JP2001256009A - Network photo print service system, center server and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an efficient network photo print service system which can be constructed at a low cost and to provide the technology in relation to it. SOLUTION: A center server 10 of the network photo print service system 1 receives print order information from a customer (a terminal 40 at the customer side) via a network (a dashed line L1) and judges whether a print processing in the print order information is (1) a print processing (first print processing) not larger than prescribed size or (2) a print processing (second processing) larger than the prescribed size. When the print processing is judged as the first print processing, the print order information is transmitted to a first print output device to enable the first print processing (a dashed line L2) and when the print processing is judged as the second print processing, the print order information is transmitted to a second print output device to enable the second print processing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network photo print service system which receives an order for a photo print from a customer via a network and provides a print output service in accordance with the order.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There has been proposed a network photo print service system which receives an order for a photo print from a customer via a network and performs a print output service in accordance with the order.

In such a network photo print service system, a customer can perform an ordering operation via a network without going to a store and making an order, and the customer can go to a predetermined receiving store. Can receive the print.

[0004]

By the way, in the contents of the printing process in photo printing, there are various types of printing processes, such as those which are performed at a normal size, those which are performed at a larger size, and those which involve special digital image processing. There are various types of processing contents.

However, a general-purpose print output device capable of performing all kinds of print processing is expensive, and such a general-purpose device is arranged in many stores as a print output device for performing the above-described print processing. Doing so has problems such as cost.

[0006] In addition, there are actual contents such as, for example, those that print in a normal size occupy a considerable proportion, while those that perform printing in other sizes are few. It is required to construct a system that is efficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an efficient network photo print service system which can be constructed at a low cost, and a technique related thereto.

[0008]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network camera for receiving an order for a photo print from a customer via a network and performing a print output service in accordance with the order. A center server in the print service system, a receiving unit for receiving print order information from a customer via a network; and a print process in the print order information, wherein (1) a first print output device capable of outputting (2) a second print process that cannot be output by the first print output device but can be output by the second print output device. Determining means for determining, and the printing processing in the print order information is performed by the determining means by the first means. When it is determined that the print processing is the print processing, the print order information is sent to the first print output device, and the print processing in the print order information is determined to be the second print processing by the determination unit. And transmitting means for transmitting the print order information to a second print output device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the center server according to the first aspect, the first print output device is installed in a receivable shop where a customer can designate a print receiving location. And the sending means comprises:
The print processing in the print order information is the first
If it is determined that the print processing is the print processing, the print order information is sent to a first print output device installed in a receiving store designated by the customer as a print receiving place.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the center server according to the first or second aspect, the second print output device is a non-printable device that cannot be designated by a customer as a print receiving location. If the print processing in the print order information is determined to be the second print processing, the sending means sends the print data to a store designated by the customer as a print receiving location. The print order information and the information on the receiving store are sent to the second print output device installed in the non-receivable store on the premise that the print is transferred to the non-receivable store. .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the center server according to the second or third aspect, the sending means is provided for a first print output device installed in a convenience store as a receiving store. Alternatively, the print order information is transmitted to a second print output device installed in a laboratory as a non-receivable store.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the center server according to the first aspect, the first print processing is a print having a size smaller than a predetermined size, and the second print processing is The print has a size larger than a predetermined size.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the center server according to the first aspect, the first print processing is a print having a resolution equal to or less than a predetermined resolution, and the second print processing is The print is characterized in that the print has a resolution higher than a predetermined resolution.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the center server according to the first aspect, the first print processing is performed by any one of an image processing group including image scaling processing and trimming processing. The second print process is a print that includes at least one image processing process of a group of image processing processes including a scaling process and a trimming process for an image. I do.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the center server according to the first aspect, the print order information includes:
It is characterized by including image data to be subjected to print output processing, data relating to the content of the print output processing, and customer identification data for identifying a customer.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the center server according to the first aspect, the print order information includes:
Including image specifying data for specifying image data stored in a predetermined server as a target image of print output processing, data relating to the content of the print output processing, and customer identification data for identifying a customer It is characterized by.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the center server according to the ninth aspect, the predetermined server is an image data server that is provided separately from the center server and stores customer image data. The image specifying data is data for specifying image data included in the image data server as a target image for print output processing.

The invention according to claim 11 is a network photo print service system which receives an order for a photo print from a customer via a network and performs a print output service in accordance with the order. 11. The center server according to claim 10, a first print output device capable of performing the first print processing, and a second print output capable of performing the second print processing. And a device.

The invention according to claim 12 is an information processing method in a center server of a network photo print service system which receives an order for a photo print from a customer via a network and performs a print output service according to the order. The step of receiving print order information from a customer via a network, and whether the print processing in the print order information is (1) a first print processing that can be output by a first print output device, Or (2) a step of judging whether or not the second print processing cannot be output by the first print output device but can be output by the second print output device. If it is determined that the printing process in the information is the first printing process, The print order information is sent to the print output device, and if it is determined that the print process in the print order information is the second print process, the print order information is sent to the second print output device. And a step performed.

