JP4272963B2 - Order processing system and order processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an order processing system and an order processing method for performing order processing by transmitting order information from a client device to a server device .

Conventionally, in a service in which an orderer places an order via the Internet and can receive the ordered service, the orderer inputs order information necessary for the order according to a screen that is transitioned on the browser and places an order. A format is generally used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-49683 A

  However, in the above-mentioned conventional system, since the orderer must input all the order information when placing an order, when setting a plurality of orders at the same time or repeatedly performing a similar order, Even when only a part is different and the other setting information is exactly the same, it is necessary for the orderer to input the same setting information over and over every time the orderer places an order, which is very complicated for the orderer.

  In addition, when the order information entered by the orderer is stored on the server side, it is necessary to install and maintain a storage device and storage medium for storing the order information on the server side. A heavy burden on the user.

  In order to solve such problems, an ordering method for reducing the burden of order information input by the orderer at the time of multiple orders or repeated orders has been filed by the applicant (filed on the same day as the present application). ).

  In addition to such an ordering method, there is a demand for an ordering method having a user interface that is more user-friendly so that the user can easily change the order information.

In the present invention, when an order processing form is used in which the transition of some order information input screens is omitted in order to reduce the burden of order information input of the orderer at the time of multiple orders or repeated orders, the orderer can place an order. It is an object of the present invention to provide an order processing system and an order processing method capable of providing a user interface that can be changed easily and that is more user-friendly.

In the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the server device transmits screen information to the client device, the client device transitions and displays a plurality of screens according to the screen information, and inputs order information to the screen. An order processing system for performing order processing by transmitting the order information to the server device, wherein the client device stores the order information and screen transition control information indicating a screen transition order of the screen And first transmission means for transmitting the order information and the screen transition control information stored by the storage means to the server apparatus, wherein the server apparatus transmits the screen transmitted by the first transmission means. In accordance with the transition control information, the setting means for setting the screen transition instruction button to the screen information, and the order information transmitted by the first transmission means And incorporating section to incorporate a serial screen information, characterized in that said screen information and a second transmission means for transmitting to the client device.

In order to achieve the above object, the server device transmits screen information to a client device, and the client device transitions and displays a plurality of screens according to the screen information, and inputs order information to the screen. An order processing method for performing order processing by transmitting the order information to the server device, wherein the order information and screen transition control information indicating a screen transition order of the screen are stored in a client device; Transmitting the stored order information and the screen transition control information from the client device to the server device, and screen transition information according to the screen control transition information transmitted from the client device by the server device. A step of setting an instruction button in the screen information; and a message transmitted from the client device by the server device. And incorporating the order information to the screen information, and having and transmitting the screen information from the server device to the client device.

  According to the present invention, it is omitted when using an order processing form in which the transition of some order information input screens is omitted in order to reduce the burden of order information input of the orderer at the time of multiple orders or repeated orders. Since it is possible to return the transition to at least a part of the order information input screen, it is possible to provide a user interface that is more user-friendly so that the orderer can easily change the order information.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the present embodiment, a network print service ordering method will be described. In this network print service system, as will be described in detail below, the order information is input by sequentially changing the various order screens from the print order start screen according to the screen information transmitted from the server on the client. By transmitting information to the server, a normal order processing form (first order processing form) for ordering from the client to the server and at least a part of the order information set by the server are stored in the client in advance. An order processing mode (second processing) in which at least a part of various order screens used in the first order processing mode is omitted, and an order is sent from the client to the server according to a screen including at least a part of the order information stored in advance. It is possible to place an order using any order processing form.

  In the present embodiment, the order information includes delivery destination information, print setting information, and printed matter information.

  Here, the order processing form (second order processing form) using the order setting item information stored in the client can reduce the burden of order information input by the orderer at the time of multiple orders or repeated orders. It is possible. In order to realize this order processing mode, when a user places a print order, when the user presses the “Save Settings” button on the setting confirmation screen, the order information input up to that screen is ordered. As the information template, items already entered in the order information are stored as order setting item information in the user's client. Thereafter, when the user places an order, the order processing is started with a screen including at least a part of the set order setting item information as a set print order start screen. Then, order information including at least a part of the set order setting item information is transmitted to the server, and the server accepts the print order based on the order information from the client.

