JP5134231B2 - Photo ordering system, photo ordering method and photo order receiving server device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention provides, for example, a photo ordering / ordering system and a photo ordering / ordering method for posting a photograph taken on an Internet site, printing the desired photo so that the posted photo can be browsed, and distributing it to a desired person And an order receiving apparatus.

  In recent years, with the spread of imaging devices such as digital cameras, even ordinary users can easily take digital photographs. Compared to a conventional analog photograph (silver salt photograph), a digital photograph can be easily processed such as being subjected to image processing or a comment before being printed. The digital photograph is stored as an image file in accordance with a predetermined camera file system standard (for example, DCF (Design rule for Camera File system) standard). Such image files can be easily copied as electronic data to removable media such as flash memory, uploaded to photo posting sites via the Internet, or sent as e-mail attachments. is there. In the following description, a digital photograph taken with a digital camera is referred to as an “image file”, and a print of this image file is referred to as a “print photograph”.

Conventionally, a Web (World Wide Web) that makes it possible to post and publish image files on the Internet and purchase photos based on the posted image files by taking advantage of the above-mentioned characteristics of digital photos (image files). ) Sites are built by each site operator. Such a Web site is called an online photo ordering site. A poster who posts an image file on the site posts the photographed image file to an online photo ordering / ordering site operated by a site management company via a communication line such as the Internet. The online photo ordering site can display image files posted in album format for each registered user, and can display a large number of image files as thumbnail images.
Then, the contributor can restrict access to permit or prohibit browsing of the image file to a viewer who browses the image file posted on the site via the Internet.

  A viewer who is permitted to browse by a contributor can perform online ordering by individually selecting a desired image file and requesting printing at an online photo ordering / ordering site. Usually, in the online ordering performed by the viewer, a print fee and a shipping fee are charged for each viewer. Therefore, when placing an online order, the viewer pays the print fee and the shipping fee to the shipping destination (specified by the viewer) in a lump to the operating company of the online photo ordering site. This fee includes the administrative fee of the site operator. The site management company pays a printing fee and various fees to the printing company.

Patent Literature 1 describes a digital photo order processing system that prints a photo ordered by a customer.
JP 2005-346380 A

  By the way, it is assumed that a plurality of viewers belonging to a certain group place an order online. As a certain group, for example, it is every class of a school or fellows who are in good luck. In such a group, print photos of events that have been held together may be ordered online. Conventionally, since a desired image file has been ordered online for each viewer, if the online order is placed, a printing fee and a shipping fee will be charged for each viewer. For this reason, it has been desired to reduce the overall cost burden by placing a batch order for each group.

  Further, in the conventional online ordering, only the photos posted on the online photo ordering / ordering site are viewed by the viewer. The contributor did not get a commission or the like, despite taking various actions such as shooting or posting an image file to an online photo ordering site. For this reason, it has been desired that a contributor who has posted an image file on an online photo ordering site can obtain a certain fee.

  Further, the image file requested by the viewer on the online photo ordering site is only the print company designated by the operating company, and there is no room for the viewer to select a fee system. For viewers, it has been desired to be able to select whether to shorten the delivery time to print even if an extra charge is applied, or to reduce the fee by extending the delivery time to print.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to collect and print image files requested by a plurality of viewers and send them to each viewer.

The photo ordering / ordering system of the present invention is a photo ordering / ordering system comprising a contributor terminal, an ordering / ordering server, a viewer terminal, and a printing system connected to each other through a communication line, wherein the contributor terminal is the ordering / ordering unit. The image file is registered in the server , and the selling price information indicating the selling price of the printed photograph in which the image file is printed and the transfer destination information indicating the transfer destination are set, and the ordering server is registered by the poster terminal. An image file recording unit for recording the image file, a warning instruction unit for displaying a warning on the poster terminal when the selling price indicated by the selling price information set by the poster terminal is less than a print price, and the selling price The fee information indicating the fee which is the difference between the selling price indicated by the information and the print price and the transfer destination information are stored in the image file. It includes a fee recording unit for recording with continuous, and the viewer terminal, to the ordering server, to request the printing of the predetermined image file among the image files recorded in the image file recording unit Print request information, shipping time information indicating that a print photo printed with the predetermined image file is to be sent at a predetermined shipping time, shipping destination information indicating a shipping destination of the print photo, and the print photo are referred to as the predetermined shipping time. An order including summary shipping request information for requesting to be sent to each shipping destination at the predetermined shipping time together with a print photograph of an image file requested to be printed by another viewer who has specified the same shipping time. The ordering server manages the ordering information, and when the predetermined shipping time is reached, the shipping time information is changed to the predetermined shipping time. Wherein together with the image file containing the predetermined image file to print requested by the print request information included in all of the ordering information indicating a time, and each of the shipping information is transmitted to the printing system and transmitted to the printing system A delivery management unit that transfers a fee indicated by the fee information associated with an image file to a transfer destination indicated by the transfer destination information , and the print system prints and prints an image file including the transmitted predetermined image file A photograph is generated and sent to a shipping destination indicated by each shipping destination information.

