JP3915748B2 - Printed vending system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printed matter vending system, and a server, a mobile phone, and a printed matter vending machine using the system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There is known a vending machine that prints and sells various printed materials for a fee. FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining a conventional printed matter vending machine, and is a system configuration diagram including the conventional printed matter vending machine. In the figure, the printed matter vending machine 1 includes a printer unit and a media slot, for example, and is taken into a digital camera 2 or image data taken with a mobile phone (for example, a mobile phone with camera) 3 or a personal computer 4. The image data is stored in the memory card 5, and the memory card 5 is inserted into the media slot.
[0003]
Then, image data is read from the memory card 5 and printing processing is performed by a built-in printer unit. The printed matter 6 is output from the outlet of the printed matter vending machine 1.
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a user processing procedure for the printed matter vending machine 1. The user first confirms the printed material vending machine 1 (shown in FIG. 27 (a)), and inserts the memory card 5 into the media slot of the printed material vending machine 1 (shown in FIG. 27 (b)). Next, the user selects an operation and sends a print command to the printed matter vending machine 1 ((c) and (d) shown in FIG. 27). Next, a fee is paid according to the fee payment request displayed on the printed matter vending machine 1 ((e) and (f) shown in FIG. 27), and the supply of the printed matter is received ((g) shown in FIG. 27).
[0004]
Further, when using the printed vending machine 1 having the above functions, a plurality of sheets can be printed simultaneously in consideration of the printing speed, and a plurality of printer units are incorporated. However, as the number of built-in printer units increases, failures increase and the time required for maintenance increases. For this reason, in order to perform maintenance easily, maintenance information is obtained by using a communication function to improve maintenance efficiency.
[0005]
FIG. 28 is a flowchart for further explaining processing when a server device is connected to the printed matter vending machine 1. In this case, in addition to the above processing ((a) to (g)), the printed matter vending machine 1 displays the failure location according to the failure inspection instruction from the server device ((h) and (i) shown in FIG. 28). ) If necessary, maintenance personnel are dispatched ((j) shown in FIG. 28).
[0006]
Further, Patent Document 1 proposes an apparatus that reads data in a predetermined sequence and automatically reproduces a desired image when there are a plurality of recording media loaded in the media slot.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-272176
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the case of the printed matter vending machine having the communication function, the maintenance function is transmitted several times a day, and the communication function is not effectively used.
In addition, a media slot must be prepared in the conventional case regardless of the presence or absence of a communication function.
[0009]
Furthermore, if you have a digital camera but no memory card, you cannot use a printed vending machine. In such a case, for example, sales opportunities for photo printing are reduced.
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and regardless of the presence or absence of a media slot, a printed matter vending system that uses a printed matter vending machine by effectively using a communication function, a management server that uses the system, and a printed matter Vending machines are provided.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printed matter vending system in which a mobile phone with a photographing function, a printed matter vending machine, and a server are connected via a network. Using the authentication received by performing user registration with the server, the image data is transmitted from the mobile phone to be stored in the server, and the server transmits the transmitted image data to a predetermined information based on registration information. And the server notifies the mobile phone of the predetermined registered vending machine, and the mobile phone directly sends an instruction to print to the designated vending machine. and, wherein the vending machine has received the print instruction, to display the selection screen based on the image data, the cellular phone, the selection information of the image automatic sales desired to print By sending directly to the machine, it can be achieved by providing a printed matter vending system wherein an automatic vending machine on the basis of the selection information and performing print processing based on the selected image.
[0011]
With this configuration, it is possible to effectively use the communication function and print a photographic image taken by the photographing unit of the mobile phone regardless of the possession of the memory card.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cellular phone with a photographing function and a server connected to a printed matter vending machine via a network, the server responding to user registration from the cellular phone. The image data transmitted from the mobile phone is stored and the image data is transmitted to a predetermined vending machine based on the user registration information, and the predetermined registered and registered in the mobile phone. By notifying the vending machine to directly transmit an instruction to perform printing to the vending machine set and registered in the mobile phone, and causing the vending machine to perform a printing process based on the instruction. Can be achieved by providing a server to do.
[0012]
With this configuration, the management server of the present invention can send image data to a printed material vending machine designated in advance by the user, and can receive the printed material from the printed material vending machine designated by the user later. .