  First, the configuration of the present network print service system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network print service system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the network print service system includes a server 101 that provides a print service and a client 120 that receives a service provided by the server 101 via the Internet 130. Here, only one client is shown in the figure, but actually, a plurality of clients can connect to the server 101 via the Internet 130 in order to receive the print service.

  The server 101 includes an order information storage unit 102, a user information storage unit 103, a setting item information template storage unit 104, a screen transition control information storage unit 105, an order information management unit 106, a user information management unit 107, and a setting item information template. A management unit 108, a screen transition control information management unit 109, an order processing unit 110, an order setting item information analysis unit 111, and a communication unit 112 are provided.

  The order information storage unit 102 is provided in an HDD 213 (shown in FIG. 2), which will be described later. Order information at the time of receiving a print order, for example, print setting information such as the number of copies and the size of print paper, and the delivery destination of the product Stores various information set at the time of ordering, such as delivery address information such as address and address. The order information management unit 106 stores the information received from the order processing unit 110 in the order information storage unit 102, and manages the information stored therein.

  The user information storage unit 103 stores user information such as the name and contact information of a user who receives an order. The user information management unit 107 receives user information from the order processing unit 110 and stores it in the user information storage unit 103 or inquires the user information storage unit 103 for user information in response to a request from the order processing unit 110. Or

  The setting item information template storage unit 104 is provided in the HDD 213 and stores the setting item information template in order for the client 120 to store the setting item information. Here, the setting item information is an item that is set when a print order is stored in the client 120 and used at the time of ordering. The setting item information template management unit 108 manages the setting item information template stored in the setting item information template storage unit 104. In addition, the setting item information template management unit 108 extracts the setting item information template from the setting item information template storage unit 104, and inputs information on the setting item received from the order processing unit 110 to the extracted template. This is transmitted to the order processing unit 110 as order setting item information. The setting item information template management unit 108 also manages the version of the setting item information, and has a function of returning the latest version of the setting item information in response to a request from the order processing unit 110. Here, the order setting item information is information that is a combination of order information and setting item information, and is information transmitted to the client 120 when a “setting save” button on the browser screen described later is pressed. . Further, in the client 120, the order setting item information transmitted from the server 101 is stored, and this order setting item information is used to omit the order screen transition when ordering from the client 120, as will be described later. Is done.

  The screen transition control information storage unit 105 is provided in the HDD 213 and controls screen transition such as an ID for specifying a screen to be transitioned, connection destination (link destination) information to be accessed for each screen, and a screen transition permission flag. Store information. Here, the screen transition permission flag indicates the screen transition caused by pressing the “return” button on the browser screen when ordering (second order processing form) using the order setting item information stored in the client 120 for each screen. It is a flag indicating whether or not to allow. The screen transition control information management unit 109 manages the screen transition control information stored in the screen transition control information storage unit 105, and corresponds to the screen from the screen transition control information storage unit 105 according to an instruction from the order processing unit 110. Get transition control information. The acquired screen transition control information is transmitted to the order processing unit 110 to be stored in the client 120 together with the order setting item information.

  The order processing unit 110 performs order processing while transmitting / receiving data to / from the order information management unit 106, the user information management unit 107, the setting item information template management unit 108, and the screen transition control information management unit 109. In order to display a screen related to the order on the display unit 114 of the client 120, the screen information is transmitted to the communication unit 113. Further, the order processing unit 110 requests the setting item information template management unit 108 to create the order setting item information in order to save the order setting item information including the screen transition control information in the client 120 of the orderer. The communication unit 112 is requested to transmit the order setting item information. Further, the order processing unit 110 has a function of requesting the order setting item information analysis unit 111 to analyze the order setting item information received from the client 120 of the orderer and performing order processing using the stored order setting item information. Have.

