WO2002028086A1

WO2002028086A1 - Method of providing photoprinting service, and system and program for providing photoprinting service

Info

Publication number: WO2002028086A1
Application number: PCT/JP2000/006676
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shoji Seta
Original assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
Priority date: 2000-09-27
Filing date: 2000-09-27
Publication date: 2002-04-04

Abstract

A user on a trip connects a user terminal, such as a PC (2), prepared at the hotel with a photo-developing server (6) through the Internet (1). In response to the user ID and password entered through the terminal (2), the server (6) provides an order menu on the screen of the terminal (2). The order menu has an image search function that shows a list of digital image data stored in a memory card (11). The user specifies the image data file in the list, enters order data, and specifies an agent at which the user wants to receive the ordered prints. The user then receives an order number. The order data with the order number and the specified image data file are sent to the agent's server (7). The user visits the agent and shows the order number to receive the prints.

Description

Specification

A method and system for providing a photo print service and a program for providing the service

Technical field

The present invention relates to a method and a system for providing a photo print 'service, and a program for providing the service. In particular, the present invention relates to digital image data captured by an electronic camera or the like via the Internet. The present invention relates to a method, a system, and a program for providing a photo print service capable of receiving and printing a photo from the image data and receiving the photo at a place desired by a user.

Background art

In recent years, the development of digital cameras has progressed, and images taken with digital cameras are approaching the quality of images taken with analog cameras. With the development of such digital cameras, digital cameras have become popular, and the use of silver halide films, which require printing services in accordance with analog cameras, is becoming increasingly popular. In the case of analog cameras, it is possible to develop and print in a matter of hours if the film taken is taken to the lab as soon as possible. However, during travel, it is difficult to request development and printing at the lab while traveling, and it is difficult to receive it. In most cases, the request for development prints is made later. The analog camera film is a silver halide film. During the X-ray inspection, the film may be fogged, which is considered to be a weak point of the analog camera. However, analog cameras occupy the mainstream of cameras, and there are developing labs around the world, so if you have to spare time to go to the lab and receive it, almost You can receive photos that are printed on a uniform basis for development or printing.

On the other hand, with a digital camera, the captured image data is recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, and the recorded image data is converted to silver by X-ray inspection or the like. There is no noise such as fogging like salt film, and since the memory is smaller, the film can be transported without having to shrink. There are advantages. However, the memory itself is still higher than the silver halide film, and a large number of memory cards are required to carry the memory while keeping the image as it is. The cost per photo will be higher. Although image data stored on a memory card has a strong advantage in X-ray inspections and the like, image data may be lost due to camera operation mistakes. There is a possibility that the memory card may be damaged by accident and the image data may be damaged. Furthermore, even if digital cameras have become widespread in recent years, from a global perspective, there are restrictions on the areas where print services can be provided, and travel during travel, etc. However, there is also a problem that it is not possible to obtain the necessary print services.

Disclosure of the invention

The purpose of this invention is to print at a location specified by the user. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for providing a print service capable of receiving a photograph, a system for providing the service, and a program for providing the service.

Further, the purpose of the present invention is to store the image data at the request of the user, and to provide the stored image data when necessary, and to print the image data at a location designated by the user. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for providing a print service capable of receiving a photograph, a system for providing the service, and a program for providing the service.

According to this invention,

A step of providing a user information screen and an order screen to the user terminal, wherein the user information screen includes an item of user information for identifying a user, and the order screen is printed. Identify the image data and files to be printed, the number of prints and the size of each image data and file to be printed, and the agency server associated with the location to receive the prints An order screen providing step including items;

An order to place an order by prompting the user terminal to send the item content of the order specified on the order screen together with the user information specified on the user information screen via the communication network Steps and

A confirmation step of confirming the transmitted order item and returning the confirmation to the user terminal;

Prompting the user terminal to transmit the image data file specified in the order, the specified agency server A data transfer step for transferring the image data file together with the order items to

Confirming the transfer of the image data file, confirming receipt of the image data file at the agency server, and returning a receipt to the user terminal; A method for providing a print service composed of the following is provided.

