WO2018218613A1

WO2018218613A1 - Image printing terminal device, management server, and image printing method

Info

Publication number: WO2018218613A1
Application number: PCT/CN2017/086860
Authority: WO
Inventors: 罗尹聪
Original assignee: 罗尹聪
Priority date: 2017-06-01
Filing date: 2017-06-01
Publication date: 2018-12-06

Abstract

Disclosed is an image printing terminal device, comprising a communication unit, a processing unit, a touch and display unit, an image printer, and a housing. The communication unit is configured to be signal connected to a management server. The processing unit is coupled to the communication unit and is configured to process a digital image and data of a user on a social network platform transmitted by the management server. The touch and display unit is coupled to the processing unit and is configured to provide an interactive graphical display interface. The image printer is coupled to the processing unit and is configured to print at least the digital image to form a photo. The communication unit, the processing unit, the touch and display unit, and the image printer are provided in the housing, the screen of the touch and display unit being exposed to the outside of the housing.

Description

Image printing terminal device, management server and image printing method

Technical field

The invention relates to an image printing technology, in particular to a video printing terminal device, a management server and an image printing method of a social network platform.

Background technique

As smart devices have become the daily necessities that people carry with them, users have long been accustomed to using smart devices to capture digital images, and digital images are stored on various network platforms such as social networking platforms, and can be further shared with others. These digital images may record many valuable memory segments of the user, but will be masked by a large amount of fast new information on the social platform.

Even if users are accustomed to storing digital images on a network platform or a memory card, users still need to print digital images, and then flush them into physical photos to obtain long-term preservation effects and commemorative values. In general, the user submits a digital image file to a photo studio or photo processing shop and prints it as a physical photo. However, the user has to take a long time to rinse up. The user must also go to the photo studio or photo processing shop to pick up the piece. low. On the other hand, there are also chain or convenience stores that also have a multi-function or exclusive digital image printer station to provide digital image printing services. However, these machines are equipped with complex user interfaces to cope with the operation of chain stores or convenience stores; in addition, the use and payment of the above-mentioned machine printing services are also dependent on chain or convenience store personnel, such as every print. The user is required to notify the clerk to open the copying machine of the machine, etc., so that the user is more difficult to use and the overall printing efficiency is lowered. Moreover, the configuration of such machines is set at a fixed location in connection with the operation of a chain or convenience store, so that it is not convenient to be placed on other occasions such as outdoor or event venues.

As described above, the machine provided by the prior art image printing service operates due to the configuration of a complicated user interface and relies on the operation of a chain or convenience store set by the machine, thereby adding to the user. The difficulty in use and the overall printing efficiency are reduced, and the machine is also inconvenient to be placed in other situations in a mobile manner; therefore, the prior art fails to more fully satisfy the needs of the user, and thus there is still room for improvement.

Summary of the invention

In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an image printing technology that can integrate network computing resources and communication resources to efficiently perform image printing services on digital images stored on a network platform by a user.

In accordance with the above objects of the present invention, an image printing system is provided, the system comprising a management server and a video printing terminal device (or terminal device). The management server is configured to monitor a status of the image printing terminal device and provide a communication link between the at least one social network platform and the image printing terminal device. The image printing terminal device is configured to be connected to the management server for providing a graphic display interface, and receiving a request signal of the user for the at least one social network platform, wherein the request signal is one of a login request and a search request; The image printing terminal device is configured to process the digital image and data of the user on the at least one social networking platform transmitted by the management server, and to print at least the digital image into a photo.

According to at least the above object, an image printing terminal device includes: a communication unit, a processing unit, a touch display unit, an image printer, and a housing. The communication unit is configured to be used for a signal connection management server; the processing unit is coupled to the communication unit, and configured to process digital images of the user transmitted by the management server on at least one social network platform and The touch display unit is coupled to the processing unit for providing an interactive graphic display interface; the image printer is coupled to the processing unit for printing at least the digital image into a photo The housing, wherein the communication unit, the processing unit, the touch display unit, and the image printer are disposed in the housing, wherein a screen of the touch display unit is exposed to the housing .

In an embodiment of the invention, the image printing terminal device further includes: a camera coupled to the processing unit.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the image printing terminal device further includes: a payment unit disposed in the housing and coupled to the processing unit for performing payment of the printing fee.

According to at least the above object, an image printing method is provided, which is applicable to at least one terminal device (which may be a video printing terminal device or any computing device), the method comprising: receiving at a graphic display interface provided by the terminal device a request signal of the user for the at least one social network platform and transmitted to the management server, wherein the request signal is one of a login request and a search request; receiving the request in the at least one social network platform from the management server And a plurality of digital images corresponding to the signal and causing the graphic display interface to display the digital image; and receiving, by the graphic display interface, at least one digital image selection signal of at least one digital image image displayed in the graphic display interface And transmitting to the management server; receiving, from the management server, a preview screen of the print processing corresponding to the at least one digital image corresponding to the at least one digital image selection signal and causing the graphic display interface to display the preview screen Receiving a digital image print request signal and transmitting it to a management server; sending a confirmation request signal to the management server to confirm whether the printing fee of the printing process has been paid or exempted; receiving a response signal sent by the management server for the confirmation request signal, and if The response signal indicates that the printing fee of the printing process has been paid or exempted, and the terminal device is caused to execute the printing process to print the photo corresponding to the printing process.