  The order setting item information analysis unit 111 analyzes the contents of the order setting item information including the screen transition control information received from the order processing unit 110, and extracts information regarding the setting items.

  The communication unit 112 transmits the created order setting item information to the communication unit 113 of the client 120, which will be described later, and receives the order setting item information stored in the client 120 from the communication unit 113 of the client 120. Transmit to the processing unit 110.

  The client 120 includes a communication unit 113, a display unit 114, an order setting item information management unit 115, and an order setting item information storage unit 116.

  The communication unit 113 transmits the order setting item information sent from the communication unit 112 of the server 101 to the order setting item information management unit 115 and stores it. The display unit 114 has a function of displaying the screen information received from the communication unit 113 on a CRT (corresponding to the CRT 209 shown in FIG. 2) in the client 120 described later. The order setting item information management unit 115 stores the order setting item information sent from the server 101 in the order setting item information storage unit 116 described later. Further, the order setting item information management unit 115 reads the order setting item information stored in the order setting item information storage unit 116 and transmits the order setting item information to the communication unit 113 when placing an order using the order setting item information. It has a function. The order setting item information storage unit 116 stores the order setting item information transmitted from the server 101.

  Next, a specific configuration of the server 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration example of the server 101 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the server 101 includes a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, an external storage medium read / write unit 204, a NETI / F 205, a VRAM 208, a KBC 210, an HDD 213, an IOC 214, and a system bus 200 for connecting these units. The system bus 200 is a transmission path for transmitting data and control information between the units.

  The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that performs various controls and calculations of the server 101.

  A RAM 202 is a random access memory, and provides an execution program storage area, an execution area of the program, and a data storage area as a main memory of the CPU 201.

  The ROM 203 is a read-only memory that stores the operation processing procedure of the CPU 201, and is necessary for operating a basic program (generally called BIOS) for controlling each unit in the server 101 and the system. Store information.

  The external storage medium read / write unit 204 is a unit group that performs data input / output of a removable external storage medium such as a floppy (R) disk or a CD-ROM.

  The NETI / F 205 is a network interface, and is connected to an external network via the modem 206 or connected to the LAN 207. The NETI / F 205 performs control for performing data transfer with other devices including the client 120 via the Internet 130 and diagnoses the connection status. The modem 206 includes a modem or a terminal adapter (TA) for ISDN connection for connecting the external network and the server 101 via a telephone line. The LAN 207 is a network system such as Ethernet (registered trademark). In the present embodiment, the server 101 connects to the Internet 130 via the modem 206 or via a communication device such as a router or gateway connected on the LAN 207.

  A VRAM 208 is a video RAM, expands image data to be displayed on the CRT 209, and controls display. Here, a liquid crystal display device or the like can be used instead of the CRT 209.

  The KBC 210 is a controller that controls input signals from the keyboard 211 and the mouse 212.

  The HDD 213 is a hard disk drive and is used as a memory for storing application programs and various data. Here, the application program in the present embodiment is a software program for realizing various processing means.

  The IOC 214 is for controlling the printer 215 and the scanner 216, and can be connected to an external input / output device other than the printer 215 and the scanner 216, such as an externally connected HDD or MO drive.

  The server 101 according to the present embodiment can provide a print service using the printer 215 connected to the IOC 214. Generally, the print output by the print service is connected to the LAN 207. A printer is used.

  In the present embodiment, the client 120 in FIG. 1 has the same configuration as the server 101 described above. Therefore, description of the specific configuration of the client 120 is omitted here.

  In the network print service system configured as described above, the print service provider (server 101) stores its own information. The server 101 also receives and stores a print order request and order information from the client 120, and performs print order processing according to the order information. In addition, the server 101 transmits the order setting item information to be stored in the client 120. In addition, the server 101 has a unit that is always connected to a network 130 to be described later and transmits a processing request to the Internet 130.

