JP2002073862A - Copyrighted image publishing system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] An object of the present invention is to provide a copyrighted image publishing system and method capable of obtaining a copyrighted image such as a painting or a photograph in a quick and simple manner. SOLUTION: This is a copyrighted image publishing system 1 that issues a copyrighted image 13 which is an image of a copyrighted work 3 designated by a client 5 based on the authorization of the copyrighted author 4, and relates to the copyrighted work 3 designated by the client 5. A copyrighted work information acquiring means for acquiring copyrighted work information; and a work 3 for identifying a work 3 and a creator 4 of the work 3 based on the work information and for issuing a work image 13 based on the work 3 from the creator 4. A copyrighted image issuance / authorization accepting means to be licensed, copyrighted image data generating means for generating copyrighted image data 21 representing the copyrighted image 13 based on the original of the copyrighted work 3 obtained from the author 4, and copyrighted image data 21 And a publishing image issuing means for outputting and publishing the literary image 13.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copyrighted image issuing system and method for issuing a copyrighted image, which is an image of a copyrighted work specified by a client, based on the author's permission.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when it is desired to obtain a copyrighted image such as a picture or a photograph published in a publication, it is requested to obtain it from a publisher who publishes the publication in which the copyrighted image is published. There is a method. For example, FIG.
As shown in, when advertising agency A (the client) wants to publish a photograph (author C) that was published in the publication of publisher B in its own catalog, advertising agency A usually uses the publisher B
For the purpose and medium of use (in this case, a catalog)
, Requesting a study to obtain approval for use, and presenting issuance conditions such as image quality, number of issued sheets, output medium and print size. On the other hand, the publisher B first notifies the author C of the purpose of use and the medium of use from the advertising agency A, and then obtains permission to use the copyright. If the authorization of the creator C is obtained, the publisher B creates a copy for publication in a catalog based on the issuance conditions from the advertising agency A. At this time, if the negative film of the photograph is stored in the publisher B, a catalog is issued through processes such as printing and bookbinding after creating a copy from the negative film.

[0003]

However, due to the problem of the storage location of the negative film and the contract with the author, it is often the case that all the negative films are not stored at the publisher. In particular,
If you want to get a photo from an old publication, you need to find out the author and negative film through the publisher, which takes a considerable amount of time. Also, in the above procedure, after the publisher receives the request from the advertising agency (client), it asks the author to obtain permission to use the copyright, and after the author's In order to create a composition, these processes take time. In addition, since the composition is created in accordance with the issuance conditions from the client, the cost is also high.
Therefore, there may be a case where the publication of a catalog or the like has to be stopped due to cost and labor.

[0004] On the other hand, even if an individual, rather than a trader (advertising agency), looks at paintings and photographs published in a magazine or the like and wants to obtain a favorite image by printing in a large format, the image is not displayed in the magazine. Aside from the fact that it is sold, there is no individual means of obtaining it, and even if you ask a publisher, there is a problem that it is practically difficult to obtain because a small number of copies increases the cost per part.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a copyrighted image publishing system and method capable of obtaining a copyrighted image such as a painting or a photograph in a quick and simple manner.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a copyrighted image issuing system for issuing a copyrighted image, which is an image of a copyrighted work designated by a client, based on the author's permission. A work information obtaining means for obtaining work information on the work specified by the client, and identifying the work and the creator of the work based on the work information; A copyrighted image issuance permission accepting means for receiving a license for the issuance of a copyrighted image based on the copyrighted work, and a copyrighted image for generating copyrighted image data representing the copyrighted image based on the original of the copyrighted work obtained from the author It is characterized by comprising a data generating means and a copyrighted image issuing means for outputting and issuing a copyrighted image of the copyrighted image data.

A copyrighted image issuance method according to claim 25 is a copyrighted image issuance method for issuing a copyrighted image, which is an image of a work specified by a client, based on the author's permission. A copyright information obtaining step of obtaining copyright information on the copyrighted work specified by the creator, and identifying the copyrighted work and the creator of the copyrighted work based on the copyrighted work information; A copyrighted image issuance authorization acceptance step of receiving a license for the issuance of the copyrighted image, and a copyrighted image data generating step of generating copyrighted image data representing the copyrighted image based on the original of the copyrighted work obtained from the author. And a copyrighted image issuing step of outputting a copyrighted image of the copyrighted image data.

In the copyrighted image issuing system and the copyrighted image issuing method, when a client looks at a photo published in, for example, a magazine, and wants to obtain a favorite photo, the client (printed work) When various information (copyright information) is transmitted to the person who manages and operates this system (management company), the management company specifies the creator of the work based on the information, and furthermore, the writer authorizes the copyrighted work. Get permission to issue a copyrighted image based on a product. Then, after receiving the authorization, it generates copyrighted image data representing the copyrighted image based on the original of the copyrighted work obtained from the author, and converts the copyrighted image from the copyrighted image data (as a printed matter, a recording medium, data, etc.) Output and issue.

[0009] In other words, when obtaining the copyrighted image, the client performs a complicated procedure such as checking the author, or signing a contract with the author to obtain permission to issue the copyrighted image, to the management company. You can get it. Therefore,
The client can obtain a desired copyrighted image by a simple method. In addition, for authors, the magazine on which their photos are published plays a catalog-like role (because the client views the magazine and places an order to issue a copyrighted image), so this system is used as a new business medium. can do. Further, the person who manages the system (management company) can issue all kinds of copyrighted images in response to a request from the client, so that it can respond to the client's detailed needs.

[0010] In the copyrighted image publishing system according to claim 1, the copyrighted work information acquiring means acquires copyrighted work information stored in a database.

This copyrighted image issuing system acquires copyrighted work information stored in a database. For this reason, for example, when a photograph of a copyrighted work desired by a client is published in a magazine, the client stores image data obtained by scanning the photograph portion as copyrighted work information in a database, and manages the image data in the database. The management company can accurately specify the copyrighted image desired by the client by the person (management company) acquiring the image. That is, since the management company can reliably specify the copyrighted work, it is possible to eliminate troubles such as issuing an incorrect copyrighted image and smoothly operate the system.

[0012] The copyrighted image publishing system according to claim 2, further comprising a server provided with the database,
The copyrighted work information acquiring means includes a means for acquiring copyrighted work information from the client who has accessed the server.

[0013] Further, in the copyrighted image issuance method according to claim 25, the copyrighted information obtaining step obtains copyrighted information from the client who has accessed a server having a database.

According to this configuration, since a server having a database is provided, various modes of management, such as adding another database to the same server and associating the same, are possible. In addition, by connecting one server and a plurality of terminals (clients), management becomes easy. Further, since the client accesses the server and gives an instruction, it is possible to directly order the copyrighted image without the intervention of a publisher or the like, and the client can obtain the copyrighted image more quickly and easily. it can.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the copyrighted image issuing system, the server is accessible via a network.

According to this configuration, since the server can be accessed via the network, the client can directly copy the copyrighted image from a distant place without going to the place where the device equipped with the present system is installed. Can be ordered. Further, by connecting a plurality of servers via a network, the system can be deployed over a wide area.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the copyrighted image publishing system, the database includes a shared database accessible from another server connected to the network.

According to this configuration, since the database includes a shared database accessible from another server connected to the network, sharing and unification of information can be promoted, storage capacity can be reduced, and management can be performed by unification. Easier to remove.

[0019] In the copyrighted image issuing system according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the network is the Internet or a LAN.

According to this configuration, since an existing network constructed by the Internet or LAN is used, it is not necessary to construct a new network. Further, if a wide area network such as the Internet is used, it is possible to easily cope with further wide area development.

[0021] In the copyrighted image issuing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the copyrighted information obtaining means includes means for obtaining copyrighted information from the client who has accessed a homepage on the Internet. It is characterized by.

[0022] In the copyrighted image issuance method according to claim 25 or 26, the copyrighted information obtaining step obtains copyrighted information from the client who has accessed a homepage on the Internet. .

According to this configuration, since the copyrighted work information can be obtained from the client who has accessed the home page on the Internet, the client can easily transmit the copyrighted work information and order the copyrighted image. Can be. Also, in this case, since the requester can leave the transmission history, the management company that manages this system issues an incorrect copyrighted image, or the client transmits incorrect copyrighted information. When a trouble such as accident occurs, this transmission history can be used as evidence. Therefore, by transmitting the copyrighted work information using the Internet, the client can order the copyrighted image with ease. In addition, the management company can smoothly operate this system because it leads to trouble prevention.

[0024] In the copyrighted image issuing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the author includes a creator of the copyrighted work and / or a copyright holder of the copyrighted work. .

According to this configuration, as a creator, for example, a creator of a work (a photographer who has taken a photograph when the work is a photograph, a painter who has drawn the painting when the work is a painting, etc.) Or the copyright holder of the copyrighted work (if the copyrighted work is a photograph, a person who has been assigned the copyright for the photograph from the photographer who took the photograph, or an advertising agency that is entrusted with the sale of the copyrighted work, etc.) Stores, etc.), the system can be implemented with the authorization of those who deserve these authors.

