JP4556429B2 - Image printing sales apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image print sales apparatus and program for printing and selling images.

  In recent years, an increasing number of vending machines print image files in response to user input. For example, there is a method in which a recording medium on which a user's image file is recorded is set in an image vending machine, and the image vending machine reads the image file from the recording medium and prints it. In addition, there is a method in which an image file is transmitted from a user terminal to an image vending machine through direct wireless communication such as Bluetooth, and the image vending machine receives and prints the image file (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

There is also a method in which an email with an image file attached is transmitted from a user terminal to a server of the image print sales system, and the image vending machine downloads the image file from the server and prints it. In particular, camera-equipped mobile phones have become widespread, but since there is generally no printing function, the image printing is being established.
JP 2002-352319 A

  There is a request that an image file used by printing or the like in an image vending machine is further taken into a PC (Personal Computer) or the like where the user manages the image file. However, for example, the operation of importing an image file from a recording medium or a mobile phone used in an image vending machine to a PC needs to be performed in the same manner as the image file reading operation performed once by the image vending machine. , There was a risk of burden on the user.

  In particular, in an image vending machine, when an image processed image file is printed, the image data is not stored in a recording medium or a mobile phone, so that the processed image file may not be imported to the PC. .

  The subject of this invention is transmitting the image file taken in in the image printing sales apparatus to the transmission destination which a user designates.

An image printing and selling apparatus according to the present invention is an image printing and selling apparatus that prints and sells an image file, an acquisition unit that acquires an image file from a user terminal or a recording medium, and a money transfer that receives and receives money input from the user. A printing unit that prints an image of the acquired image file, and a communication unit that communicates with and communicates with an external device when the money for the printing fee is received from the user by the money transfer unit; A transmission target selection input unit that accepts selection input of a transmission target image file from a user, and a transmission target extraction that extracts a transmission target image file from the acquired image file based on a printing usage amount of the printing unit And the transmission destination specified by the user when the image is printed by the printing means. And a sending control means for transmitting through said communication means to the external device.

  According to the present invention, when the image print sales apparatus prints an image file acquired from the user's terminal or recording medium, the acquired image file is transmitted to the external device of the transmission destination designated by the user. The acquired image file can be easily transmitted to the transmission destination.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a preferred first embodiment, a second embodiment, and modifications thereof according to the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the apparatus configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an image print sales system 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows an external configuration of the image vending machine 10. FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the image vending machine 10. FIG. 4 shows the internal configuration of the PC 20.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an image print sales system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of image vending machines 10 serving as image print sales apparatuses, external devices, and a PC 20 serving as an image management apparatus. Communication connection.

  The image vending machine 10 is an apparatus that acquires, prints, and sells an image file from a recording medium (recording medium) M or a mobile phone 30 as a user terminal by a user operation. The image vending machine 10 is installed in a place that is easy for a user to use, such as a station or a convenience store.

  The PC 20 is a user terminal device, and receives and stores an e-mail attached with image data transmitted from the image vending machine 10. The mobile phone 30 has a function of directly communicating with the image vending machine 10 by, for example, infrared communication such as IrDA (InfraRed Data Association) or wireless communication such as Bluetooth. Moreover, although the mobile phone 30 shows 1 unit | set as a representative, it is not limited to 1 unit | set. Further, instead of the cellular phone 30, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a digital still camera, a digital movie camera, or the like having a function of performing direct wireless communication may be used.

  The communication network N is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network), but may be a LAN (Local Area Network), such as a telephone line network, an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) line network, a broadband communication line network, a dedicated line, a mobile line. A configuration including a body communication network, a communication satellite line, a CATV (Community Antenna Television) line, an optical communication line, a wireless communication line, and an Internet service provider for connecting them may be used.

  Next, the configuration of the image vending machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The image vending machine 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, an operation unit 12 as a transmission target selection input unit, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a display unit 14, a storage unit 15, and communication as a communication unit. Unit 16, a money transfer unit 17 as a money transfer unit, a recording medium reading unit 18 as an acquisition unit, a print unit 19 as a printing unit, and a wireless communication unit 1A as an acquisition unit, Each unit is connected to the bus 1B.

  The CPU 11 centrally controls each unit in the image vending machine 10. The CPU 11 expands a program designated from the system program and various application programs stored in the storage unit 15 in the RAM 13 and executes various processes in cooperation with the program expanded in the RAM 13. The execution subject of this process is a control unit 111 as a transmission control unit, a transmission target extraction unit, and a processing unit.

  The operation unit 12 is, for example, a touch panel operation unit configured integrally with the display unit 14, receives a touch input from the user on the display screen unit 141 of the display unit 14, and transmits the input signal to the CPU 11. The operation unit 12 may include various keys and be an operation unit independent of the display unit 14. The RAM 13 has a work area for storing the designated program, input instructions, input data, processing results, and the like, and temporarily stores information.

