JP4130949B2 - Print service system and print service method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, for example the image data taken by a digital still camera relating to print service system and print service method of printing out a fee.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Recently, with the spread of personal computers, digital still cameras (hereinafter referred to as “digital cameras”) capable of recording captured images as digital data are widely used in place of cameras using silver halide films. Generally used.
[0003]
With this type of digital camera, not only can image data obtained by shooting be displayed on the screen of a personal computer or television receiver, but it can also be printed out if a printer is available.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the printing quality and light resistance of ink used in printers used in general households are not as long as silver salt photographs with a long history, and in order to obtain high-quality prints that can withstand appreciation, Since a very expensive printer must be purchased and its running cost is high, it is not very realistic.
[0005]
In recent years, even in general DPE stores, services for printing out image data taken with a digital camera have been gradually provided, and it is becoming possible to obtain high-quality prints at a relatively low cost.
[0006]
By the way, in the digital camera, a standard called DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) has been standardized, and print information such as the image to be printed, the number of extra prints, the presence / absence of date stamping, and the like in the HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) format together with the image data. It can be stored in a memory card that is a recording medium.
[0007]
Therefore, if a memory card in which the print information is recorded together with the image data is brought into the store, a desired print can be obtained.
[0008]
However, by recording information about printouts together with image data in a memory card, a service that can easily obtain prints at a DPE store is being realized. On the other hand, the cost of using the service is the same as before. It is necessary to pay by cash or the like, and the service environment that the user of the digital camera can easily use is not reached.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, it is an object of the billing process included, willingly digital image data from possible to obtain a high quality print of print service system and It is to provide a print service method.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention described in claim 1 is a print service system comprising a server device connected to an information terminal via a network, and a print vendor for printing image data. The information terminal includes the image data and the book. Recording means for recording the sub-image data for preview with a data amount smaller than that of the image data in correspondence with the main image data recorded in the recording means when the fee is settled with the server device; transmitted to the server apparatus, the server apparatus, settlement data were recorded in correspondence with the sub-image data recorded in the recording means, the contents and the print vendor of the image data transmitted from the information terminals The main image data that has been verified with the contents of the sub image data transmitted from the Transmitted to the print vendor as the image data should toss, the print vendor, the sub-image and confirm that payment data in the sub image data recorded in the recording means are recorded corresponding It transmits to the said server apparatus, The main image data transmitted from the said server apparatus is printed, It is characterized by the above-mentioned .
[0012]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the recording means included in the information terminal is a recording medium that is detachably attached to the information terminal, and the print vendor includes image data. The payment data recorded corresponding to the image data is erased from the recording medium after printing.
[0014]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the print vendor records the main image data that has been printed in the recording means.
[0018]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print service method in a system having a server device connected to an information terminal via a network and a print vendor that prints image data. And a recording unit that records the sub image data for preview having a data amount smaller than that of the main image data in association with each other, and the book recorded in the recording unit when the fee is settled with the server device. The image data is transmitted to the server device , the server device records the payment data in correspondence with the sub image data recorded in the recording means, and the contents of the main image data transmitted from the information terminal Main image data that has been collated with the contents of the sub-image data transmitted from the print vendor and collated with the sub-image data , Transmitted to the print vendor as the image data to be printed, the print vendor, the sub-image and confirm that payment data in the sub image data recorded in the recording means are recorded corresponding Is transmitted to the server device, and the main image data transmitted from the server device is printed.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
A first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a print service system that performs printing using image data captured by a digital camera will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0025]
FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the entire system. Reference numeral 11 denotes a digital camera owned by a user.
[0026]
The digital camera 11 records captured image data on a memory card, which is a recording medium provided so as to be detachable from the digital camera 11 main body (may be built in the main body). Is connected to a personal computer 12 owned by the user.
[0027]
In this case, the digital camera 11 and the personal computer 12 may be connected by a serial interface cable such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) or IEEE 1394, or the digital camera 11 and the personal computer 12 may both be Bluetooth. If the wireless interface is supported, the digital camera 11 may be arranged within a predetermined range of the personal computer 12 and automatically connected wirelessly.
[0028]
Thus, the personal computer 12 connected with the digital camera 11 can also access a service site established by the web server device 14 of the print company via the network 13 including the public line network and the Internet. Set the image to be printed on the web page of the service site and settle the print fee.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 2, the web server device 14 includes a control unit 101 that controls image setting and settlement, a ROM 102 in which a program for controlling the web server device 14 is written, and a temporary work area. A RAM 103, a communication unit 104 connected to the personal computer 12 and the vendor store 15 via the network 13, and a display unit 105 for displaying images and menus are provided.