[0026] In the copyrighted image publishing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, based on an instruction from the client, a publishing condition for specifying a publishing condition for a copyrighted image based on the work specified by the client. The image processing apparatus further includes condition specifying means, wherein the copyrighted image issuing means issues the copyrighted image based on the issuing condition.

Further, in the copyrighted image issuance system according to the ninth aspect, the issuance conditions include at least one of image quality, number of issued sheets, type of output medium, image configuration, and print size.

According to this configuration, the requester can determine the image quality, the number of prints, the type of output medium (for example, paper, cloth, cell, etc.), the image configuration (for example, the configuration in which a part of the image is extracted or the design of a part of the image). And print size etc.
Since the issuance conditions can be specified, a copyrighted image that meets the needs of the client can be issued.

[0029] The copyrighted image issuance system according to the ninth or tenth aspect is characterized by further comprising an issuance charge calculating means for calculating an issuance charge based on the issuance conditions.

According to this configuration, since the issuance fee can be calculated based on the issuance conditions, the requester can check the issuance fee based on the issuance conditions and can order a plurality of copyrighted images. Can check the total amount of the issue fee. Also, if you order multiple times,
The requester can grasp the accumulated fee for each order, and the management company that manages this system can check the billing amount for each requester, which simplifies the billing process for the issue fee. Becomes possible.

12. The copyrighted image publishing system according to claim 1, wherein information on the requester is stored in a database in association with the copyrighted image data representing a copyrighted image based on the designated literary work. A client information storage unit for causing the client to store the request information.

According to this configuration, the system is managed by storing information such as the name and address of the client as information relating to the client in the database in association with the copyrighted image data of the ordered copyrighted image. Since the management company can confirm who ordered which copyrighted image and where the issued copyrighted image is to be sent, the processing for issuing the copyrighted image becomes easy. In addition, since the requester can grasp the copyrighted images that he or she has ordered in the past and the issuing conditions, the problem of double ordering and the like is eliminated. Furthermore, if an order is placed, an ID number that can identify the requester is attached, so that the requester does not need to input the name and address each time the order is placed. Become.

[0033] In the copyrighted image issuing system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the copyrighted image issuance means is a system in which a copyrighted image based on a copyrighted work designated by the requester is authorized by the author. It is characterized by including authentication specifying means for specifying authentication for proving that the copyrighted image is on the copyrighted image.

According to this configuration, since the authentication is clearly indicated on the copyrighted image, it can be clearly proved that the authorization has been obtained from the author (creator of the copyrighted work). In addition,
The term “authentication” used herein includes a signature or a seal directly written by the author.

In the copyrighted image issuing system according to the thirteenth aspect, the authentication specifying means includes means for incorporating the authentication data obtained by converting the authentication into data in the copyrighted image data.

According to this configuration, since the authentication data obtained by converting the authentication into data is incorporated into the copyrighted image data, even when a large number of copyrighted images are issued, the authorization of the author (creator of the copyrighted work) is obtained by a simple process. Not only can be proved, but also the management of the issue number for the same copyrighted image becomes easy.

14. The copyrighted image issuing system according to claim 13, wherein the copyrighted image issuing means includes a printed matter issuing means for issuing the copyrighted image as a printed matter, and the authentication specifying means prints the authentication on the printed matter. It is characterized by including means.

According to this configuration, since a certificate is printed and issued on a copyrighted image issued as a printed matter, a realistic display such as printing a seal of the author (creator of the copyrighted work) as the certificate is possible. Become. Further, even if the same copyrighted image is used, it is possible to cope with the request by combining the name of the requester and the like and printing it together with authentication.

In the copyrighted image issuing system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the copyrighted image issuing means includes a serial number specifying means for specifying a serial number indicating the number of the issued copyrighted images on the copyrighted image. It is characterized by including.

According to this configuration, since the serial number indicating the number of issued copyrighted images is clearly indicated on the copyrighted image, the client can know the past number of issued images, and the copyrighted image is unique in the world. Can be clearly proved. Here, the “serial number” includes a number directly written by the author (creator of the work), a numbering-engraving by a machine, and the like.

In the copyrighted image issuing system according to the present invention, the serial number specifying means includes means for incorporating serial number data obtained by converting the serial number into data in the copyrighted image data.

According to this configuration, the serial number data obtained by converting the serial number into data is incorporated into the copyrighted image data. Therefore, even when a large number of copyrighted images are issued, the serial number can be specified by simple processing, and the same , Etc., can be easily managed.

17. The copyrighted image issuing system according to claim 16, wherein the copyrighted image issuing means includes printed matter issuing means for issuing the copyrighted image as a printed matter, and the serial number specifying means attaches the serial number to the printed matter. It is characterized by including means for printing.

According to this configuration, since the serial number is printed on the copyrighted image issued as a printed matter and is issued, the serial number is printed in a handwritten style of the author (creator of the copyrighted work). Becomes possible. It is also possible to take measures such as printing the name of the client together with the serial number.

[0045] In the copyrighted image issuing system according to claim 15 or 18, the printed matter is printed by an ink jet method.

According to this configuration, since the printing is performed by the ink jet method, it is easy to obtain a printed matter having a relatively beautiful color particularly in the case of color printing, and when the photograph data is included as a part of the printed matter data, the appearance is improved. Good printed matter can be obtained.

The copyrighted image issuing system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising copyrighted image data storage means for storing the copyrighted image data in a database.

According to this configuration, in order to generate copyrighted image data (representing a copyrighted image based on a copyrighted work specified in the past by the client) and store it in the database, it is desired to obtain the stored copyrighted image. When a new user (which may be the same as the client who ordered the copyrighted image in the past) appears, the copyrighted image can be issued quickly without having to regenerate the copyrighted image data. In addition, by making the database open to the public (for example, on a homepage), a new user who wants to obtain the copyrighted image can be invited.

That is, for the management company that manages the present system, when an order for issuing a copyrighted image is received from a requester, a fee can be set in anticipation of an order from a user other than the requester. Can provide a copyrighted image. In addition, since a contract has already been made with the author, and since only the digitized copyrighted image data is output and issued, the requester can quickly and easily obtain the desired copyrighted image. In addition to the method of exhibiting at an exhibition or publishing in a publication, the author also has the advantage that the author can use it as a place for widely publishing his or her own work.

[0050] The copyrighted image issuing system according to the twentieth aspect is further characterized in that the copyrighted image data stored in the database is further output as a commercialized printed matter.

According to this configuration, the copyrighted image data stored in the database is output as a printed matter for advertisement (a so-called “catalog”) such as a magazine, and is issued, so that a user who has never used the Internet or the like is output. , This system can be widely advertised. In addition, the user may select “work number ○
The user can easily specify the copyrighted image, such as "I want the copyrighted image of the numbered work." Along with this, the management company managing this system can receive orders for copyrighted images from a wide range of users.

[0052] In the copyrighted image publishing system according to claim 21, the printed matter for advertisement is printed by an ink jet system.

According to this configuration, since the printing is performed by the ink jet method, it is easy to obtain a relatively beautiful color advertisement print especially in the case of color printing, and furthermore, when the photograph data is included as a part of the advertisement print data. Can obtain good-looking printed materials for advertising.

The copyrighted image publishing system according to claim 20, further comprising an advertising recording medium storage means for storing the authored image data stored in the database on an advertising recording medium.

According to this configuration, the copyrighted image data stored in the database is stored in a CD-ROM, MD, D
By providing the user with an advertisement recording medium stored in a recording medium such as VD, PD, and zip, the system can be widely advertised to a user who has acquired the advertisement recording medium. In addition, since the user can easily specify a copyrighted image such as "I want a copyrighted image of the work with the title number XX in the advertising recording medium",
Orders can also be made over the phone. Along with this, the management company managing this system can receive orders for copyrighted images from a wide range of users. further,
If a program for automatically accessing a home page linked to a server on which this system is operated is incorporated in a recording medium for advertisement and the recording medium for advertisement is read into a personal computer or the like, ordering a copyrighted image more quickly and easily. It can be performed.

The copyrighted image issuing system according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the requester and the author are the same.

[0057] Further, in the copyrighted image issuance method according to claim 25, 26 or 27, the requester and the author are the same.

According to this configuration, the author can obtain a copyrighted image based on his / her own work. In addition, if copyrighted image data representing a copyrighted image is stored in a database and posted on a homepage, the copyrighted image of the user can be widely disclosed.

[0059]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention (first embodiment)
A system and method for issuing a copyrighted image according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the copyrighted image publishing system 1 receives an original of a literary work 3 from a plurality of authors 4 (only one is shown) and manages and manages the system. , A network NW, and a plurality (only one shown) of requesters 5 (communication terminal: terminal 16) capable of communicating with the server SV operated by the management company 2 via the network NW. . Then, the server SV operated by the management company 2 stores a database DB for storing the copyrighted image data 21 representing the copyrighted image 13 based on the original of the copyrighted work 3 provided by the author 4.
have. In addition, a homepage HP linked to the server of the management company 2 exists on the network NW.