  The client 120 is connected to the Internet 130 and issues a print order to the server 101. The client 120 receives a print order screen from the server 101 and displays the print order screen on the display unit 114. The client 120 receives order information such as print setting information input by the orderer by operating a keyboard or a pointing device, and a print file to be submitted. 101. Further, the client 120 has a function of storing the order setting item information received from the server 101 in the HDD. Further, the client 120 has a means for connecting to the Internet 130 as necessary and transmitting a processing request to the Internet 130.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the number of clients is an arbitrary number. In the above description, the client 120 is connected to the server 101 via the Internet 130. However, the client 120 may directly connect to the server 101 by dial-up or the like to place a print order.

  Next, an overview of the screen transition of the order screen (print order screen) created by the server 101 and provided to the client 120 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing screen transition of an order screen created by the server 101 and provided to the client 120. In the figure, the solid arrow indicates the “forward” direction of the screen transition, and the dotted arrow indicates the “return” direction.

  In this embodiment, when the order method using the order setting item information stored in the client 120 is not used, that is, at the time of normal print order, the server 101 is first operated by the orderer as shown in FIG. The “ordinary print order start” screen 401 is created, and this screen 401 is transmitted to the client 120. As a result, a screen 401 is displayed on the browser of the client 120, and when a “next” button on this screen 401 is pressed, a “file” for uploading a file to be printed to the server 101 is displayed on the browser. A “file upload” screen 402 is displayed. When a desired button is selected on the screen 402 by the orderer, a “print setting” screen 403 or a “print setting” screen 405 is displayed according to the type of the selected button.

  Here, when the “next” button is pressed on the screen 403, a “delivery destination” screen 404 for performing detailed print settings is displayed, and the “next” button is pressed on this screen 404. Then, a “setting confirmation” screen 406 for confirming the set print setting is displayed.

  On the other hand, when the screen 405 is selected and the “next” button is pressed on this screen, a “setting confirmation” screen 406 is displayed. When the “next” button is pressed on this screen 406, an “order confirmation” screen 407 for final confirmation of the print order is displayed. When the “save setting” button is pressed on the screen 406, the screen Order information and setting item information set in the screen transition up to are stored in the client 120 as order setting item information.

  When placing an order using the order setting item information stored in the client 120, the “set print order start” screen 408 stored in the client 120 is displayed as the screen that the orderer operates first. The When the file to be printed is specified and uploaded to the server 101 on this screen 408, the order setting item information including the screen transition control information stored in the order setting item information storage unit 116 of the client 120 is simultaneously ordered. It is acquired via the setting item information management unit 115, and the acquired order setting item information is transmitted to the server 101 by the communication unit 113.

  In the server 101, based on the order setting item information from the client 120, the order processing unit 110, the order setting item information analysis unit 111, and the screen transition control information management unit 109 process the order information from the order information storage unit 102. Read out, create a “setting confirmation” screen 406 and send it to the client 120. This screen 406 is displayed on the browser of the client 120.

  In the screen transition control information included in the order setting item information stored in the client 120, when ordering using the order setting item information stored in the client 120 is not performed, that is, screen transition at the time of normal print order Transition order and transitionable screen information are included, and screen transition in the “return” direction represented by the dotted arrow in FIG. 3 is controlled based on the corresponding information. Here, a screen number managed by the screen transition control information storage unit 105 is assigned to each screen described above in order to control screen transition. For example, the screen number “1” is displayed on the “ordinary print order start” screen 401, the screen number “2” is displayed on the “file upload” screen 402, and the screen number “3-1” and “print” are displayed on the “print setting” screen 403. The “setting” screen 405 has a screen number “3-2”, the “delivery destination” screen 404 has a screen number “4”, the “setting confirmation” screen 406 has a screen number “5”, and the “order confirmation” screen 407 has The screen number “6” is allocated to each.