[0020]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <A. Configuration><Overview> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a conceptual configuration of a network photo print service system 1 according to the present invention.
This network photo print service system 1
Is for receiving an order for a photo print from a customer via a network and providing a print output service in accordance with the order.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes a center server 10 for receiving an order from a customer, and a print output device 30 for performing a print output process in accordance with the order.

As will be described later, the center server 10
An order for a photo print is received via a network, and the print order information is transmitted to a corresponding print output device 30 by obtaining necessary information from a customer. The center server 10 is installed in, for example, a service center of a company that provides the photo print service.

The print output device 30 performs print output according to print order information from a customer received from the center server. This print output device 30
Is located at each of a plurality of stores where prints can be transferred. For example, in addition to various laboratories (mini-labs capable of basic output processing, dedicated laboratories capable of advanced processing, etc.), convenience stores, miscellaneous goods Shops, supermarkets and other stores. The print output device 30 is a device capable of outputting transmitted image data with high quality. The print output device 30 is configured as a printer alone separately from the scanner, and also as a system in which the scanner and the printer are integrated. It may be configured. Alternatively, the print output device 30 may be configured as a system by combining a computer having a communication function configured separately from the printer and having the communication function with the printer.

Here, the print output devices 30 are classified into two types of devices, that is, a first print output device A1 and a second print output device A2. The print output device 30 is classified into two types of devices A1 and A2 according to whether or not two types of print processing distinguished based on a predetermined standard.

Of these, the first print output device A1
Is an apparatus capable of performing relatively simple print processing (first print processing described later), while the second print output apparatus A2 is a relatively advanced print processing, The print output device A1 is a device that can perform a print process that cannot be output (a second print process described later) that cannot be output. For example, the first printout device A1 is configured as a device capable of printing out only a predetermined size or less, and the second printout device A2 is configured as a device capable of printout of a larger size. Is done. Note that the second print output device A2 may be capable of performing the first print processing.

Here, the first print output device A1 is arranged at each of a plurality of stores (hereinafter, also referred to as “receivable stores”) capable of delivering (receiving) prints, and the second print output device A1 is provided with a second print output device A1. The output device A2 is connected to a plurality of stores (hereinafter, referred to as “print stores”) in which delivery (reception) of prints is impossible.
). In FIG. 1, a first print output device A1 is provided at a convenience store and a minilab, which are “receivable stores”.
Are shown, and the second print output device A2 is placed in a dedicated lab that is a “non-receivable store”.

The center server 10 and the print output device 30 are connected to a network and can transmit and receive data to and from each other.

Here, the "network" is a communication line network for data transmission, and specifically, the Internet, LAN, WAN, CATV, ICN (Inter-Community).
, and various types of communication network constituted by electric communication lines (including optical communication lines). The connection form to the network may be a permanent connection using a dedicated line or the like, or a temporary connection such as a dial-up connection using a telephone line such as an analog line or a digital line (ISDN). Good. Further, the transmission method may be any of a wireless method and a wired method.

Further, the customer can be connected to the network by the customer terminal 40. Examples of the customer terminal 40 include a personal computer, a portable mobile computer, and a digital camera having a communication function installed in each home or office. These customer terminals 40 are connected through a dial-up connection or the like. It is possible to connect to a network. And
A receiving means 15 functionally configured in the center server 10 via this network (see FIG. 2 described later).
The above-mentioned photo print service can be enjoyed by accessing the.

An image data server (image pool server) 20 is connected to this network separately from the center server 10. As the image data server 20, for example, a customer has previously concluded a separate contract with the provider of the image data server 20, so that an area of a predetermined capacity is reserved for the customer as an image data storage area. It is assumed that something is kept. The customer can store the image data in the image data server 20. In this system 1, it is not always necessary to provide the image data server 20,
The system 1 can be configured by the center server 10 and the print output device 30.

<Center Server 10> Center Server 1
0, as shown in FIG.
11, a computer system including a main storage unit 12 configured by a semiconductor memory such as a RAM (and / or a ROM) and an auxiliary storage unit 13 such as a hard disk drive (HDD) (hereinafter also simply referred to as “computer”) Is configured as By executing a predetermined program in such a computer, various functions as the center server 10 described below will be exhibited. Hereinafter, these various functions will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. Here, FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the center server 10, and FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a data flow and the like in the present system 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the center server 10
Is a receiving unit 15, a determining unit 16, and a destination determining unit 1.
7, transmission means 18 and store information storage means 19.

The receiving means 15 receives, from the customer via the network, "print order information" relating to the print order and "information relating to the conditions for the delivery location of the print" output according to the order. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the customer accesses the center server 10 via the network using the customer side terminal 40 and inputs the above-mentioned information, thereby performing operations such as ordering prints. I do. This behavior is
In FIG. 3, the center server 10 obtains “print order information” and “information about conditions for a print delivery location”.