The author 4 may be, for example, a creator of the work 3 (a photographer who has taken the photograph when the work 3 is a photograph, a painter who has drawn the painting when the work 3 is a painting), The copyright holder of the work 3 (If the work 3 is a photograph, the photographer who has taken the photograph has been assigned the copyright of the photograph, has been entrusted with the sale of the work 3, etc. It is assumed that a person who has the copyright of the work 3 provided to the management company 2 such as an advertising agency). In this embodiment, the work 3 is a photograph, and the author 4 is a photographer who took the photograph. It will be described below assuming that

The present system is implemented by the authorization of a person who deserves the author 4 (a photographer in this embodiment), and the authorization is made by a detailed publishing contract as shown in FIG. The contract specifies, for example, the number of copies to be published, the period of publication, the form of publication, the number of works to be included in the publication (the number of recordings), and the like, as contents relating to the grant of publishing rights. In addition, the management company 2 operates and manages this system, including contents related to publishing responsibilities, contents related to publishing similar works, contents related to delivery of works, contents related to guarantees, contents related to responsibility for proofreading, and contents related to copyright notice. It is preferable that the above necessary items be negotiated. In other words, by exchanging detailed agreements, when the management company 2 receives an order for the copyrighted image 13 from the client 5, there is little chance that the authorizing authority of the copyrighted image 13 must be obtained from the author 4. Therefore, the issuance of the copyrighted image 13 is performed quickly and easily.

It should be noted that a detailed publishing contract may not be made between the author 4 and the management company 2, and an arrangement may be made each time the necessity arises. In this case, since the management company 2 and the writer 4 make a contract such as a fee based on the contents of the request (issuing condition) from the client 5, there is a slight Takes time.
For this reason, it is preferable that the management company 2 informs that it has time before it is issued when it receives the order from the client 5 (see S19 in FIG. 9).

The client 5 orders the copyrighted image 13 by using various terminals 16 such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, and a pocket board. The client 5 connects to the network NW using the terminal 16, accesses a desired homepage HP (a homepage linked to a server operated by the management company 2), and displays a screen displayed on the display 11 of the terminal 16. Make an order according to. 4 to 9 and FIG.
1 to FIG. 13, and a detailed ordering method will be described later. Since the method of accessing the homepage HP can be performed by various known methods, a description thereof is omitted here.

It is preferable that an existing network constructed by the Internet or a LAN is used as the network. According to this configuration, there is no need to construct a new network. Further, if a wide area network such as the Internet is used, it is possible to easily cope with further wide area development.

The management company 2 operates a server SV, and the server SV has a database DB in which various data necessary for operating and managing this system are stored. The database DB is a shared database DB accessible from another server connected to the network NW.
1 and a requester information database DB2 accessible only by five requesters. In the shared database DB1, copyrighted image data 21 created based on the original of the copyrighted work 3 provided by the copyrighted author 4, and creator information on the creator (the photographer in this embodiment) of the copyrighted work 3 22 are stored.

The author information 22 includes, for example, a work 3
The name and pen name of the creator are stored. Thereby, the plurality of copyrighted image data 21 are stored in the shared database D.
When stored in B1, the search can be performed using the name of the creator of the work 3 or the like. Therefore, the desired copyrighted image data 21
Can be searched accurately and quickly. Also, as the author information 22, authentication data 15 obtained by converting the authentication 14 for certifying that the copyrighted image 13 stored in the copyrighted image data 21 has been authorized by the author 4 into data is written as the author information 22.
May be stored in the shared database DB1. According to this configuration, by incorporating the authentication data 15 into the copyrighted image data 21 or by printing the certificate 14 after the copyrighted image 13 is printed, the copyrighted image 13 is authorized by the author 4. This can be clearly specified (see FIG. 14).

The copyrighted image data 21 expresses the copyrighted image 13 based on the original of the copyrighted work 3 such as a film negative, a painting, a mural, a sculpture, a print, and other artworks. As shown in FIG. 2, the originals of these literary works 3 are read by a high-resolution scanner (or digital camera) 23 and taken into a storage device 25 in a computer 24. The copyrighted image data 21 fetched into the storage device 25 is subjected to various kinds of editing, and the author information 2
2 and the shared database DB1 in the server SV
Is stored in

A database may be provided in the computer 24 to store the same data as the shared database DB1 in the server SV. According to this configuration, the amount of data transmitted and received between the computer 24 and the server SV can be reduced, and even if the server SV or the computer 24 stops functioning, the operation can be immediately resumed. it can.

The copyrighted image data 21 fetched into the storage device 25 may be output as a printed matter 26 for advertisement instead of being stored in the shared database DB1. According to this configuration, by using the printout 26 for advertisement as a so-called “catalog” such as publishing it as a magazine, it is possible to widely advertise to the user and to obtain a desired copyrighted image without using the Internet or the like. Data 21 can be ordered.

In this case, it is preferable that the printed material 26 for advertisement is printed by an ink jet method. According to this configuration, based on the copyrighted image data 21 obtained by reading the copyrighted work 3 with the high-resolution scanner 23, printing can be performed with little deterioration in image quality. In particular, in the case of color printing, it is easy to obtain the advertisement print 26 having relatively beautiful colors, and when the photograph data is included as a part of the advertisement print data, the advertisement print 26 having a good appearance can be obtained.

Further, the copyrighted image data 21 captured in the storage device 25 may be stored in the advertisement recording medium 27. According to this configuration, for example, a CD-ROM,
By providing the user with the advertisement recording medium 27 stored in a recording medium such as an MD, a DVD, a PD, and a zip, the system can be widely advertised to the user who has acquired the advertisement recording medium 27. Also, the user
The copyrighted image 13 can be easily specified, for example, "I want a copyrighted image of the work numbered XX in the advertising recording medium," so that the order can be made by telephone or the like. Along with this, the management company 2 that manages the present system 1 can receive orders for the copyrighted images 13 from a wide range of users. Furthermore, by providing a function of automatically searching for the desired copyrighted image data 21 and automatically accessing a home page HP linked to the server SV on which the present system is operated, the user can be more quickly and The order of the copyrighted image 13 can be easily made.

As shown in FIG. 1, the client information database DB2 has accessed the homepage HP in the past,
Information on the client 5 who has placed an order (for example, the name and address of the client 5 and information on the ordered copyrighted image 13) is stored. This requester information database DB2 is accessible only by five requesters, and it is preferable that the requester 5 inputs an ID number at the time of access in order to identify the requester. . According to this configuration, since the requester 5 can grasp the copyrighted images 13 that he or she has ordered in the past and the issuing conditions thereof, the problem of double ordering and the like is eliminated. In addition, since the name and address are stored, it is not necessary to input the name and address each time an order is placed, and the order operation is facilitated. Further, the management company 2 determines who is the copyrighted image 1
3 can be confirmed, and the destination of the issued copyrighted image 13 can be confirmed. This facilitates the process of issuing the copyrighted image 13.

The management company 2 prints the copyrighted image 13 in response to an order from the client 5, as shown in FIG. Printing is performed by various printers 28,
It is preferable to use a high-resolution printer 28 that matches the resolution of the scanner 23 that has captured the work 3. A typical example of the printer 28 is a thermal head provided with a large number of heating elements provided by ejecting ink from thin nozzles as ink particles and recording an image on a printing medium placed opposite the nozzles. For example, there is a thermal head type for performing recording.

Further, if necessary, screen printing (using a screen plate in which gauze is applied to the frame and the eyes outside the image area are squeezed with a resin or the like, and the squeegee slides from the gauze surface of the plate by ink sliding. And printing on a wide range of printing media such as paper, cloth, plastic, glass, metal, etc.). Further, if the client 5 can be configured to specify a printing method, the copyrighted image 13 that meets the needs of the client 5 can be output.

It is preferable that a certification 14 for certifying that the copyrighted image 13 has been approved by the creator 4 be specified on the printed copyrighted image 13 (FIG. 1).
4). According to this configuration, since the signature or seal is explicitly shown on the copyrighted image 13 as the authentication 14, it is possible to clearly prove that the authorization has been obtained from the author 4 (the creator of the copyrighted work 3). . In this case, the authentication data 15 obtained by converting the authentication 14 into data may be incorporated into the copyrighted image data 21. According to this configuration, even when a large number of copyrighted images 13 are issued, it is possible to prove by simple processing that they have been authorized by the author 4 (the creator of the copyrighted work 3), and the same The management of the issue number and the like for the copyrighted image 13 also becomes easy. In this case, the authentication 14 may be printed and issued on the copyrighted image 13. According to this configuration, a realistic display such as printing a seal of the author 4 (the creator of the work 3) as the authentication 14 is possible. In addition, even if the same copyrighted image 13 is used, it is possible to combine the name and the like of the client 5 and print it together with the authentication 14.