According to at least the above object, a management server is provided for managing digital image printing in cooperation with at least one terminal device, the management server comprising: a network unit, a storage unit and a processing unit. The network unit is connected to the at least one terminal device; the storage unit is coupled to the processing unit; the processing unit is coupled to the network unit and the storage unit to monitor the at least a state of a terminal device, and providing a communication link between the at least one social networking platform and the at least one terminal device; the storage unit storing a line instruction, when the execution instruction is executed, causing processing by the processing unit to: submit a request signal to at least one social network platform, wherein the request signal is one of a login request and a search request; Processing a plurality of digital images corresponding to the request signal in the at least one social network platform to output first image curated content to the terminal device; receiving at least one digital image selection signal; based on the at least one Receiving a preview image of the print processing corresponding to the at least one digital image corresponding to the digital image selection signal to the terminal device; receiving the digital image print request signal; receiving the confirmation request signal and confirming whether the print cost of the print processing has been paid or exempted Outputting a response signal to the terminal device if the printing cost of the printing process has been paid or exempted; and processing based on the at least one digital image corresponding to the at least one digital image selection signal to generate the printing process Digital content.

According to at least the above object, an image printing method is provided, which is applicable to a management server, the method comprising: submitting a request signal to at least one social network platform, wherein the request signal is one of a login request and a search request; Processing a plurality of digital images corresponding to the request signal in the at least one social network platform to output first image curated content to the terminal device; receiving at least one digital image selection signal; based on the at least one Receiving, by the digital image selection signal, at least one digital image output corresponding to the print processing preview screen to the terminal device; receiving the digital image print request signal; receiving the confirmation request signal to confirm whether the printing fee of the printing process has been paid or exempted Outputting a response signal to the terminal device if the printing cost of the printing process has been paid or exempted; processing based on the at least one digital image corresponding to the at least one digital image selection signal to generate the printing process Digital content.

With the above embodiments, the image printing terminal device, the management server and the image printing method thereof of the present invention can integrate the computing resources and communication resources of the network to further efficiently the digital images stored by the user on the at least one social network platform. Perform image printing services.

DRAWINGS

1 is a schematic block diagram of an image printing system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a block diagram of an image printing terminal device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an image printing terminal device.

4 is a block diagram of a management server in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic flow chart of an image printing method suitable for an image printing terminal device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an image printing system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart of an image printing method suitable for a management server according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the image printing system in accordance with Figure 6.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of digital image finishing in an image printing method.

Symbol Description:

10, 10A image printing system

90 Community Network Platform

110, 110A management server

120, 120A image printing terminal device

130 terminal device

200 housing

210 communication unit

220 processing unit

230 touch display unit

240 image printer

250 camera

260 payment unit

270 pickup port

410 network unit

420 processing unit

430 storage unit

601, 602 screen

M11 collection module

M13 filter curation module

M15 integrated processing module

M17 terminal device management module

M19 central control module

M20 terminal program

detailed description

In order to fully understand the objects, features and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an image printing system 10 is provided for providing a print service for a digital image of a social networking platform. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an image printing system 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The image printing system 10 includes a management server 110 and at least one image printing terminal device 120. The management server 110 is configured to monitor the status of the image printing terminal device 120 and provide a communication link between the at least one social network platform and the image printing terminal device 120. The image printing terminal device 120 is used for the signal connection management server 110 for providing graphics The interface is displayed and receives a request signal from the user for the at least one social network platform 90, wherein the request signal is one of a login request and a search request. The image printing terminal device 120 is configured to process the digital images and data of the user on the at least one social network platform 90 transmitted by the management server 110, and to print at least the digital images into photos.

For example, the image printing terminal device 120 can be configured to include a printing device and a device supporting a communication device of wired, wireless, mobile, or a combination thereof; or, can be configured as a device having a graphic display interface of different sizes, so that It can be set up in any place, such as event promotion points, stations, restaurants, sightseeing spots and large-scale space entertainment venues (such as shopping malls, studios), or shops, restaurants, weddings, wedding occasions, or party occasions. The user can log in to the social network platform 90 or search the digital image in the social network platform 90 by directly operating on the graphic display interface provided by the image printing terminal device 120, and use the image printing terminal device 120 to select the digital image selected by the user. Printed into photos, the social network platform 90 is such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Line and Snapchat and other social networking platforms, or micro-photographs, pushpins, Netease LOFTER, WeChat friends circle, panoramic vision company's panorama, etc. At least one of the group network platforms. However, the implementation of the present invention is not limited by the above examples.