  Next, the order information will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a record stored in the delivery destination information database 500 included in the order setting item information. The delivery destination information is input by the user operating the client 120 according to the “delivery destination” screen 404 (FIG. 11) displayed on the display unit 114 of the client 120, transmitted to the server 101, and stored in the order information storage unit 102. Stored in the database 500. Prior to this, when the delivery destination information input and received from the client 120 according to the screen 408 is stored in the order information storage unit 102, the delivery destination information input and received on the “delivery destination” screen 404 is displayed. The data is newly overwritten and saved in the order information storage unit 102. As shown in FIG. 4, the data in each column of the database 500 indicates a delivery destination information ID 501, a delivery method 502, a destination 503, a delivery destination address 504, and the like.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of records stored in the print setting information database 600 included in the order setting item information. The print setting information is input by the user operating the client 120 according to the “print setting” screen 403 (FIG. 12) displayed on the display unit 114 of the client 120, transmitted to the server 101, and stored in the order information storage unit 102. Stored in database 600. Prior to this, when the print setting information input and received from the client 120 according to the screen 408 is stored in the order information storage unit 102, the print setting information input and received on the print setting screen 403 is the order information. The data is newly overwritten and saved in the storage unit 102. As shown in FIG. 5, the data in each column of the database 600 includes a print setting information ID 601, the number of copies 602, a distinction 603 as to whether or not to perform color printing, a print paper size 604, a print paper type 605, double-sided A distinction 606 on whether to perform printing, a finishing method 607 after printing, and the like are shown.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a record stored in the printed material information database 700 included in the order setting item information. The printed material information is input by the user operating the client 120 according to the “file upload” screen 402 (FIG. 13) displayed on the display unit 114 of the client 120, transmitted to the server 101, and the database of the order information storage unit 102. 700 is stored. Prior to this, when the print file input and received from the client 120 according to the screen 408 is stored in the order information storage unit 102, the print file input and received in the file upload screen 402 is stored in the order information storage unit. 102 is newly overwritten and saved. As shown in FIG. 6, the data in each column of the database 700 indicates a print file information ID 701, a print file name 702, a path 703 in which the print file is stored, and the like.

  Further, databases 500, 600, and 700 for storing the order information exist in the order information storage unit 102.

  Next, the screen transition control information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the screen transition control information database 800.

  The screen transition control information is information for screen transition control when placing an order using the order setting item information stored in the client 120, and this information is stored in the database 800 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the data in each row of the database 800 indicates a screen transition control information ID 801, a screen transition order 802, and the like. In the case of the screen transition of FIG. 3, when ordering using the order setting item information stored in the client 120, it is permitted to “return” to the “print setting” screen 403. The screen number 3-1 of the screen is added, and the screen number 4 of the “delivery destination” screen 404, which is the next screen, and the screen number 5 of the “setting confirmation” screen 406 are added. As a result, “3-1, 4, 5” is registered in the screen number array of the screen transition order 802, and when ordering using the order setting item information stored in the client 120, it is registered in the screen transition order 802. Using the screen number as a key, the screen transition of “return” is possible in the order of “setting confirmation” screen 406, “delivery destination” screen 404, and “print setting” screen 403. “Return” to the “print setting” screen 405 is not permitted. Further, the data shown in the screen transition order 802 stores the “screen number” described in the description of FIG. 3 as an array, and the screen number at the end of the array is “set printing” described in the description of FIG. The screen that is displayed first from the “order start” screen 408 indicates the screen that is pointed to by the “screen number” immediately before the array. The screen indicated by “screen number” is the first screen that can be “returned”, and the screen before the screen indicated by “screen number” at the top of the array contains the order setting item information stored in the client 120. "Return" is not allowed when placing orders that have been used. The screen transition that is the same as the screen transition when the order setting item information is saved by the order processing unit 110, the order setting item information analysis unit 111, and the screen transition control information 109 determining the data shown in the screen transition order 802. Enables “return” control.

  Next, the order setting item information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows an example of the order setting item information database 900.