Here, the "print order information" (see FIG. 4) includes a "reception number" assigned to each order in accordance with a predetermined rule such as order of order time, and "image data to be printed". , Data relating to the content of the print output process (for example, data relating to “print size” (size) and “number of prints”), and “customer identification data” for identifying a customer (for example,
Information including a member number and a password). “Conditions for print delivery location” (hereinafter, also referred to as “conditions for delivery location”) indicate conditions given by a customer when determining a print delivery location. Such conditions may include, for example, identifying information (zip code,
Telephone number).

The judging means 16 judges whether the content of the obtained print order information is the first print process or the second print process. Among these, the first print processing is performed by the first print output device A.
The second print process is a process that cannot be output by the first print output device A1 but can be output by the second print output device A2. . For example, the first print process
The second print process is a print output process of a larger size than the predetermined size.

The destination determining means 17 determines whether the destination
6, when the print processing is determined to be the first print, it is determined that the print processing is to be sent from a plurality of stores (receivable stores) in which the plurality of first print output devices A1 are arranged. Determine the specific store that should be. on the other hand,
If the determining unit 16 determines that the printing process is the second printing process, the destination determining unit 17
Determines a specific store to be transmitted from a plurality of stores (non-receivable stores) in which each of the plurality of second print output devices A2 is arranged.

For example, when the determination unit 16 determines that the print processing is the first print, the transmission destination determination unit 17 selects the “condition of delivery location” from a plurality of stores that can deliver the print. A candidate store group suitable for is extracted. This extraction is based on the store information (whether or not to receive a print, an address, a postal code, a telephone number) for each of a plurality of stores stored in the store information storage means 19, and the conditions for the delivery location of the print given by the customer. It is done based on information about. More specifically, taking advantage of the fact that postal codes have a hierarchical structure related to a region, for example, a store having a postal code in which the upper five digits of a seven-digit postal code match can be used as a print store. From a plurality of stores that can be received (receivable stores), it can be extracted as a candidate store group. Alternatively, at least one postal code to be extracted is determined in advance for each postal code, and at least one postal code to be extracted is provided in order to improve the extraction accuracy in adjacent areas such as prefectural boundaries and city boundaries. A store may be extracted as a receiving store candidate group. Further, the transmission destination determining means 17 (see FIG. 2) requests the customer to select one store from the group of candidates for the store as the store where the print is to be delivered.
The print delivery location is determined according to the customer's selection. For example, by presenting to a customer information on a list of candidate store groups, the customer selects the most preferable one according to the customer's needs, and receiving that information to determine a print delivery location. Can be.

On the other hand, when the determining means 16 determines that the print processing is the second print, the destination determining means 17 determines that the second print output device A2 capable of performing the second print processing is installed. Multiple stores (non-receivable stores)
Is selected and determined. This determination is made, for example, by extracting a store (non-receivable store) corresponding to the store selected by the customer from a plurality of stores (non-receivable stores) based on a predetermined criterion. . As the predetermined criterion, it is possible to adopt a criterion such as a store existing at a position close in time and / or distance to the selected receiving store. According to this, as described later, it is possible to shorten the time required to transfer the print output from the second print output device A2 (of the non-receivable store) to the receiving store. It is possible to improve the convenience of the user (customer, recipient, etc.) of the system 1.

When the determining means 16 determines that the print processing is the first print, the sending means 18 sends the print order information to the first print output device A1 (FIG. 3). If the print processing is determined to be the second print processing by the determination means 16, the print order information is sent to the second print output device A2 (see the broken line L3 in FIG. 3). .

In the first print output device A1 and the second print output device A2, based on the print order information transmitted from the center server 10,
Each print output process is performed. That is, the first print output device A1 performs the first print process, and the second print output device A2 performs the second print process. In addition, the print output-processed in the second print output device A2 installed in the non-receivable store is transferred to the receiving store by a transfer means such as a vehicle.

Then, the customer can receive the ordered print at the receiving store selected as the receiving place.

Although the case where the person who receives the print (receiver) is the same person as the print orderer (customer) has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this.
The present invention can be applied to a case where a person other than the customer, such as a friend or acquaintance of the customer, receives the printed print as a recipient. In such a case, the above-mentioned condition for the place where the recipient, such as a friend or acquaintance, receives the print may be given as the "condition for the place where the print is delivered". That is, the customer gives the postal code (or telephone number, etc.) related to the desired receiving place of the recipient to the receiving means 15 of the center server 10 as the above condition, so that the receiving shop candidate group is similarly set as described above. The print order information is sent to the first print output device A1 set to the receiving store determined from the above or to the second print output device A2 set to the non-receivable store located in the vicinity or the like.
Then, the recipient (an acquaintance of the customer, a friend) may receive the print to be ordered at the recipient selected by the customer after receiving a separate contact from the customer (contact regarding the recipient and the date and time of receipt). it can.