2 is a block diagram of an image print terminal device 120 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The image printing terminal device 120 includes a housing 200, a communication unit 210, a processing unit 220, a touch display unit 230, and a video printer 240. The communication unit 210 is used for the signal connection management server 110. The processing unit 220 is coupled to the communication unit 210 for processing digital images and data of the user transmitted by the management server 110 on the at least one social network platform 90. The touch display unit 230 is coupled to the processing unit 220 for providing an interactive graphical display interface. The image printer 240 is coupled to the processing unit 220 for printing at least a digital image into a photo; the image printer 240 is, for example, an inkjet, a sublimation or a laser printer.

In addition, the communication unit 210, the processing unit 220, the touch display unit 230, and the image printer 240 are disposed in the housing 200 such that the image printing terminal device 120 is in an upright manner (or The traverse mode is provided in any of the above-described places. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a video printing terminal device 120. As shown in FIG. 3, the screen of the touch display unit 230 is exposed to the housing 200 in an upright manner (or in a traverse manner), and provides a graphic display interface, so that the image printing terminal device 120 interacts with the user U1, that is, receives the user. A signal such as an operation or command and a picture is displayed on the signal to achieve the effect of printing the digital image as a photo. However, the implementation of the image printing terminal device 120 is not limited to the above, and may be, for example, a machine that can be configured as a relatively small-sized screen.

For example, in the embodiment, the processing unit 220 receives the request signal of the user U1 for the at least one social network platform 90 through the touch display unit 230 and transmits the request signal to the management server 110, where the request signal is a login request and Search for one of the requests. The processing unit 220 receives the plurality of digital images corresponding to the request signal in the at least one social network platform 90 from the management server 110 and controls the touch display unit 230 to display the digital image such as the graphic display interface. In addition, the processing unit 220 receives at least one digital image selection signal of at least one digital image image displayed in the graphic display interface through the touch display unit 230 and transmits the image to the management server 110. The processing unit 220 receives a preview screen of the printing process corresponding to the at least one digital image corresponding to the at least one digital image selection signal from the management server 110 and controls the touch display unit 230 to cause the graphic display interface to display the preview image. The processing unit 220 receives the digital image print request signal through the touch display unit 230 and transmits it to the management server 110. At this time, the user should perform a payment action, such as cash or electronic means, or the printing fee is exempted; therefore, the processing unit 220 sends a confirmation request signal to the management server to confirm whether the printing fee of the printing process has been paid or exempted. The processing unit 220 receives the response signal transmitted by the management server 110 for the confirmation request signal, and if the response signal indicates that the printing fee of the printing process has been paid or exempted, controls the image printer 240 to execute the printing process to print the photo corresponding to the printing process.

In an embodiment, the image printing terminal device 120 may further include a camera 250 coupled to the processing unit 220 for taking photos, identification, or interaction. As shown in FIG. 3, the camera 250 can be disposed above the housing 200. However, the implementation of the image printing terminal device 120 is not limited to the above, such as not providing a camera, or placing the camera outside the housing 200 or left, right or lower.

In the embodiment, the image printing terminal device 120 may further include a payment unit 260 disposed in the housing 200 and coupled to the processing unit 220 for performing payment of the printing fee. The payment unit 260 can be configured to receive the printing fee for the printing process in at least one of a cash, a credit card, a stored value card, or a proximity card. For example, the embodiment of the image printing terminal device 120 in FIG. 3 includes: a payment unit 260 having two openings for receiving cash, such as the opening indicated by reference numeral 260 of FIG. 3, for receiving coins or cash, respectively. The image printing terminal device 120 further includes components such as a processing unit for processing coins or cash for the payment unit 260, and a device or mechanism such as a storage device. In addition, the image printing terminal device 120 may further include: a pickup port 270 that communicates with the photo output of the image printer 240 to accommodate the printed output.

Additionally, communication unit 210 can have circuitry and interfaces that establish communication links with at least one of a broadband network, a fiber optic network, a wireless local area network, and a mobile communication network. For example, the communication unit 210 is communicatively linked with the management server 200 through an external communication device such as a base station, a hub, or a router. The image print terminal device 120 may also include any one or combination of a speaker, an oscillator, a human body sensor, or a microphone to interact with the user. However, implementations of the invention are not limited by the examples described above.

4 is a block diagram of a management server 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The management server 110 includes a network unit 410, a processing unit 420, and a storage unit 430. The network unit 410 has a signal connected to the image printing terminal device 120. The processing unit 420 is coupled to the network unit 410 for monitoring the status of the image printing terminal device. The storage unit 430 is coupled to the processing unit 220.

In an embodiment, the management server 110 is a cloud server. For example, the network unit 410 of the management server 110 is configured to establish a communication link with at least one of a broadband network, a fiber network, a wireless local area network, and a mobile communication network; the storage unit 430 is, for example, a memory device, a database, or a cloud storage space. Or a combination thereof.