  The order setting item information is stored in the database 900 shown in FIG. 8 in the setting item information storage unit 116. Data in each column in the database 900 includes an order setting item information ID 901, a setting item information version ID 902, an order, respectively. A setting item information name 903, a delivery destination information ID 904, a print setting information ID 905, a print file information ID 905, a screen transition control information ID 907, and the like are shown.

  Next, “return” screen transition control in order processing using order setting item information stored in the client 120 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for screen transition control of “return” in order processing using order setting item information stored in the client 120. The procedure in this figure is executed by the CPU 201 of the server 101 and the CPU of the client 120.

  In the client 120, as shown in FIG. 9, first, in step S1001, the order setting item information management unit 115 acquires the order setting item information from the order setting item information storage unit 116 based on an instruction from the orderer, and displays it. The unit 114 displays the order setting item information names set for the order setting item information as a list.

  Next, in step S1002, the client 120 inputs the order setting item information name selected by the orderer on the display screen of the display unit 114, and the print file for print order selected by the orderer according to the instruction on the screen. Enter a name. Then, the order setting item information (including screen transition control information) selected by the orderer and the print file are transmitted to the server 101 via the Internet 130 by the communication unit 113 of the client 120.

  Next, in step S <b> 1003, the communication unit 112 of the server 101 receives the order setting item information including the screen transition control information and the print file transmitted from the communication unit 113 of the client 120. In step S1004, the order processing unit 110 of the server 101 passes the order setting item information including the screen transition control information received by the communication unit 112 and the print file to the order information management unit 106, and the order information management unit 106 The order setting item information and the print file are stored in the order information storage unit 102. The order setting item information including the screen transition control information is passed to the order setting item information analysis unit 111, and the order setting item information analysis unit 111 receives the version ID of the received order setting item information and the setting item information model. The new and old are compared with the version ID of the latest setting item information template stored in the type storage unit 104. If the version ID of the received order setting item information is older than the version ID of the setting item information template stored in the setting item information template storage unit 104, the order setting item information is received from the server 101 in S1005. The screen information indicating that the version is incorrect is transmitted to the client 120, and the client 120 that has received this screen information displays a screen indicating that the version of the order setting item information is incorrect on the display unit 114. As a result, an error is notified to the orderer. Then, a series of processing ends.

  When the version ID of the order setting item information received in step S1004 is the same as or newer than the version ID of the setting item information template stored in the setting item information template storage unit 104, the order of the server 101 is received in step S1006. The setting item information analysis unit 111 analyzes the order setting item information including the screen transition control information passed from the order processing unit 110 in step S1004 and designates it at the end of the screen transition order array included in the screen transition control information. The screen transition control information storage unit 105 is searched based on the screen number information thus obtained to obtain information on the screen to be displayed on the client 120, and the order setting item information is analyzed and set to the screen to be displayed. Information.

  In step S1007, the order setting item information analysis unit 111 of the server 101 determines whether there is a previous screen in the screen transition order array included in the screen transition control information analyzed in step S1006. If there is the previous screen, in step S1008, the order setting item information analysis unit 111 designates the previous screen in the screen transition order array included in the screen transition control information analyzed in step S1006. The previous screen acquired by searching the screen transition control information storage unit 105 based on the screen number information obtained to acquire the information of the previous screen, setting the “return” button in the browser screen, and acquiring the transition destination of the button Include the screen number. Then, the server 101 advances the process to step S1009.

  If it is determined in step S1007 that there is no previous screen, the server 101 skips step S1008 and advances the process to step S1009.

  In step S <b> 1009, the screen information created by the order processing unit 110 is passed to the communication unit 112, and the communication unit 112 transmits the screen information created via the network 130 to the client 120. The communication unit 113 of the client 120 passes the received screen information to the display unit 114, and the display unit 114 displays a screen in which order setting items are set.