According to the invention described in claim 3, the subject is a mobile phone with a photographing function connected to a server and a printed matter vending machine via a network, and the mobile phone has previously registered a user with the server. Sending the image data to be stored in the server using the authentication received by performing, receiving from the server a notification of the vending machine that is set and registered based on the user registration information and the image data is transferred. An image capturing device that causes the vending machine to perform a printing process based on an image selected based on the selection information by directly transmitting selection information of an image desired to be printed to the vending machine. This can be achieved by providing a mobile phone with a function.
[0013]
With this configuration, it is possible to effectively use the communication function and print a photographic image photographed by the photographing means of the mobile phone regardless of possession of the memory card.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the third aspect, the mobile phone can perform infrared communication with, for example, the printed matter vending machine.
[0014]
With this configuration, it is possible to receive print data and information such as print frames (screens), number of prints, and image correction from the mobile phone using infrared communication.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the third aspect, the mobile phone is capable of wireless communication with the printed vending machine.
[0015]
With this configuration, it is possible to receive print data and information such as print frames (screens), the number of prints, and image correction from a mobile phone using wireless communication.
According to the invention described in claim 6, the subject is a printed matter vending machine connected to a mobile phone with a photographing function and a server via a network, and the printed matter vending machine is preliminarily connected to the cellular phone from the mobile phone. The vending machine in which use is set and registered based on user registration transmitted to the server, image data transmitted to be stored in the server from the mobile phone is transferred from the server, and set and registered from the server receiving an instruction for printing from the cellular phone which has received the notification directly to display the selection screen based on the image data according to the print instruction, from said mobile phone, directly receive selection information of the desired image to print And providing a printed material vending machine characterized in that a printing process is performed based on an image selected based on the selection information. .
[0016]
With this configuration, it is possible to effectively use the communication function and print a photographic image photographed by the photographing means of the mobile phone regardless of possession of the memory card.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the sixth aspect, the paper supplied to the printing unit of the printed material vending machine is roll paper, for example.
[0017]
Further, claims 8 and 9 are configurations in which the mobile phone is operated, a message is transmitted to the printed material vending machine, and the message is synthesized and printed on the printed material.
With this configuration, for example, a message described in an email can be synthesized and printed on an image taken with a mobile phone.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a photo printing vending system for explaining the present embodiment.
[0019]
In FIG. 1, the system is composed of a server 10, a printed matter vending machine 11 and a terminal device 12 connected to the server 10 via a network. Here, the terminal device 12 is a digital camera 12a, a mobile phone 12b, and a personal computer 12c, and the mobile phone 12b has a camera 9 that is a photographing means.
[0020]
These terminal devices 12 and the server 10 are also connected via a network. Images captured or captured by the digital camera 12a, the mobile phone 12b, or the personal computer 12c are transmitted to the server 10 via a network such as the Internet. The transmission data (image data) is further transferred from the server 10 to the printed material vending machine 11 and subjected to printing processing based on a user instruction.
[0021]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the printed material vending machine 11. Moreover, the printed matter vending machine 11 of this example is comprised so that a main body can be isolate | separated into an upper part and a lower part, and the figure which shows the state which isolate | separated and installed the upper body 11a and the lower body 11b is FIG. In addition, the figure shown in FIG. 3 is a figure which shows the state which mounted the upper body 11a on the table 18. As shown in FIG.
[0022]
In both figures, a display unit 13 and an operation input unit 14 are disposed in the upper machine 11a, a printing unit in which two printer devices are built in the lower machine 11b, a discharge unit 15 for discharging a printing result, and depositing. And a money transfer mechanism 16 for handling change and the like. The upper body 11a is provided with stereo speakers 17a and 17b for voice guidance, a plurality of selection operation buttons are provided on the lower side of the display unit 13, and a plurality of types of storage media are used on the lower side. A plurality of media loading openings are provided. The display unit 13 is a touch panel type and can be operated.
[0023]
Further, the two built-in printer devices are sublimation thermal transfer printers, and in use, print data is alternately distributed to the two printer devices to perform high-speed printing. In addition, one type of roll paper is incorporated as the paper, and an L ribbon having a length of L or 2L is used as the ink ribbon according to the print size designation (L size and 2L size can be designated). Here, the L size (for example, 89 × 127 mm) and the 2L size (for example, 127 × 178 mm) have the same width and are twice the length, so roll paper of the same width is used for printing. By changing only the length of the ribbon to be doubled, printing of two sizes is possible.
