information for personal authentication to the mobile terminal of the customer when the print processing is completed.
[0012]
The server system with this configuration stores the image data uploaded from the client in the image data storage unit. The photo processing system accesses this server system and transmits image data to the photo processing system in response to a download request. When print processing is completed in the photo processing system, identification information for personal authentication is transmitted to the customer's mobile terminal. This identification information may be generated by a photo processing system or a server system.
[0013]
The identification information transmitted from the server system can be displayed on the display screen of the customer's mobile terminal. Thereby, personal authentication can be performed.
[0014]
As an embodiment of the present invention, the identification information is preferably a barcode. Bar codes are harder to counterfeit than text information. Therefore, it can be said that the barcode is identification information preferable in terms of security.
[0015]
As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal is a mobile phone and transmits the identification information by e-mail.
[0016]
Mobile phones (including PHS) are the most popular mobile terminals. In addition, it is assumed that mobile phones are not used jointly by family members, but are used by individuals. Therefore, the identity authentication can be performed with high reliability by transmitting the identification information to the mobile phone by e-mail.
[0017]
The photo processing system used in the online print ordering system according to the present invention is:
A transmission / reception unit for downloading image data relating to a print order uploaded from a client to a server system;
An image data storage device for storing the downloaded image data;
An identification information creation unit that creates identification information for personal authentication when the print process is completed;
The transmission / reception unit is configured to transmit the identification information to the server system, and the identification information is transmitted to the customer's mobile terminal by the server system, and when the customer visits the store, The personal authentication is performed based on the identification information displayed on the display screen of the portable terminal.
[0018]
The photo processing system having this configuration downloads image data from the server system and stores it in the image data storage device. A print process is performed based on the image data to create a photo print. When the printing process ends, identification information for personal authentication is created. This identification information is transmitted from the photo processing system to the server system, and further transmitted from the server system to the customer's mobile terminal. The identification information transmitted from the server system can be displayed on the display screen of the customer's mobile terminal. Thereby, when the customer visits the store, the personal authentication can be performed.
[0019]
As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, by using the identification information as a barcode, the identification information can be made difficult to forge, and the reliability can be improved.
[0020]
Another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a print creation unit that creates a photographic print based on the image data, and the print creation unit prints the barcode.
[0021]
According to this configuration, authentication and verification can be performed using the barcode displayed on the customer's mobile terminal and the barcode displayed on the print.
[0022]
As still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is one that prints the barcode on an index print.
[0023]
By printing barcodes together with index prints, it is not necessary to create useless prints.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of an online print ordering system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an online print ordering system.
[0025]
<Schematic configuration of the system>
This online print ordering system is mainly composed of a photo processing system 1, a server system 2, and a client system 3, and is connected by a network such as the Internet. Note that the network is not limited to the Internet, but may be a closed network other than that, and is not limited to wired or wireless.
[0026]
The photo processing system 1 includes a printer processor 10 and the like, and creates a photo print based on image data. Image data can be obtained by downloading from the server system 2, but can also be obtained by scanning a photographic film.
[0027]
The server system 2 includes one or a plurality of server devices 20. The server device 20 provides a Web site (homepage) for receiving an online print order via the Internet. When the order is received, the image data is uploaded to the server device 20 and stored in the hard disk. Further, when the print processing is completed, the server device 20 sends an e-mail including a barcode (corresponding to identification information) to the customer's mobile phone 5 (corresponding to a mobile terminal. The mobile phone includes PHS). Send.
[0028]
The client system 3 is configured with the personal computer 30 as a core. A customer who wants to place a print order online uses his / her personal computer 30 to access the server device 20 and upload image data. For example, image data taken by the digital camera 4 can be used as the image data.
[0029]
<Functional block diagram of the system>
Next, functional block configurations of the photo processing system 1, the server system 2, and the like constituting the online print ordering system will be described with reference to FIG.
[0030]
The printer processor 10 includes a transmission / reception unit 11 for communicating with the server system 2, an image data storage device 12 for storing image data to be printed, and performs image processing on the image data as necessary. An image processing unit 13 and an exposure engine 14 that performs image printing exposure on paper, which is a photographic photosensitive material, are provided. The identification information generation unit 15 generates a barcode when a print order is received. One barcode is generated for each order. When receiving a print order, the order information storage unit 16 stores order information (order number, orderer name, order details, etc.). In addition, the generated barcode is also stored by linking to the order information.