  The display unit 14 includes a display screen unit 141 such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and is configured as a touch panel display together with the operation unit 12, for example. In accordance with a display signal from the CPU 11, screen display is performed on the display screen unit 141 of the display unit 14.

  The storage unit 15 includes a recording medium (not shown) in which various programs, various data, and the like are stored or writable in advance, and the recording medium is a magnetic or optical recording medium or a nonvolatile memory such as a semiconductor. This is a readable recording medium. As the recording medium, a fixed hard disk, a flash ROM, or the like, a CD-RW (CD-ReWritable), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) -RAM, a memory card, a portable hard disk, or a blue laser is used. A portable information recording medium or the like that can be detachably mounted is used. The storage unit 15 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a program and the like so as to be readable.

  The communication unit 16 includes a network card for communicating with an external device, and communicates with a device connected to the communication network N.

  The money transfer unit 17 includes a bill transfer unit 171, a return lever 172, a coin transfer unit 173, a change return unit 174, a receipt output unit 175, and the like, and receives and returns charges input from the user. Specifically, the bill exchange unit 171 accepts a bill as a fee from the user, the return lever 172 accepts a fee or change from the user, the coin exchange unit 173 accepts a coin as a fee from the user, The return unit 174 returns the change or fee, and the receipt output unit 175 outputs a receipt for image printing sales.

  The recording medium reading unit 18 includes a recording medium setting unit 181 in which a recording medium M on which a user's image file is recorded is set, and includes a compact flash (registered trademark), smart media (registered trademark), and SD (Secure Digital) card. A recording medium M such as a memory card such as a flexible disk, a CD-R (CD-Recordable), a DVD-R, or the like can be set. In accordance with an instruction from the CPU 11, the recording medium M in the set recording medium can be set. Read information such as image files.

  The printing unit 19 includes a print image discharge unit 191 that discharges a recording sheet on which an image is recorded, and prints an image of the image file on a recording medium such as a recording sheet according to a print instruction from the CPU 11. For example, an image is printed on a recording sheet by a silver salt method, but is not limited to this method. The wireless communication unit 1A transmits and receives information to and from the mobile phone 30 by, for example, infrared communication such as IrDA or wireless communication such as Bluetooth.

  Next, the internal configuration of the PC 20 will be described with reference to FIG. The PC 20 includes a CPU 21, an operation unit 22 as a storage target selection input unit, a RAM 23, a display unit 24 as a display unit, a storage unit 25 as a storage unit, and a communication unit 26 as a communication unit. Each part is connected to the bus 27. The CPU 21, operation unit 22, RAM 23, display unit 24, storage unit 25, and communication unit 26 are the same as the CPU 11, operation unit 12, RAM 13, display unit 14, storage unit 15, and communication unit 16 of the image vending machine 10 in this order. Therefore, the different parts will be mainly described.

  The CPU 21 develops a program designated from the system program and various application programs stored in the storage unit 25 in the RAM 23, and executes various processes in cooperation with the program expanded in the RAM 23. An execution subject of this process is a control unit 211 as a reception control unit and a transmission target extraction unit.

  The operation unit 22 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like. The operation unit 22 outputs to the CPU 21 a press signal that is pressed by the operator using the keyboard. The operation unit 22 may include a pointing device such as a mouse. The display unit 24 includes an LCD, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and the like, and performs screen display according to a display signal from the CPU 21.

  Next, the operation of the image print sales system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 show a first image print sales process executed in the image vending machine 10. 8 shows the configuration of the display screen of the image vending machine 10, (a) shows the configuration of the menu screen 40, (b) shows the configuration of the image transmission input screen 50, and (c) shows the image transmission usage guide screen. 60 configurations are shown.

  With reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, a first image print sales process for printing and selling a user image file in the image vending machine 10 will be described. In the image vending machine 10, the CPU 11 uses the first image print sales program stored in the storage unit 15 as a trigger when the execution instruction of the first image print sales process is input from the user via the operation unit 12. The data is read out and appropriately developed in the RAM 13, and the first image print sales process is executed in cooperation with the CPU 11 and the first image print sales program in the RAM 13. The main body of this processing execution is the control unit 111, and the same is true for the processing executed in the image vending machine 10 below.

  First, a menu screen is displayed on the display unit 14 (step S11). The menu screen is, for example, the menu screen 40 shown in FIG. 8A, and includes menus for image printing with a selection number “1”, image processing printing with a selection number “2”, and image transmission with a selection number “3”. Selectable. And the menu selection input from a user is received by the operation part 12 (step S12).

  Then, an image file acquisition request message from the recording medium M such as a memory card or the mobile phone 30 is displayed on the display unit 14 via the recording medium reading unit 18 or the wireless communication unit 1A (step S13). The user sets the recording medium M on which the image file is recorded in the recording medium reading unit 18, or performs an operation of transmitting the image file to the image vending machine 10 from the mobile phone 30 through the wireless communication unit 1A by wireless communication directly. .