In the embodiment, the management server 110 can receive the state of the image printing terminal device 120, wherein the state includes: the use state of the printing consumables (such as ink, photo paper) of the image printing terminal device 120 and the operation state of the image printing terminal device 120. At least one state. For example, the management server 110 determines the usage status of the printing consumables (eg, if the ink is below the threshold value, such as 30% or less remaining, or the number of photo papers remains 30% or less) or the operating state (such as slow printing or failure) When necessary, the remote maintenance station or the manufacturer's terminal device or server may be notified by wire or wirelessly to arrange for personnel to supplement the image printing terminal device 120 for repair, maintenance, or printing consumables. In an embodiment, the management server 110 can also be used for software maintenance or management of the image printing terminal device 120, such as an over-the-air (OTA) operating system or software for the image printing terminal device 120. Install, update, or repair. However, the implementation of the management server is not limited by the above examples.

FIG. 5 is a schematic flow chart of an image printing method according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the image printing method is applied to the image printing terminal device and includes the following steps.

As shown in step S110, the graphic display interface provided by the image printing terminal device 120 receives the request signal of the user for the at least one social network platform 90 and transmits it to the management server 110. For example, the request signal is a login request submitted by the user to log in to at least one main group network platform; the request signal may also be a search request submitted by the user to search for at least one main group network platform, for example, the user wants to be like Instagram. At least one of the social networking platforms of Facebook and Twitter searches for at least one of a tag, a user ID, a location, and a keyword to find a digital image.

As shown in step S120, the self-management server 110 receives a plurality of digital images corresponding to the request signals in the at least one social network platform 90 and causes the graphic display interface to display the digital images.

As shown in step S130, at least one digital image selection signal of at least one digital image image displayed in the graphic display interface is received at the graphic display interface and transmitted to the management server 110.

As shown in step S140, the self-management server 110 receives a preview screen of the print processing corresponding to the at least one digital image corresponding to the at least one digital image selection signal and causes the graphic display interface to display the preview screen.

As shown in step S150, the digital image print request signal is received and transmitted to the management server 110.

As shown in step S160, a confirmation request signal is issued to the management server to confirm whether the printing fee of the printing process has been paid or waived. As shown in step S165, the response management signal sent by the reception management server 110 to the confirmation request signal, if the response signal indicates that the printing fee of the printing process has been paid or exempted, causes the image printing terminal device 120 to perform printing as shown in step S170. Process to print the photo corresponding to the print process.

By applying the image printing method of the above embodiment to the image printing terminal device, the image printing service can be efficiently performed on the digital image stored by the user on at least one social network platform.

In addition, in the embodiment, after step S150, the user may need to perform a payment action, such as paying in cash or electronically, or the printing fee is exempted; and the management server 110 can be used to manage the payment, so step S160 is performed. The management server 110 confirms. The confirmation request message may include information that the user pays in cash in the image printing terminal device (for example, the paid fee is a few yuan) or the user pays the image printing terminal device in other manners such as credit card or electronic method. Thereby, after receiving the confirmation request message, the management server 110 further confirms according to the confirmation request message.

In addition, if the response signal indicates that the printing process still has a printing fee or the printing cost of the printing process is not paid, as shown in step S180, other processing may be performed: if the printing is not performed, the user is reminded to perform the payment action or otherwise paid However, the implementation of the image printing method is not limited by the example of the above step S180. For example, step S180 may also be implemented after the user views the specified advertisement image, message, or answering the question; or after receiving the license confirmation signal that combines the specified advertisement pattern or message with the photo corresponding to the print processing; The above unpaid or full printing fee is reduced.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include: transmitting the state of the image printing terminal device 120 to the management server 110, wherein the state includes: printing consumables of the image printing terminal device 120 (such as the level of ink, toner or ribbon) The usage state of the usage amount or the remaining amount of the photo paper and at least one of the operational state of the image printing terminal device 120 (such as user information or the operating frequency of the device, etc.).

Further, in the image printing system 10A of another embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 6, the user can further be presented on the network by using the terminal device 130 of any computing device such as a smart phone, tablet computer or notebook computer. The image print order (or online order), and the actual print output is performed by the image print terminal device 120A according to any of the embodiments of the image print terminal device 120. As such, the image printing method shown in FIG. 5 can also be extended in the embodiment of FIG. 6. For example, the terminal device 130 can be used to implement at least steps S110-S165 based on the method shown in FIG. 5; The terminal device 120A can be used to implement at least step S170 or steps 160-S170 based on the method as shown in FIG. The digital image print request signal can be used to indicate an online order, and the response signal can include a redemption code (or can represent an order number). After receiving the redemption code and confirming to the management server 110A, the image printing terminal device 120A can perform step S170. Print it. In addition, the user can electronically select not to pay, pay part or all of the printing fee when placing an order online; the user should use the image printing terminal The device 120A pays or otherwise waives the printing fee in the manner as exemplified above; however, the implementation of the embodiment as shown in Figure 6 is not limited by this printing fee payment method.

As stated above, the meaning of the terminal device can be further extended to be defined as any computing device that communicates with the management server 110A to coordinate the management of digital printing, such as a smart phone, tablet computer, notebook computer, desktop computer, etc., or The image

printing terminal device

120 or 120A is as described above. In practice, it can be implemented as a terminal program based on the method of FIG. 5 and installed in different terminal devices to achieve the above-described embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart of an image printing method suitable for a management server according to an embodiment of the invention. The image printing method can be applied to the management server 110 of the image printing system 10 of FIG. 1 or the management server 110A of the image printing system 10A of another embodiment as shown in FIG. 6. As shown in Figure 7, the method includes the following steps.