[0031]
The image data storage device 12 is configured by hardware such as a hard disk and a memory. The image processing unit 13 includes software that performs image processing, a conversion table, and the like. The exposure engine 14 prints and exposes an image on the paper by scanning the exposure light onto the paper which is a photographic photosensitive material. The exposure engine 14 can be an appropriate type of digital exposure engine such as a laser engine, a CRT engine, or a PLZT engine. The identification information generation unit 15 is configured by software or the like that automatically generates identification information. The order information storage unit 16 is configured by hardware such as a hard disk and a memory.
[0032]
The server device 20 includes a transmission / reception unit 21 that transmits / receives various data to / from the client system 3 and the mobile phone 5. The HTML storage unit 22 stores a large number of HTML files in order to provide a home page (Web page) to the client system 3 that has accessed the server device 20. The image data storage unit 23 temporarily stores image data uploaded from the personal computer 30 for print processing. This image data is transferred to the photo processing system 1 in response to a download request from the photo processing system 1. Upon receiving the print processing end signal and the personal identification barcode signal from the printer processor 10, the email creation unit 24 transmits an email including the barcode to the mobile phone 5.
[0033]
<Processing procedure of print order system>
Next, a procedure when a customer places a print order online will be described. In order to use this system, it is necessary to register as a member. The procedure for member registration will be briefly described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the customer browses a Web page for accessing the server system 2 and placing a print order. Then, a member registration screen (not shown) linked to this page is displayed on the monitor screen of the personal computer 30 (# 1).
[0034]
The customer inputs a predetermined item while viewing this display screen (# 2). Items include address, name, age, gender, home phone number, occupation, personal computer mail address, mobile phone mail address (hereinafter referred to as mobile address), and the like. Among the items, the address, name, and mobile address are indispensable items.
[0035]
When input is complete, click the confirmation button on the screen with the mouse. As a result, a confirmation screen is displayed on the screen of the personal computer 30 (# 3). The customer sees this confirmation screen and confirms whether there are any errors in the input items. If there is an error, return to step # 2 and retry the input.
[0036]
If it is OK, the transmission button is clicked (# 5). Thereby, the confirmed information is sent to the server system 2, and the input data is registered in the member database as member data. Further, the server system 2 issues an ID and a password (# 6). This ID and password are transmitted to the customer's personal computer mail address. This completes the membership registration procedure.
[0037]
Next, a procedure when the customer places a print order online will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0038]
First, the customer's personal computer 30 accesses the server system 2 to display a print order screen (photo store homepage) (# 10). The customer inputs the ID and password acquired in advance (# 11). Next, the image data relating to the print order is uploaded from the personal computer 30 to the server system 2 (# 12). Note that an appropriate file format such as JPEG or bitmap can be adopted as the file format of the image data.
[0039]
Next, order information is input (# 13). The order information is information such as how many images are printed at what print size. When the input information is confirmed, it is stored in the image data storage unit 23 together with the image data.
[0040]
Next, the procedure for performing print processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As a method of knowing that there has been an online print order, there is a method of making an online notification from the server system 2 to the photo processing system 1, or a regular or appropriate timing from the photo processing system 1 to the server system 2. Can be considered, but any method may be adopted.
[0041]
First, the server system 2 is accessed from the photo processing system 1 (# 20). Also in this access, an ID and a password are necessary depending on circumstances. Next, image data is downloaded and order information is also acquired (# 21). The downloaded image data is temporarily stored in the image data storage device 12 (# 22). When an order is received, a barcode is generated for authenticating the orderer (# 23). The generated barcode is stored in the order information storage unit 16 together with the order information.
[0042]
The image data is subjected to image processing so as to produce appropriate colors and densities as needed (# 24). Since the contents of this image processing are publicly known, description thereof is omitted. Next, print processing is executed according to the contents of the order information (# 25). In this print process, an index print is created in addition to a normal photo print. When the print creation is completed, the finished photo print is discharged to the outside of the printer processor (# 26).
[0043]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of creating an index print. A barcode 6 is printed at the lower right of the index print. This bar code is used for identity verification when an orderer who is a customer visits the store, but can also be used as a POS (point-of-sale management) system. The bar code information corresponds to the information shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows the order number, the name of the orderer, the order contents, and the like, and these pieces of information are stored in the order information storage unit 16.
[0044]
When the print creation is completed, it is necessary to notify the server system 2 from the photo processing system 1. Therefore, the print end signal and the barcode signal are transmitted to the server system 2 (# 27). In response to this, the server system 2 creates an e-mail including the barcode and transmits the e-mail to the mobile address of the orderer's mobile phone (# 28).
[0045]
An example of the contents of this e-mail is shown in FIG. By receiving this mail, it is possible to notify that the print processing has been completed. The email also includes a generated barcode image.