  Then, it is determined whether or not an image file has been acquired from the recording medium M or the mobile phone 30 via the recording medium reading unit 18 or the wireless communication unit 1A (step S14). When the image file is acquired (step S14; YES), all the image files recorded on the recording medium M or all the image files transmitted from the mobile phone 30 are captured and stored in the storage unit 15 (step S15). ). Then, thumbnails (reduced images) of the image files acquired in step S15 are created and displayed as a list on the display unit 14 (step S16).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the menu selected and input in step S12 is “1” image printing (step S17). When the selected and input menu is “1” (step S17; YES), the operation unit 12 causes the user to print the image file to be printed and the print amount of the image file (image size to be printed, number of prints, etc.). ) Is received (step S18). Then, it is determined whether or not the selection input of the image to be printed and its printing amount has been completed (step S19). If the selection has not been completed (step S19; NO), the process proceeds to step S18.

  If the selection has been completed (step S19; YES), the printing fee for the image file to be printed is calculated based on the number of image files to be printed, the printing amount, etc., and displayed on the display unit 14 (step S20). Then, it is determined whether or not payment of a fee from the user has been accepted by the money transfer unit 17 and payment of money more than the calculated fee has been performed (step S21). If no payment has been made (step S21; NO), it is determined whether or not the user has entered a cancellation for payment of the printing fee via the operation unit 12 (step S22). If the cancellation of the charge payment has not been input (step S22; NO), the process proceeds to step S21. When cancellation of charge payment is input (step S22; YES), the process proceeds to step S11.

  When the fee is paid (step S21; YES), the image file selected in step S16 is printed on a recording sheet or the like by the printing unit 19 based on the printing amount or the like (step S23). In addition, when the payment amount is larger than the printing fee, the change is refunded by the money transfer unit 17.

  Then, an image transmission input screen for inputting an image transmission service for mailing the image file to an arbitrary destination is displayed on the display unit 14, and the operation unit 12 allows the user to input the image destination mail address. Accepted (step S24). The image transmission input screen is, for example, an image transmission input screen 50 shown in FIG. The input of the e-mail address is accepted by the e-mail address input field 51. For example, the mail address of the PC 20 that is the user's terminal is set. The image transmission input screen 50 includes a use button 52 that accepts a selection input that uses an image transmission service, and a button 53 that does not use a selection input that is not used.

  Then, the operation unit 12 accepts an input from the user to use or not use the image transmission service, and determines whether or not a selection input for using the image transmission service has been made (step S25). If the image transmission service is not used due to the user pressing the button 53 without using it (step S25; NO), the process proceeds to step S11. When the image transmission service is used by the user pressing the use button 52 (step S25; YES), it is determined whether or not the printing fee is equal to or more than a predetermined amount (step S26). If the amount of the printing fee is high, it is considered that the number of all image files is large, and it is highly likely that the user will send all the image files. This is the standard amount.

  When the printing fee is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount (step S26; YES), a thumbnail image display and a transmission image selection screen for selecting an image file to be transmitted are displayed on the display unit 14, and the operation unit 12 allows the user to select a transmission image. Is selected (step S27). Then, it is determined whether or not all image files have been selected and input in step S27 (step S28).

  If all the image files are selected and input (step S28; YES), all the image files captured in step S15 are read from the storage unit 15 (step S29). Then, the read image file is attached to the mail, and the mail with the image file attached is transmitted to the mail address input in step S24 via the communication unit 16 and the communication network N (step S30). The process proceeds to step S11.

  When the printing fee is not equal to or greater than the predetermined amount (step S26; NO), or when all the image files are not selectively input (step S28; NO), the selected image file among all the image files captured in step S15. Is read from the storage unit 15 (step S31), and the process proceeds to step S31.

  If the selected and input menu is not “1” (step S17; NO), it is determined whether or not the menu selected and input in step S12 is “2” image processing printing (step S32). When the selected and input menu is “2” (step S32; YES), the operation unit 12 receives selection input of the image file to be processed and the type of processing from the user (step S33). Then, the operation unit 12 receives a selection input of the image file to be processed and the type of processing from the user (step S33). The processing type includes, for example, partial image cutting processing, image scaling processing, brightness adjustment processing, and the like.

  Then, the selected image file to be processed is processed according to the processing type selected in step S33 and displayed on the display unit 14 (step S34). And it is discriminate | determined through the operation part 12 whether there exists an input to the effect that the process from a user is OK (step S35). If the machining is not OK (step S35; NO), the process proceeds to step S33.

  When the processing is OK (step S35; YES), the processed image file processed in step S34 and the original image file before the processing are temporarily stored in the storage unit 15 (step S36). Then, it is determined whether there is an input indicating that there is an image file to be processed other than the user via the operation unit 12 (step S37). If there is another image file to be processed (step S37; YES), the process proceeds to step S33.