<B. Operation> Next, the operation of the present system 1 will be described in detail. 5 to 8 are flowcharts showing the outline of the operation in the present system 1. 5 to 7 are diagrams illustrating each operation in the center server 10, the print output device 30, and the customer terminal 40, focusing on communication operations, and FIG. 8 illustrates the operation in the center server 10 among them. FIG.

First, as shown in FIG. 5, in step S2, the customer accesses the center server 10 and attempts to log in. Specifically, the customer displays a homepage such as “print order reception service” on the monitor of the customer terminal 40 using a WWW browser, and then presses a “print service reception button” included in the homepage. Login by In response to pressing of the reception button, etc., the center server 10
Requests customer identification data (ID data) from the customer (step S3), and in response to the request, the customer inputs customer identification data owned by the customer (step S4). FIG.
Is a diagram showing an example of this login menu. The screen P1 of FIG. 9 illustrates a case where a member number and a corresponding PIN are requested as customer identification data, and the customer inputs his / her own member number and PIN.

Here, it is assumed that the customer has customer identification data. This customer identification data is issued by the center server 10 or the like by performing member registration. The operation for that can be performed through a separate member registration screen or the like. If you have not registered, after obtaining customer identification data by the member registration operation,
What is necessary is just to return to the screen P1 of FIG. 9 and perform the operation. By confirming a customer with such customer identification data, it is possible to improve credit in a transaction. Further, since it is possible to specify the customer, the print price can be received in various forms such as cash-on-delivery at a print receiving store or withdrawal from a bank account.

In FIG. 9, when the customer inputs his / her member number and personal identification number, the center server 10 checks whether or not the input customer identification data is legitimate (step S5 in FIG. 5). . If it is not a legitimate one, it prompts for another input. If it is legitimate, it proceeds to the next operation.

In step S11, the center server 10 transmits a menu to the customer terminal 40.
FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating an example of the menu screen P2. On the screen P2, four options are displayed. "1. Print request" is an option for requesting a print (order), and "2. Confirmation of request content" is an option for confirming the request content at the time of previous request. “3. Check print status” is an option for checking whether the requested print is receivable (printed or not), and “4. Change registered data” is for changing registered data. This is an option to make a change. Customers,
A desired option is selected from the options displayed on the screen P2, and the number is input (step S12). Here, the description is continued assuming that “1. print request” has been selected.

Next, in step S13, the center server 10 requests transmission of image data as an image to be subjected to print output processing. In response, the customer sends the image data to be printed (step S1).
4). Thereby, the center server 10 can obtain the image data.

In the next step S 101, the center server 10 transmits a processing content entry screen P 11 to the customer terminal 40. FIG. 10B shows this screen P11.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example. Here, the above step S1
A screen requesting the user to select and input the contents of the printing process regarding the number of prints and each print size (service version, eight-cut version, four-cut version, etc.) for each of the plurality of (six in this case) image data sent in step 4 Is displayed. In response, the customer selects and inputs desired print processing (print size and number of prints) (step S10).
2). Thus, the center server 10 can obtain data (print size and number of prints) relating to the selected and input print processing content via the network. If the print request is for seven or more image data, step S10 is performed for the seventh and subsequent image data using the same screen as the screen P11.
The number of prints for each image data may be input by repeating the same operation as in steps S1 and S102.

Here, an order with a print size of “service version” is treated as “first print processing”, and an order with a print size of “eight-cut version” or “four-cut version” is referred to as “second print processing”. Treat as. Here, for simplicity, it is assumed that a plurality of types of sizes are not selected in one order.

As described above, the center server 10
Receives print order information on a print order from a customer via a network, as shown in step S10 in FIG.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (and FIG. 8), the center server 10 performs a judging operation by the judging means 16 in step S20. That is, the determination unit 16 determines whether the content of the obtained print order information is the first print process or the second print process.

Hereinafter, the case where the content of the print order information is determined to be the first print process will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the next step S31a
, The center server 10 transmits a receiving method menu and requests the customer to select a receiving method of the output print. Screen P3 in FIG.
Is a diagram illustrating an example thereof. Then, the customer selects one of the options in response to the request. Here, description will be continued on the case where “2. FIG. 12 shows screens P4, P5, P6 (P) displayed on the customer side terminal 40 regarding the processing to be performed subsequently when “2. Instruct to receive” is selected in step S31a of FIG.
It is a figure which shows 6a).

In step S33a, the center server 10 requests the customer to input information about the location, in other words, "conditions of the delivery location". A screen P4 in FIG. 12 is a screen requesting a zip code of a place to receive a print as a condition (more precisely, a zip code of a place where a store to receive a print exists or a zip code of a nearby area). It is. If the customer wants to pick up at a (closest) store located near the customer's own home, the zip code of the recipient's (customer's own) home is entered as "delivery location condition". (Step S34a). As a result, the center server 10 can obtain information on “conditions of the delivery place” via the network.