The photo ordering / ordering method of the present invention is a photo ordering / ordering method executed by a photo ordering / ordering system including a contributor terminal, an ordering / ordering server, a viewer terminal, and a printing system connected to each other through a communication line, A contributor terminal registers an image file in the ordering server, and sets selling price information indicating a selling price of a printed photograph obtained by printing the image file, and a payee information indicating a transfer destination; and the ordering server The image file registered by the poster terminal is recorded in the image file recording unit, and the selling price indicated by the selling price information set by the poster terminal is not more than the print price. A step of displaying a warning on the contributor terminal, and the ordering server sets the selling price set by the contributor terminal. A fee information indicating a fee which is a difference between the selling price indicated by the report and the print price, and the transfer destination information are recorded in association with the image file, and the viewer terminal receives the ordering server, Print request information for requesting printing of a predetermined image file among the image files recorded in the image file recording unit, shipping time information indicating that a print photograph on which the predetermined image file is printed is sent at a predetermined shipping time; The destination information indicating the destination of the print photo, and the print photo, together with the print photo of the image file requested to print by another viewer who is designated the same shipping time as the predetermined shipping time, Send ordering information including bulk shipping request information requesting shipping to each shipping destination at the predetermined shipping time The ordering server manages the ordering information, and when the predetermined shipping time is reached, the shipping time information is requested to be printed with the print request information included in all the ordering information indicating the predetermined shipping time. The transfer destination information indicates the fee indicated by the fee information associated with the image file transmitted to the print system, and the image file including the predetermined image file and each destination information are transmitted to the print system. A step of transferring money to a transfer destination, and a step of printing the image file including the transmitted predetermined image file to generate a print photo, and sending the print image to a destination indicated by the respective destination information. It is characterized by that.

A photo order receiving server device of the present invention is a photo order receiving server device connected to a poster terminal, a viewer terminal, and a print system through a communication line, and records an image file registered by the poster terminal. A file recording unit, and a warning instruction unit for displaying a warning on the poster terminal when the selling price of a printed photograph printed with the image file indicated by the selling price information set by the poster terminal is equal to or less than a print price; A fee recording unit that records fee information indicating a fee that is a difference between a selling price indicated by selling price information and the print price, and transfer destination information indicating a transfer destination set by the poster terminal in association with the image file; , from the viewer terminal, purine of the predetermined image file among the image files recorded in the image file recording unit Print request information for requesting, print time information indicating that a print photograph on which the predetermined image file is printed is sent at a predetermined ship time, ship destination information indicating a ship destination of the print photograph, and the print photograph. Summary shipment request information for requesting that the image is printed together with a print photo of an image file requested to be printed by another viewer for which the same shipment time is specified as the shipment time, and sent to each destination at the predetermined delivery time. A receiving unit that receives the order information including the order information, and when the predetermined shipping time is reached, the shipping time information is requested to be printed with the print request information included in all the order information indicating the predetermined shipping time. The image file including the predetermined image file and the respective shipping destination information are transmitted to the print system and transmitted. Wherein the predetermined image is printed an image file including the file to produce a print photograph, the causes are shipped to shipping destination indicated by the respective shipping information, indicated by the charge information associated with the image file transmitted to the printing system A shipping management unit that transfers the fee to the transfer destination indicated by the transfer destination information .

According to the present invention, and print compiled the image file to each of a plurality of viewers to print request, since so as to send the calling to each of the visitors, the printed price and the cost of shipping, which had been hanging on every 閲 list's Has the effect of reducing.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the digitally stored image file is posted on an online photo ordering site on the Internet, the image file is printed by the viewer paying a predetermined price, and the printed photo is provided to the viewer The photograph ordering / ordering system 10 will be described.
Here, the online photo ordering / ordering site is a site constructed and operated by a site operating company having the ordering / ordering server 4.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a photo ordering / ordering system 10 of this example.
An image file is posted from the poster terminal 1 to the ordering server 4. This posted image file will be posted on the online photo ordering site. The contributor operates the contributor terminal 1 which is a general computer device, and uploads the image file to an online photo ordering / ordering site constructed in the ordering / ordering server 4. This means posting an image file.
The posted image file is stored in the ordering server 4 only for a predetermined period. Then, the ordering / order receiving server 4 reduces the image size and posts it as a thumbnail image on the online photo ordering / ordering site. The contributor inputs the contributor ID and password for identifying himself / herself to the online photo ordering / ordering site. The ordering / order receiving server 4 authenticates that the poster is permitted from the entered poster ID and password.