[0024]
In addition, the paper roll paper setting unit (not shown) is configured such that two stages of roll paper can be set, and the replenishment roll can be set in a standby state above the regular roll.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the printed material vending machine 11 can directly communicate with the digital camera 12 a, the mobile phone 12 b, and the wrist camera 12 d, and exchanges data with the printed material vending machine 11. Wireless communication means in this case are Bluetooth or IrDA compliant infrared communication, wireless LAN (2.4GHz band radio wave, IEEE802.11b protocol to achieve maximum transmission speed of 11Mbps, 5.2GHz band radio wave, Various communication methods such as a data reception method applying IEEE802.11a protocol that realizes a maximum transmission speed of 54 Mbps can be used.
[0025]
Here, in the case of a wrist camera, image data can be transmitted directly from a wristwatch camera to the printed material vending machine 11, and the printed material vending machine 11 prints the received image data. Also, the designation of the print screen and the designation of the number of sheets are performed by DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) data.
[0026]
Therefore, the printed matter vending machine 11 of this example is equipped with a wireless interface capable of transferring image data from the mobile phone 12b, the wrist camera 12d, etc., and accepts print data wirelessly without using media. In addition, designation information such as a print frame (screen), the number of printed sheets, and image correction can be received.
[0027]
Hereinafter, the processing operation of this example will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, a user performs user registration using a terminal device 12 (for example, a mobile phone 12b) owned by the user (step (hereinafter referred to as ST) 1). This registration is because authentication is required for storing image data in the server 10. For example, when the registration is performed by the mobile phone 12 b, a unique number or a personal identification number assigned to the mobile phone 12 b, or a personal computer 12 c is used. Enter the registration number, etc.
[0028]
The server 10 performs registration processing for the printed material vending machine 11 based on the information (ST2). The data registered in the server 10 can be easily referred to by the user later.
Also, the information on the unique number of the printed material vending machine 11 is sent from the printed material vending machine 11 to the server 10 (ST3). The server 10 determines the above information, and the server 10 issues a data transmission permission to the user (ST4).
[0029]
Next, the user sends the image data to the server 10 (ST5), and the server 10 notifies the user of the success or failure of data storage (ST6). Further, the server 10 sends the image data to the printed material vending machine 11, and receives a notification of success or failure of data storage from the printed material vending machine 11 (ST7, ST8).
[0030]
After that, for example, time elapses, the user 10 confirms the designated printed matter vending machine 11 and performs it from the terminal device 12 such as a cellular phone that owns the print preparation instruction to the server 10 (ST9, ST10). .
After receiving the above instruction, the server 10 instructs the print vending machine 11 to display a thumbnail image (ST11).
[0031]
In addition, an image selection instruction is sent from the printed material vending machine 11 to the user (ST12). This image selection instruction is sent to the terminal device 12 owned by the user, and an image selection screen is displayed on the display of the terminal device 12. The user selects an image desired to be printed from the thumbnail images displayed on the display of the terminal device 12, and notifies the printed matter vending machine 11 (ST13).
[0032]
The printed material vending machine 11 displays information indicating whether printing is possible and a charge (ST14), and displays the information on the display of the terminal device 12 via the server 10 (ST15). After confirming this information, the user pays a fee (ST16), and when the server 10 confirms the payment of this fee (ST17), the printed matter is discharged (ST18).
[0033]
By performing the processing as described above, the user saves the image data in the desired printed material vending machine 11 at an arbitrary time, and without using a memory card or the like, the user can connect the cellular phone 12b or the like from the printed material vending machine 11. It is possible to obtain printed matter by using it.
[0034]
Further, since the data is automatically saved in the server 10 and the printed material vending machine 11 at the time of data transfer, for example, even when there is a problem in the server 10 and the data in the server 10 is lost, the data is saved in the printed material vending machine 11. Printing processing can be performed using the processed image data.
[0035]
FIG. 5 is a system diagram for explaining a modification of this example, and FIG. 6 explains the processing in this case. First, the user designates a printed material vending machine 11 desired to be used, and obtains a unique number such as a machine number or a telephone number of the printed material vending machine 11. For this reason, the print vending machine 11 to be used is confirmed (step (hereinafter referred to as STP) 1), and user registration is first performed from the terminal device 12 to the server 10 (STP2).
[0036]
The server 10 inquires of the printed material vending machine 11 whether data transfer is possible (STP3). Here, the server 10 notifies the user that there is permission to send data from the printed material vending machine 11 (STP4, STP5).
Next, the user sends image data actually desired to be printed, and this data is sent to the printed matter vending machine 11 via the server 10 (STP6, STP7). The storage information of the image data is sent from the printed material vending machine 11 to the user via the server 10 (STP8, STP9).