  When there is no other image file to be processed (step S37; NO), the operation unit 12 receives a selection input of the print amount from the user, and has been processed based on the number of images to be printed, the print amount, and the like. The printing fee for the image file to be printed is calculated and displayed on the display unit 14 (step S38). Then, it is determined whether or not payment of a fee from the user has been accepted by the money transfer unit 17 and payment of money more than the calculated fee has been performed (step S39). If no fee payment has been made (step S39; NO), it is determined whether or not the user has canceled cancellation of the printing fee payment via the operation unit 12 (step S40). If the cancellation of the charge payment has not been input (step S40; NO), the process proceeds to step S38. If cancellation of fee payment has been input (step S40; YES), the process proceeds to step S11.

  When the fee is paid (step S39; YES), the entire processed image file is printed on a recording sheet or the like by the printing unit 19 based on the print amount and the like (step S41). Similarly to step S24, the image transmission input screen 50 is displayed on the display unit 14, and the operation unit 12 accepts input of the mail address of the image transmission destination from the user (step S42).

  Then, the operation unit 12 accepts an input from the user to use or not use the image transmission service, and determines whether or not a selection input for using the image transmission service has been made (step S43). If the image transmission service is not used due to the user pressing the button 53 without using it (step S43; NO), the process proceeds to step S11. When the image transmission service is used by pressing the use button 52 from the user (step S43; YES), the processed image file and the original image file stored in the storage unit 15 are attached to the mail, and the communication unit 16 and Via the communication network N, the mail with the processed image and the original image file attached is transmitted to the mail address input in step S42 (step S44), and the process proceeds to step S11.

  If the selected and input menu is not “2” (step S32; NO), it is determined whether or not the menu selected and input in step S12 is “3” image transmission (step S45). When the selected and input menu is not “3” (step S45; NO), the process proceeds to step S11.

  If the selected and input menu is “3” (step S45; YES), the image transmission service guide screen for the image transmission service is displayed on the display unit 14, and the operation unit 12 uses the image transmission service from the user. A selection input to the effect or to shift to another menu is accepted (step S46). The image transmission usage guide screen is, for example, the image transmission display screen 60 in FIG. The image transmission display screen 60 includes a use button 61 for receiving a selection input for using the image transmission service, and a different menu button 62 for receiving another menu selection input together with a usage guidance message for the image transmission service.

  In step S46, it is determined whether or not a selection input for using the image transmission service has been made (step S47). If the image transmission service is not used (step S47; NO), in step S46, it is determined whether or not a selection input for shifting to another menu has been made (step S48). If the selection input for shifting to another menu has not been made (step S48; NO), the process proceeds to step S11.

  When the user presses the other menu button 62 and selection input for shifting to another menu is made (step S48; YES), the menu screen 40 is displayed on the display unit 14, and the menu from the user is displayed by the operation unit 12. Is selected (step S49). In step S49, it is determined whether or not the menu “1” or “2” is selected and input (step S50). When the menu “1” or “2” is selected and input (step S50; YES), the process proceeds to step S17. When the menu “1” or “2” is not selected and input (step S50; NO), the process proceeds to step S11.

  When the image transmission service is used by the user pressing the use button 61 (step S47; YES), the transmission image selection screen is displayed together with the thumbnail display of the image files stored in the storage unit 15. 14 (step S51). Then, the operation unit 12 receives a selection input of a transmission target image file from the user (step S52). In step S52, it is determined whether or not selection of the image file to be transmitted has been completed (step S53). If selection of the image file to be transmitted has not been completed (step S53; NO), the process proceeds to step S52.

  When the selection of the image file to be transmitted is completed (step S53; YES), the transmission fee of the image to be transmitted is calculated and displayed on the display unit 14 (step S54). For example, in the menu “1” or “2”, when the image has been printed, the transmission fee is set to be free, and when the image has not been printed, the transmission fee is set to be charged.

  Then, when the transmission fee is charged, it is determined whether or not payment of a fee from the user is accepted by the money transfer unit 17 and payment of money more than the calculated fee has been made (step S55). If the transmission fee is charged and the payment has not been made (step S55; NO), it is determined whether or not the user inputs a cancellation of the payment of the printing fee via the operation unit 12 (step S55; NO). Step S56). If the input for canceling the charge payment has not been made (step S56; NO), the process proceeds to step S54. When cancellation of charge payment is input (step S56; YES), the process proceeds to step S11.

  When the transmission fee is free or the transmission fee is charged and the fee is paid (step S55; YES), the image file selected in step S52 is read from the storage unit 15 (step S57). Then, the operation unit 12 accepts the input of the mail address of the transmission destination from the user, the image file read in step S57 is attached to the mail, and the image file is transmitted via the communication unit 16 and the communication network N. The attached mail is transmitted to the input mail address (step S58), and the process proceeds to step S11.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the image vending machine 10 prints an image file acquired from the user's mobile phone 30 or the recording medium M, the acquired image file is sent to the transmission destination designated by the user. Since the e-mail is transmitted to the PC 20, the user can easily transmit the image file to the transmission destination.