  In the following description, the print order of the image file performed by the poster terminal 1 or the viewer terminal 2 is referred to as “ordering”, and the print order received by the ordering server 4 is referred to as “order receipt”. The print order includes information such as an image file desired to be printed, the number of sheets, a size, a print company desired to be printed, and a payment fee.

  When the contributor notifies the browsing ID, browsing password, and the like for the browsing, the browsing can browse images posted on the online photo ordering site. A viewer who browses the online photo ordering / ordering site uses the viewer terminal 2 to connect to the online photo ordering / ordering site of the ordering / ordering server 4 via the communication line 5. Then, a thumbnail image posted on the online photo ordering / ordering site is displayed on the display of the browser terminal 2.

  The viewer logs in to the online photo ordering / ordering site of the ordering / ordering server 4 from the viewer terminal 2, browses thumbnail images, selects an image file desired to be printed, and places an online order. Upon receiving the online order, the ordering / order receiving server 4 prints the image file, and transmits the received image file via the communication line 5 to the print company 6 that creates the printed photograph. If the data amount of the image file is large, the image file may be recorded on a removable medium such as a flash memory or a CD-ROM and sent to the printing company 6. There are a plurality of printing companies 6, and registration information for printing in-house is pre-registered in the ordering server 4. The registration information includes a printable image size, a charge, a fee, an address, and the like. This pre-registration expands the options of the print company that desires printing for the viewer. The company information of the print company 6 may be registered in UDDI (Universal Description, Discovery, and Integration). At this time, the ordering / order receiving server 4 can search the print company 6 that requests printing via the UDDI.

  The print company 6 prints the image file according to the “collective delivery date” of the “collective order” designated by the viewer who desires printing, and creates a printed photograph. Detailed examples of “collective order” and “collective delivery date” will be described later. The printed photograph is delivered to the viewer through a plurality of routes. As a plurality of routes, a route delivered from the print company 6 to the viewer terminal 2 via the poster terminal 1, a route delivered directly from the print company 6 to the viewer terminal 2, and a route from the print company 6 via the distributor terminal 3 Then, a route or the like delivered to the viewer terminal 2 can be considered.

  The print company 6 may be a pull-type system that periodically acquires order information from the order server 4. However, the order server 4 sends the order information to the print company 6 when an order is received from a viewer. A push-type system is more suitable.

  Next, an internal configuration example of the poster terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The poster terminal 1 is directly connected to a digital camera (not shown) and includes a USB interface 19 for capturing an image file. Further, a slot-shaped memory card interface 18 for reading an image file from a memory card 20 such as a flash memory incorporated in the digital camera is provided. An image file read from the memory card 20 or the digital camera is recorded on a hard disk drive (HDD) 17 which is a large capacity recording device. The control unit 11 that controls each unit of the contributor terminal 1 includes a read-only memory (ROM) that can only be read, and a random access memory (RAM) that can be rewritten. The program, parameters, etc. are read from the unit 16 and executed. In addition, the control unit 11 writes parameters, variables, and the like required by the program being executed in the storage unit 16 as needed.

  An image file read via the memory card interface 18 or the USB interface 19 or an image file read from the HDD 17 is displayed on the display unit 12 having a liquid crystal display panel. An image displayed on the display unit 12 can be processed or an image to be displayed can be switched by an input from the operation unit 13 including a keyboard and a mouse. The display unit 12 displays an online photo ordering / ordering site.

  The poster terminal 1 includes a communication interface 14 for connecting to an online photo ordering / ordering site via the communication line 5. For example, a router is used as the communication interface 14. The contributor connects to the online photo ordering / ordering site of the ordering / order receiving server 4 via the communication interface 14 and posts the photographed image file to the online photo ordering / ordering site, or the thumbnail image with the image file size reduced. Or displayed on the display unit 12.

  The internal configuration examples of the browser terminal 2 and the distribution staff terminal 3 are also the same as those in FIG. The print company 6 has a function as a print unit for printing an image file in the photo ordering / ordering system 10 shown in FIG.

  Next, an internal configuration example of the ordering server 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The ordering / order receiving server 4 includes various databases for operating an online photo ordering / ordering site. Each database can execute various processes requested through an online photo ordering / ordering site, in addition to storing data by a stored procedure in which processing procedures for the database are compiled into a program. Information on the poster terminal 1 is registered in the authentication database 41. The image file posted from the poster terminal 1 is recorded in the image file database 42. The image file database 42 functions as an image file recording unit that records image files. In the online photo ordering site, image files are read from the image file database 42 and displayed. Information about a plurality of print companies 6 that print image files and create print photographs is registered in the print company database 43.