According to this invention,

Screen providing means for providing a user information screen and an order screen to a user terminal, wherein the user information screen includes an item of user information for identifying a user, and the order screen is printed. Item to specify the image data to be printed, the file, the image data, the number of prints for each file, the size to be printed, and the agency server associated with the location to receive the print. Screen providing means including:

The user terminal is urged to transmit the item content of the order specified on the order screen together with the user information specified on the user information screen via the communication network to receive the order. Order receiving means,

Confirmation means for confirming the transmitted order item and returning the confirmation to the user terminal;

Data transfer that prompts the user terminal to transmit the image data file specified in the order, and causes the specified agency server to transfer the image data file together with the order items. Means, Receiving means for confirming transfer of the image data file, confirming receipt of the image data file at the agency server, and returning the receipt to the user terminal;

A print service providing system that provides print services consisting of Is provided.

Further, according to this invention,

A step for providing a user information screen and an order screen to a user terminal, wherein the user information screen includes an item of user information for identifying a user, and the order screen includes an image to be printed. Includes items that specify the data file, the number of images to be printed for each image data file, the size to be printed, and the agency server associated with the location to receive the print. Order screen providing step

The user terminal is urged to transmit the item content of the order specified on the order screen together with the user information specified on the user information screen via the communication network to receive the order. Order step,

Data transfer that prompts the user terminal to transmit the image data file specified in the order, and causes the specified agency server to transfer the image data file together with the order items. Steps and

Confirming the transfer of the image data file, confirming receipt of the image data file at the agency server, A recording medium is provided which includes a receiving step of returning a receipt to the user terminal, and a program for executing a method for providing a print service, the method comprising:

Furthermore, according to this invention,

A step of displaying a user information screen on a user terminal, wherein the user information screen includes a first display step including an item of user information for identifying a user;

A first input step of specifying a user by inputting in a user information item of the user information screen;

A step of displaying an order screen on the user terminal, wherein the order screen includes an image data to be printed, a file, the number of images to be printed for each image data, a file, and A second display step including an item for specifying an agency server associated with a size to be printed and a place to receive the print; image data file, image data file on the order screen; A second input step to enter in the fields to specify the number of prints per file, the size to print, and the agency server associated with the location to receive the print ,

The order item content specified on the order screen is transmitted to the print service server via the communication network together with the user information specified on the user information screen, and the order item is confirmed. An order step that requests the print service server to send a confirmation to the user terminal,

Transmitting the image data file specified in the order-the specified print service to the print service server; A transfer step for prompting an agent to transfer the image data file together with the order items to one user terminal;

A reception step of receiving a receipt confirming receipt of the image data file at the agency server from the print service server at a user terminal;

A method is provided for receiving print services consisting of

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system of a method for providing a photo print service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the interaction between the user and the photo processing service server in the system of FIG.

Fig. 3 shows the service order screen that prompts the user to provide services at the photo development service server shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 shows the photo development service 'server shown in Fig. 1. Shows the print service order screen for accepting orders from users.

FIG. 5 is a system block diagram showing the relationship between the user and the photo image service server and the agency in the system shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a response to a user in the photo processing service server shown in FIG. Fig. 7 shows the relationship between the user and the photo development service server and agency according to another example of the system block shown in Fig. 5. FIG. 2 is a system block diagram showing the system.