[0037]
Next, in this example, when using a printed matter vending machine in a place other than the printed matter vending machine 11 designated by the user, a data movement instruction is issued from the server 10 (STP10). In response to the data movement instruction, the printed material vending machine 11 transmits data to the instructed printed material vending machine 11 and receives a notification of success or failure of data reception from the printed material vending machine 11 (STP11, STP12). ).
[0038]
Next, the user confirms that printing is possible for the printed material vending machine 11 to which the data has been transferred (STP13), and issues a printing instruction to the printed material vending machine 11 (STP14). The printed matter vending machine 11 notifies the server 10 of the success or failure of data storage, and confirms whether charges can be collected (STP15, STP16). Next, when the user selects postpay payment or confirms payment, the printed material vending machine 11 performs a printing process and outputs the printed material (STP17 to STP19).
[0039]
By performing the processing as described above, even if the printed material vending machine that performs the printing process is replaced, the data can be easily moved, and the desired printed material vending machine 11 can perform the print output.
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above example. For example, image data is downloaded from a providing site using the Internet mode of a mobile phone, and the image data is wirelessly transferred from the mobile phone to the printed matter vending machine 11. The printed vending machine 11 that has received the information may perform image printing. Alternatively, the image data captured by the mobile phone may be wirelessly transmitted to the printed matter vending machine 11 and printed.
[0040]
Further, as described above, the image data can be directly transmitted to the printed material vending machine 11 using the wrist camera, and the printed material vending machine 11 can print the image data.
Also, the printed matter vending machine 11 of this example is provided with a bromide printing sales function, the operation panel of the printed matter vending machine 11 is operated, the bromide content distribution site on the network is accessed, and a desired bromide is selected and downloaded. It is good also as a structure which can be printed.
[0041]
Further, the ID photo printing function may be added, and the printed material vending machine 11 may be equipped with a camera, for example, taking a photograph of a customer and printing the image.
Furthermore, it is also possible to designate a printed material vending machine 11 that stores image data backups, and as the printed material vending machine 11 that stores the backup data, a user can designate a frequently used printed material vending machine 11.
[0042]
In this example, the image data is stored in the server 10. However, the image data may be stored in a specific printed material vending machine 11 instead of the server 10. With this configuration, image data can be extracted even when the server 10 is down, for example.
[0043]
The printed material vending machine 11 has a memory capacity limit. For example, the user may be configured to perform distributed recording in consideration of the capacity of the printed material vending machine 11. In this case, communication is performed between the printed material vending machines 11 and the burden is reduced for all users as much as possible.
[0044]
Further, when data is exchanged via the server, the printed matter vending machine 11 is disposed in consideration of the distance and capacity of the server 10 and management work.
<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0045]
Conventionally, for example, when a character is combined with an image displayed on a photo vending machine, a keyboard or the like provided on the printed vending machine 11 is used. In this case, however, the photo vending machine must be equipped with a keyboard. Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, a desired character is input by operating the cellular phone 12b, and a printed output is obtained by the printed material vending machine of this example. In addition, a frame image is combined with image data, a desired frame image is selected by an operation of a mobile phone or the like, and printing with the combined frame image is performed.
[0046]
In the description of the present embodiment, the system diagram of FIG. 1 is used, but it is assumed that character information described later is registered in the server 10 in advance. This will be specifically described below.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of this example. First, the user selects an image for which character composition is desired by the “selective printing” function of the printed matter vending machine 11. In this case, for example, image information is displayed as a thumbnail, and the user selects an image and transmits the selection information.
[0047]
Next, the user connects to the Internet and accesses the URL displayed on the monitor (step (hereinafter referred to as S) 1). The server 10 transmits home page (HP) information to the mobile phone 12b according to this access.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the display of the mobile phone 12b. As shown in the figure, a model number input unit 20, a composite character input unit 21, a send button 22a, and a cancel button 22b are displayed on the display.
[0048]
The user inputs the model number displayed on the monitor of the mobile phone 12b into the input unit 20, inputs the characters desired to be combined into the input unit 21, and clicks the [Send] button 22a. By this processing, the data input from the mobile phone 12b is transferred to the server 10 (S3).
[0049]
The server 10 transmits the designated character information to the printed matter vending machine 11 having the designated model number as “composite character” (S4). For example, the model number designated in this example is “1234” as shown in FIG. 8, and the composite character is “Successful climbing Mt. Fuji”.