  Next, in step S1010, the client 120 determines whether or not the “return” button set in the browser screen by the orderer has been pressed. Here, when the “return” button is pressed, the communication unit 113 of the client 120 transmits an action of pressing the “return” button to the server 101 via the Internet 130. In the server 101, when the communication unit 112 receives the action of pressing the “return” button, the order processing unit 110 returns to the process of step S 1007 by using the order setting item information analysis unit 111. If the orderer does not press the “return” button, the process ends.

  Next, an example of the “setting confirmation” screen 406 displayed on the client 120 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a “setting confirmation” screen displayed on the client 120.

  When ordering using the order setting item information stored in the client 120, as described above, the “set print order start” screen 408 stored in the client 120 is first displayed on the display unit 114. The When a file to be printed is specified on the screen 408, a “setting confirmation” screen 406 transmitted from the server 101 is displayed on the display unit 114. In this screen 406, as shown in FIG. 10, a “next” button 1102 for proceeding to the next step of the order processing (“order confirmation” screen 407 in FIG. 3) is displayed.

  In addition, as a result of analyzing the screen transition control information included in the order setting item information stored in the client 120, if the previous screen information is defined in the screen transition control information, the previous screen ( A “return” button 1101 in which the “delivery destination” screen 404) of FIG. 3 is set is displayed.

  When the “setting save” button 1103 displayed on the screen 406 is pressed, the order information and setting item information set in the screen transition up to the screen includes the order setting item information including the screen transition control information. Stored in the client 120.

  Next, the “delivery destination” screen 404 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a delivery destination screen displayed on the client 120.

  In the delivery destination screen 404, as shown in FIG. 11, a delivery method selection check box 1201, a destination input box 1202, a delivery destination address input box 1203, a “setting content save” button 1204, a “next” button 1205, and “return” "Button 1206 and the like are displayed. In addition, a button for canceling the order can be added on this screen.

  A delivery method selection check box 1201 is a check box for setting a delivery method of a printed matter. A destination input box 1202 is an input box for setting a destination for delivery of printed matter. The delivery address input box 1203 is an input box for setting the delivery address of the printed material.

  A “setting content saving” button 1204 is a button for executing execution of saving the order information input up to the current order information input screen as an order information template and setting item information in the HDD in the client 120. .

  The “next” button 1205 is a button for ending input to the “delivery destination” screen 404 and proceeding to the next step of the order process (“setting confirmation” screen 406).

  The “return” button 1206 is used when the previous screen as the screen transition destination is set in the screen transition control information as a result of analyzing the screen transition control information included in the order setting item information stored in the client 120. When the “return” button 1206 is pressed, the screen returns to the “print setting” screen 403 in FIG.

  Next, the “print setting” screen 403 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a “print setting screen” displayed on the client 120.

  In the print setting screen 403, as shown in FIG. 12, a print number input box 1301, a color print selection check box 1302, a finishing category selection check box 1303, a finishing size selection check box 1304, a printing paper selection check box 1305, “setting” A “save content” button 1306, a “next” button 1307, and the like are displayed.

  A print copy number input box 1301 is an input box for setting the number of print copies in the order information. A color printing selection check box 1302 is a check box for selecting and inputting a distinction as to whether or not to perform color printing in order information. A finishing section selection check box 1303 is a check box for selecting and inputting a distinction as to whether or not double-sided printing is performed in the order information. A finishing size selection check box 1304 is a check box for selecting and inputting a printing paper size in the order information. A print paper selection check box 1305 is a check box for selecting and inputting a print paper in the order information.

  A “setting content save” button 1306 is a button for executing to save the order information input up to the current print setting screen in the HDD in the client 120.

  A “next” button 1307 is a button for ending input to the “print setting” screen 403 and proceeding to the next step of the order process (“delivery destination” screen 404).

  Next, the “file upload” screen 402 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a file upload screen displayed on the client 120.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the “file upload” screen 402 displays a print file path input box 1401, a print file name input box 1402, a “save setting contents” button 1403, a “next” button 1405, and the like.

  A print file path input box 1401 is an input box for setting a path on the HDD 313 in which a target file to be printed is stored. A print file name input box 1402 is an input box for setting a file name of a target file to be printed.