As shown in step S210, a request signal is submitted to at least one social network platform. For example, the request signal is one of a login request and a search request.

As shown in step S220, a plurality of digital images corresponding to the request signals in the at least one social network platform are collected and processed to output image curated content.

At least one digital image selection signal is received as shown in step S230. For example, the digital image selection signal may be at least one digital image image displayed in the image curation content or a digital image in other image curation content.

As shown in step S240, the preview picture of the print process corresponding to the at least one digital image corresponding to the at least one digital image selection signal is output. For example, the preview screen can be a digital image selected by the user or a preview image after further editing (such as adding a photo frame, other content of the text, a combination, or other image processing).

As shown in step S250, a digital image print request signal is received. For example, the digital image print request signal may be a direct print indication or an online order indication from the image print terminal device, or may be an online order indication from any terminal device.

As shown in step S260, a confirmation request signal is received and it is confirmed whether the printing fee of the printing process has been paid or exempted, as shown in step S265. For example, the confirmation request signal may include a cash payment status, user electronic payment information such as a credit card account number, other electronic payment account number, and the like. As shown in step S270, if the printing fee of the printing process has been paid or exempted, a response signal is output in response to the confirmation request signal.

As shown in step S290, processing is performed based on at least one digital image corresponding to the at least one digital image selection signal to generate digital content of the printing process.

With the embodiment of FIG. 7 above, the

management server

110 or 110A can provide at least, for example, image data collection and processing with respect to at least one social network platform, generation of a curation screen, print management, and cooperation with the terminal device. The digital content of the image print service is efficiently generated, so that the image print terminal device as described above can be printed.

Further, in step S210, for example, the request signal may come from any terminal device, image print terminal device, or management server itself. For example, the user makes a request signal through a terminal program (client) on the terminal device or the video printing terminal device. In addition, the

management server

110 or 110A may also actively submit a request signal, such as related digital video content under at least one tag (or keyword, location, etc.), so that the terminal device or the terminal program of the video printing terminal device directly displays the number on the screen. Image content, allowing the user to select for printing.

In step S220, for example, the image curation content may represent part or all of the content including the digital image generated by the management server after being collected, filtered, and arranged; for example, the image curation content is based on the label or the user's preference. The result of re-classifying or sorting part or all of the digital image under the condition, the image curation content can be various kinds of webpages or digital images. Way to achieve. When the terminal device or the image printing terminal device receives the image curation content, it can be displayed for the user to browse and select.

In the embodiment based on FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 , the digital image print request signal of step S250 may be an online order indication; for the user, the online ordering and acquisition may be performed by any terminal device 130 in the image printing system 10A. The redemption code (if included in the response signal) issued by the management server 110A. The user can input a redemption code in the image print terminal device 120A (ie, another terminal device) installed in any place, and cause the image print terminal device 120A to acquire the digital content corresponding to the print process generated by the management server 110A, thereby outputting the output. The photo you want.

In steps S260, S265, for example, the confirmation request signal may include a cash payment status, user electronic payment information such as a credit card account number, other electronic payment account number, and the like. In step S265, for example, various related processes or judgments may be made, such as whether the printing fee has been paid in cash, whether the amount is sufficient, or online with the online payment system or financial institution system for the relevant credit card or Electronic payment action. And the response signal shown in step S270, if the payment is completed or the printing fee is exempted, the digital image print request signal is a direct print instruction or an online order instruction to generate a response signal including a print permission message or a redemption code, respectively.

In addition, in step S265, if the printing fee of the printing process is not paid, step S280 may be performed to perform other processing, and other processing may be performed: outputting the response signal to the terminal device (such as 120, 120A or 130) indicating no Printing is performed, the user is reminded to perform a payment action or otherwise paid; however, the implementation of the image printing method is not limited by the example of the above step S280. For example, step S280 can also be implemented as: outputting a specified advertisement image, message, to the terminal device for the user to view or answer the question, or receiving a permission confirmation signal combining the specified advertisement pattern or message with the photo corresponding to the print process, This will reduce the above-mentioned unpaid or full printing costs.

In an embodiment, if the digital image print request signal represents a print request for an online order, the response signal is a redemption code; and the method based on FIG. 7 may further include: receiving the redemption from the image print terminal device (ie, another terminal device) The code and output the printed digital content to the image printing terminal device to perform a printing process to print the photo corresponding to the printing process.

In an embodiment, the method based on FIG. 7 may further include: receiving the coupon code, and setting the print fee of the print process to at least part or all of the print fee to obtain the relief. For example, this step can be implemented between steps S210 and S270, or as step S280. For example, the coupon code can be provided by a channel partner such as a vendor.