The distributor terminal 3 plays a role of providing a print photograph requested by the viewer to the viewer terminal 2 via the print company 6, and this distributor information is recorded in the distributor database 44. Is done. The distributor includes a delivery company registered in advance. Based on the ordering process performed by the viewer terminal 2, the ordering server 4 records the order information in the order dispatch management database 46.
This order information includes “summary order” and “summary delivery date” information. “Bulk order” means that a plurality of viewers place orders together to send print photos to a certain distributor. The “summary delivery date” is the order closing date set by the viewer. This order closing date is the date when the browser terminal 2 collects prints of the requested image files. The contributor can set a posting deadline for the image file, and the image file that has passed the set posting deadline is automatically deleted. The order shipment management database 46 has a function of a shipment management unit that manages the image file requested to be printed and the shipment timing of the batch shipment.

  Usually, the deadline for posting photos on an online photo ordering site is determined to be one month, for example. Then, for each closing date set within the posting period (for example, every Friday), it is possible to perform “collective order” in which image files ordered by the viewer are collected and printed. Then, “collective dispatch” is performed from the print company 6 to the distributor terminal 3 in which the collected print photos are collectively delivered to the designated destination. In this way, the ordering / order receiving server 4 can reduce the overall cost (for example, print price, shipping fee) for the viewer who has placed the order together by collecting orders. At this time, the ordering / order receiving server 4 records the shipping information for transmitting the image file to the designated print company 6 in the order shipping management database 46.

  In this example, when a “collective order” is made from the viewer terminal 2, the distributor terminal 3 is selected as a terminal that performs “collective shipping”. The distributor who operates the distributor terminal 3 must register the distributor information such as address and name in advance on the online photo ordering site in the ordering server 4. The contributor can set the distribution terminal 3 that can be selected by the viewer. The distribution staff can perform the distribution work of the printing company 6 only when it is permitted by the contributor and selected by the viewer.

Here, the field items registered in each database are described below.
・ Authentication database 41: Poster ID, poster password, poster name, address, telephone number, bank account number, browser ID, browser password, etc. ・ Image file database 42: Image file ID, image file, etc. ・ Print Company database 43: Print company ID, print company name, print unit price, printable size, address, telephone number, bank account number, etc. Distributor database 44: Distributor ID, distributor password, distributor name, address, telephone No., delivery fee for the minimum guarantee per one “summary order”, distributable area, etc. • Order Shipment Management Database 45: Order ID (identify orders for each viewer), Shipping ID (one time Identifies the shipment of print photos.) Contributor ID, Viewer ID, Distributor ID, Image file ID, Print size , Number, receipt method, delivery date, fee (contributor fee, subtotal unit price, print price, shipping fee, total price), etc.

  The control unit 31 that controls each unit of the ordering server 4 reads out and executes programs, parameters, and the like from the storage unit 35 including a read-only memory that can only be read and a rewritable random access memory. In addition, the control unit 31 writes parameters, variables, and the like required by the program being executed in the storage unit 16 as needed.

  On the display unit 32 provided with the liquid crystal display panel, the constructed online photo ordering / ordering site, the control screen of each part of the ordering / ordering server 4 and the like are displayed. Then, setting of each database, an execution instruction for processing, and the like can be performed by an input of the operation unit 33 configured by a keyboard or the like.

The ordering / order receiving server 4 includes a communication interface 34 for receiving an image file posted from the contributor terminal 1 and a browsing request or ordering request from the browsing terminal 2 or the distributor terminal 3 via the communication line 5. ing. For example, a router is used as the communication interface 34. When posting or viewing an image file on an online photo ordering site, it must be authenticated whether the contributor or the viewer is an authorized user. The authentication of the poster or the viewer is based on whether or not the poster ID (or the viewer ID) and the password transmitted from the poster terminal 1 or the viewer terminal 2 match those registered in the authentication database 41. Done.
Then, the ordering / order receiving server 4 publishes the image file transmitted by the authenticated poster terminal 1 on the online photo ordering / ordering site, and transmits the thumbnail image file to the viewer terminal 2 that has requested browsing. Do.

  Next, an example of the ordering / ordering process of this example will be described with reference to the sequence diagrams of FIGS.

  First, poster information such as an address, name, and bank account number is registered from the poster terminal 1 (step S1). This poster information is written in accordance with the registration form of the online photo ordering / ordering site constructed in the ordering / ordering server 4. The ordering server 4 registers the written poster information in the authentication database 41 (step S2). After registering the poster information, the authentication database 41 returns a registration completion notification to the ordering server 4. The ordering / order receiving server 4 notifies the poster terminal 1 of the poster ID and the poster password for identifying the registered poster along with the registration completion notification.

  Next, distribution staff information such as a deliverable range, an address, and a name is registered from the distribution staff terminal 3 (step S3). This distribution staff information is written according to the registration form of the online photo ordering / ordering site constructed in the ordering / ordering server 4. The ordering server 4 registers the written distribution clerk information in the distribution clerk database 44 (step S4). After the distribution staff information is registered, the distribution staff database 44 returns a registration completion notice to the ordering server 4. The ordering / order receiving server 4 notifies the distribution clerk terminal 3 of the distribution clerk ID and the distribution clerk password for identifying the registered distribution clerk together with the registration completion notice.