FIG. 8 is a system block diagram showing a relationship between a user and a photo processing service server and an agency according to still another example of the system block shown in FIG.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a system of a method for providing a photo print service according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a communication network such as the Internet. Is shown. This Internet 1 is connected to a personal computer 2 installed at a hotel or airport, and a personal computer 3 owned by each user. A mobile phone 5 having a function of connecting to the Internet 1 via the carrier communication network 4 is connected to the Internet 1. A photo processing service server 6 having a database 8 and an agent server 7 which is an agent of the photo processing service server 6 are also connected to the Internet 1. The agency server 6 also has a database 9, which contains image data sent from the user and information about the client, and information about the order, which will be described in detail later. Information etc. are stored.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a digital camera, and image data captured by the digital camera is stored in a memory card 11 and will be described later in detail. Like mobile phone 5 or Is transferred to the agency server 7 specified by the user via the Nono ^0-Soviet co-down 2, 3 force came Ntane' door 4. In the following description, it is assumed that the image data captured by the digital camera 10 is stored in the memory 11 and transferred to the agency server 7. Here, the image data is not limited to the image data captured by the digital camera 10, but is still image data extracted from image data captured by a video camera, or from a third party. It is clear that the provided image data may be, for example, image data of a work of art sold in a museum, and the present invention is also applied to the transfer of such image data. Applicable.

In order for the user to receive the photo print service, it is basically necessary to sign a contract with the company that operates the photo processing service 'server 6'. This agreement, in a broad sense, is not limited to long-term use of the photo print service by the user, but also includes temporary use of the photo print service by the user. In the following description, the contract refers to the long-term use of the photo print service by the user and the short term, i.e., the temporary use of the photo print service by the user. , Temporary use.

If the user has previously contracted to use the photo print service when traveling abroad, the user is required to use the photo development service server 6 in advance. The ID and passcode are provided by the company that operates Photographic Development Services Bar 6. This user ID And a contract to obtain a password may be made with a company that operates a photo processing service server 6 via the Internet 1 on the personal computer 3 used by the user, A contract may be made in advance by communication means.

When an expired user goes on a trip, presenting a user ID at an agent at an airport, etc., allows him to receive the digital camera 10 lending service at home. When returning to the airport, return the digital camera 10 borrowed by the agency provided at the airport or hotel, etc. to the agency, and transfer the image data taken with the camera 10 to the personal computer at home. You can also get a service to have it transferred. In any case, the following explanation is based on the case where you borrowed on the road or provided photo print service based on image data taken with your own digital camera 10 Will be described.

First, when receiving photo print services, as shown in step S10 in Fig. 2, a contract is made with a photo development service company to allow users to install personal computers at hotels and other facilities. As shown in step S11, the mobile telephone 5 is used to connect to the photo print service server 6 using the dial-up service. Even if the user does not have a contract, the dial-up can also connect the user's notebook computer 2 or mobile phone 5 to the photo print service server 6. With this, you can receive the photo print service. ..

Once the dial-up connection is established, the user The personal computer displays a service providing screen as shown in Fig. 3, and Sano-16 prompts the user for the user ID and password as shown in step S12. Will be asked. As shown in step S13, when the user fills in the user ID and password on this screen and requests the presentation of the print service order screen, the If you click YES on the print service order screen, the user will be asked to enter the user ID and password as shown in step S14. Confirm that the password has been provided and refer to the database 8 of the photo print service server 6 to verify the user ID and password as shown in step S15. You will have to confirm. When the authentication is confirmed, the print service order screen shown in FIG. 4 is presented on the user's PC 2 or mobile phone 5. -For users who do not have a user ID and password, once dial-up is established, the service providing screen shown in Fig. 3 appears, and by using this screen, You can receive service. In other words, a user who does not have a contract is equivalent to a user who does not have a user ID and password on the screen shown in Fig. 3, and if he wants a contract, he wants to use the system for a long time. If you click Yes, a contract screen (not shown) appears. After filling out the necessary information on the contract screen, the contract is concluded, and the user ID and password are passed to the user through the same procedure as the contract for the provision of services using the normal Internet Is given. On the other hand, if the user does not want a contract (long-term contract) and temporarily uses this photo print service, he / she clicks No because he does not want a long-term use. If you check it, an item for permitting temporary use will be displayed on the screen. Temporary users are required to provide at least the user's name, age, nationality, address, and telephone number in order to receive print 'services. Also, provided that these items are entered, the photo print service bureau will temporarily provide the user with a password determined by the user for a predetermined period of time. For 2 months (in the example shown), the user is permitted to use the print 'service as valid. When the user who fills out these items requests presentation of the print service order screen (when YES is clicked on the print service order screen), the photo print The service server 6 confirms that the non-contracted user has presented the password as shown in step S14, and the photo print 'service server 6' Assume that these items are stored in the database 8 as a user ID, and the authentication of the user ID and the password is confirmed as shown in step S15. When the authentication is confirmed, the print 'service order screen shown in Fig. 4 is presented to the user's PC 2 or mobile phone 5 as well as the contractor (long-term contractor).