  In addition, since the image file to be transmitted is selected from all the image files acquired from the user's mobile phone 30 or the recording medium M by the user input, the user can freely select the image file to be transmitted and transmit it to the transmission destination. can do.

  The image vending machine 10 can process and print all the image files acquired from the user's mobile phone 30 or the recording medium M, and can transmit the processed image file to the destination PC 20.

  In addition, when the printing fee is equal to or higher than the predetermined amount, the image file to be transmitted can be selected as all image files, and when the printing fee is smaller than the predetermined amount, the image file to be transmitted is set as the image file selected by the user. When the printing fee is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount and a large number of image files can be regarded as being used by the image vending machine 10, all the image files can be selected, and the burden of selecting the image file to be transmitted by the user can be reduced.

  When the image vending machine 10 prints the image file, the image file is mailed to the destination PC 20 free of charge. When the image file is not printed, the image file is sent to the destination PC 20 for a fee. Therefore, the customer who prints the image file can easily use the image file transmission service, and the customer who does not print the image file can use the image file transmission service.

  In this embodiment, the image file to be transmitted can be selected as all image files depending on whether or not the printing fee is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Depending on the usage amount of 10, the image file to be transmitted may be selectable. For example, at least one of a printing fee, the number of printed sheets, the number of printed image files, and the like can be used as the usage amount.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Since the apparatus configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9, various data stored in the storage unit 15 or stored in the RAM 13 in the image vending machine 10 will be described. FIG. 9 shows the configuration of various data stored in the storage unit 15 or stored in the RAM 13, (a) shows the configuration of the user table 70 stored in the storage unit 15, and (b) shows the configuration stored in the RAM 13. The structure of the image related data 80 is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, in the image vending machine 10, a user table 70 is stored in the storage unit 15 as information related to the user. The user table 70 includes a user ID 71 for identifying a user, and a mail address 72 designated by the user with the user ID 71 as an image file transmission destination.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, in the image vending machine 10, image related data 80 is temporarily stored in the RAM 15 as information related to the image file to be transmitted. The image-related data 80 includes an image ID 81 for identifying each image file to be transmitted, a file name 82 of the image file corresponding to the image ID 81, and whether or not the image file corresponding to the image ID 81 has been processed. 83, selection presence / absence 84 indicating whether or not printing has been performed, and printing presence / absence 85 indicating whether or not printing has been performed. Selection indicates a state in which an image file is selected and input by the user and is not printed for visual confirmation.

  Next, the operation of the image print sales system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 shows a second image print sales process executed in the image vending machine 10. FIG. 11 shows a selected image transmission process in the second image print sales process. FIG. 12 shows a first image mail reception process executed in the PC 20. FIG. 13 shows a configuration of a screen displayed on the image vending machine 10 or the PC 20, (a) shows a configuration of a transmission image selection screen 90 displayed on the image vending machine 10, and (b) shows a reception displayed on the PC 20. The structure of the image selection screen D is shown.

  First, with reference to FIG. 10, a second image print sales process for printing and selling a user image file in the image vending machine 10 will be described. In the image vending machine 10, the CPU 11 uses the second image print sales program stored in the storage unit 15 as a trigger when the execution instruction of the second image print sales process is input from the user via the operation unit 12. The data is read out and appropriately developed in the RAM 13, and the second image print sales process is executed in cooperation with the CPU 11 and the second image print sales program in the RAM 13.

  In addition, the user sets the recording medium M on which the image file is recorded in the recording medium reading unit 18, or transmits the image file to the image vending machine 10 from the mobile phone 30 through the wireless communication unit 1A by wireless communication directly. .

  First, it is determined whether or not an image file has been acquired from the recording medium M or the mobile phone 30 via the recording medium reading unit 18 or the wireless communication unit 1A (step S61). When the image file has not been acquired (step S61; NO), the process proceeds to step S61. When the image file is acquired (step S61; YES), thumbnails of the acquired image file are created and displayed in a list on the display unit 14, and the image related data 80 of all the acquired image files is set and stored in the RAM 13. Stored (step S62). Specifically, the image IDs and file names of all acquired image files are set as the image ID 81 and the file name 82 of the image related data 80. If no image ID is given, a new unique image ID is issued and set.

  And it is discriminate | determined whether the image processing execution input from the user was made via the operation part 12 (step S63). When the image processing execution is input (step S63; YES), the image file to be processed is selected from all the image files acquired by the user input, and various image processing processes are performed. The processed / non-processed image file 83 is set to “present” (step S64), and the process proceeds to step S63. Hereinafter, the processed image file is referred to as a processed image file.

  If no input for image processing execution has been made (step S63; NO), it is determined whether or not an input of an image file for image confirmation prior to image printing has been made by the user via the operation unit 12 (step S63; NO). Step S65). When the selection input of the image file is made (step S65; YES), the image file selected in step S65 is displayed on the display unit 14 (step S66). Then, it is determined whether or not the user has input a print instruction for the selected image file via the operation unit 12 (step S67).