It is also preferable that the serial number 34 indicating the number of issued copyrighted images 13 is clearly indicated on the copyrighted image 13 (a number directly written by the author 4, a numbering-engraving by a machine, etc.) (see FIG. 14). According to this configuration, the client 5 can know the past number of issued papers and can clearly prove that the copyrighted image 13 is unique in the world. In this case, serial number data 35 obtained by converting serial number 34 into data is used.
May be incorporated in the copyrighted image data 21. According to this configuration, even when a large number of copyrighted images 13 are issued, the serial number 34 can be specified by simple processing, and the management of the issued number and the like for the same copyrighted image 13 becomes easy. In this case, the serial number 34 may be printed on the copyrighted image 13 and issued. According to this configuration, a realistic display is possible, such as printing the serial number 34 in the style of handwriting of the creator 4 (the creator of the literary work 3). Further, it is possible to take measures such as printing the name of the client 5 together with the serial number 34.

Here, the outline of the copyrighted image issuing method of the present system 1 will be described. The issuance of the copyrighted image in the present system 1 is performed by selecting a desired copyrighted image 13 from the copyrighted images 13 posted on the homepage HP, and when the desired copyrighted image 13 is not posted on the homepage HP, There is a method in which information such as a magazine in which a desired copyrighted image 13 is posted is transmitted to a server of the management company 2 via a network NW (homepage HP) to place a special order. The normal order "and the latter are described as" special order for copyrighted images ".

First, the outline of the “normal work order” will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of the present system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, a management company 2 requests an author to provide an original of a work 3 (in FIG. In the following, it is simply referred to as "", and the number of 10 or more will be described as "circled 10"). Author 4
In response to the request, authorizes the use of the work and provides the work 3 (). The management company 2 creates the copyrighted image data 21 based on the copyrighted work 3, stores it in the shared database DB1, and publishes it on the homepage HP on the network NW (). On the other hand, the client 5 accesses the homepage HP using the terminal 16, specifies the desired copyrighted image 13, and inputs the issuance condition to the terminal 16 (). The management company 2 receives information on the copyrighted image 13 and the issuance conditions from the client 5 via the network NW (). The management company 2 prints and issues the copyrighted image 13 based on the issuance conditions from the client 5 and charges a fee ().

By the way, depending on the issuance conditions from the client 5, there may be a situation where the creation of the copyrighted image 13 cannot be performed by the management company 2's own judgment. For example, when the client 5 wants to edit an image in response to a request, the management company 2 and the creator 4 often do not make a contract such as a fee in advance. Therefore, in this case, after receiving the order from the requester 5, it is necessary to reconsider the fee and the like between the management company 2 and the author 4.

More specifically, as shown in FIG.
After the provisional order () by inputting issuance conditions including designation and editing of a desired copyrighted image 13 from (to (the same as above)), the management company 2
The information about the copyrighted image 13 and the issuance conditions is received from the client 5 via (). Based on the information about the copyrighted image 13 and the issuance conditions, the management company 2
And the issue authorization and fee, etc. are examined ().
When authorization of issuance is obtained from the author 4 (), the management company 2 informs the client 5 of that effect and conditions such as charges via the network NW (and). Client 5
If there is no problem with the conditions such as the fee, the order is placed (circled 10). Then, the management company 2 receives the real order from the client 5 via the network NW (circled 11). The management company 2 prints and issues the copyrighted image 13 based on the issuance conditions from the client 5 and charges a fee (circled 12).

Next, the outline of the “special order for copyrighted image” will be described with reference to FIG. The client 5 accesses the homepage HP using the terminal 16 and inputs basic information on the desired copyrighted image 13 (). The management company 2 receives the basic information on the copyrighted image 13 via the network NW (), searches for the location of the copyrighted work 3 based on the basic information, and writes the author 4 of the copyrighted work 3.
To provide the copyrighted work 3 (). In response to the request, the author 4 authorizes the use of the work and provides the work 3 (). The management company 2 notifies the requester 5 via the network NW of the fact that the author 4 has obtained permission to use the copyrighted work and the conditions such as the fee (and). If there is no problem in the conditions such as the fee, the requester 5 performs the real order (). The management company 2 receives the real order from the client 5 via the network NW (). The management company 2 creates the copyrighted image data 21 based on the issuance conditions from the client 5, prints and issues the copyrighted image 13, and charges a fee ().

Here, a method of ordering the copyrighted image 13 using the present system 1 will be described in detail with reference to display examples of the display 11 shown in FIGS. 4 to 9 and FIGS. First, the requester 5 sets the terminal 16
Is used to access the homepage HP operated by the management company 2. As described above, there are various types of the terminal 16 such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, and a pocket board. Here, it is assumed that the terminal 16 is a personal computer. First, a top page is displayed on the display 11, and it is possible to order either “normal order of copyrighted images” or “special order of copyrighted images”. Less than,
First, regarding the “normal order of copyrighted images”, FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the client 5 first
Point the pointer (illustrated by a white arrow on the display 11) to the character portion of the "normal image order" icon or the "normal image order" icon and click (S1, hereinafter, the selection of the icon by the client 5 is the same). , The description of the selection operation is omitted, and the subject of “Requester is omitted” as appropriate, since all operations are performed by the requester 5).

The display 11 transits to a "work type selection screen", and the type of the desired work 3 is selected by the client 5 (S2). As a work type candidate,
“Photographs”, “paintings”, “murals”, “sculptures”, “prints” and “others” are listed, and here “photographs” is selected. Then, the display 11 transitions to a “copy image type selection screen” (S3). Note that a transition to a “copy image type selection screen” can also be made by clicking the “next” icon in the upper right of the display 11. Also, "Back"
Click the icon to return to the previous screen.
In the “copy image type selection screen”, the type of the desired copy image 13 (hereinafter simply referred to as “photo”) is selected by the client 5. Examples of the copyright image type candidates include “by author”, “mountain photograph”, and “ocean photograph”. Here, “by author” is selected.

Next, the display 11 transits to the "author selection screen", and the requester 5 selects the desired author 4 (S4). Examples of the author 4 candidates include “author A”, “author B”, and “author C”. In addition, by pressing a cursor key on a keyboard connected to a personal computer, , Options can be displayed. Here, "Author A"
Is selected. When there are many authors 4 that can be selected, an icon may not be displayed for each author but a search may be made using the initial letter of the author name.
According to this configuration, the author 4 of the desired copyrighted image 13 can be quickly searched.

Next, as shown in FIG.
1 changes to a "work name selection screen", and the client 5 selects a desired work name (S5). Candidates for the title include "Hundred Views of Mt. Fuji", "53rd Tokaido" and "Flowers of Shinshu". In addition, pressing the cursor key on the keyboard connected to the personal computer Thus, options can be displayed.
Here, "Mt. Fuji 100 views" is selected. Next, the display 11 transits to a “work selection screen”, and the client 5 selects a desired work (S6). As works candidates, “works 1”, “works 2”, “works 3”, “works 4” and the like are displayed together with the image display. Here, "Work 2" is selected.

Next, the display 11 transits to a “size selection screen”, and the client 5 selects a desired size (S7). "Six-cut",
Sizes corresponding to the aspect ratio of the selected work, such as "quarter", "A2", "A3", etc.
The vertical or horizontal length can be input by inputting numerical keys on a keyboard connected to a personal computer. Here, “A2” is selected. Note that the length / width ratio is determined by the selected work, so it is not possible to specify both lengths here. However, the vertical / horizontal ratio can be changed by an “edit screen” described later.

Next, the display 11 transits to an "order number designation screen", and the requester 5 selects a desired number (S8). As candidates for the number of sheets, “10 sheets”, “5
There are several candidates for the orderable number, such as "0", "100", and "1000". In addition, by inputting numerical keys on a keyboard connected to a personal computer, It is possible to directly input the number of sheets. Depending on the work, the contract between the management company 2 and the author 4 may specify the number of copies. In such a case, the "maximum order number" is displayed on the display 11, and the maximum order number is displayed. When the number of sheets is input, a warning is issued. Here, "10" is selected.

Next, as shown in FIG.
1 changes to an "edit screen", and if the client 5 needs to edit (trim) the image (photograph), the editing is performed (S9). At the time of editing, a row of icons (toolbar 17) below the display 11 is used.
If you do not need to edit, click "Edit" at the top right of the screen.
Icon and the "No Confirmation" icon
Click the "No Edit Confirmation" icon. Then
The display 11 transits to a “detailed item selection screen”,
The client 5 selects whether or not the author 14 (photographer) has input the authentication 14 and whether or not the serial number 34 has been input (S10).

If the authentication 14 is “yes”, the authentication 1
4 (for example, the signature or seal of the creator 4), the size to be specified, and the method of specifying the copyrighted image 13 (the method of incorporating the authentication data 15 into the copyrighted image data 21,
Can be selected (authentication "No")
In the case of, these candidates are not displayed and cannot be selected.) Also, in the case of the serial number “Yes”, the display method of the serial number 34 (for example, “authentication + 1/10” or “1”
/ 10 + authentication "), the size to be specified, the copyrighted image 13
(A method of incorporating the serial number data 35 into the copyrighted image data 21 or a method of printing the copyrighted image 13) can be selected (in the case of a serial number "none", these candidates are displayed). Not selectable). Here, the authentication “Yes” and the serial number “Yes” are selected, and the respective types are also selected.