Before or after this screen is presented, the memory 11 that stores the image data to be subjected to the print service is stored in the computer 2 operated by the user. Or mobile phone Attached to story 5. Instead of attaching the memory 11 to the personal computer 2 or the mobile phone 5, the digital camera 10 is directly connected to the personal computer 2 or the mobile phone 5 via a connection line such as a USB. May be. When execution of the search screen in the service order screen is clicked while the memory 11 or the digital camera 10 is mounted, the personal computer being operated is clicked. 2. The image data stored in the mobile phone 5 or the digital camera 10 is searched. Here, a recording medium such as a memory 11 in which image data is stored (a hard disk or a MO disk (not shown) or a digital power The image data file in the memory (memory in 0) is searched. When the print is specified and opened by specifying the folder of the image data for which the service is requested, as shown in FIG. An account request screen is presented.

On this screen, a list of image data files stored in a recording medium such as the memory 11 is displayed. In this file list, the file name such as "P101012.jpg" has the size of the file and the date that usually corresponds to the shooting date (the image data If is processed, the date of processing is initially displayed. Here, the file name ".j pg" is, as is well known, an ISO standard representing the Joint Photographic Expert Group (JPEG). In addition to this JPEG, the Graphic Interchange Form at (GIF) , Tagged Image File Format (TIFF), etc., but if the file is image data corresponding to the standard, this is indicated by the extension. In the initial display column, If necessary in addition to the items described above, the compression mode or ratio may be displayed.

When the initial list screen is displayed, if the user checks the check box "□" at the left end of the field, the image data file image is displayed in the preview area at the upper right of the screen. It is displayed as a preview with a reduced image. While referring to this preview, the user enters “order quantity” and “order size” on the print request screen. Here, the order size can be changed to various sizes, for example, A4, A5, LL, L, and post 'size by activating the order size entry field. PS), cabinet, etc., the desired size can be selected.

The check box “□” is checked one after another, and the number of orders and the order size are entered one after another, and the amount is displayed in the “print amount” column below. After filling in the order quantity and size, the user will specify the location to receive the print on the "Print Location" screen. In this example, the receiving country is Japan and the receiving location is Narita Airport Service. In this "Print reception location" screen, if you specify a country, the name of a region or a map (not shown) where services can be used in that country will be displayed in a pop-up. If you specify a region, the agencies in that region will be displayed. The display of this agency also includes receiving photos printed at home. If you select "Receive photos at home", you will receive the photos at home by mail or other means. it can. Also not shown However, you can send a photo to an acquaintance by selecting "Send to acquaintance" and filling in the address.

As described above, after filling out the prescribed items, checking the “□” of the “order number” will result in the request of the print service as shown in step S16. Made to server 6. Immediately, the order specified by the items already entered is made to the service server 16. The server 6 checks the order screen for omissions or errors as shown in step S17, and responds to the user with the order number attached to the order. Will be done. That is, as shown in step S 18, the order number given to the server 6 is displayed in the “order number” of the user's screen, and in some cases, such as receiving a pop-up order, etc. The necessary display is made on the screen.