[0030]
By connecting to the web server device 14, print information and settlement data are attached to the image data recorded in the digital camera 11 connected to the personal computer 12.
[0031]
At a later date, the user of the digital camera 11 uses the digital camera 11 that records the image data to which the print information and the settlement data are attached, or the memory card taken out from the digital camera 11 that is nearest to the printer operator. Bring it to the vendor store 15 and print an image.
[0032]
The functional block of the vendor store 15 is basically the same functional block as that of the web server device 14 shown in FIG. 2 and further includes a printing unit (not shown).
[0033]
Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.
[0034]
FIG. 3 shows a flow of procedures executed between the user of the digital camera 11 and the personal computer 12, the web server device 14 of the print company, and the vendor store 15 of the print company.
[0035]
First, the user accesses the service site established by the web server device 14 of the printing company via the network 13 with the personal computer 12 connected to the personal computer 12 with the digital camera 11 having recorded the image data as described above. (Step A01).
[0036]
At this time, the user inputs an ID and a password for personal authentication, and the web server device 14 executes an authentication process with the input ID and password (step A02), and when authentication is obtained, The web server device 14 is permitted to continue the process, and the process proceeds to a process on a web page where a specific print procedure is performed (step A03).
[0037]
Here, between the personal computer 12 and the web server device 14, as a print procedure, for example, the file name and the number of prints of image data to be printed, the presence / absence of date imprinting, etc., the personal computer 12 includes items in the web page. The web server device 14 creates print information according to the corresponding DPOF standard and writes it to the memory card, which is a recording medium of the digital camera 11, so as to attach it to the image data. (Step A04).
[0038]
When the personal computer 12 side inputs an instruction to end the procedure, the web server device 14 finally displays all print information selected and specified and the digital camera 11 connected to the personal computer 12. After checking that there is no difference in the state of the print information attached and recorded on the image data of the memory card (step A05), the print fee including the fee is calculated and presented to the personal computer 12 (step A06). ).
[0039]
When the personal computer 12 performs a credit card settlement process with the web server device 14 in accordance with this presentation (step A07), the web server device 14 is connected to the personal computer 12 upon completion of the settlement. 11 is added to the corresponding image data recorded on the memory card 11 and the payment data indicating that the payment has been completed is additionally recorded (step A08). Since the procedure in between is completed, the connection via the network 13 is disconnected.
[0040]
The user who has finished writing the print information and the payment data to the memory card of the digital camera 11 will later return the digital camera 11 to which the memory card is mounted again or the memory card removed from the digital camera 11 to the vendor of the printing company. Bring it to the store 15 and request print output (step A09).
[0041]
In response to this request, the vendor store 15 confirms the image data recorded on the memory card and the print information and payment data recorded attached to the image data (step A10), and prints. A print according to the information is created (step A11).
[0042]
When the print is completed, the vendor store 15 delivers it to the user of the digital camera 11 (step A12), erases the payment data attached to the image data from the memory card, and returns it to the user (step A13). Thus, a series of processes for obtaining a print of an image photographed by the digital camera 11 is completed.
[0043]
As described above, after the information terminal such as the personal computer 12 is connected to the web server device 14 of the printing company via the network 13, the settlement relating to the printing of the image data recorded on the memory card as the recording medium is made in advance. By executing, the digital camera 11 can bring the memory card to the vendor store 15 of the same printing company after the settlement and print it, and no complicated charging process or the like occurs at that time. Users can easily obtain high-quality prints from digital image data.
[0044]
In addition, since the print vendor's vendor store 15 deletes the payment data attached to the image data from the memory card, which is a recording medium, after the printing is performed, the user prints an illegally duplicated print. Can be reliably prevented.
[0045]
In particular, in consideration of the fact that no billing process occurs when printing at the vendor store 15, for example, by handing a memory card as a recording medium to an acquaintance, the acquaintance takes the memory card to the vendor store 15, It can also be used for purposes such as presenting the completed print to the acquaintance.
[0046]
(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a print service system that performs printing using image data captured by a digital camera will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0047]
FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the entire system, and 11 is a digital camera owned by the user.
[0048]
The digital camera 11 shoots captured image data (hereinafter referred to as “main image data”) and thumbnail image data for preview created by greatly reducing the number of pixels from the main image data. Recording is performed on a memory card, which is a recording medium that is detachably attached to the camera 11 body, and the user owns the digital camera 11 with the memory card on which these image data are recorded. Connect to personal computer 12.