The "detailed item selection screen" may be configured to allow, for example, selection of a frame, selection of wrapping specifications, and the like in addition to the above contents. Also, "Remarks column"
May be provided so that the client 5 can enter a detailed request.

Next, the display 11 transits to an "order confirmation screen", and the requester 5 can confirm all the order contents (S11). Here, when the user wants to make a change or correction, the user can return to the screen by clicking a column in which the content to be changed or corrected is described. After making changes and corrections, click the “To order confirmation screen” icon displayed at the upper right of the display 11 to return to the “Order confirmation screen” and click the “Confirm” icon. In addition,
The “go to order confirmation screen” icon is displayed only when predetermined contents have been input (see S10). In the case of the present embodiment, the predetermined contents are “work name”, “size”, and “order quantity”. For other contents, default values (“no editing”, “authentication“ none ””, "Serial number" None "). At this point,
When the "cancel" icon is clicked, all the above-described operation contents are reset, and the display 11 transits to the top page (S1).

Next, the display 11 transits to a “client information input screen”, and the client 5 inputs contents relating to himself, such as “name”, “address”, and “telephone number” using the keyboard (S12). ). When all contents have been entered, click the "temporary order" icon to place a temporary order. Even at this point, if the "cancel" icon is clicked, all the above-described operation contents are reset, and the display 11 transits to the top page (S1).

As shown in FIG. 7, when a few seconds have passed after clicking the “temporary order” icon, the screen transits to a “temporary order confirmation screen” and displays “fee” and “scheduled shipping date” (S1).
3). If there is no problem with the displayed contents,
Click on the icon to place a formal order. Even at this point, if the "cancel" icon is clicked, all the above-described operation contents are reset, and the display 11 transits to the top page (S1). When a few seconds have passed after clicking the "final order" icon, the screen transits to a "receipt confirmation screen" and displays "reception number" and "Thank you for your order" (S14).

The ordering method in the case where the image is not edited (in the case of FIG. 1) has been described above. Next, in the case where the image is edited with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 (in the case of FIG. 3).
Will be described. When the image needs to be edited (trimmed), the user clicks the "edited" icon (see S9 in FIG. 6). Here, for example, editing such as enlarging a part of the image and deleting unnecessary parts is possible (here, it is assumed that the editing for deleting the sun has been performed). Also, from author 4,
If you have been approved to change the image composition in advance, for example, you can edit the sun a little away from the mountain surface, change the color of the mountain, increase the height of the mountain, etc. It is.

It is preferable that editing of a photograph can be performed by using an icon on the toolbar 17 at the lower end of the display 11. According to this, once
There is no need for a troublesome procedure such as saving the image on a hard disk of a personal computer, editing the photograph using the image creation software on hand, and transmitting the edited image to the homepage HP again. However, display 1
1 and the editing using hand-held image creation software may be possible.

When the editing is completed, the “confirmation of editing” icon on the upper right of the screen is clicked (S15, if editing is performed, the “confirmation of no editing” icon is not displayed). Then, the display 11 transits to the “detailed item selection screen”, and the requester 5 makes the author 4 (photographer).
Of the authentication 14 and the input of the serial number 34 are selected (S16). Here, the authentication “none” and the serial number “none” are selected.

Next, the display 11 transits to an “order confirmation screen”, and the requester 5 can confirm all order contents (S17). Here, as described above, when the user wants to make a change or correction, the user can return to the screen by clicking the screen column of the screen to be changed or corrected. Change·
After making corrections, click on the “go to order confirmation screen” icon in the upper right corner of the display 11 (see S16), return to the “order confirmation screen”, and click on the “confirm” icon if no further changes or corrections are needed. .

Next, the display 11 transits to the "client information input screen", and the client 5 inputs contents relating to himself, such as "name", "address", and "telephone number" using the keyboard (S18). ). When all contents have been entered, click the "temporary order" icon to place a temporary order. At this point, if the "cancel" icon is clicked, all of the above-mentioned operation contents are reset, and the display 11 transits to the top page (S1).

In the case of "no editing",
When a few seconds elapse after clicking the “order” icon, the screen changes to a “temporary order confirmation screen”, and “fee”, “scheduled shipping date”, and “reception number” are displayed (S13 in FIG. 7). Then, if there is no problem in the displayed contents, the “real order” icon is clicked, and the display 11 is transited to the “reception confirmation screen” (S14 in FIG. 7). However, FIG.
As shown in the above, in the case of "edited", a transition is made to the "temporary order confirmation screen", and a message such as "I will inform you the price etc. by email within two weeks" is displayed (S19),
The screen does not transition to the “acceptance confirmation screen”. In other words, "Edit
In the case of "yes", the "order", the "scheduled shipping date", and the "receipt number" cannot be determined immediately (because there is a possibility that the authorization of the creator 4 is required), so that the real order cannot be performed. Therefore, as soon as the “fee” and the “scheduled shipping date” are determined, the management company 2 informs the requester 5 at a later date.

Although the method of ordering the copyrighted image 13 by the client 5 has been described above, the display 11 does not necessarily have to change for each order content (issue condition). Further, the order of the displays 11 to be displayed is not limited to the order of the above embodiment, but may be any order. Furthermore, since the screen to which the next transition is made differs depending on the option selected by the requester 5 on each screen, the example of the candidate displayed on each screen is only an example, and when another option is selected, It goes without saying that the screen changes to a different screen. Further, it may be configured such that detailed specification other than the above-mentioned contents (for example, specification of a print medium) can be performed.

Next, the processing after receiving the order from the client 5 will be described separately for the case of "without editing" and the case of "with editing". First, in the case of "no editing", as shown in FIG. 1, data relating to the contents of a request from the client 5 (issuing conditions for the copyrighted image 13 and client information) are managed via the network NW (homepage HP). The copyrighted image 13 is transmitted to the server SV operated by the company 2 (and), and the copyrighted image 13 is printed based on the request. The printing of the copyrighted image 13 is performed by a high-resolution printer and sent to the destination of the client information ().

Note that the requester information is stored in the requester information database DB2, and for the requester 5 who has placed an order even once in the past, all the orders are Orders can be made without entering client information. However, in this case, it is preferable that an ID number is set for each requester so that the contents of the requester information database DB2 regarding the requester 5 cannot be checked by anyone other than the requester. In addition, client 5 (the person)
It is possible to access the client information database DB2 even when not ordering the copyrighted image 13.
It is preferable to be able to confirm the contents ordered by the user in the past and the fee. Further, when the client 5 places an order for a plurality of copyrighted images 13, it is preferable that the client 5 can access the client information database DB2 and check the total amount of the fees for the copyrighted images 13 ordered by himself / herself.

Although not shown, the client 5 confirms the copyrighted image 13 after the copyrighted image 13 is sent,
The fee is paid to the management company 2 by various known methods. Note that the management company 2 may print the copyrighted image 13 after confirming payment of the fee from the client 5.

On the other hand, in the case of “edited”, as shown in FIG. 3, data on the contents of the request from the client 5 (issuing conditions for the copyrighted image 13 and requester information) are transmitted over the network NW (homepage HP). Is transmitted to the server SV operated by the management company 2 via the management server 2 (and). The management company 2 obtains publishing authorization from the author 4 (photographer) and sets a fee based on the request contents (issuing conditions) (and). At this point, if the publishing authorization from the author 4 is not obtained, the management company 2 reports this to the client 5 (and). The means of reporting can be performed by various known means such as e-mail, telephone, FAX, and letter, and therefore, the description is omitted.

If the author 4 obtains the publishing authorization, the management company 2 informs the client 5 of the fact and reports the fee (and). However, for example,
If a condition from the author 4 is issued, such as limiting the number of publications to 10, the management company 2 also informs that fact. If there is no problem with the content and fee reported from the management company 2, the client 5 makes this order (circled 10 and circled 1).
1). When this order is made by the client 5, the management company 2
Notifies the requester 5 of the receipt and prints the copyrighted image 13 based on the request content. The printing of the copyrighted image 13 is performed by the high-resolution printer 28, and after the authentication 14 and the serial number 34 are added according to the contents of the order, it is sent to the destination of the requester 5 information (circled 12, FIG. 1).
4).

Although the "ordinary order of copyrighted image" has been described above, according to this method, the copyrighted image data 21 already converted into data is designated and output from the shared database DB1 and issued. , Desired copyrighted image 1
3 can be obtained quickly and easily. In addition, since the management company 2 has been approved in advance with the creator 4 by restricting the contents of use of the literary image 13 and making detailed agreements on the royalty fee, the request from the client 5 No need to consider again. Therefore,
The management company 2 will make the copyrighted image 1
3 can be provided to the client 5. Author 4
In addition to the method of exhibiting at an exhibition or publishing it in a publication, there is an advantage that the user can use it as a place to widely publish his / her own work image 13.