Server 6 provides the order number. This order number can be provided by the user for later reference when receiving photos or when asking about print services. When sending a photo to an acquaintance, the user does not, of course, receive the printed photo, but this number along with the order number at the agency or home. You can confirm when the photos arrived by letter or e-mail.

When the order number is provided from the server 6, order photos are sequentially presented like a slide show for order confirmation, and items such as a print receiving place are confirmed again. Is highlighted and the user is asked for confirmation. This is confirmed In other words, whether or not to use a service that stores image data and files targeted for print service for a predetermined period of time, for example, six months, in the database of server 6 Is queried by the service server 6 for the user. In other words, if "Use" of the data storage service is checked in the screen of FIG. 4, the image data file transmitted later will be the service "database 8 of the server 6 or the proxy". The data is stored in the database 9 of the store server 7 for a predetermined period. On the other hand, if the “Don't use” of the data storage service is checked on the screen in Fig. 4, this image will be displayed for a certain period of time after the print service ends, for example, two weeks after the end of the print service. The data file is destroyed in the database 9 of the agency server 7.

Next, the payment information, that is, the payment method, is entered on the screen. That is, as shown in the screen of FIG. 4, the user checks whether to pay by "card" or "cash". Here, in the case of payment by "card", the user is required to enter the card company and the card number from the server 6. In addition, if you pay "cash" directly at the agency, you are basically limited to the contracted user. The reason is that temporary users do not always receive print services and receive photos, and may leave them as they are.

As described above, when all items on the order screen are checked, the order information including the payment information such as the payment method is pre-printed. The image data file targeted for the service is transmitted to the server 9 as shown in step S19. At this time, both the order information including the settlement information and the image data and the file are sent to the service server 9, and the service server 9 sends the order including the settlement information. The information and image data file may be sent to the agency server 7 designated by the user, and only the order information including the settlement information is sent to the service server 6 and the order including the settlement information is also sent. Both the information and the image data / file targeted for the print service may be sent from the user to the agency server 7 and stored in the database 9 of the agency server 7. . In any case, the service server 6 confirms that the order information including the settlement information and the image data file have been received by the agency server 7, and then proceeds to step S20. Send the received e-mail to the user for confirmation as shown. Upon receipt of the e-mail as shown in step S21, the user sends an acknowledgment that the order confirmation has been received to the service server 6 and fills in the required information such as the order number. The received mail is stored in the recording medium, that is, the memory card 11. After the received e-mail is stored in the memory card 11, the user disconnects the personal computer used by the user from the service server 6. After this, various inquiries such as the user's ability to the service 'server can be made only by the order number. For example, to change the pick-up location, call the order screen already filled in with this order number and change the pick-up location, for example, Narita Airport Airport Service You can change to your home from, or when you order another image data file 'data' again, if there is no change in the items already filled in with this order number However, it is also possible to omit the entry of the item and specify only the image data file to be newly printed and obtain a new order number.

Furthermore, after returning home from the travel destination, the service server 2 can request the transmission of the image data file stored in the home computer 3 from the service server 2 using this order number. . After connecting the home computer to the service server 2 with a dial-up connection, present the order number and request transfer of the image data file identified by the order number. By doing so, it is possible to obtain the image data files stored by the service server. This service is the same as the print service described above, even if a digital camera is rented by an agent, and returned using the borrowed camera. If you receive it, there is an advantage that you can get not only the printed photo but also the image data file at home again.

As described above, the user 2, the photo development service 'server 6 and the agency server 7 have a relationship as shown in FIG. 5 as an example. In other words, the company that operates the photo processing service server 6 may use its agents as agents in various regions, such as airports, stations, or convenience stores in various regions. It has an agency that operates the server 7 under its umbrella, and the photo processing service 'server 6 sends the image data file along with the order contents to the agency server 7 directly. It will be sent directly or indirectly. Here, as described above, the indirect means, as described above, the image data file that the user desires to provide under the management of the photo development service server 6 to the agency server 17 specified by the user on the order screen. This means sending the file and its order screen.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the photo processing service server 6 requests the user to perform various actions. Here, although there is a portion that overlaps with the already described description, a processing procedure in the photo image service server 6 will be described.