  Next, a contributor ID and a password are input from the contributor terminal 1 to the online photo ordering / ordering site of the ordering / order receiving server 4, and a login process is performed (step S5). The ordering server 4 authenticates the input contributor ID and password from the authentication database 41, transmits the contributor dedicated site to the contributor terminal 1, and displays it (step S6).

  After login, the poster terminal 1 uploads the image file to the ordering server 4 and posts it (step S7). Then, the poster terminal 1 sets an image file print price, a poster fee received by the poster, and the like.

  The ordering server 4 registers the posted image file in the image file database 42 (step S8). In addition, the ordering / order receiving server 4 notifies the poster terminal 1 of the viewer ID and password for browsing the posted photos.

  Then, the viewer ID and password for browsing the image file are notified from the poster terminal 1 to the browser terminal 2 (step S9). The browser terminal 2 receives the viewer ID and password for browsing the image file (step S10).

  Subsequently, the viewer terminal 2 inputs the viewer ID and password to the online photo ordering site, and performs a login process (step S11). The ordering / order receiving server 4 authenticates the entered browser ID and password based on the authentication database 41, and transmits the browser dedicated site to the browser terminal 2 for display (step S12). The viewer-only site has limited functions compared to the contributor-only site, and cannot edit or download the posted image files.

  Next, the browser terminal 2 makes a browsing request for the image file posted from the poster terminal 1 (step S13). The ordering server 4 reads the registered image file from the image file database 42 (step S14).

  Then, the ordering / order receiving server 4 converts the read image file into a thumbnail image and transmits it to the viewer terminal 2 (step S15). The browser terminal 2 downloads and browses the thumbnail image file (step S16).

  Then, an ordering request for an image file desired to be printed is made from the browsing terminal 2 to the ordering server 4 (step S17). At this time, the “collective delivery date” is designated together with the shipping destination. The ordering / order receiving server 4 records the ordering request received from the viewer management terminal 2 in the order dispatch management database 46.

  The order dispatching management database 46 collects and records the order contents that have received the order request. The compilation includes an authentication database 41 (such as a contributor ID), an image file database 42 (such as an image file), and a printing company database. 43 (print company code, etc.), and a distribution manager database 44 (distributor ID, etc.).

  Based on the contents of the order dispatch management database 46, the ordering / order receiving server 4 pays the poster the amount of the print price minus the print price (step S19). Here, the print price corresponds to the amount received by the print company and the site operating company (operating company of the ordering server). As a payment method, transfer to a registered bank account is used. At this time, points are given. In this way, the receipt of the fee by the poster is completed (step S20).

  All the money needed to print a photo is paid by the viewer to the publisher. Then, the price obtained by subtracting the received amount of the site management company from the site management company, that is, the actual cost and fee of printing is paid.

  Next, an example of processing for printing an image file received by the ordering server 4 and creating a print photograph and distributing the print photograph to the viewer will be described with reference to FIG.

The print company 6 to which the viewer requests printing prints the designated image file at the time of sending out the summary shipment, and sends out the print photos to the designated destination.
That is, the print company 6 receives the order information including the ordered image file, the browsing person's designation, the shipping address, and the like from the ordering server 4. Then, the print company 6 prints the image file, creates a print photo (step S21), and sends the print photo (step S22).

  In this example, the following four types of print photo delivery routes are possible.

  The first shipping route is a route that the print company 6 delivers to the viewer via the poster. The contributor receives the print photograph sent out by the print company 6 (step S23). The contributor distributes the received print photograph to the viewer who ordered it (step S24). Then, the viewer receives a printed photograph (step S25).

  The second shipping route is a route directly sent from the print company 6 to the viewer. A viewer receives a print photograph sent by the print company 6 (step S26). At this time, the shipping cost is the highest because the mail is sent directly to the address designated by the viewer.

  The third shipping route is a route that the print company 6 delivers to the viewer via the distributor. That is, the distribution person receives the print photograph sent by the print company 6 (step S27). The distribution person distributes the received print photograph to the viewer who ordered the print (step S28). Then, the viewer receives a printed photograph (step S29).

  The fourth shipping route is a route in which a viewer goes to a printing company and directly receives a printed photograph. If the viewer wishes, the print company 6 can be selected as the recipient. In this way, in this example, the print photo delivery route can be selected from four types.

  Here, an example in which the names of the affiliated print companies in the vicinity of the viewer's home and the distance to the home are displayed as a list on a map will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, for example, the names of print companies that are close to the viewer's home are displayed in a list in ascending order. Sorting is performed based on the location (address) of a plurality of print companies 6 registered in the print company database 43, the total payment amount including the print price, the delivery date, the address of the viewer, the distance from the print company 6, and the like.