In the above embodiment, the copyrighted image is
Although the description has been made as output by the printer (so-called printed matter), the copyrighted image data of the copyrighted image specified by the client is output from the shared database and recorded as a recording medium (CD-ROM, MD, DVD, PD, zip, etc.). It may be issued. Further, the copyrighted image data may be transmitted using a network (Internet) or the like. However, in this case, it is preferable to take thorough security measures.

Next, FIG. 1 shows “Special order for copyrighted images”.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, the “special order for copyrighted image” indicates that the desired copyrighted image 13 is not listed on the website HP.
Information on magazines, etc., where 3 was posted on the website HP
Is transmitted to the server SV of the management company 2 via the server 2 for special ordering.

As shown in FIG. 10, the client 5 can obtain a desired work 3 (hereinafter referred to as a photo gallery, a general sale book, a photo book, a brochure, a catalog, a video, a DVD, a museum, a poster, a flyer notice, a manga, etc.). , Simply called "photos"). And requester 5
However, it is assumed that the user accesses the homepage HP of the management company 2 in order to obtain the copyrighted image 13 of the copyrighted work 3, with reference to the display display in FIGS.

First, as shown in FIG. 11, the client 5
On the top page, among the "normal work image" icon and the special work image icon, the "work special image" icon is clicked (S21). It is also possible to select “normal order for copyrighted images” and confirm that the desired picture is not posted, and then select “special order for copyrighted images”.

When "special order for copyrighted image" is selected by the requester 5, the display 11 transits to a "type of work selection screen", and the type of the desired work 3 is selected by the requester 5 ( S22). As a work type candidate,
“Photographs”, “paintings”, “murals”, “sculptures”, “prints” and “others” are listed, and here “photographs” is selected. Then, the display 11 transitions to a “copyright image information source selection screen”. In the "copyright image information source selection screen", the client 5 selects a desired information source of the copyrighted image 13 (S23). As a candidate for a copyrighted image information source,
Examples include "photo book", "poster", and "exhibition". Here, "photo book" is selected.

Next, the display 11 transits to the “basic information input screen”, and the client 5 inputs as detailed information (copyright information) as possible on the photograph (S2).
4). The information entry items include "photo book name", "publisher name", "page number", "photo name", "photo type",
"Data availability" and "Comments"
In the "comment" column, information as detailed as possible, such as the name of the purchase bookstore, which can be understood by the client 5, can be entered. If the client 5 can read the photograph with the scanner 23 or the like and attach the data, the requester 5 attaches the data to “presence / absence” as “Yes”. As described above, by obtaining the information as detailed as possible from the client 5, the management company 2 can quickly search for a photograph desired by the client 5.

When "poster" is selected as the copyrighted image information source, information entry items include
Examples include “poster advertiser”, “poster name”, “photo type”, “model name”, and “comment”. When “exhibition” is selected as the information source of the copyrighted image 13, the information entry items include “exhibition organizer”, “exhibition name”, “photo type”, and “photographer”. And "comments". However, when "poster" or "exhibition" is selected as the copyrighted image information source, it is often difficult to attach data, and thus no candidate for "presence / absence of data" is given.

After inputting all the contents, the display 1
1 When the confirmation icon displayed on the upper right is clicked, the display 11 transits to a “size selection screen” as shown in FIG. 12, and the requester 5 selects a desired size (S25). "Six-cut",
Sizes corresponding to the aspect ratio of the selected work, such as "quarter", "A2", "A3", etc.
The vertical or horizontal length can be input by inputting numerical keys on a keyboard connected to a personal computer. Here, “A2” is selected.

Next, the display 11 transits to an "order number designation screen", and the requester 5 selects a desired number (S26). As candidates for the number, "10"
There are some candidates for the number of orders that can be ordered, such as "50", "100", "1000", and the input of numeric keys on a keyboard connected to a personal computer. Thus, the number of sheets can be directly input. Here, "10" is selected.

Next, the display 11 transits to a “detailed item selection screen”, and the client 5 requests the author 4 (photographer).
Of the authentication 14 and the selection of the input of the serial number 34 are performed (S27).

If the authentication is “yes”, the type of the authentication 14 (for example, the signature or the seal of the author 4), the size to be specified, and the method of specifying the copyrighted image 13 (the copyrighted image data 2
1 can be selected (method of incorporating the authentication data 15 into the document 1 or printing of the copyrighted image 13) (in the case of no authentication, these candidates are not displayed and cannot be selected). Also, in the case of the serial number “Yes”, the display method of the serial number 34 (for example, “authentication + 1/10” or “1”
/ 10 + authentication "), the size to be specified, the copyrighted image 13
(A method of incorporating the serial number data 35 into the copyrighted image data 21 or a method of printing the copyrighted image 13) can be selected (in the case of a serial number "none", these candidates are displayed). Not selectable). Here, the authentication “Yes” and the serial number “Yes” are selected, and the respective types are also selected.

When the above input is completed, the display 1
1 changes to an “order confirmation screen”, and the requester 5 can confirm all order contents (S28). If the user wants to make a change or correction, he or she can return to that screen by clicking on the screen field of the screen that he wants to change or correct. After making changes and corrections, click the “To order confirmation screen” icon at the top right of the display 11 to return to the “Order confirmation screen” and click the “Confirm” icon.

The "go to order confirmation screen" icon is displayed only when predetermined contents have been input (S27).
reference). In the case of the present embodiment, the predetermined contents are, in addition to information for specifying a photograph, such as "photo book name" and "work name", "size" and "order quantity". Is set as a default value (“authentication“ none ””, “serial number“ none ”). At this point, if the "cancel" icon is clicked, all the above-mentioned operation contents are reset, and the display 11 transits to the top page (S21).

Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the display 11 transits to a “client information input screen”, and the requester 5
Performs input of contents relating to the user, such as "name", "address", "destination", using the keyboard (S29). When all contents have been entered, click the "temporary order" icon to place a temporary order. Even at this point, if the "cancel" icon is clicked, all of the above-described operation contents are reset, and the display 11 returns to the top page (S21).
Transitions to. After a few seconds after clicking the “Order” icon, the screen will change to the “Temporary order confirmation screen”, and the message “Receipt number” and “We will inform you of the order availability and charges within 2 weeks” will be displayed. Is performed (S30).

Although the method of special ordering of the copyrighted image 13 by the client 5 has been described above, it is not always necessary to input all the basic information. Further, it may be configured such that detailed specification other than the above-mentioned contents (for example, specification of a print medium) can be performed.

Next, the processing after receiving the order from the client 5 will be described. As shown in FIG.
Of the request contents (basic information and issuance conditions regarding the copyrighted image 13 and requester information) from the network N
It is transmitted to the server SV operated by the management company 2 via W (homepage HP) (and), and based on the request contents, obtains a publishing authorization from the author 4 (photographer) and sets a fee ( and). Author 4
If the publishing authorization is not obtained from, the management company 2 reports this to the client 5 (and). The means of reporting can be performed by various known means such as e-mail, telephone, FAX, and letter, and therefore, the description is omitted.

When the publishing authorization is obtained from the creator 4, the management company 2 informs the client 5 to that effect and reports the fee (and). However, for example,
If a condition from the author 4 is issued, such as limiting the number of publications to 10, the management company 2 also informs that fact. If there is no problem in the content and the fee reported from the management company 2, the client 5 makes a real order (and). When the client 5 makes a formal order, the management company 2 informs the client 5 that the order has been received, creates the copyrighted image data 21 based on the request, and prints the copyrighted image 13. The printing of the copyrighted image 13 is performed by a high-resolution printer,
It is sent to the destination of the client information ().

As described above, “special order for copyrighted images”
It is preferable that the created copyrighted image data 21 is stored in the database DB, and this is published on the homepage HP as a “ordered copyrighted image”. According to this configuration, a new user who wants to obtain the copyrighted image 13 can be recruited, and the copyrighted image 13 can be provided not only to the client 4 who made the special order but also to a plurality of persons.

Although the "special order for copyrighted image" has been described above, according to this method, even if the desired copyrighted image 13 is not posted on the homepage HP, the photograph on which the desired copyrighted image 13 is posted is displayed. By sending information (copyright information) such as collections, magazines, and posters to the server SV of the management company 2 via the homepage HP, a special order can be made. That is, the client 5 can obtain all the copyrighted images 13 by a simple method.

Further, the management company 2 can know the request of the client 5 (eg, what kind of copyrighted image 13 is required) and can respond to the client's 5 wide needs. For the author 4, the published magazines and the like play a catalog-like role and can be used as a new income source. Furthermore, if there is an order (“special order for copyrighted image”) from the client 5 even if the author 4 is anonymous, the copyrighted image data 21 is created, and thereafter stored in the database DB, and “written image normal” Since an order can be received as an “order,” an opportunity to publish one's own work without being influenced by the intention of the management company 2 can be obtained.