  When a print instruction is input (step S67; YES), the operation unit 12 receives a selection input of the print type and print amount from the user (step S68). Examples of the printing type include color printing and monochrome printing. Then, based on the type of printing and the printing amount, the printing fee of the image to be printed is calculated and displayed on the display unit 14, and the payment of the fee from the user is accepted by the money transfer unit 17 (step S69).

  Then, the image file to be printed is printed on a recording sheet or the like by the printing unit 19 based on the printing type and printing amount, and is discharged, and the printing presence / absence 85 of the printed image file in the image-related data 80 is “ Is set to “present” (step S70), and the process proceeds to step S65. Hereinafter, a printed image file is referred to as a print image file.

  If no print instruction is input (step S67; NO), the presence / absence of printing 84 of the selected image file in the image-related data 80 is set to “present” (step S71), and the process proceeds to step S65. Hereinafter, the selected image file is referred to as a selected image file.

  When the selection input of the image file has not been made (step S65; NO), the image transmission service guide screen of the image transmission service is displayed on the display unit 14, and the operation unit 12 does not use or use the image printing service from the user. Is selected (step S72). In step S72, it is determined which selection input has been made to use or not use the image printing service (step S73). When it is selected that the image printing service is not used (step S73; NO), the process proceeds to step S61.

  When use of the image printing service is selected (step S73; YES), a transmission image selection screen for selecting an image file to be transmitted from all the acquired image files is displayed on the display unit 14, and the operation unit 12 Then, selection input for transmitting all image files, transmitting only print image files, or canceling transmission is accepted (step S74). The transmission image selection screen is, for example, a transmission image selection screen 90 shown in FIG. The transmission image selection screen 90 includes an all image transmission button 91 for transmitting all the image files, a print image transmission button 92 for transmitting only the printed image file, and a release button for canceling the image file transmission. 93.

  Then, a selected image transmission process is executed (step S75), and the process proceeds to step S61. Here, with reference to FIG. 11, the selected image transmission processing in step S75 will be described in detail. First, whether or not all image file transmission is selected is determined based on whether or not the user has pressed down the all image transmission button 91 on the transmission image selection screen 90 via the operation unit 12 (step S751). When all image file transmission is input (step S751; YES), identification data for identifying the image type of all image files based on all image related data 80 in the RAM 13 is included in the new mail, and the acquired all image files Is attached to the mail and the mail is created (step S752).

  Then, an input of a user ID or a mail address of a transmission destination user is accepted via the operation unit 12, and a transmission destination mail address is specified based on the input and the user table 70 in the storage unit 25. The created mail is transmitted with the mail address as the destination via the unit 16 and the communication network N (step S753), the selected image transmission process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S61. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the destination mail address is, for example, the mail address of the PC 20.

  If all image file transmission has not been input (step S751; NO), a print image file transmission is performed depending on whether or not the user has pressed down the print image transmission button 92 on the transmission image selection screen 90 via the operation unit 12. Whether or not is selected is determined (step S754). When the print image file transmission is input (step S754; YES), the identification data for identifying the print image file based on the record having “printing presence / absence” 85 of all the image related data 80 in the RAM 13 is included in the new mail. Of all the image files included and acquired, a print image file with the presence / absence of printing 85 “attached” is attached to the mail to create a mail (step S755), and the process proceeds to step S753.

  If the print image file transmission is not input (step S754; NO), the image file transmission is canceled depending on whether or not the user has pressed down the cancel button 93 on the transmission image selection screen 90 via the operation unit 12. It is determined whether or not it has been selected (step S756). When cancellation of image file transmission is selected (step S756; YES), the selected image transmission process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S61. If cancellation of image file transmission is not selected (step S756; NO), the process proceeds to step S751.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, a first image mail receiving process for receiving an email with an image file attached from the image vending machine 10 in the PC 20 will be described. In the PC 20, the CPU 21 reads out the first image mail receiving program stored in the storage unit 25, triggered by the execution instruction of the first image mail receiving process input from the user via the operation unit 22. The data is appropriately expanded in the RAM 23, and the first image mail receiving process is executed in cooperation with the CPU 21 and the first image mail receiving program in the RAM 23. The main body of this processing execution is the control unit 211, and the same applies to the processing executed in the PC 20 below.

  In advance, for example, a mail addressed to the mail address of the PC 20 is downloaded from the PC 20 by inquiring of a mail server that manages the user's mail on the communication network N. First, it is determined whether or not a mail attached with an image file transmitted to the user's mail address is received via the communication network N and the communication unit 26 (step S81).

  If a mail with an image file attached has not been received (step S81; NO), the first image mail receiving process is terminated. When a mail with an image file attached is received (step S81; YES), the mail with all the image files attached depending on whether or not the identification data of all the image files is included in the mail with the image files attached. Is received or not (step S82).