  Next, an example of image file registration processing performed by the poster terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the uploaded image file is registered in the image file database 42 by the contributor terminal 1 (step S31). The posting deadline for posting the image file on the online photo ordering / ordering site can be set on the ordering / ordering server 4 side, but can also be set by the poster terminal 1.

  Then, the print size and the selling price of the print photo are set for each image file (step S32). A warning message will be displayed if the price of a photo is set below the print price. The difference will be borne by the poster. Subsequently, a print fee is set so that the poster's profit is obtained (step S33). This print fee is normally set for each print size, but may be set to a predetermined amount (for example, 100 yen) for each order of a viewer.

  Next, it is selected whether the order processing for the ordering server 4 is “individual order” or “collective order” (step S34). The “individual order” is a process for printing an image file individually selected by the viewer for each viewer as before, and the created print photograph is sent to the viewer who has received the order.

  On the other hand, the “summary order” is a process of distributing a print photograph to each viewer (orderer) from a contributor or a distributor. At this time, the shipping destination is set to a contributor or a distributor. Since the order server 4 performs printing and delivery of image files together, it is possible to reduce the fee compared to various fees such as a shipping fee that occurs when an individual order is placed for each viewer. The contributor can set the summarizing frequency (for example, the closing date of every Friday) or set the final delivery date (final order acceptance, summarizing date) at the time of ordering.

  Then, it is possible to designate transfer of a transfer destination account or the like of a fee (sales price-print fee) to be transferred from the site management company to the poster at a later date (step S36). This fee can be selected in various forms. In addition to being transferred to a bank account registered as cash, the fee may be added to electronic money or a point card point may be added. Further, the transfer designation may be set at a later date.

  Next, an example of image file browsing and print ordering processing performed by the browser terminal 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, a browsing request is made to the ordering / ordering server 4, and a thumbnail image is downloaded and browsed (step S41). The downloaded image is displayed in an album format on a browsing screen in the online photo ordering site.

  The image file that can be downloaded by the browser terminal 2 is processed such as reducing the image size with respect to the original image file, and the amount of information is reduced. For this reason, even if a print photograph is created by a printer or the like connected to the browser terminal 2, the image quality is poor or the size is small, so that printing cannot be performed without going through the print company 6. Subsequently, an image file to be ordered is selected by the browser terminal 2 (step S42).

  Next, a list of selectable ordering methods, prices, and delivery dates is displayed on the online photo ordering / ordering site (step S43). Viewing this list display, the viewer decides whether to select “individual ordering” or “collective ordering” and designates the ordering (step S44). Note that “individual ordering” and “individual ordering”, “collective ordering”, and “collective ordering” are a paired ordering process.

  When “collective order” is selected on the viewer terminal 2, the viewer designates “collective delivery date” (step S45). A plurality of “summary delivery dates” are set, and for example, it is possible to select shipment every Monday after the closing of Friday, or the first week of the month following the closing of the month.

  When “individual ordering” is selected in step S44, the destination of the print photo is designated (step S46). The delivery destination designated by the viewer includes a poster, a viewer, a distributor, and a print company. After designating the shipping destination, a payment method is designated (step S46). The payment methods that can be selected include, for example, transfer to a bank account, withdrawal from electronic money, cash on delivery, credit card payment, payment at a convenience store after receipt of a printed photo, point withdrawal from a point card, etc. .

  Next, an example of processing for paying a fee to a poster and processing for receiving a fee from a viewer performed by the ordering server 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the contributor selects whether the image file to be posted by the poster terminal 1 is free or charged (step S51). The site management company can select “pay” or “free” for the posting cost of the image file on the site. If “paid” or “free” can be selected, the posting fee of the image file will be charged if the contributor chooses “paid”, but the contributor's receipt will eventually increase due to a discount on the print price etc. It is also possible to make settings.

  Examples of the “pay” pattern include a fixed annual fee, a fixed monthly fee, and a fee per sheet (with or without discount when the number exceeds a certain number), but is not particularly limited. The site operating company can also give the viewer points that can be used for payment when the next order is placed, depending on the ordering performance of the viewer.

  Then, the ordering / order receiving server 4 receives an order for a print photograph from the viewer, and collects a print fee for the image file and an office fee from the viewer (step S52). The printing company 6 designated by the viewer pays a printing fee and a shipping fee (step S53).

  The contributor is paid from the ordering / ordering server 4 for (the set selling price−printing cost) × the number of sheets (step S54). Then, the ordered image file is transmitted from the ordering / order receiving server 4 to the print company 6 (step S55).

  If the contributor can select “collective order”, the viewer can set “collective delivery date” and select “collective order” if desired. The “summary delivery date” selected by the viewer is managed in the order delivery management database 45.

  In addition, the agency fee to the distributor is paid through the site operator. The contributor sets the amount of commission to the distributor, such as cumulative number of sheets, fixed, fixed + cumulative number of sheets. However, the amount of the commission to the distributor may be set as an initial setting value by the site operating company, but the initial setting value may be changeable or may not be changed. Alternatively, the distributor itself may set an agency fee.