Next, as shown in step S35a in FIG. 6, the center server 10 presents to the customer the candidate store group extracted as satisfying the above conditions,
A request is made to select a receiving store from among them. The screen P5 in FIG. 12 shows a case where four stores have been extracted as a group of candidate receiving stores that meet the “conditions of the delivery place”. Here, three convenience stores (also referred to as “convenience stores”) and one lab (photo shop) are extracted and displayed on the customer terminal 40 as a screen P5. Each of these four stores is a receivable store in which the first print output device A1 is arranged.

On the other hand, the customer selects one of the stores as a receiving place (step S36 in FIG. 6).
a). In response to this selection operation, the center server 10
Can obtain information as to which store is the delivery location of the selected print. Then, the received information is presented to the customer, and the store (that is, the receiving store) determined as the delivery location is confirmed (step S37a). The screen P6 in FIG. 12 is an example of this confirmation screen, and can show, for example, the store name of the receiving store and the date and time at which it can be delivered ("14:00 or later" on the day in the figure).

The customer logs off after confirming the information displayed on this screen P6 (step S38a). This completes the operation on the customer terminal 40 side.

On the other hand, in the center server 10, in the next step S 41 a (FIG. 6), the sending means 18 installs the first printer installed in the receiving store (here, a convenience store) selected by the customer as the print delivery location. The print order information is transmitted to the print output device A1. The print order information includes “image data” to be subjected to print output processing, data relating to the contents of the print output processing (print size and number of prints), and customer identification data (member number, etc.) for identifying the customer. And are included.

After receiving the data sent (transmitted) from the center server 10, the print output device 30 located at the receiving store receives the data according to the data (print size and number of prints) concerning the contents of the print output process. The print output processing of the image data to be subjected to the print output processing is performed. Since the print processing related to this order is “first print processing”, the print processing can be performed by the first print output device A1 set at the receiving store. In this way, the print ordered by the customer via the network is created (step S51a in FIG. 6).

Thereafter, the recipient (in this case, the customer himself)
It is possible to go to the selected store (receiver) and receive the ordered print.

If it is determined in step S20 (FIG. 5) that the content of the print order information is the first print process, the above operation is performed.

Next, the operation when the content of the print order information is determined to be the second print processing in step S20 (FIG. 5) will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart relating to the operation when the content of the print order information is determined to be the second print processing. Each step S3 in FIG.
In steps 1b to 38b, the same operations as those in steps S31a to 38a in FIG. 6 are performed.

Thereafter, in step S41b, the sending means 18 of the center server 10 sends print order information. The destination in this case is a lab (dedicated lab) as a non-receivable store, which is different from the case of FIG. 6 where the lab is sent to the receiving store (convenience store).
This is to transmit the print order information to the second print output device A2 capable of performing such a print output in response to the content of the print order information being the second print processing. As a result, the second print output (here, a large-size print output such as “eight-cut plate” or “four-cut plate”) is performed in the second print output device A2 having an advanced print function.

In step S41b,
The information on the receiving store (that is, the name of the receiving store selected by the customer, etc.) is printed together with the print order information on the second print output device A2 installed in the lab as the non-receivable store.
Will be sent to This corresponds to the premise that after the print output by the second print output device A2, the print is transferred to the receiving store designated by the customer as the print receiving location.

Thereafter, the print output from the second print output device A2 is transferred to the receiving store designated by the customer as the receiving location based on the information such as the name of the receiving store sent with the print order information. You. This transfer is carried out by a vehicle or the like. For example, it is possible to use a regular flight or the like that is operated so as to depart from a dedicated lab which is a non-receivable store and go around each receivable store.

Then, after the ordered print is transferred to the receiving store, the recipient (for example, the customer himself) can go to the receiving store to receive the print.

Here, the above-mentioned lab (dedicated lab) is a non-receivable store, and requires time for transferring the prints output by the second print output device A2 to the receiving store. Therefore, usually, the time at which the recipient can receive the print is later than when the print of the first print processing is received at the store where the first print output device A1 is set. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing screens P4, P5, and P6 (P6a) displayed on the customer terminal 40 with respect to the processing to be performed subsequently when “2. Instructed receiving store” is selected in step S31b of FIG. Which corresponds to FIG. The screen P6b in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram corresponding to the screen P6a of FIG. 5, but shows a case where a date D after the next day is displayed as a receivable date because the above-described transfer operation is performed. The customer can use this screen P6
The user confirms the date and time displayed in b, and understands that reception becomes possible after that date and time.

If it is determined in step S20 (FIG. 5) that the content of the print order information is the second print process, the above operation is performed.