  When a mail with all image files attached is received (step S82; YES), a received image selection screen is displayed in which identification data included in all image files is referenced and all image files are identified and displayed based on the image type. It is displayed on the display unit 14 (step S83). The received image selection screen is, for example, a received image selection screen D shown in FIG. The received image selection screen D includes an image identification display unit D1 that displays an image file so that its type is identified, and a capture button D2 that captures the image file.

  Then, a designation input of a captured image file from the user is accepted by the operation unit 22 (step S84). For example, an image file to be captured in the image identification display unit D1 is selected, and is determined to be pressed by pressing the capture button D2. Then, the image file designated for loading in step S84 is stored in the designated location of the storage unit 25 (step S85), and the first image mail receiving process is terminated. The designated location of the storage unit 25 is, for example, a folder for storing image files related to the image vending machine 10.

  When the mail with all the image files attached has not been received (step S82; NO), the print image file is determined depending on whether or not the identification data indicating the print image file is included in the mail with the image file attached. It is determined whether or not an e-mail attached with is received (step S86). If a mail with a print image file attached has not been received (step S86; NO), the first image mail reception process is terminated.

  When a mail with a print image file attached is received (step S86; YES), the received image selection screen for identifying and displaying the print image file is displayed on the display unit 14 with reference to the identification data included in the print image file. (Step S87), the process proceeds to step S84.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the image vending machine 10 can transmit the identification data to the transmission destination PC 20 together with the image file to be transmitted. Further, the PC 20 can receive the image file and its identification data, and based on the identification data, the received image file can be displayed as a list separately for the print image file, the processed image file, the selected file, and the unused file. By referring to the display, the user can easily select image data to be stored (designated for import), and the selected image file to be stored can be freely stored in the storage unit 25.

  In addition, since the image vending machine 10 can set the image file to be transmitted to only the entire image file or the print image file, it is possible to reduce the work burden of selecting the image file to be transmitted by the user.

(Modification of the second embodiment)
A modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 shows a second image mail reception process executed in the PC 20. Since the apparatus configuration of this modification is the same as that of the second embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  The operation of the image print sales system 100 according to this modification is obtained by replacing the first image mail reception process of the second embodiment with the second image mail reception process. With reference to FIG. 14, a second image mail receiving process for receiving an email with an image file attached from the image vending machine 10 in the PC 20 will be described. In the PC 20, the CPU 21 reads out the second image mail receiving program stored in the storage unit 25, triggered by the execution instruction of the second image mail receiving process input from the user via the operation unit 22. The data is appropriately expanded in the RAM 23, and the second image mail receiving process is executed in cooperation with the CPU 21 and the second image mail receiving program in the RAM 23.

  In advance, for example, a mail addressed to the mail address of the PC 20 is downloaded from the PC 20 by inquiring of a mail server that manages the user's mail on the communication network N. First, it is determined whether or not an e-mail attached with an image file transmitted to the user's e-mail address is received via the communication network N and the communication unit 26 (step S91).

  If the mail with the image file attached has not been received (step S91; NO), the second image mail receiving process is terminated. When the mail with the image file attached is received (step S91; YES), the processed image file is attached depending on whether or not the identification data corresponding to the processed image file is included in the mail with the image file attached. It is determined whether or not the received mail has been received (step S92).

  When the mail with the processed image file attached is received (step S92; YES), the identification data is referred to, and the processed image file of all the received image files is automatically stored in the designated location of the storage unit 25. (Step S93), and the second image mail reception process is terminated. This is because the processed image file is newly processed in the image vending machine 10 and is therefore regarded as a new image file that does not exist in the PC 20.

  If the mail with the processed image file attached has not been received (step S92; NO), the print image file depends on whether or not the identification data corresponding to the print image file is included in the mail with the image file attached. It is determined whether or not an e-mail attached with is received (step S94). If the mail with the print image file attached has not been received (step S94; NO), the second image mail receiving process is terminated.

  When the mail with the print image file attached is received (step S94; YES), the identification data is referred to, the print image file is acquired from all the received image files, the print image file, and the storage unit 15 The image file stored in the designated location is compared, and a new print image file that is not stored in the designated location in the storage unit 15 is extracted from all the received print image files (step S95). The print image file may need to be compared with an existing file because the print image file may be an image file newly taken by the mobile phone 30 or the like. This is because the file may have been printed by the image vending machine 10 to become a print image file.

  Then, it is determined whether or not there is a new print image file extracted in step S95 (step S96). If there is no new print image file (step S96; NO), the second image mail reception process is terminated. If there is a new print image file (step S96; YES), the new print image file extracted in step S95 is automatically stored in the designated location of the storage unit 15 (step S97), and the second image mail is received. Processing is terminated.