[0049]
In this case, the digital camera 11 and the personal computer 12 may be connected by a serial interface cable such as USB or IEEE 1394, or both the digital camera 11 and the personal computer 12 correspond to a wireless interface such as Bluetooth. If so, the digital camera 11 may be arranged within a predetermined range of the personal computer 12 and automatically connected wirelessly.
[0050]
Thus, the personal computer 12 connected with the digital camera 11 can also access a service site established by the web server device 14 of the print company via the network 13 including the public line network and the Internet. Set the image to be printed on the web page of the service site and settle the print fee.
[0051]
Through this connection with the web server device 14, the main image data recorded in the digital camera 11 connected to the personal computer 12 is transferred to the web server device 14, and the thumbnail image data recorded in the digital camera 11 includes The print information and the settlement data are attached.
[0052]
The web server device 14 includes an image database 16 for accumulating and storing main image data transferred via the network 13, and the main image data stored in the image database 16 when a print request is made at a later date. Is sent out to the network 13.
[0053]
At a later date, the user of the digital camera 11 manages the digital camera 11 that records the thumbnail image data to which the print information and the settlement data are attached, or the memory card taken out from the digital camera 11 that is managed by the printer. To vendor store 15 and request to print an image.
[0054]
Upon receiving the request, the vendor store 15 requests the web server device 14 to read the main image data from the image database 16 via the network 13 and prints using the sent main image data.
[0055]
Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.
[0056]
FIG. 5 shows a flow of procedures executed between the user of the digital camera 11 and the personal computer 12, the web server device 14 of the print company, and the vendor store 15 of the print company.
[0057]
First, the user accesses the service site established by the web server device 14 of the printing company via the network 13 with the personal computer 12 connected to the personal computer 12 with the digital camera 11 having recorded the image data as described above. (Step B01).
[0058]
At this time, the user inputs an ID and a password for personal authentication, and the web server device 14 executes an authentication process with the input ID and password (step B02), and when authentication is obtained, The web server device 14 is allowed to continue the process, and the process proceeds to a process on a web page where a specific print procedure is performed (step B03).
[0059]
Here, between the personal computer 12 and the web server device 14, as a print procedure, for example, the file name and the number of prints of image data to be printed, the presence / absence of date imprinting, etc., the personal computer 12 includes items in the web page. The web server device 14 creates print information in accordance with the corresponding DPOF standard, and stores it in the thumbnail image data of a memory card that is a recording medium of the digital camera 11 connected to the personal computer 12. Writing is performed as attached (step B04).
[0060]
When an input for instructing the end of the printing procedure is made from the personal computer 12 side, the web server device 14 finally displays all print information selected and specified, and the digital camera 11 connected to the personal computer 12. After checking that there is no difference in the state of the print information attached to each thumbnail image data of the memory card (step B05), the print fee including the fee is calculated and presented to the personal computer 12. (Step B06).
[0061]
When the personal computer 12 performs a credit card settlement process with the web server device 14 in accordance with this presentation (step B07), the web server device 14 is connected to the personal computer 12 upon completion of the settlement. The designated main image data, in which print information is attached to the thumbnail image data for printing, is moved from the memory card 11 to the image database 16 and stored with the user's recognition and password added (step B08). , B09).
[0062]
Next, payment data indicating that the payment has been completed is additionally recorded in the memory card of the digital camera 11 connected to the personal computer 12 (step B10). Since the procedure is completed, the connection via the network 13 is disconnected.
[0063]
A user who has finished reading the main image data from the memory card of the digital camera 11 and writing the print information and the payment data to the memory card, will later return to the digital camera 11 or digital camera with the memory card attached again. Only the memory card removed from the printer 11 is brought into the vendor store 15 of the printer, and a print output is requested (step B11).
[0064]
In response to this request, the vendor store 15 reads and confirms the print information and settlement data attached to the thumbnail image data recorded on the memory card (step B12), and uses this as it is via the network 13. It transfers to the web server apparatus 14 (step B13).
[0065]
The web server device 14 searches the image database 16 based on the file name, print information, and payment data of the thumbnail image data sent from the vendor store 15, reads out the corresponding main image data, and reads the thumbnail image data. The main image data to be printed is selected by collating with the contents of the main image data and the main image data (step B14).
[0066]
The web server device 14 notifies the verification result to the vendor store 15 (step B15), and transfers the correct main image data to the vendor store 15 when it can be read (step B16).
[0067]
The vendor store 15 that has received the transfer of the main image data creates a print according to the main image data and the corresponding print information (step B17).
[0068]
When all the prints are completed, the vendor store 15 notifies the web server device 14 that the printing has been completed (step B18), whereby the web server device 14 stores and stores it in the image database 16. The stored image data and similar data are erased collectively (step B19).