[0046]
Next, the configuration of the personal authentication system and the POS system will be described with reference to FIG. When the customer visits the store to receive the completed photo print, the customer displays the barcode on the display screen of the mobile phone 5 and presents it to the store person. In the photo shop, the bar code shown on the display screen is read using the bar code reader 7. Order information corresponding to the read barcode is displayed on the display screen of the personal computer 8 provided in the photo shop. The display contents are as shown in FIG.
[0047]
The order information can also be confirmed by reading the barcode 6 printed on the index print with the barcode reader 7. Further, a POS system can be configured by using a barcode. The personal computer 8 constitutes a part of the photo processing system 1. In this case, the order information storage unit 16 shown in FIG. The printer processor and the personal computer 8 are connected by a communication cable. However, in the present invention, the setting location of the order information storage unit 16 is not limited to a specific location.
[0048]
As described above, identity authentication can be ensured by using the barcode displayed on the mobile phone. In other words, the person who presents the barcode at the store can confirm that it is a legitimate orderer, and the photo shop can hand over the photo print with peace of mind. Barcode is image data, and unlike text data, it is difficult for ordinary people to read the contents, and forgery is also difficult. Thereby, impersonation other than the person himself / herself can be prevented. In addition, since the customer does not need to remember the order number or print the order screen with a printer, it is not time-consuming.
[0049]
<Another embodiment>
As the identification information, text data other than the barcode may be used. Also, the barcode may be a two-dimensional barcode instead of a one-dimensional one.
[0050]
As the printer processor constituting the photographic processing system, those having various structures can be adopted. Of course, a configuration capable of processing image data acquired from a photographic film or other recording medium may be added.
[0051]
The server system 2 may be configured by a plurality of server devices having distributed functions. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which functions are distributed to a Web server that provides Web pages, a file server that stores image files, a database server that stores member information, and the like, and the load on each server is reduced. good.
[0052]
Bar codes can be generated not by a photo processing system but also by a server system. For example, when an online print order is made from a customer, a barcode is automatically generated inside the server device, and when accessed from the photo processing system 1, a barcode signal is transmitted together with the image data. In such a case, the order information storage unit 16 of FIG. 2 can be set in the server device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an online print ordering system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional block configuration of an online print ordering system. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for member registration. Flowchart showing the procedure for placing an order [Fig. 5] Fig. 6 illustrates the procedure for performing a print process. [Fig. 6] Fig. 7 illustrates an example of creating an index print. [Fig. 7] POS system display example. Figure showing the contents of the mail [Figure 9] Figure showing the configuration of the POS system [Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photo processing system 2 Server system 3 Client system 5 Mobile phone 6 Bar code 10 Printer processor 12 Image data storage device 15 Identification information generation unit 16 Order information storage unit 20 Server device 23 Image data storage unit 24 E-mail creation unit 30 Personal computer

Claims (9)

A server system that accepts print orders from clients and uploads image data from clients;
A photo processing system that downloads the image data from the server system and creates a photo print according to the print order;
When print processing is completed, identification information for personal authentication is transmitted to the customer's mobile terminal by the server system, and personal authentication is performed by the identification information displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal when the customer visits the store. An online print ordering system characterized by being configured to perform A server system used in the online print ordering system according to claim 1,
An image data storage unit that accepts a print order from a client and stores image data related to the print order uploaded from the client;
In response to a download request from the photo processing system, an image data transmission unit that transmits the image data to the photo processing system;
A server system comprising: an identification information transmission unit that transmits identification information for personal authentication to a customer's mobile terminal when the print process is completed. The server system according to claim 2, wherein the identification information is a barcode. 4. The server system according to claim 2, wherein the mobile terminal is a mobile phone and transmits the identification information by electronic mail. An online print order processing method executed by a server system used in the online print order system according to claim 1,
Receiving a print order from the client and storing image data relating to the print order uploaded from the client;
Transmitting the image data to the photo processing system in response to a download request from the photo processing system;
And a step of transmitting identification information for personal authentication to a customer's mobile terminal when the print processing is completed. A photo processing system used in the online print ordering system according to claim 1,
A transmission / reception unit for downloading image data relating to a print order uploaded from a client to a server system;
An image data storage device for storing the downloaded image data;
An identification information creation unit that creates identification information for personal authentication when the print process is completed;
The transmission / reception unit is configured to transmit the identification information to the server system, and the identification information is transmitted to the customer's mobile terminal by the server system, and when the customer visits the store, A photo processing system configured to perform personal authentication based on identification information displayed on a display screen of the portable terminal. The photo processing system according to claim 6, wherein the identification information is a barcode. The photographic processing system according to claim 7, further comprising a print creation unit that creates a photographic print based on the image data, and the print creation unit prints the barcode. 9. The photo processing system according to claim 8, wherein the bar code is printed on an index print.

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