  As described above, according to the present modification, the PC 20 receives the image file and its identification data, and automatically extracts image data not stored in the PC 20 from the received image file based on the identification data. Since it is stored in the storage unit 25, it is possible to greatly reduce the work burden of selecting an image file to be stored by the user when receiving an image file.

  Specifically, when the received image file is a processed image file, it can be automatically stored in the storage unit 25 as a new image file. When the received image file is a print image file, there is a possibility that it is a new image file. The received print image file is compared with the image file stored in the storage unit 25, and A print image file not stored in the storage unit 25 can be regarded as a new image file and automatically stored in the storage unit 25.

  In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the configuration in which the PC 20 is used as the image management apparatus that is the transmission destination of the image file has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration using a mobile phone, PHS, server, PDA, digital still camera, digital movie camera, or the like may be used as the image management apparatus.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the image vending machine 10 and the PC 20 are connected to each other via the communication network N. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the communication is connected via a server or the like. It is good also as a structure. Alternatively, the user terminal such as the mobile phone 30 and the image vending machine 10 may be connected by a communication cable, and the image vending machine 10 may capture an image file from the user's terminal via wired communication via the communication cable.

  In addition, it is needless to say that the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each component of the image print sales system 100 in the above embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the image printing sales system 100 of 1st Embodiment concerning this invention. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an image vending machine 10. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of an image vending machine 10. FIG. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of PC20. 4 is a flowchart showing a first image print sales process executed in the image vending machine 10. FIG. 6 is a flowchart subsequent to the first image print sales process shown in FIG. 5. FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart subsequent to the first image print sales process shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a display screen of the image vending machine 10. FIG. (A) is a figure which shows the structure of the menu screen 40. FIG. FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the image transmission input screen 50. (C) is a diagram showing a configuration of the image transmission usage guide screen 60. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the various data which memorize | stores in the memory | storage part 15 of the image vending machine 10, or stores in RAM13. (A) is a figure which shows the structure of the user table 70 memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 15. FIG. (B) is a diagram showing a configuration of image-related data 80 stored in the RAM 13. 4 is a flowchart showing a second image print sales process executed in the image vending machine 10. It is a flowchart which shows the selection image transmission process among 2nd image printing sales processes. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st image mail reception process performed in PC20. It is a figure which shows the structure of the screen displayed in the image vending machine 10 or PC20. (A) is a figure which shows the structure of the transmission image selection screen 90 displayed in the image vending machine 10. FIG. (B) is a figure which shows the structure of the received image selection screen D displayed in PC20. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd image mail reception process performed in PC20.

Explanation of symbols

100 image printing and sales system 10 image vending machine 20 PC
30 Mobile phone 11 and 21 CPU
111, 211 Control unit 12, 22 Operation unit 13, 23 RAM
14, 24 Display unit 141 Display screen unit 15, 25 Storage unit 16, 26 Communication unit 1B, 27 Bus 17 Money transfer unit 171 Bill transfer unit 172 Return lever 173 Coin transfer unit 174 Change return unit 175 Receipt output unit 18 Read recording medium Unit 181 recording medium setting unit 19 printing unit 191 print image discharging unit 1A wireless communication unit N communication network

Claims (4)

In an image print sales device that prints and sells image files,
Obtaining means for obtaining an image file from a user terminal or a recording medium;
A money transfer means for transferring money input from the user;
A printing unit that prints an image of the acquired image file when money for a printing fee is received from the user by the money transfer unit;
A communication means for communicating and connecting with an external device;
Transmission target selection input means for receiving selection input of an image file to be transmitted from the user;
A transmission target extraction unit that extracts a transmission target image file from the acquired image file based on a printing usage amount of the printing unit;
A transmission control unit configured to transmit the extracted image file to the external device of the transmission destination designated by the user via the communication unit when printing is performed by the printing unit;
An image print sales apparatus comprising:   The transmission control means, when printing is performed by the printing means, the acquired image file together with identification data for identifying the state of the image file, to the external device of the transmission destination designated by the user The image print sales apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image print sales apparatus transmits the image via a communication unit.   The identification data indicates a state indicating whether the acquired image file has been printed, a state indicating whether the user has selected the image file for reference, and whether a processing process has been performed. The image print sales apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least one of a state and an unused state indicating that the printing, the selection, and the processing are not performed is identified. A computer of an image printing sales device that prints and sells image files.
Acquisition means for acquiring an image file from a user terminal or a recording medium;
Money transfer control means for transferring money input by the user,
Print control means for printing an image of the acquired image file when money for a printing fee is received from the user by the money transfer control means;
Communication control means for communicating and communicating with an external device;
A transmission target selection input means for receiving selection input of an image file to be transmitted from the user;
A transmission target extraction unit that extracts a transmission target image file from the acquired image file based on a print usage amount of the print control unit;
A transmission control means for transmitting the extracted image file to the external device of the transmission destination designated by the user via the communication control means when printing is performed under the control of the print control means;
Program to function as.

Images