As shown in step 31 in FIG. 6, the photo processing service server 6 prompts the user to send an ID and passcode when the user receives a dial-up connection as shown in step 31 of FIG. And Upon receiving the ID and the password from the user as shown in step S32, referring to the database 8 as shown in step S33, the ID and the password are obtained. Confirm that the password is authenticated, that is, whether the ID and password can be extracted from the database 8. If extraction is not possible in step S34, the user is asked whether to maintain the connection, and the user is prompted to transmit the ID and password again as shown in step S32. . If the user does not want to maintain the connection as shown in step S35, the connection is disconnected. As described above, for temporary users, steps S32 and S34 are provided with bibliographic personal information such as address and name as ID. This corresponds to the step of storing this in database '8. When the ID and password are authenticated in the service server 6, the user is permitted to use the print service in this server as shown in step S36, and the status is set. As shown in step S37, an order screen is presented to the user to urge the user to order a photo print service. That is, the service server 6 prompts the user to transmit the order screen when the image data, the number of pictures, the photo size, the receiving location, and the like are specified on the order screen. . When the service server 6 receives the order data entered on this screen, the service server 6 confirms the order as shown in step S38 and proceeds to step S39. Make sure that there are no problems with the contents. If there is a problem, the user is prompted to re-order the problem as shown in step S40. If the user does not intend to reorder, the process is terminated as shown in step S41, and if the user intends to reorder, repeat step S37. You will need a process.

If there is no problem in step S39, the service.server 6 sends an order confirmation message to the user as shown in step S42, and then proceeds to step S4. As shown in Fig. 3, the order is confirmed, the acceptance is prompted, and an acceptance e-mail is sent. After the acceptance e-mail is received, it is assumed that all procedures have been completed and the process proceeds to step S44. The connection is broken as shown.

The relationship with the user 2, the photo processing service 'server 6, and the agency super 7 is shown in FIG. And the relationship shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the agency that operates the agency server 7 is an agency provided in the area where the user resides, and the agency is printed at the user's personal home or company. The agency may have a service function to deliver the photos taken, and as shown in Figure 8, the agency stores in a designated location, for example, a convenience store near home or in an airport. It may have a service function that delivers printed photos to a service counter, post office, or other specific store.

Industrial applicability

According to the print service providing method, the system, and the program for providing the service of the present invention, a user can print image data via the Internet by a print server. By sending the photo to a customer, you can receive the photo printed at the location specified by the user, and prevent a situation in which the printer cannot be printed due to damage to the memory card, etc. In addition, users will be provided with the best location and sometimes printed photos.

In addition, at the request of the user, the image data can be saved, and the saved image data can be provided as needed. In addition, the user can print the image at the optimum location and time for the desired person. You can send the photos that were sent.

Claims

The scope of the claims

(1) A step of providing a user information screen and an order screen to a user terminal, wherein the user information screen includes an item of user information for identifying a user, and the order screen includes a pre-order screen. Image data and files to be printed, the number of prints for each of the image data and files, and the size of the print data and the proxy related to the place to receive the print. An order screen providing step including items for specifying the store server, and

The user terminal is urged to transmit the item content of the order specified on the order screen together with the user information specified on the user information screen via the communication network to receive the order. Order steps and

Confirming the transfer of the image data file, confirming receipt of the image data file at the agency server, and returning a receipt to the user terminal; and A method of providing print services on a print service server consisting of the following.

(2) The transfer step includes transmitting the image data file to a print service server that provides a print service. 2. A method for providing a print service according to claim 1, further comprising a step of transmitting an image data file transmitted to the agency server by transmitting the image data file to the agency server. .