[0050]
According to the input information, the printed vending machine 11 synthesizes and displays a synthesized character on the image selected by the user and outputs a synthesized image (S5). FIG. 9 shows a printing result obtained by synthesizing characters such as “Mt.
[0051]
By performing the processing as described above, when the image and the character are combined, it can be executed by using the mobile phone 12b, and the printed material vending machine 11 does not need to be provided with a character input means such as a keyboard.
In addition, since the character input is performed by the mobile phone 12b, it is not necessary to construct the kanji conversion software in the printed matter vending machine 11. Furthermore, the owner of the mobile phone can use a character input method familiar to the operation by the mail function or the like, so that it is not necessary to use an unfamiliar keyboard or the like, and the time required for character input can be shortened.
[0052]
In the above example, only character input composition has been described, but an image frame composition may be employed. FIG. 10 shows a configuration of a storage device connected to the printed matter vending machine 11 described above, and a plurality of image frames are stored in the storage device 25 so that frame images can be read from the server 10.
[0053]
FIG. 11 shows a display state of the display of the mobile phone 12b when combining image frames. In this case, the user inputs model number information into the input unit 20 and inputs characters desired to be combined into the input unit 21. In this process, a further desired frame image is selected from the frame image list 23 and input. Reference numeral 24 denotes a scroll button. When Δ24a is operated, a frame image included in the frame image list 23 is operated upward, and when ▽ 24b is operated, a frame image included in the frame image list 23 is operated downward.
[0054]
For example, when the ☆ -shaped frame image displayed in FIG. 11 is selected, as shown in FIG. 12, the image of Mt. Fuji and the character information “Successful climbing Mt. Fuji” are printed on the ☆ -shaped frame image.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the above process, and the same step number is assigned to the process corresponding to FIG. In this case, the process from the connection to the Internet to the transmission of homepage (HP) information to the mobile phone 12b is the same as the process shown in FIG. 7 (S1, S2). Next, the server 10 transmits the thumbnail information of the frame image to the mobile phone 12b according to the request from the user (S6, S7).
[0055]
Next, the user transmits each information of “model number”, “frame image”, and “composite character” to the server 10 (S8), and the server 10 reads the frame image selected by the user from the storage device 25, It sends to the server 10 (S9, S10). Further, the server 10 transmits the information to the printed material vending machine 11 and prints out the composite image shown in FIG. 12 (S11, S12).
[0056]
In addition, it is good also as a structure which can synthesize | combine images, such as a "standby screen" in a mobile telephone. In addition, the position and size of characters to be synthesized may be designated on a home page accessible by a mobile phone. Furthermore, special effects may be specified for characters.
<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0057]
Conventionally, when change is required in a printed matter vending machine, sales are stopped unless an amount that does not cause change is inserted. For this reason, if there is no money that does not change, the product cannot be purchased. Therefore, in this example, by providing a donation selection function, a product can be sold without change. This will be specifically described below.
[0058]
FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the printed matter vending machine 11 for explaining this example. In the figure, reference numeral 30 denotes a donation button. By pressing the donation button 30, change can be made into a donation. FIG. 15 is a circuit block diagram for carrying out the processing of this example. In the figure, the circuit of this example is constituted by a CPU 35, a memory 36, a money transfer mechanism 38, a printer device 39, and a memory card 40, and further includes the display unit 13, the operation input unit 14, and the donation button 30 described above.
[0059]
In the figure, a CPU 35 is controlled by a program stored in a memory 36, and the CPU 35 performs display control of the display unit 13 and input / output control of the operation input unit 14. The CPU 35 reads the data in the memory card 40 and displays an image on the display unit 13. When payment is confirmed by the money transfer mechanism 38, printing processing by the printer device 39 is started. Furthermore, when the donation button 30 is pressed, the amount is stored in the memory 36 as a donation.
[0060]
For example, when a change of 10 yen occurs in the printed vending machine 11 to be used, a user who conventionally has only 50 yen coins cannot purchase a 40 yen product. However, according to this example, the user can donate 10 yen change by pressing the donation button 30 and can purchase the product. Further, for example, if a person who puts a 100-yen coin in order to purchase a 90-yen product does not need change, pressing the donation button 30 can avoid receiving unnecessary change.
[0061]
As described above, according to this example, the donation button 30 is provided, and the donation selection mechanism 38 is arranged in the printed matter vending machine 11, so that even if there is no change, the change is donated and the product is purchased. be able to. Furthermore, the user who thinks that change is unnecessary can donate change.