Thus, in the present system 1,
An order for a photo print from a customer can be received via a network, and a print output service can be provided according to the order.

In the above description, the screen P3 in FIG.
(Steps S31a, S31b, S3 in FIGS. 6 and 7)
2a, S32b), the case where “2. Specified receiving store” is selected has been described. If “1. Home delivery” is selected, the screen moves to the screen P7 in FIG. Enter the phone number and register the delivery destination.

Then, after providing the confirmation information to the customer (screen P8), the center server 10 sends out print order information such as image data to a collection / delivery lab designated for delivery in each region. In this collection and delivery lab,
Both the first print output device A1 and the second print output device A2 are arranged, and it is possible to perform both the first print process and the second print process. Therefore, regardless of whether the print order information is the first print process or the second print process, the sending unit 18 of the center server 10 sets the print order delivery destination to the above-mentioned collection and delivery lab, regardless of whether the print order information is the first print process or the second print process. And print order information may be transmitted.

When a multifunctional print output device capable of performing both the first print process and the second print process is arranged in the collection and delivery lab (in other words, the second print process). The same applies to the case where the output device A2 can also perform the first print process. In this case as well, both types of print processes (ie, the first print process and the second print process) are performed. It is possible.

The print output by such a print output device is delivered to an address specified as a delivery destination by the customer.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing which print output device performs print output according to the type of print processing and the method of receiving a print. As shown in FIG. 15, when receiving at a store (receiving shop), print output is performed by each of the first print output device A1 and the second print output device A2 according to the type of the print processing. . On the other hand, in the case of home delivery reception, in any case, the printout is performed by the second printout device A2. However, even when the home delivery is received and the type of the print processing is the first print processing, the print output is performed by the second print output device A2. The second print output device A2 is a device that can also perform the first print processing. Of course, in this case, the first print processing may be performed by the first print output device A1.

As described above, when the print processing content is the first print processing, the center server 10 sends the print order information to the first print output device A1, and the print processing content is the second print processing. In the case of processing, the print order information is sent to the second print output device A2, so that the print order is appropriately distributed between the first print output device and the second print output device according to the content of the print process. Processing can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to construct a system that efficiently processes the print processing according to the contents.

When the content of the print processing is the first print processing, the print order information is sent to the first print output device A1 installed at the receiving shop such as a convenience store designated by the customer as the print receiving place. Is transmitted, the print output by the first print output device A1 can be promptly received at the receiving store specified by the customer, and the convenience is improved. In particular, since the first print output device A1 has fewer functions (or is not sophisticated) than the second print output device A2, it can be manufactured at low cost. Therefore, it is possible to arrange the first print output device A1 in more shops, and it is possible to further enhance the convenience by expanding the options of the user of the system 1.

Further, when the print processing is the second print processing, the second print processing installed in the non-receivable shop is performed.
The print order information is transmitted to the print output device, and then the print output by the second print output device is transferred to the receiving store, so that the print can be received at the receiving store.

Further, since the print order information given from the customer to the center server 10 includes customer identification data for identifying the customer, the credit in the transaction can be improved. Further, billing can be performed based on the customer identification data, and convenience can be further improved. For example, it is possible to perform settlement by debiting an account held by the customer, and it is possible to provide a simple settlement means to the customer. This is particularly useful when the recipient is different from the customer (order requester).

Further, since a plurality of stores in which the print output device 30 can be provided with prints include various laboratories and convenience stores, prints can be transferred to customers from more stores. Since the customer can determine the receiving store as the place, the convenience can be further improved.

<C. Modifications> In the above embodiment, an example of communication of various data has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, step S10 (FIG. 5)
In the above, the case where the customer identification data, the data relating to the content of the print output process, and the image data are separately received in the center server 10 in this order is shown, but these data are separately received in different orders. Alternatively, all data may be received at once.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the data cannot be received at the laboratory in which the second print output device A2 is arranged, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be possible to receive even a lab where the second print output device A2 is arranged. This eliminates the need for transfer time,
It may be possible to receive a print sooner. Therefore, for example, step S31b (FIG. 7)
In place of the screen P3 (FIG. 11), a screen P10 (FIG. 16) in which “3. When this “3. lab” is selected, the second operation is performed in the same manner as in the case of selecting a receiving store such as a convenience store where the first print output device A1 is installed.
It is also possible to determine the store where the print output device A2 is installed as the receiving store. FIG. 17 shows “3. Lab”
Is selected, the screens P4, P5 (P5
c) and P6 (P6c). By performing the same input operation or the like as described above on each of these screens, it becomes possible to receive the screen at the selected laboratory, as shown in screen P6c. Here, since the above-mentioned transfer is not required, the recipient can receive at a convenience store (FIG. 13).
It is displayed that it is possible to receive at an earlier time (here, “after 14:00” on the current day) than the date D) after the next day.