In an embodiment, the method based on FIG. 7 may further include: processing at least one digital image corresponding to the at least one digital image selection signal and the at least one specified image to generate digital content of the printing process; and printing the printing cost of the printing process Set to at least some or all of the printing fee to be deducted. For example, this step can be implemented between steps S210 and S270, or as step S280. For example, the manufacturer's advertisement or a pattern or message of some other user is displayed on the photo frame pattern of the digital image that the user wants to print or in any position or on the back of the photo.

In an embodiment, the method based on FIG. 7 may further include: receiving a printing fee of the printing process in a payment manner, wherein the payment method is at least one of the following manners or a combination thereof: a credit card method, an online payment method, an electronic point method, and a virtual Currency mode.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the method based on FIG. 7 may further include: receiving a state of the image printing terminal device, wherein the state includes: at least: a use state of the printing consumable of the image printing terminal device and an operation state of the image printing terminal device A state.

In an embodiment, after the step S220, after the step of outputting the curated content to the terminal device, the method based on FIG. 7 may further include: receiving at least one subcategory selection signal; collecting and processing at least one community Digital image of at least one subcategory corresponding to at least one subcategory selection signal of the group network platform to output first image curated content to the terminal device, so that the graphic display interface of the terminal device is displayed in an arrangement to A digital image of at least one subcategory corresponding to the subcategory selection signal; wherein the subcategory selection signal represents at least one of a tag, a user ID, a location, and a keyword. Therefore, the user can use the classification mode (or sub-category) in the graphic display interface of the terminal program to find the digital image to be printed in a simple and efficient manner. The schematic display interface of the screen 602 on the right side of FIG. 9 displays digital images of a plurality of subcategories of the user (such as tags #C1, #C2, #C3, #C4 in Instagram) in an arrangement. In some embodiments, steps (c1) and (c2) may be repeated based on the method of FIG. 7 to further expand the digital image in a certain sub-category, thereby enabling the user to efficiently select the digital image to be printed.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the image printing system according to FIG. 6 applied to a network environment. As shown in FIG. 8, the management server 110A may include a collection module M11, a filtering and curation module M13, a synthesis module M15, and a terminal device management module M17. The collection module M11 and the filter curation module M13 can be used to implement step S220 in FIG. 7 described above. The integrated processing module M15 can be used to implement the foregoing step S240 or other processing in FIG. 7 such as adding a photo frame or the like. The integrated processing module M15 can be used to implement the aforementioned step S290 in FIG. The terminal device management module M17 can be used to implement steps S210, S230, S250, S260, S265, and S270 in FIG. 7 described above. The modules can be implemented as a plurality of program modules to implement a program system of the management server 110A as shown in FIG. When at least one electronic computing device (such as a server or terminal device or a cloud host) executes the program system, it can cause at least one electronic computing device to perform any of the embodiments based on the method of FIG. The program management system can be recorded in a readable information storage medium such as, but not limited to, an optical information storage medium, a magnetic information storage medium, or a memory. For example, the modules (M11-M17) may be respectively executed by one or more electronic computing devices (or at least one electronic computing device), and the modules are respectively stored in the storage units of the respective electronic computing devices, and Executed by the processing unit of the electronic computing device, the modules operate in conjunction with each other. In addition, at the time of implementation, the management server 110A may further include other modules, such as the central control module M19, and is connected to the database to help the management personnel to manage the service. The server 110A performs management; wherein the database can be used to store user data, such as user information from the terminal program M20, such as the account number and digital image of the user's social network platform, and can also store user behavior such as the number of visits, the time of stay, and the like.

Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, when the method of FIG. 5 is performed to perform step S120 or display a digital image of the user, the

management server

110 or 110A may organize the digital image to display the plurality of digital images of the user. The image curation content for display in the graphic display interface of the terminal device (such as 120, 120A or 130) is output neatly and succinctly; the description is as follows. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of digital image finishing in an image printing method. The screen 601 on the left side of FIG. 9 illustrates a screen presented by the smart device after the user logs in to a social networking platform by using a general smart device such as a mobile phone or a tablet computer, and includes various information such as a homepage photo, Identifier or user name (such as ID1234), command line, various messages or logs, etc., even the appearance of advertising screens (AD); if such complex and diverse content images are presented on the image printing terminal device 120, it is bound to This causes difficulties in the printing operation and reduces the overall operational efficiency. The screen 602 on the right side of FIG. 9 illustrates a screen 602 displayed on the graphic display interface of the image printing terminal device 120 after the user logs in to a social networking platform or searches using a terminal device (eg, 120, 120A, or 130). The screen 602 displays digital images of a plurality of subcategories of the user (such as tags #C1, #C2, #C3, #C4 or keywords, locations, etc. in Instagram) in an arrangement; in practice, the management server 110 can be Or 110A to process digital image, text and other data of the social network platform: at least one of data mining, filtering, reforming, arranging, etc. to output image curation content, thereby allowing the terminal device (such as 120, 120A or 130) display the digital image and other data that the user wants to browse and select in a neat and concise arrangement and classification manner, thereby reducing the difficulty of the digital image printing operation and improving the overall operation efficiency, and Users get a better experience.