[0062]
On the other hand, in FIG. 16, a donation amount display unit 40 is provided at the top of the display unit 13, and the donation amount display unit 40 displays the total donation amount up to now. The donation button 30 is arranged in the same manner as described above. FIG. 17 is a circuit block diagram in this case, in which a donation amount display unit (donation amount display display) 40 is added to FIG. 15 described above, and the other configurations are the same as those of FIG. The same.
[0063]
In this case, the CPU 35 performs processing according to the program stored in the memory 36, and when the money transfer mechanism 38 confirms payment, the printer device 39 performs printing processing. When the donation button 30 is pressed, the amount is displayed. The contents of the donation amount display unit 40 are rewritten at the same time as the donation is stored.
[0064]
By configuring in this way, it is possible to give a sense of security that the donor is not fraudulent. Moreover, since the amount is clearly indicated, it is easy to collect donations.
Further, FIG. 18 shows a configuration in which a donation amount input keyboard 42 is provided. By configuring in this way, for example, when a user who has only 10 yen changes and purchases a 90 yen product, for example, has paid 10 yen, he presses the donation button 30 and the donation amount input keyboard 42 receives 10 yen. The product can be purchased by inputting the information. If the user wants to donate 100 yen, the user can make a donation of 100 yen by pressing the donation button 30 and entering 100 yen into the donation amount input keyboard 42.
[0065]
With this configuration, the user can donate an arbitrary amount by operating the donation amount input keyboard 42. FIG. 19 is a circuit block diagram in this case.
<Fourth Embodiment>
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0066]
Conventionally, when a photograph is frequently taken with a digital camera and, for example, a printing process is performed by a photo vending machine, forgetting the previous print history may cause a print omission or a duplicate print. Therefore, this example is an invention that prevents printing omissions and duplicate printing by referring to past printing histories in the personal authentication by the printed material vending machine 11.
[0067]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of this example. This is a configuration for first confirming information such as a fingerprint and confirming a shooting history, which will be specifically described below. First, as described above, a recording medium is inserted into the printed material vending machine 11 (step (hereinafter referred to as U) 1), and then it is determined whether or not shooting date data exists (U2), and shooting date data does not exist. In the case (U2 is NO), it is selected whether all printing or selective printing is performed (U3), and the printing process is performed according to the selection result. On the other hand, if there is shooting date data (U2 is YES), the function of “NEW” is linked to the print mode menu (V4).
[0068]
Next, the printing mode is selected (U5). If all printing or selective printing is performed here, the printing process is performed according to the selection result (U3) as described above. The display shown in FIG. 21A is the print mode selection screen shown in FIG.
Next, for example, “Please put your finger on the fingerprint sensor” is displayed (U6, FIG. 21 (display shown in b9)). When the user touches the fingerprint sensor according to this display, the fingerprint of the user is detected. (U7), it is determined whether it is already registered fingerprint data (U8) If the fingerprint data is already registered (U8 is YES), the image data to be newly printed from the past print history On the other hand, if the fingerprint data is not already registered (U8 is NO), an all-printing procedure is performed, and a new fingerprint registration and printing history registration are performed (U10).
[0069]
Next, the display shown in FIG. 21C is performed to display the number of printed sheets and the amount (U11, FIG. 21D). After that, payment by money input is performed (U12), print output (U13), and print history in the case of new printing are updated (U14).
By performing the processing as described above, it is possible to reliably refer to past print histories, and to prevent printing omissions and duplicate printing.
[0070]
In this embodiment, fingerprint authentication is adopted for personal authentication. However, other personal authentication methods such as eye pattern authentication and ID and password may be used.
<Fifth Embodiment>
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0071]
In this example, by using the personal authentication, it is not necessary to wait in front of the machine until the printing is finished in the printed vending machine, thereby eliminating the time loss of the user. Hereinafter, the processing will be specifically described.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of this example. First, a recording medium is inserted (step (hereinafter referred to as Z) 1), an image is selected, and the number of sheets is selected (Z2). The printed material vending machine 11 displays the amount of money (Z3), and when the user inputs money (Z4), displays the scheduled printing end time (Z5).
[0072]
Next, the user selects a print receiving type (Z6). For example, when receiving on the spot, select wait until the end on the spot (Z7). In this case, when the printing process is started and the printing process is completed, the printed material is taken out from the printed material receiving port (Z8 to Z10). On the other hand, if you want to pick up later, select to pick up later (Z11). In this case, fingerprint registration is first performed (Z12). Then, the printing process is started, and when the printing process is completed, the printed matter is arranged and sorted (Z13 to Z15). Next, fingerprint confirmation is performed, and the printed material is taken out from the printed material receiving port (Z16, Z17).