Further, in the above embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, in step S12 (FIG. 5) and the like, a plurality of sizes are not selected at the same time. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The size may be selected. For example, a print output having a size of “service version” which is the first print process and a print output having a size of “quarter plate” which is the second print process The order may include both. Alternatively, the present invention is applied to a case where the first print process and the second print process are mixed (a case where a plurality of sizes are mixed), for example, when printing a plurality of images in one order. It is possible to

When a plurality of types of print processes are included, the first print process and the second print process are respectively performed by the corresponding first print output device A1 and second print output device A1. Although the printout may be performed by the printout device A2, if at least one second print process is included, the first printout installed in a non-receivable store or the like is performed.
An operation such as sending print order information to the second print output device A2 capable of performing both the print processing and the second print processing may be performed. According to the latter operation, the customer can receive the ordered print at one receiving store after the transfer from the non-receivable store to the receiving store. In this case, it is determined that the print processing in the print order information is the second print processing, and the print order information is sent to the second print output device A2.

In the above embodiment, the print size is used as the predetermined criterion for distinguishing the first print process from the second print process. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be related to resolution, or related to the presence or absence of predetermined image processing.

For example, the first print processing can be a print having a resolution equal to or lower than a predetermined resolution, and the second print processing can be a print having a resolution higher than the predetermined resolution. . Alternatively, the first print processing is a print that does not include any image processing of a group of image processing including a scaling process (enlargement process and reduction process) and a trimming process, and a second print process. The processing may be a print including at least one image processing of a group of image processing including a scaling process and a trimming process for an image.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the “zip code” of the place where the print is to be received is input as the identification information relating to the place where the print is to be delivered. However, as shown in the screen P9 of FIG. Alternatively, the "telephone number" of the place where the print is desired to be received may be input. That is, such a screen P9 is displayed on a screen P4 (FIG. 1).
Instead of 2), the center server 10 may request the customer to input a telephone number, and the center server 10 may obtain the telephone number by the input of the customer.
At this time, since this telephone number functions as identification information regarding the place where the print is to be transferred, it is more difficult to specify the address (or impossible) than to use a wired telephone (or fixed telephone). Telephone number). According to this, step S35b
In FIG. 7 and the like, a store having a telephone number that is likely to exist in a predetermined area can be extracted as a reception candidate group based on an area code, a city code, and the like.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the image data itself as the target image of the print output process is transmitted from the customer to the center server 10 in the print order information is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, if image data that has been ordered before is to be processed and the image data is stored in the image data server 20 for storing images, As shown in FIG. 19, instead of the image data itself, image specifying data (for example, a server name, a directory name, and a directory name) for specifying the image data stored in the image data server 20 as a target image of the print output process. And data including file name)
May be received from the customer as print order information, and the information including the image specifying data may be transferred to the print output device 30.

The print output device 30 that has received such print order information accesses the image data server 20 before executing the actual print output process, and is specified by the image specifying data. By obtaining the image data, it is possible to perform a print output process on the image data.

Further, the image data relating to the ordered print may be automatically stored in the image data server 20 or, if no explicit intention is displayed, the image data server 20 may store the image data. May not be stored. In the latter case (that is, when the image data is not stored in the image data server 20), the image data to be processed only needs to be transmitted directly to the print output device 30. For example, there is no need to temporarily store the data in the center server 10 or the image data server 20. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the load on each server from increasing due to the storage of the image data and to perform the data transfer only once (when temporarily storing the data in the center server 10 or the image data server 20, Since two transfer operations are required), the load on the entire network is also reduced.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the customer has the customer identification data has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the customer does not have the customer identification data, the print delivery and the receipt of the price at the receiving store may be performed by a commercial transaction such as cash on delivery at the receiving store. However, in this case, since the identity of the customer is unknown, it is preferable to perform confirmation using customer identification data, as described above, when emphasizing credit in transactions.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where each functional unit in the center server 10 is configured as software by executing a program on a computer has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, a part of each unit may be configured as hardware by an electric circuit.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the center server 10 is constituted by a single computer is exemplified, but the invention is not limited to this, and the center server 10 may be constituted by a plurality of computers. In this case, data transmission and reception can be performed between the plurality of computers by communication using various networks.

[0096]

As described above, claims 1 to 1 are described.
According to the invention described in (2), when the print processing content is the first print processing, the print order information is sent to the first print output device, and when the print processing content is the second print processing, Since the print order information is sent to the second print output device, the print process can be performed after appropriately distributing the print order information to the first print output device and the second print output device according to the content of the print process. Will be possible. Therefore, it is possible to construct a system that efficiently processes the print processing according to the contents.

In particular, according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the content of the print processing is the first print processing,
Since the print order information is sent to the first print output device installed at the receiving store designated by the customer as the print receiving location, the print output by the first print output device is designated by the customer. It is possible to receive it promptly at the corresponding receiving store, and the convenience is improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the print processing content is the second print processing,
Print order information and information about the receiving store are sent to the second print output device installed in the non-receivable store, and then the print output by the second print output device is transferred to the receiving store. Thus, the print can be received at the receiving store.