For example, in the implementation, any of the above embodiments of the image printing method for the terminal device can be implemented as a terminal program (or an application program; APP) and installed in the image

printing terminal device

120 or 120A and the terminal device 130. The execution is performed, and the

management server

110 or 110A can be implemented as a server of the terminal program to execute the method based on FIG. However, implementations of the invention are not limited by the examples described above.

In addition, in some embodiments related to the management server or the image printing method, the management server (110 or 110A) can further set the display of the at least one terminal device (120, 120A or 130) through the network unit and the processing unit of the management server. mode. For example, the display mode is at least one of the following modes: a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. The first mode causes the terminal device to display the corresponding interface containing the digital image content according to at least one of the volume label, the location and the keyword on the start screen, so that the user directly selects the digital image to be printed from the interface. The second mode causes the terminal device to display an interface for inputting the redemption code on the start screen, so that the user can conveniently input the redemption code directly to print the digital image. The third mode causes the terminal device to display an interface for inputting one of the login request and the search request on the start screen, thereby allowing the user to issue a request for the digital image to be displayed for further selection, copying, and the like. For example, the management server can install, update, or repair the operating system or software of the terminal device by using Over-The-Air (OTA), thereby setting the display mode of the terminal device. However, the implementation of the management server is not limited by the above examples; such as implementing the above settings in a master-slave manner without updating the operating system or software. In addition, in implementation, for the management server and the terminal device, after the terminal device enters a certain display mode, operations such as display, selection, payment, printing, and the like of the digital image may be adopted or based on any one or more of the above embodiments. Part or all of the technology is performed to efficiently perform image printing services for digital images stored on the social networking platform by the user.

In addition, in some embodiments, the management server may also pass through the network unit and the processing unit of the management server according to the location, location, occasion of the terminal device or according to the specified activity requirements. Setting a display mode of at least one or more terminal devices, for example, remotely setting a terminal device located in the following place or occasion to any of the above display modes: an activity promotion point, a station, a restaurant, a sightseeing spot, and a large space entertainment place (eg, Shopping malls, studios, or shops, restaurants, weddings, wedding occasions, or party occasions. However, the implementation of the present invention is not limited by the above examples.

With the above embodiments, the image printing terminal device, the image printing system and the image printing method of the present invention can integrate the computing resources and communication resources of the network to further efficiently image the digital images stored on the social network platform by the user. Print service.

The invention has been described above in terms of a preferred embodiment, and it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be noted that variations and permutations equivalent to those of the embodiments are considered to be within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

An image printing terminal device, comprising:

a communication unit for a signal connection management server;

a processing unit, coupled to the communication unit, configured to process digital images and data of a user sent by the management server on at least one social network platform;

a touch display unit coupled to the processing unit for providing an interactive graphic display interface;

An image printer coupled to the processing unit for printing at least the digital image into a photo; and

The housing, wherein the communication unit, the processing unit, the touch display unit, and the image printer are disposed in the housing, wherein a screen of the touch display unit is exposed to the housing.
The image printing terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to:

Receiving, by the touch display unit, the request signal of the user for the at least one social network platform to the management server, where the request signal is in a login request and a search request. One;

Receiving, by the management server, a plurality of digital images corresponding to the request signal in the at least one social network platform and controlling the touch display unit to cause the graphic display interface to display the digital image;

Receiving, by the touch display unit, at least one digital image selection signal of at least one digital image image displayed in the graphic display interface to the graphic display interface and transmitting the image to the management server;

Receiving, from the management server, a preview screen of the printing process corresponding to the at least one digital image corresponding to the at least one digital image selection signal, and controlling the touch display unit to cause the graphic display interface to display the preview image;

Receiving, by the touch display unit, a digital image print request signal and transmitting the signal to the management server;

Sending a confirmation request signal to the management server to confirm whether the printing fee of the printing process has been paid or exempted;

Receiving a response signal sent by the management server for the confirmation request signal, and if the response signal indicates that the printing fee of the printing process has been paid or exempted, controlling the image printer to perform the printing process to print The photo corresponding to the print processing.
The image printing terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the image printing terminal device further comprises:

a camera coupled to the processing unit.
The image printing terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the image printing terminal device further comprises:

The payment unit is disposed in the housing and coupled to the processing unit for payment of a printing fee.
An image printing method, which is applicable to at least one terminal device, the method comprising:

Receiving, by the graphic display interface provided by the terminal device, a request signal of the user for the at least one social network platform and transmitting the request signal to the management server, where the request signal is one of a login request and a search request;

Receiving, by the management server, a plurality of digital images corresponding to the request signal in the at least one social network platform and causing the graphic display interface to display the digital image;

Receiving, by the graphic display interface, at least one digital image selection signal of at least one digital image image displayed in the graphic display interface and transmitting to the management server;

Receiving, from the management server, a preview screen of the print processing corresponding to the at least one digital image corresponding to the at least one digital image selection signal and causing the graphic display interface to display the preview screen;