  Here, an example of a list display of the price and delivery date of a print photograph that is displayed when a viewer places an order for print at an online ordering / ordering site will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 10, when two companies A and B are prepared as print companies and 30 image files are ordered for printing, the viewer fee, print unit price, subtotal unit price, order quantity, print price, and receipt method for each company , Postage, total price, delivery date is described to patterns 1-8. If the receiving method is the printing company receipt, the viewer goes directly to the printing company to receive the printed photo, so no shipping fee is charged. In addition, in the case of direct delivery to the viewer, the delivery time is as fast as 2 days, but the shipping cost is increased. As described above, since the price and delivery date are displayed in a list for each printing company and receiving method, the viewer can select the optimum printing company and receiving method.

  According to the present embodiment described above, a plurality of viewers can perform “collective ordering”, thereby reducing the cost of the printing fee and the postage that have conventionally been individually charged. For the contributor, setting the orders of a plurality of viewers in advance to enable “collective ordering” has an effect of reducing the commission burden on the orderer.

  In addition, the contributor of the image file can receive a fee. And even if it is difficult to receive individual fees from viewers who want image files, the site operator will be responsible for collecting fees from viewers and paying fees to contributors. Toll collection will be possible.

  In addition, the viewer who ordered the print must select a route suitable for multiple routes, such as via the contributor, directly sent to the viewer, via the distributor, and directly received from the printing company as the receipt route for the print photo. Can do. In addition, in cooperation with the map information, it is possible to select a print company where the viewer can easily go to receive print photos. For this reason, a printed photograph can be received flexibly according to a viewer's request. In addition, there is an effect that the viewer can select a print company most suitable for the viewer by comparing the price and delivery date of a plurality of print companies.

  In addition, by registering on the online ordering site, the printing company can regain the business flow that was previously “clamped”. Conventionally, only the print company designated by the site management company can accept print orders online, but the photo ordering system 10 of the present invention provides an opportunity to accept print orders by registering information about the print company in advance. There is an effect that it can be increased.

  Note that the number of printable sheets may be determined in advance, and if this number is exceeded, the print order may not be accepted. Alternatively, the printable number of image files posted may be set so that only those who bid at high prices can be printed in an auction format. Also, in order to prevent reprinting of the printed image file, it is used in combination with a printing method that performs processing that makes it difficult to create a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern at the time of copying or to take a macro shot again (shoot the printed image file with the camera). .

  In addition, the connection to the online photo ordering / ordering site is preferably made by a method using a Web ordering screen provided via the communication means 16 such as the Internet, but it is separately supplied by CD-ROM distribution or download. You may carry out by the system using the prepared application software.

  As the poster terminal, the browser terminal, and the distributor terminal, a computer device is usually used, but a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone or a PDA may be used. Further, as these information processing terminals, when an image file of a customer is created by an operator of a store or a printing company, a store reception machine or a business terminal may be used.

It is the block diagram which showed the example of the photograph ordering / ordering system in one embodiment of this invention. It is an internal block diagram which showed the example of the contributor terminal in the example of 1 embodiment of this invention. It is an internal block diagram which showed the example of the ordering / ordering server in one embodiment of this invention. It is the sequence diagram which showed the example of the ordering / ordering process in one embodiment of this invention. It is the sequence diagram which showed the example of the ordering / ordering process in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed the example of the list display of the printing company in one Example of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the example of the registration process of the poster terminal in the example of 1 embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the example of the ordering process of the browser terminal in one embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the example of the process of the order placement server in one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed the list display example of the price and delivery date of the printed photograph in one Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Contributor terminal, 2 ... Reader terminal, 3 ... Distributor terminal, 4 ... Order receiving server, 5 ... Communication selection, 6 ... Print company, 11 ... Control part, 12 ... Display part, 13 ... Operation part, 14 Communication interface, 16 Storage unit, 17 Hard disk drive, 18 Memory card interface, 19 USB interface, 20 Memory card, 31 Memory control unit, 32 Control unit, Display unit, 33 Operation unit, 34 Communication interface 35 ... Storage unit, 41 ... Authentication database, 42 ... Image file database, 43 ... Printing company database, 44 ... Distributor database, 45 ... Order dispatch management database

Claims (6)