[0069]
Further, the vendor store 15 delivers the completed print to the user of the digital camera 11 (step B20), sets the main image data used for the print to the memory card, and attaches it to the thumbnail image data from the memory card. The settlement data that has been deleted is returned to the user (step B21), and a series of processes for obtaining a print of the image taken by the digital camera 11 is completed.
[0070]
As described above, after the information terminal such as the personal computer 12 is connected to the web server device 14 of the printing company via the network 13, the settlement relating to the printing of the image data recorded on the memory card as the recording medium is made in advance. By executing, the digital camera 11 can bring the memory card to the vendor store 15 of the same printing company after the settlement and print it, and no complicated charging process or the like occurs at that time. Users can easily obtain high-quality prints from digital image data.
[0071]
In addition, when connecting to the web server device 14, the main image data to be printed from the memory card is moved to the image database 16 side of the web server device 14, and the corresponding thumbnail image data is printed on the memory card. Since only the payment data is left attached, it is possible to effectively use a memory card with a limited recording capacity and to take a larger number of images.
[0072]
In the above embodiment, the main image data is recorded on the memory card again after printing. However, the main image data after printing is not a memory card attached to the digital camera 11 but another recording medium, for example, It is also possible to provide a service for recording along with thumbnail image data on a CD-R (CD-Recordable) or the like.
[0073]
In that case, the memory card to be mounted on the digital camera 11 can be used more effectively in preparation for the next shooting, and the print that the user should originally perform with the personal computer 12 owned by the user can be performed. Since it is possible to provide a service for saving important image data as obtained on behalf of the user, the burden on the user can be further reduced.
[0074]
In addition, although the web server device 14 and the vendor store 15 are operated by the same printing company, they may be performed by different companies.
[0075]
In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0076]
Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, at least one of the problems described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and described in the column of the effect of the invention. In a case where at least one of the obtained effects can be obtained, a configuration in which this configuration requirement is deleted can be extracted as an invention.
[0077]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, after the settlement, the recording means can be brought to the print vendor's store and printed, and in that case, no complicated billing processing or the like occurs, so more easily from digital image data. A high-quality print can be obtained. In addition, the main image data to be printed from the recording unit is moved to the server device, and the preview sub-image corresponding to the transmitted main image data remains in the recording unit with payment data attached. Therefore, it is possible to effectively use recording means having a limited recording capacity and to take a larger number of images.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an entire system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a web server according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of a procedure between devices according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of the entire system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of procedures between devices according to the present embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 ... Digital camera 12 ... Personal computer (PC)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 ... Network 14 ... (Printer's) web server apparatus 15 ... (Printer's) vendor store 16 ... Image database 101 ... Control part 102 ... ROM
103 ... RAM
104: Communication unit 105 ... Display unit

Claims (4)

In a print service system having a server device connected to an information terminal via a network, and a print vendor for printing image data,
The above information terminal
A recording means for recording the sub-image data of the image data and the main image data small preview data volume than in correspondence, upon settlement rates in between the server apparatus, recorded on said recording means Sent the main image data to the server device ,
The server device is
Payment data is recorded in correspondence with the sub image data recorded in the recording means, and the contents of the main image data transmitted from the information terminal and the contents of the sub image data transmitted from the print vendor are collated. Then, the main image data that has been verified with the sub image data is transmitted to the print vendor as the main image data to be printed,
The above print vendor
After confirming that payment data is recorded corresponding to the sub image data recorded in the recording means, the sub image is transmitted to the server device, and the main image data transmitted from the server device is printed. A print service system characterized by: The recording means possessed by the information terminal is a recording medium provided detachably on the information terminal,
2. The print service system according to claim 1, wherein the print vendor erases the settlement data recorded corresponding to the image data from the recording medium after the image data is printed.   3. The print service system according to claim 1, wherein the print vendor records the main image data that has been printed in the recording means. In a print service method in a system having a server device connected to an information terminal via a network and a print vendor for printing image data,
The above information terminal
A recording means for recording the sub-image data of the image data and the main image data small preview data volume than in correspondence, upon settlement rates in between the server apparatus, recorded on said recording means Sent the main image data to the server device ,
The server device is
Payment data is recorded in correspondence with the sub image data recorded in the recording means, and the contents of the main image data transmitted from the information terminal and the contents of the sub image data transmitted from the print vendor are collated. Then, the main image data that has been collated with the sub image data is transmitted to the print vendor as the main image data to be printed,
The above print vendor
After confirming that payment data is recorded corresponding to the sub image data recorded in the recording means, the sub image is transmitted to the server device, and the main image data transmitted from the server device is printed. And a print service method.

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