[0073]
In this way, for example, it is possible to use a personal authentication function and to have a printed matter temporary storage function, thereby eliminating the time loss of having to wait on the spot until the end of printing.
In the above example, the personal authentication means is “fingerprint”, but a configuration in which voice, retina of the eye, or the like is used for authentication may be used.
<Sixth Embodiment>
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0074]
Today, a store may issue a dedicated membership card to manage customers. In this case, a privilege is given according to the purchase amount, and a direct mail is sent out to urge customers to visit the store. However, in the case of a bending machine (for example, a photo vending machine), there is no means for confirming who the customer is, and for example, a privilege cannot be given to a frequently used user. Therefore, the ID number in the memory card used by the user is used, and the use record is recorded and managed based on the ID number.
[0075]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of this example. In the figure, first, insertion of a memory card is confirmed (step (hereinafter referred to as X) 1). Next, it is determined whether the memory card has an ID number (X2). If the memory card has an ID number (X2 is YES), the ID number is read and various information is managed for each ID number (X3). If the memory card does not have an ID number (X2 is NO), it is collectively managed without an ID number (X4).
[0076]
As described above, when the memory card has an ID number, it can be managed for each ID number. For example, sales data is created for each ID number, and which user uses how many times a month and how many sheets are printed. If a user name is to be obtained, a questionnaire sheet is output at the next use of the print, and if there is an answer, a crude product can be output.
[0077]
In this way, by managing the ID number of the memory card, the number and ratio of repeaters can be known, which becomes information for extended sales.
The ID number is used in the printing process by the printed material vending machine 11 described in the first embodiment. For example, when the ID number is input using the mobile phone 12b and image data is printed. Also used.
<Seventh Embodiment>
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0078]
In this example, you may want to print only the images that were taken during excursions, school events, show tours, etc. In such cases, you can specify the shooting date of the image you want to print on the calendar, and the specified shooting date from the shooting date information of the image data This is a printed vending machine that can print image data.
[0079]
FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of this example. First, a recording medium is inserted into the printed material vending machine 11 (step (hereinafter referred to as V) 1). Next, it is determined whether or not shooting date data exists (V2). Here, when there is no shooting date data (V2 is NO), it is selected whether all printing or selective printing (V3), and printing processing is performed according to the selection result. On the other hand, if the shooting date data exists (V2 is YES), the calendar function is linked to the print mode menu (V4).
[0080]
Next, the printing mode is selected (V5). If all printing or selective printing is performed, printing processing is performed according to the selection result (V3) as described above. FIG. 25A is a screen for selecting the print mode. For example, as shown in FIG. 25, a message “Please select a print mode” is displayed. In addition, “All”, “Select”, and “Calendar” buttons are displayed at the bottom of this screen. For example, when “All” is selected, all prints are specified. When “Select” is selected, selective printing is performed. When “Calendar” is selected, the calendar print mode is specified.
[0081]
On the other hand, when the calendar printing mode is selected (V5 is calendar), the calendar is displayed and the color of the photographing date existing in the image data is changed (V6). For example, the display shown in FIG. 25B is an example of designating a desired date while scrolling the date displayed on the calendar.
[0082]
In this way, the date of the print data desired to be printed is designated (V7). For example, if the latest shooting date / time in the previously printed image data is 200 × year ×× month ×× date 16:50, image data shot after that date is set as a print candidate. . The display shown in FIG. 25C is an example in which dates are designated on October 10, 2001, and October 14, 2001.
[0083]
Next, it is determined whether or not a date has been designated (V8). If a date is designated (V8 is YES), the number of photographed images and the amount of money for that date are input (V9). Note that the number and the amount of the corresponding photographed image are also input in the case of full printing or selective printing (V9). Also, the payment by the user's money insertion is waited (V10), and when the user's money insertion is confirmed (V10 is YES), the printing process is performed (V11).
[0084]
By processing as described above, it is possible to print out only the images taken at a holiday, school event, show tour, etc., for example, by designating the shooting date on the calendar and by the printed matter vending machine 11.
[0085]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to cause a printed matter vending machine to perform a printing process using a mobile phone or the like without using a recording medium such as a memory card.
[0086]
In addition, it is possible to designate a printed material vending machine and receive the output of the printed material from the desired printed material vending machine.