As described above, according to the copyrighted image publishing system and method of the present invention, when the client 5 looks at a photograph published in a magazine or the like and wants to obtain a favorite photograph, When various information (copyright information) about a photograph (copyright 3) is transmitted to a person who manages and operates the system 1 (management company 2), the management company 2 writes the work 3 based on the information. The author 4 is specified, and the author 4 obtains permission to issue the copyrighted image 13 based on the copyrighted work 3. Then, after receiving the authorization, the copyrighted image 13 based on the original of the copyrighted work 3 obtained from the author 4
Is generated, and a copyrighted image 13 is output from the copyrighted image data 21 (printed matter, recording medium, data, etc.) and issued.

That is, when obtaining the copyrighted image 13, the client 5 examines the author 4,
It is possible to have the management company 2 perform a complicated procedure such as making a contract for obtaining permission to issue the copyrighted image 13. Therefore, the client 5 can obtain the desired copyrighted image 13 by a simple method. Author 4
For, the magazine in which the photograph is published plays a role of a catalog.
3), the system 1 can be used as a new business medium. Furthermore, management company 2
Can issue all the copyrighted images 13 in response to a request from the client 5, so that the client 5 can also respond to the detailed needs of the client 5.

In order to obtain the copyrighted work information stored in the database DB, for example, if a photograph of the copyrighted work 3 desired by the client 5 is published in a magazine, the client 5
Image data obtained by scanning the photograph portion as copyright information is stored in a database DB, and is stored in a management company 2
Can be obtained. Therefore, the management company 2 can accurately specify the copyrighted image 13 desired by the client 5. That is, since the management company 2 can identify the copyrighted work 3 without fail, it is possible to eliminate troubles such as erroneous publication of the copyrighted image 13 and operate the system 1 smoothly.

The server S provided with the database DB
Since V is included, various modes of management, such as adding and associating another database DB with the same server SV, can be performed. Also, one server SV and a plurality of terminals 1
By connecting 6 (client), management becomes easy. Further, since the client 5 accesses the server SV and gives an instruction, it is possible to directly order the copyrighted image 13 without the intervention of a publisher or the like, and the client 5 can order the copyrighted image 13 more quickly and easily. Can be obtained.

The server S via the network NW
Since the user can access the V, the client 5 can order a copyrighted image from a distance without directly visiting the place where the device equipped with the present system 1 is installed. Also, a plurality of servers SV can be connected via the network NW.
Is connected, this system 1 can be deployed over a wide area.

Further, since the database DB includes a shared database DB accessible from another server SV connected to the network NW, sharing and unification of information can be promoted, storage capacity can be reduced, and management can be performed by unification. Easier to remove.

Further, in order to use the existing network NW (in the embodiment, the Internet is used.
A network constructed using a LAN or the like may be used), and it is not necessary to construct a new network NW, and it is possible to easily cope with further wide area deployment.

A homepage H on the Internet
The copyrighted work information from the client 5 who has accessed P can be obtained. Therefore, the client 5 can easily send the copyrighted work information and order the copyrighted image 13. Further, in this case, since the requester 5 can leave the transmission history, the management company 2 issues an incorrect copyrighted image 13 or the client 5 transmits incorrect copyrighted information. This transmission history can be used as evidence when a trouble such as being lost occurs. Therefore, by transmitting the copyrighted work information using the Internet, the client 5 can order the copyrighted image 13 with peace of mind. In addition, the management company 2 can smoothly operate the present system 1 because it also leads to trouble prevention.

The requester 5 has changed the image quality, the number of prints, the type of output medium (for example, paper, cloth, cell, etc.), the image configuration (for example, the configuration of extracting a part of the image or the design of a part of the image). Since the issuance conditions such as the configuration and the print size can be specified, the copyrighted image 13 that meets the needs of the client 5 can be issued.

[0138] In the "order of copyrighted images",
Since the issuance fee can be calculated based on the issuance condition, the requester 5 can check the issuance fee based on the issuance condition, and when ordering a plurality of copyrighted images 13, the total amount of the issuance fee Can be confirmed. Also, even if the order is made a plurality of times, the requester 5 can grasp the accumulated charge up to that time, and the management company 2 can also confirm the billing amount for each requester 5, so that the issuance charge billing process can be performed. It can be simplified.

[0139] Further, as information on the client 5, for example, information such as the name and address of the client 5 is stored in the database DB in association with the copyrighted image data 21 of the ordered copyrighted image 13. The managing company 2 manages who has ordered which copyrighted image 13,
Since the destination of the issued copyrighted image 13 can be confirmed, the issuing process of the copyrighted image 13 is facilitated. Also,
Since the client 5 can grasp the copyrighted images 13 he or she has ordered in the past and the issuing conditions thereof, the problem of double ordering and the like is eliminated. Furthermore, if an order number is set so that the client 5 can be identified once the order is placed, the client 5
Does not require the user to input a name or address each time an order is placed, which facilitates the ordering operation.

Further, since the authentication 14 is clearly indicated on the copyrighted image 13, it is possible to clearly prove that the authorization has been obtained from the author 4 (the creator of the copyrighted work 3).

If the authentication data 15 obtained by converting the authentication 14 into data is configured to be incorporated into the copyrighted image data 21,
Even if a large number of copyrighted images 13 are issued, it is possible to prove by simple processing that they have been approved by the creator 4 (the creator of the copyrighted work 3), and the same copyrighted image 1
The management of the issue numbers and the like for No. 3 is also easy.

Also, the copyrighted image 1 issued as a printed matter
If the certification 14 is configured to be printed and issued, a realistic display such as printing a seal of the author 4 (the creator of the work 3) as the certification 14 is possible. Further, even the same copyrighted image 13 is printed together with the authentication 14 by combining the name and the like of the client 5 (for example, Dear Mr. T).
(ana from from TaroYamada) is possible.

In addition, since the serial number 34 indicating the number of issued copyrighted images 13 is clearly indicated on the copyrighted image 13, the requester 5 can know the past number of issued images and the copyrighted image 13 is unique in the world. Two things can be clearly proved.

If the serial number data 35 obtained by converting the serial number 34 into data is incorporated into the copyrighted image data 21, even if a large number of copyrighted images 13 are issued, the serial number 34 can be specified by simple processing. In addition to this, it becomes easy to manage the issue number and the like for the same copyrighted image 13.

Also, the copyrighted image 1 issued as a printed matter
By printing and issuing the serial number 34 on the serial number 3, a realistic display such as printing the serial number 34 in the style of handwriting of the author 4 (the creator of the work 3) becomes possible. In addition, the name of the client 5 is printed together with the serial number 34 (for example, Dear Mr. Tanaka 1 /
100) becomes possible.

[0146] The copyrighted image data 2 representing the copyrighted image 13 based on the copyrighted work 3 designated by the client 5 in the past.
1 is generated and stored in the database DB. Therefore, when a new user who wants to obtain the stored copyrighted image 13 (may be the same as the client 5 who ordered the copyrighted image 13 in the past) appears. Thus, the copyrighted image 13 can be issued quickly without having to regenerate the copyrighted image data 21.

That is, when the management company 2 that manages the present system 1 receives an order for issuing the copyrighted image 13 from the client 5, it can set a fee in anticipation of an order from a user other than the client 5. Therefore, the copyrighted image 13 can be provided at relatively low cost. In addition, a contract with the author 4 has already been made, and since only the digitized copyrighted image data 21 is output and issued, the client 5
Can quickly and easily obtain the desired copyrighted image 13. The author 4 also has the advantage that the author 4 can be used as a place for widely publishing his or her own copyrighted image 13 other than by exhibiting at an exhibition or publishing it in a publication.

The copyrighted image data 21 stored in the database DB is output as a printed material 26 for advertising such as a magazine (a so-called “catalog”), and is issued to a user who has never used the Internet or the like. In contrast, the present system 1 can be widely publicized.
In addition, since the user can easily specify the copyrighted image 13 such as "I want a copyrighted image of the work numbered XX published in the printed matter for advertisement", the user must place an order by telephone or the like. Can be. Along with this,
The management company 2 can receive orders for the copyrighted images 13 from a wide range of users.

Further, since the printed matter on which the copyrighted image 13 is printed and the printed matter for advertisement 26 are printed by an ink jet method, it is easy to obtain a printed matter of relatively beautiful color especially in the case of color printing, and furthermore, the photographic data is one of the printed matter data. When it is included as a copy, a printed matter with good appearance can be obtained.

Also, the copyrighted image data 21 stored in the database DB is stored in a CD-ROM, MD, DV,
By providing the user with the advertisement recording medium 27 stored in a recording medium such as D, PD, and zip, the system 1 can be widely advertised to the user who has acquired the advertisement recording medium 27. Further, the user “wants a copyrighted image of the work with the work number XX in the recording medium for advertisement”.
In this way, the copyrighted image 13 can be easily specified, so that an order can be made by telephone or the like. Along with this, a management company 2 that manages the system 1
Can receive an order for the copyrighted image 13 from a wide range of users. Further, if a program for automatically accessing a home page linked to the server SV on which the present system 1 is operated is incorporated in the advertisement recording medium 27, and the advertisement recording medium 27 is read by a personal computer or the like, a quicker and faster operation is possible. The order of the copyrighted image 13 can be easily made.