Further, according to the inventions described in claims 8 and 9, since customer identification data is included, credibility in transactions can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a conceptual configuration of a network photo print service system 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a center server 10.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a data flow and the like in the present system 1.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the contents of print order information.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of an operation in the system 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation in the system 1;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of an operation in the system 1;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation in the center server 10.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a login menu screen P1.

FIG. 10 is a menu screen P2 and a processing content entry screen P
FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a receiving method menu screen P3.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing screens P4, P5, and P6a.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing screens P4, P5, and P6b.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing screens P7 and P8.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating print output destinations according to the type of print processing and the print receiving method.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a receiving method menu screen P10.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing screens P4, P5c, and P6c.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a screen P9 for requesting input of a telephone number.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a modification of the contents of print order information.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 network photo print service system 10 center server 20 image data server 30 print output device 40 customer terminal A1 first print output device A2 second print output device P1 to P11 screen

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued from the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 HJ08 HK07 HL01 HN27 HP08 HQ14 HQ17 5B021 AA01 AA02 CC07 EE04 5B049 AA02 AA06 CC05 5B089 GA11 GA13 GA21 GA23 GA25 HA01 HA10 LB14 5C062 AA13 AF10 AF10

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A center server in a network photo print service system for receiving an order for a photo print from a customer via a network and performing a print output service in accordance with the order, the print order information from the customer via the network. Receiving means for receiving the print order information, the print processing in the print order information is (1) a first print processing capable of being output by a first print output apparatus, or (2) a first print output apparatus. Whether the output is not possible, but the second print processing is output according to the second print output device,
Determining means for determining whether the print processing in the print order information is the first print processing, sending the print order information to a first print output device, Sending means for sending the print order information to a second print output device when the print processing in the print order information is determined to be the second print processing by the determination means. Characteristic center server. 2. The center server according to claim 1, wherein the first print output device is installed in a receivable store where a customer can designate a print receiving location, and the sending means is provided. If it is determined that the print processing in the print order information is the first print processing, the print processing is performed by a first print output device installed in a receiving store designated by the customer as a print receiving place. A center server for transmitting order information. 3. The center server according to claim 1, wherein the second print output device is installed in a non-receivable store that cannot be designated by a customer as a print receiving location. And determining that the print processing in the print order information is the second print processing, the transmitting means transfers the print to a receiving store designated by the customer as a print receiving location. A center server for transmitting the print order information and the information on the receiving store to the second print output device installed in the non-receivable store. 4. The center server according to claim 2, wherein the sending means is provided for a first print output device installed in a convenience store as a receiving store, or for a non-receivable store. A center server for transmitting the print order information to a second print output device installed in a lab. 5. The center server according to claim 1, wherein the first print processing is a print having a size equal to or less than a predetermined size, and the second print processing is a print having a size larger than the predetermined size. A center server, characterized in that the center server has a print. 6. The center server according to claim 1, wherein the first print processing is a print having a resolution equal to or lower than a predetermined resolution, and the second print processing is performed with a resolution higher than the predetermined resolution. A center server, characterized in that the center server has a print. 7. The center server according to claim 1, wherein the first print processing does not include any image processing of a group of image processing including a scaling process and a trimming process for an image. The center server, wherein the second print processing is a print including at least one image processing of a group of image processing including a scaling process and a trimming process regarding an image. 8. The center server according to claim 1, wherein the print order information includes image data to be subjected to print output processing, data relating to the content of the print output processing, and customer identification data for identifying a customer. And a center server. 9. The center server according to claim 1, wherein the print order information includes: image specifying data for specifying image data stored in a predetermined server as a target image of a print output process; A center server including data relating to print output processing content and customer identification data for identifying a customer. 10. The center server according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined server is an image data server that is provided separately from the center server and stores customer image data. A center server for specifying image data included in the image data server as a target image for print output processing. 11. A network photo print service system for receiving an order for a photo print from a customer via a network and performing a print output service in accordance with the order, the network photo print service system according to any one of claims 1 to 10. A center server; a first print output device capable of performing the first print process; and a second print output device capable of performing the second print process. Network photo print service system. 12. An information processing method in a center server of a network photo print service system for receiving an order related to a photo print from a customer via a network and performing a print output service in accordance with the order, wherein the center server receives the order from the customer via the network. Receiving the print order information, and the print process in the print order information is (1) a first print process that can be output by a first print output device, or (2) a first print output. Depending on the device, it is impossible to output, but according to the second print output device, whether the output is the second print process,
And the print processing in the print order information is the first
If the print order information is determined to be the print process, the print order information is sent to the first print output device, and if the print process in the print order information is determined to be the second print process, Transmitting the print order information to a second print output device.