Furthermore, since the image data is stored in both the management server and the printed material vending machine, for example, even when the management server is down, the printing process can be performed using the image data stored in the printed material vending machine.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a printed matter vending system for explaining an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printed material vending machine.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which a printed material vending machine is divided into upper and lower parts and installed.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a system diagram illustrating a modification of the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a modification of the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a screen display of a mobile phone.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a printing result from a printed material vending machine.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a connection configuration of a storage device in which frame images are stored.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a screen display of a mobile phone.
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a printing result from a printed material vending machine.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a modification of the second embodiment.
FIG. 14 is an external view of a printed matter vending machine for explaining a third embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a circuit block diagram of a printed matter vending machine for explaining a third embodiment.
FIG. 16 is an external view of another printed matter vending machine for explaining the third embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a circuit block diagram of another printed matter vending machine for explaining the third embodiment.
FIG. 18 is an external view of still another printed matter vending machine for explaining the third embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a circuit block diagram of still another printed matter vending machine for explaining the third embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a sixth embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining a seventh embodiment;
FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a seventh embodiment;
FIG. 26 is a system diagram illustrating a conventional system.
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating conventional processing.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating conventional processing.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Server 11 Printed vending machine 12 Terminal device 12a Digital camera 12b Mobile phone 12c Personal computer 13 Display part 14 Operation input part 15 Ejection part 16 Money transfer mechanism 17a, 17b Stereo speaker 20 Input part 21 Input part 22a Send button 22b Cancel button 25 Storage Device 30 Donation Button 35 CPU
36 Memory 38 Money Transfer Mechanism 39 Printer 40 Donation Amount Display Display 41 Memory Card 42 Donation Amount Input Keyboard

Claims (9)

A printed matter vending system in which a mobile phone with a photographing function, a printed matter vending machine, and a server are connected via a network,
The mobile phone transmits the image data from the mobile phone to be stored in the server by using the authentication received by performing user registration with the server in advance.
The server transmits the transmitted image data to a predetermined vending machine based on registration information,
The server notifies the cellular phone of the predetermined vending machine that has been set and registered,
The mobile phone directly sends an instruction to print to a designated vending machine,
The vending machine that has received the print instruction displays a selection screen based on the image data,
The mobile phone directly transmits image selection information desired to be printed to the vending machine,
The vending machine performs a printing process based on a selected image based on the selection information. A server connected to a cellular phone with a photographing function and a printed vending machine via a network,
The server issues authentication in response to user registration from the mobile phone and stores image data transmitted from the mobile phone,
Transmitting the image data to a predetermined vending machine based on the user registration information;
By notifying the mobile phone of the predetermined vending machine set and registered,
A server that directly transmits an instruction to perform printing to a vending machine set and registered in the mobile phone, and causes the vending machine to perform a printing process based on the instruction. A mobile phone with a photographing function connected to a server and a printed vending machine via a network,
The mobile phone transmits image data to be stored in the server using authentication received by performing user registration in advance with the server,
Receive notification from the server of the vending machine that is set and registered based on the user registration information and the image data is transferred,
By transmitting the selection information of the notified desired image printed on the vending machine directly,
A cellular phone with a photographing function, characterized in that the vending machine performs a printing process based on an image selected based on the selection information. 4. The mobile phone according to claim 3, wherein the mobile phone is capable of infrared communication with the printed vending machine. The mobile phone according to claim 3, wherein the mobile phone is capable of wireless communication with the printed vending machine. A printed matter vending machine connected to a mobile phone with a photographing function and a server via a network,
The printed matter vending machine
Usage is set and registered based on user registration transmitted from the mobile phone to the server in advance,
Image data transmitted from the mobile phone to be stored in the server is transferred from the server,
Directly receiving an instruction to print from the mobile phone that has received the notification of the vending machine set and registered from the server,
In response to the print instruction, display a selection screen based on the image data,
Directly receiving selection information of an image desired to be printed from the mobile phone,
A printed matter vending machine that performs a printing process based on an image selected based on the selection information. 7. The printed matter vending machine according to claim 6, wherein the paper supplied to the printing unit of the printed matter vending machine is roll paper. 2. The printed matter vending system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile phone is operated, a message is transmitted to the printed matter vending machine, and the message is synthesized and printed on the printed matter. 7. The printed matter vending machine according to claim 6, wherein the cellular phone is operated, a message is transmitted to the printed matter vending machine, and the message is synthesized and printed on the printed matter.

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