  A “setting content storage” button 1403 is a button for executing execution of storing the order information input up to the current screen as an order information template and setting item information in the HDD in the client 120.

  A “next” button 1405 is a button for ending input to the file upload screen 402 and proceeding to the next step of the order process (“print setting” screen 403).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the order setting item information stored in the client 120 can be used, which can reduce the burden of order information input by the orderer at the time of multiple orders or repeated orders. At the time of ordering, after the “set print order start” screen 408 is transitioned to the “setting confirmation” screen 406 at the time of normal order, the “setting confirmation” screen 406 can be returned to the previous screen. Therefore, it is possible to provide a user interface that is more convenient for the orderer.

  An object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  In the present embodiment, the network print service ordering method has been described. However, the principle of the present invention is not limited to the network print service, and the same effect can be obtained when applied to other service providing systems. Needless to say, you can get

  Further, in the present embodiment, a case has been described in which an order for a network print service is performed via the Internet 130. For example, for a service providing system constructed on a LAN (Local Area Network), via the LAN. It goes without saying that the principle of the present invention can be applied even in the case of placing an order.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the network print service system which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the specific structural example of the server 101 of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing screen transition of an order screen created by a server 101 and provided to a client 120. It is a figure which shows an example of the database 500 of the delivery destination information contained in order setting item information. It is a figure which shows an example of the database 600 of the print setting information contained in order setting item information. It is a figure which shows an example of the database 700 of the printed matter information contained in order setting item information. It is a figure which shows an example of the database 800 of screen transition control information. It is a figure which shows an example of the database 900 of order setting item information. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a screen return control procedure of “return” in order processing using order setting item information stored in a client 120. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a “setting confirmation” screen displayed on a client 120. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a delivery destination screen displayed on a client 120. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen displayed on a client 120. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the file upload screen displayed on the client.

Explanation of symbols

101 Server 102 Order Information Storage Unit 103 User Information Storage Unit 104 Setting Item Information Template Storage Unit 105 Screen Transition Control Information Storage Unit 106 Order Information Management Unit 107 User Information Management Unit 108 Setting Item Information Template Management Unit 109 Screen Transition Control Information Management unit 110 Order processing unit 111 Order setting item information analysis unit 112, 113 Communication unit 114 Display unit 115 Order setting item information management unit 116 Order setting item information storage unit 120 Client 130 Internet 201 CPU

Claims (3)

The server device transmits screen information to the client device, and the client device transitions and displays a plurality of screens according to the screen information, inputs order information to the screen, and transmits the order information to the server device. An order processing system that performs order processing by
The client device is
Storage means for storing the order information and screen transition control information indicating the screen transition order of the screen;
First order transmission means for transmitting the order information and the screen transition control information stored by the storage means to the server device;
The server device
Setting means for setting a screen transition instruction button in the screen information in accordance with the screen transition control information transmitted by the first transmission means;
Built-in means for incorporating the order information transmitted by the first transmission means into the screen information;
Second transmission means for transmitting the screen information to the client device;
An order processing system comprising: The server device includes storage means for storing version information of the model of the order information;
Comparing means for comparing the version information of the model stored in the storage means and the version information of the order information transmitted by the first transmitting means;
2. The order processing system according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling to perform incorporation by the incorporating means or to notify an error in accordance with a comparison result by the comparing means. The server device transmits screen information to the client device, and the client device transitions and displays a plurality of screens according to the screen information, inputs order information to the screen, and transmits the order information to the server device. An order processing method for processing an order by
Storing the order information and screen transition control information indicating the screen transition order of the screen in a client device;
Transmitting the stored order information and the screen transition control information from the client device to the server device;
Setting a screen transition instruction button in the screen information in accordance with the screen control transition control information transmitted from the client device by the server device;
Incorporating the order information transmitted from the client device by the server device into the screen information;
Transmitting the screen information from the server device to the client device;
An order processing method characterized by comprising:

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