The author 4 and the client 5 may be the same. According to this configuration, the author 4 can make his or her work 3
, A copyrighted image 13 based on the Also,
If the copyrighted image data 21 representing the copyrighted image 13 is stored in the database DB and posted on the homepage, the author can widely disclose his copyrighted image 13.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the issue fee can be confirmed when the client places an order for the copyrighted image 13 in the “ordinary order for copyrighted image”.
Also in the “special order for copyrighted images”, the issue fee or the scheduled price may be calculated so that the requester 5 can grasp it. According to this configuration, the requester 5 can grasp the issuance fee or the estimated price at the time of ordering, and can place an order with peace of mind. In addition, the requester 5 can cancel the order if he is dissatisfied with the price setting,
For the management company 2, the author 4
This eliminates the need to check for and negotiate a contract.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the published copyrighted image 13 is sold, but it may be rented. According to this, once the copyrighted image data 21 is created, the management company 2 can easily rent the copyrighted image 13 to a plurality of users at a low cost because the subsequent publication of the copyrighted image 13 is easy regardless of the number of images. On the other hand, the user can appreciate the high-quality copyrighted image 13 as close as possible to the original at low cost, and thus can use the copyrighted image issuing system 1 of the present invention more easily.

In addition to the embodiments described above, for example, the system configuration, the operation mode, and the like, and the print issuance target and the like can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

As described above, according to the copyrighted image issuing system and method of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a copyrighted image such as a painting or a photograph by a quick and simple method.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a copyrighted image issuing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of processing of copyrighted image data according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram showing another example of the copyrighted image issuing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure for ordering a copyrighted image according to the first embodiment of the present invention, together with a display on a display.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view following FIG. 4 showing an order procedure of a copyrighted image together with a display on a display;

6 is an explanatory diagram following FIG. 5 and showing a procedure for ordering a copyrighted image together with a display on a display. FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view following FIG. 6 showing a procedure for ordering a copyrighted image together with a display on a display;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view following FIG. 5 showing a procedure for ordering a copyrighted image together with a display on a display;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view following FIG. 8 showing a procedure for ordering a copyrighted image together with a display on a display;

FIG. 10 is a system configuration diagram of a copyrighted image issuing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure for ordering a copyrighted image according to a second embodiment of the present invention along with a display on a display.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view following FIG. 11 showing a procedure for ordering a copyrighted image together with a display on a display;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view following FIG. 12 showing an order procedure of a copyrighted image together with a display on a display.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a copyrighted image issued by the copyrighted image issuing system of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a publishing contract exchanged between a management company and an author in the copyrighted image line system of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a conventional operation mode for issuing a copyrighted image.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 copyrighted image issuing system 2 management company 3 copyrighted work 4 author 5 client 11 display 13 copyrighted image 14 authentication 15 authentication data 16 terminal 21 copyrighted image data 22 author information 23 scanner 24 computer 25 storage device 26 advertising printed matter 27 Advertisement recording medium 28 Printer 34 Serial number 35 Serial number data DB database DB1 Shared database DB2 Requester information database HP Homepage NW Network SV server

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) G06T 1/00 200 H04N 1/387 H04N 1/387 B41J 29/00 Z F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AQ05 CL08 HH03 HJ06 HJ08 HK04 HK07 HK11 HK15 HL01 HN05 HN15 HQ17 5B021 AA01 BB02 5B049 BB00 BB49 CC36 EE05 FF02 FF03 GG07 5B050 AA10 BA10 BA15 CA08 DA04 DA10 EA19 FA02 FA03 FA19 GA08 5C076 AA14 AA16 BA02

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. A copyrighted image publishing system for publishing a copyrighted image, which is an image of a copyrighted work specified by a client, based on the author's permission, and acquires copyrighted work information on the copyrighted work specified by the client. A copyrighted work information acquisition unit, and a copyrighted work image issuance that specifies the copyrighted work and the creator of the copyrighted work based on the copyrighted work information, and is authorized by the author to publish a copyrighted image based on the copyrighted work. An authorization accepting unit, a copyrighted image data generating unit that generates copyrighted image data representing the copyrighted image based on an original of the copyrighted work obtained from the author, and a copyrighted image of the copyrighted image data is output. A copyrighted image issuing system comprising: a copyrighted image issuing means for issuing. 2. The copyrighted image publishing system according to claim 1, wherein the copyrighted information obtaining means obtains copyrighted information stored in a database. 3. The system according to claim 2, further comprising a server having the database, wherein the copyrighted work information acquiring unit includes a copyrighted work information acquiring unit that acquires the copyrighted work information from the client who has accessed the server. 2. The copyrighted image issuing system according to 2. 4. The copyrighted image publishing system according to claim 3, wherein said server is accessible via a network. 5. The copyrighted image publishing system according to claim 4, wherein the database includes a shared database accessible from another server connected to the network. 6. The copyrighted image issuing system according to claim 4, wherein the network is the Internet or a LAN. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the copyright information obtaining means includes means for obtaining copyright information from the client who has accessed a homepage on the Internet. Copyright image publishing system. 8. The copyrighted image publishing system according to claim 1, wherein the author includes a creator of the copyrighted work and / or a copyright holder of the copyrighted work. . 9. An image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: an issuance condition specifying unit that specifies, based on an instruction from the client, an issuance condition for a copyrighted image based on the work specified by the client. 9. The copyrighted image issuance system according to claim 1, wherein the copyrighted image is issued based on an issuance condition. 10. The issuance conditions include image quality, number of issued sheets,
The system according to claim 9, wherein the system includes at least one of a type of the output medium, an image configuration, and a print size. 11. The copyrighted image publishing system according to claim 9, further comprising an issuance charge calculating means for calculating an issuance charge based on the issuance condition. 12. A requester information storage means for storing information on the requester in a database in association with the copyrighted image data representing a copyrighted image based on the designated work, in a database. A copyrighted image issuing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11. 13. The copyrighted image publishing means specifies, on the copyrighted image, a certificate certifying that the copyrighted image based on the copyrighted work designated by the requester has been approved by the author. 13. The copyrighted image publishing system according to claim 1, further comprising an authentication specifying unit. 14. The copyrighted image issuance system according to claim 13, wherein said authentication specifying means includes means for incorporating authentication data obtained by converting said authentication into data into said copyrighted image data. 15. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the copyrighted image issuing unit includes a printed matter issuing unit that issues the copyrighted image as a printed matter, and the authentication specifying unit includes a unit that prints the authentication on the printed matter. 13. The copyrighted image issuing system according to item 13. 16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the copyrighted image issuing unit includes a serial number indicating unit that specifies a serial number indicating the number of issued copyrighted images on the copyrighted image. The described copyrighted image issuing system. 17. The copyrighted image publishing system according to claim 16, wherein said serial number specifying means includes means for incorporating serial number data obtained by converting the serial number into data of the copyrighted image data. 18. The copyrighted image issuing means includes a printed matter issuing means for issuing the copyrighted image as a printed matter, and the serial number specifying means includes a means for printing the serial number on the printed matter. Claim 1
6. The copyrighted image issuing system according to item 6. 19. The printed matter is printed by an ink jet method.
Or the copyrighted image issuing system according to 18. 20. The copyrighted image issuing system according to claim 1, further comprising copyrighted image data storage means for storing the copyrighted image data in a database. 21. The copyrighted image publishing system according to claim 20, further comprising advertising printed matter output means for outputting the copyrighted image data stored in the database as a printed matter for advertisement. 22. The copyrighted image issuing system according to claim 21, wherein the printed matter for advertisement is printed by an inkjet method. 23. The copyrighted image publishing system according to claim 20, further comprising an advertisement recording medium storage means for storing the copyrighted image data stored in the database on a recording medium for advertisement. 24. The copyrighted image publishing system according to claim 1, wherein the requester and the author are the same. 25. A copyrighted image publishing method for publishing a copyrighted image, which is an image of a copyrighted work specified by a client, based on the author's permission, wherein copyrighted information on the copyrighted work specified by the client is obtained. Obtaining a copyrighted work image based on the copyrighted work information, identifying the copyrighted work and the creator of the copyrighted work based on the copyrighted work information, and obtaining approval from the writer for the publication of a copyrighted image based on the copyrighted work. An authorization acceptance step, a copyrighted image data generating step of generating copyrighted image data representing the copyrighted image based on the original of the copyrighted work obtained from the author, a copyrighted work for outputting a copyrighted image of the copyrighted image data A copyrighted image issuance method, comprising: an image issuance step. 26. The copyrighted image issuance method according to claim 25, wherein in the copyrighted information obtaining step, copyrighted information is obtained from the client who accesses a server having a database. 27. The copyrighted image issuance method according to claim 25, wherein the copyrighted information acquiring step acquires copyrighted information from the client who has accessed a homepage on the Internet. 28. The method according to claim 25, wherein the requester and the author are the same.