Receiving a digital image print request signal and transmitting to the management server;

Sending a confirmation request signal to the management server to confirm whether the printing fee of the printing process has been paid or exempted;

Receiving a response signal sent by the management server for the confirmation request signal, and if the response signal indicates that the printing fee of the printing process has been paid or exempted, executing the printing process to print the printing processing station Corresponding photos.
The image printing method according to claim 5, wherein the method further comprises:

Transmitting the state of the terminal device to the management server, wherein the state includes at least one of a usage state of the printing consumable of the terminal device and an operational state of the terminal device.
A management server, configured to perform management of digital image printing in cooperation with at least one terminal device, the management server comprising:

a network unit, the signal of which is connected to at least one terminal device;

Storage unit

a processing unit, coupled to the network unit and the storage unit, configured to monitor a status of the at least one terminal device, and provide a communication link between the at least one social network platform and the at least one terminal device; The storage unit stores an execution instruction, and when the execution instruction is executed, causing the processing performed by the processing unit to include:

Sending a request signal to at least one social network platform, wherein the request signal is one of a login request and a search request;

Collecting and processing a plurality of digital images corresponding to the request signal in the at least one social network platform to output first image curated content to the terminal device;

Receiving at least one digital image selection signal;

And displaying, by the terminal device, a preview screen of the printing process corresponding to the at least one digital image corresponding to the at least one digital image selection signal;

Receiving a digital image print request signal;

Receiving a confirmation request signal and confirming whether the printing fee of the printing process has been paid or exempted;

Outputting a response signal to the terminal device if the printing cost of the printing process has been paid or exempted; and

Processing is performed based on the at least one digital image corresponding to the at least one digital image selection signal to generate the digital content of the printing process.
The management server according to claim 7, wherein if the digital image print request signal is a print request representing an online order, the response signal is a redemption code;

The processing unit receives the redemption code from another terminal device and outputs the digital content of the printing process to the other terminal device to perform the printing process to print a photo corresponding to the printing process.
The management server according to claim 7, wherein the processing performed by the processing unit further comprises:

Setting a display mode of the individual terminal device of the at least one terminal device by the network unit, the display mode being at least one of the following modes:

a first mode, wherein the terminal device displays, on the start screen, an interface corresponding to at least one of a volume label, a location, and a keyword to display a corresponding digital image content;

a second mode, which causes the terminal device to display an interface for inputting a redemption code on the start screen;

And a third mode that causes the terminal device to display an interface for inputting one of a login request and a search request on the start screen.
An image printing method, which is applicable to a management server, and the method includes:

Sending a request signal to at least one social network platform, wherein the request signal is one of a login request and a search request;

Collecting and processing a plurality of digital images corresponding to the request signal in the at least one social network platform to output first image curated content to the terminal device;

Receiving at least one digital image selection signal;

And displaying, by the terminal device, a preview screen of the printing process corresponding to the at least one digital image corresponding to the at least one digital image selection signal;

Receiving a digital image print request signal;

Receiving a confirmation request signal and confirming whether the printing fee of the printing process has been paid or exempted;

If the printing cost of the printing process has been paid or exempted, outputting a response signal to the terminal device;

Processing is performed based on the at least one digital image corresponding to the at least one digital image selection signal to generate the digital content of the printing process.
The image printing method according to claim 10, wherein the response signal is a redemption code if the digital image print request signal is a print request representing an online order; the method further comprises:

The redemption code is received from another terminal device and the digital content of the printing process is output to the other terminal device to perform the printing process to print a photo corresponding to the printing process.
The image printing method according to claim 10, wherein after the step of outputting the image curation content to the terminal device, the method further comprises:

Receiving at least one subcategory selection signal;

Collecting and processing digital images of at least one subcategory corresponding to the at least one subcategory selection signal in the at least one social network platform to output first image curated content to the terminal device;

The subcategory selection signal represents at least one of a tag, a user ID, a location, and a keyword.
The image printing method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises:

The coupon code is received, and the print fee of the print process is set to at least part or all of the print fee to be deducted.
The image printing method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises:

And processing the at least one digital image corresponding to the at least one digital image selection signal and the at least one specified image to generate the digital content of the printing process;

The printing fee of the printing process is set to at least part or all of the printing fee to be deducted.
The image printing method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises:

The printing fee of the printing process is received in a payment manner, wherein the payment method is at least one of the following or a combination thereof: a credit card method, an online payment method, an electronic credit method, and a virtual currency method.
The image printing method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises:

Receiving a state of the terminal device, wherein the state includes at least one of a use state of the printing consumable of the terminal device and an operational state of the terminal device.
The image printing method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises:

Setting a display mode of the terminal device, the display mode being at least one of the following modes:

a first mode, wherein the terminal device displays, on the start screen, an interface corresponding to at least one of a volume label, a location, and a keyword to display a corresponding digital image content;

a second mode, which causes the terminal device to display an interface for inputting a redemption code on the start screen;

And a third mode that causes the terminal device to display an interface for inputting one of a login request and a search request on the start screen.