A photograph ordering / ordering system comprising a contributor terminal, an ordering / ordering server, a viewer terminal, and a print system connected to each other through a communication line,
The contributor terminal registers an image file in the ordering server, and sets selling price information indicating a selling price of a printed photograph obtained by printing the image file, and transfer destination information indicating a transfer destination,
The ordering server includes: an image file recording unit that records the image file registered by the poster terminal; and the selling price indicated by the selling price information set by the poster terminal is equal to or less than a print price. A warning instruction unit for displaying a warning on the user terminal, a fee recording unit for recording the fee information indicating the fee between the selling price indicated by the selling price information and the print price, and the transfer destination information in association with the image file And comprising
The browser terminal receives print request information for requesting the ordering server to print a predetermined image file out of the image files recorded in the image file recording unit, and a printed photograph in which the predetermined image file is printed. Other viewers for whom the same shipping time as the predetermined shipping time is designated for the shipping time information indicating that the image is to be shipped at a predetermined shipping time, the shipping address information indicating the shipping destination of the print photo, and the print photo Sending the ordering information including the summary shipping request information for requesting the shipment to each shipping destination at the predetermined shipping time together with the print photograph of the image file requested for printing,
The ordering server manages ordering information, and when the predetermined shipping time comes, the predetermined image file requested to be printed by print request information included in all the ordering information including the predetermined shipping time. Are sent to the print system, and the fee indicated by the fee information associated with the image file transmitted to the print system is transferred to the transfer destination indicated by the transfer destination information. With a shipping management department,
The print system prints an image file including the transmitted predetermined image file to generate a printed photograph, and sends it to a shipping destination indicated by each shipping destination information. In the photo ordering system according to claim 1,
The contributor terminal sets a collective delivery date that is the order closing date of the image file requested to be printed by the viewer terminal,
The predetermined shipping time is the summary delivery date,
Photo ordering system characterized by that. In the photo ordering system according to claim 2,
It further comprises a distribution staff terminal acting on behalf of the bulk shipping,
The contributor terminal sets the distributor terminal as a photograph ordering system. In the photo ordering system according to claim 1,
The printing system is a system possessed by a printing company, and the location of the printing company is displayed in a list on a map displayed on the site. A photo ordering / ordering method executed in a photo ordering / ordering system including a contributor terminal, an ordering / ordering server, a viewer terminal, and a print system connected to each other through a communication line,
The contributor terminal registers an image file in the ordering server, and sets selling price information indicating a selling price of a printed photograph obtained by printing the image file, and transferring information indicating a transfer destination;
The ordering server recording the image file registered by the poster terminal in an image file recording unit ;
The ordering server displays a warning on the poster terminal if the selling price indicated by the selling price information set by the poster terminal is less than or equal to a print price;
The ordering server records fee information indicating a fee which is a difference between the selling price indicated by the selling price information set by the contributor terminal and the print price and the transfer destination information in association with the image file; ,
Print request information for requesting printing of a predetermined image file among image files recorded in the image file recording unit to the ordering server by the viewer terminal, and a printed photograph in which the predetermined image file is printed Other viewers for whom the same shipping time as the predetermined shipping time is designated for the shipping time information indicating that the image is to be shipped at a predetermined shipping time, the shipping address information indicating the shipping destination of the print photo, and the print photo Sending the ordering information including the summary shipping request information for requesting the shipment to each shipping destination at the predetermined shipping time together with the print photograph of the image file requested for printing;
The order server manages the order information, and when the predetermined shipping time is reached, the predetermined image file whose print request is included in the print request information included in all the order information indicating the predetermined shipping time. Are sent to the print system, and the fee indicated by the fee information associated with the image file transmitted to the print system is transferred to the transfer destination indicated by the transfer destination information. Steps,
The printing system prints an image file including the transmitted predetermined image file to generate a printed photograph, and sends it to a shipping destination indicated by each shipping destination information;
A method of ordering photos. A photo order receiving server device connected to a poster terminal, a viewer terminal, and a print system through a communication line,
An image file recording unit for recording an image file registered by the poster terminal;
A warning instruction unit that displays a warning on the contributor terminal when the selling price of the printed photo printed with the image file indicated by the selling price information set by the contributor terminal is less than or equal to the print price;
A fee recording unit that records fee information indicating a fee that is a difference between the selling price indicated by the selling price information and the print price, and transfer destination information indicating a transfer destination set by the contributor terminal in association with the image file. When,
Print request information for requesting printing of a predetermined image file out of the image files recorded in the image file recording unit, and a print photograph printed with the predetermined image file from the viewer terminal at a predetermined shipping time. Of the image file requested to be printed by another viewer who has designated the same shipping time as the predetermined shipping time. A receiving unit for receiving order information including summary shipping request information for requesting shipping to each shipping destination at the predetermined shipping time together with the print photo;
Managing ordering information, and when the predetermined shipping time comes, the image file including the predetermined image file requested to be printed by the print request information included in all the ordering information indicating the predetermined shipping time; and Each destination information is transmitted to the print system, and the image file including the transmitted predetermined image file is printed to generate a print photo, and the print information is sent to the destination indicated by the destination information. A shipping management unit that transfers a fee indicated by the fee information associated with the image file transmitted to the system to a transfer destination indicated by the transfer destination information ;
A photo order receiving server device comprising:

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