(3) The order screen includes an item for inquiring that the specified image data file is to be stored at the print service server or the agency supermarket, and an order relating to the storage is provided. The print service server further comprises a storage step of storing the print service server at the print service server according to the information, or causing the print service server to store the print service at the agency server. 1. How to provide print services.

(4) The method of providing a print service according to claim 1, wherein the confirmation step includes a step of giving an order number for specifying an order to the user terminal.

(5) The print according to claim 1, wherein the order screen includes an item for searching for an image data file stored in the user terminal and displaying a list of search results. · How to provide services.

(6) The print service according to claim 1, wherein the order screen includes an area for displaying a reduced image of the searched image data file as a preview screen. How to provide.

(7) Screen providing means for providing a user information screen and an order screen to a user terminal, wherein the user information screen includes an item of user information for identifying a user, and the order screen includes a pre-order screen. Image data file to be mounted, the image data file Screen providing means including an item for specifying the agency server associated with the number of sheets to be printed, the size to be printed for each file, and the place to receive the print,

Prompts the user terminal to transmit the item content of the order specified on the order screen together with the user information specified on the user information screen via the communication network, and receives the order. Order receiving means,

Data transfer means for prompting the user terminal to transmit the image data file specified in the order, and causing the specified agent server to transfer the image data file together with the order items;

Receiving means for confirming transfer of the image data file, confirming receipt of the image data file at the agency server, and returning the receipt to the user terminal;

Print service providing system composed of

(8) The transfer means causes the print service server, which provides a print service, to transmit the image data file, and forwards the transmitted image data file. 9. The print service providing system according to claim 7, further comprising means for transferring the data to an agent server.

(9) The order screen includes an item for inquiring that the specified image data file is to be stored at the print service server or the distributor server. 8. The storage device according to claim 7, further comprising: means for storing the print service in the print service server according to the order information, or for facilitating the print service server to store the print data in the agency server. Print's service delivery system.

(10) The print service providing system according to claim 7, wherein the confirmation means includes means for giving an order number for specifying an order to the user terminal.

(11) The printer according to claim 7, wherein the order screen includes an item for searching for an image data file stored in the user terminal and displaying a search result list. Service providing system.

(12) The print service providing system according to claim 7, wherein the order screen includes an area for displaying a reduced image of the searched image data file as a preview screen. .

(13) A step of providing a user information screen and an order screen to a user terminal, wherein the user information screen includes an item of user information for identifying a user, and the order screen includes: Items to specify the image data file to be printed, the number of images to be printed for each image data file, the size to be printed, and the agency server related to the location to receive the print. Order screen providing step including:

The user terminal is urged to transmit the item content of the order specified on the order screen together with the user information specified on the user information screen via the communication network, and the order is received. Order steps to take and

A data transfer step that prompts the user terminal to transmit the image data file specified in the order, and causes the specified agent to transfer the image data file together with the order item. And

Receiving step of confirming transfer of the image data file, confirming receipt of the image data file at the agency server, and returning the receipt to the user terminal When,

A recording medium containing a program that executes a method of providing a print service.

(14) A step of displaying a user information screen on a user terminal, wherein the user information screen includes a first display step including an item of user information for identifying a user,

A first input step of identifying a user by inputting in the user information item on the user information screen;

Displaying an order screen on the user terminal, wherein the order screen includes an image data file to be printed; a number of prints for each image data file; A second display step that includes an item that identifies the agency server associated with the size to be printed and the location to receive the prints. Image data file, image data The agency server associated with the number and size of prints per file and the location to receive the prints A second input step to fill in specific fields,

Confirm the order items by sending the item contents of the order specified on the order screen together with the user information specified on the user information screen to the print service ■ server via the communication network. An order step that requests the print service server to send a confirmation reply to the user terminal.

The image data file specified in the order is transmitted, and the image data file together with the order is transmitted to the specified agent to the print service server. A transfer step to encourage

A receiving step of receiving a receipt confirming receipt of the image data file at the agent server from the print service server at a user terminal;

How to receive print services consisting of