JP2002352095A - Network photo service system and method for providing photo service using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network photo service system and its method by which a photographing person inexpensively can have picture data kept and usage by a large number of users benefits a service provider. SOLUTION: Pictures provided from picture registering persons 2 and 3 are disclosed on a communication network in a photo service system. The system is provided with a picture registering person identifying means 12 for identifying the picture registering persons, a picture data storage means 13 for storing and keeping the pictures, a Web picture generating means 145 for converting stored picture data into a thumbnail picture and generating the picture to be read on a network, a picture data providing means 15 for providing the picture selected by a picture reader 4 by a printer output or the transmission of picture data with high quality, etc., an access time measuring means 16 for measuring the selection times by the picture reader and a charge deciding means 17 for deciding the money amount of payment or charge to be collected to/from the picture registering person.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network photo service system and a photo service providing method using the system, and more particularly, to a photo gallery for collecting and paying a storage fee for providing and storing images. The present invention relates to a network photo service system and a photo service providing method using the system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an increasing number of users enjoy taking photographs using a digital camera. With a digital camera, there is no need to purchase and load film, so you can take pictures freely without worrying about the number of films. On the other hand,
Since the number of photos that can be stored in a digital camera is limited, the image data of the shot photos can be stored by the user himself in a storage medium such as a computer terminal, MO, CD-R, or a predetermined storage fee. You will have to pay and store it on the service provider's server, but as digital cameras become more sophisticated, the size of image data increases,
It is becoming difficult for the user to store a large number of photo data by himself.

[0003] On the other hand, with the spread of the Internet, various photo services using digital image data have been performed. As one of them, there is a network photo service for transmitting digital image data to a service provider system using the Internet network and receiving a print order on a web screen. In this photo service, image data requested to be printed can be stored for a certain period of time by paying a predetermined storage fee.

[0004] As another service using image data, there is a photo gallery in which a photograph taken by a user using the Internet network is disclosed to a third party on a web screen. In this photo gallery, the service provider keeps the image data sent from the user for a certain period of time, makes it possible to browse, and provides a service using predetermined image data in response to a request from a third party to browse. Is going.

[0005]

However, the above-mentioned conventional photo service system using the Internet has the following problems.

First, in a network photo service that accepts print orders using the Internet,
The purpose of the service provider is to print the provided photos, and the storage of image data is an ancillary service. When a large amount of image data is brought in from many users, this image data is A large-capacity server must be provided separately for storage. Moreover, image data of a photograph is required to be stored for a long period of time, and storing image data as an ancillary service imposes a heavy burden on a service provider.

Therefore, a user who desires a storage service is charged a fixed fee in accordance with the number of stored photos and the storage period. , The amount of money becomes considerably large, and this time, a heavy burden is imposed on the service user. Then, the user refraines from using the service itself, and cannot promote the use of the original print service itself.

[0008] In the photo gallery, image providers generally provide images free of charge or at a fixed fee, but some of the provided photos can be viewed or purchased by many third parties. Some photos are good, others are poorly accessed and hardly ever accessed. In a system where a fixed fee is charged regardless of the quality of the photos, it is difficult to provide an incentive to provide good photos, and as a result, it is not possible to improve the quality of the photo gallery and promote its use. .

As described above, with the spread of high-performance, low-priced digital cameras and the Internet, users who take pictures with digital cameras need a service for storing image data at low prices for a long time. On the other hand, service providers need a service that can collect a large amount of image data and promote the use of prints and photo galleries.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a main object of the present invention is to enable a user who takes a picture to store image data at a low cost, and to provide a print service and a photo gallery. Is to provide a network photo service system that can be used by many users and a photo service method using the system.

[0011]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, a photo service system of the present invention discloses an image provided by an image owner on a network, and provides a service using the image to a third party. A photo service system for providing an image owner, an image owner identification unit for storing and identifying information for identifying the image owner, an image data storage unit for storing the image and storing the image for a predetermined period, Image display means for converting the image data into a thumbnail image and displaying it on a network in a state that can be viewed by a third party, and providing the image selected by the third party to the third party in a predetermined form Image providing means, for each of the images, a selection number measuring means for measuring the number of selections by the third party, and referring to the number of times measured, to the image owner A fee determining means for determining the amount of fee for payment or collection, the one having at least.

In the present invention, when a predetermined image storage fee is collected for the image provided by the image owner, the fee setting means sets the collected storage fee according to the number of times. It may be configured to reduce the amount of money or extend the storage period of the image.

In the present invention, when a predetermined reward is given to the image provided by the image owner, the fee setting means increases the reward to be given in accordance with the number of times. Alternatively, the storage period of the image may be extended.

[0014] In the present invention, the image selected by the third party is preferably provided to the third party as print or high-quality image data by the image providing means. The image data of the image quality may be composed of an original image provided by the image owner or a modified image subjected to a predetermined process.

In the present invention, the photo service system further comprises means for automatically distributing the thumbnail image, and when a new image is added from the image holder, the thumbnail image is registered in advance. A configuration may be adopted in which the thumbnail image formed from the added image is automatically distributed to the third party.

Further, the photo service system of the present invention is a photo service system for publishing an image provided by an image owner on a network and providing a service using the image to a third party. Customer identification means for storing and identifying information specifying the third party who desires automatic distribution, image data storage means for storing the image data provided by the image owner, and storing the data for a predetermined period. Image display means for converting the stored image data into a thumbnail image and displaying the thumbnail image on a network so that the image data can be browsed by a third party; and registering in advance when a new image is added by the image holder. Image distribution means for automatically distributing a thumbnail image formed from the added image to the third party.

[0017] A method of providing a photo service according to the present invention is a method of publishing an image provided by an image owner on a network and providing a service to a third party using the image. Storing the image provided by the image owner and storing the image data for a predetermined period; converting the stored image data into a thumbnail image and displaying the thumbnail image in a state that can be viewed by a third party on a network. Providing the image selected by the third party to the third party in a predetermined form, and for each of the images, counting the number of selections by the third party,
Determining the amount of the fee to be paid or collected to the image owner with reference to the measured number of times.

[0018] A method of providing a photo service according to the present invention is a method of publishing an image provided by an image owner on a network and providing a service using the image to a third party. Registering the third party who desires automatic distribution of the image data, storing the image data provided by the image owner, and storing the image data for a predetermined period, and storing the stored image data in a thumbnail image. Converting and displaying in a state that can be viewed by a third party on the network, and when a new image is added from the image holder, for the third party registered in advance,
Automatically distributing a thumbnail image formed from the added image.

As described above, according to the present invention, the amount charged to the image registrant is changed in accordance with the number of times the image viewer requests printing or transmission of high quality image data for the image provided by the image registrant. Decrease, increase rewards,
By giving benefits such as extending the storage period of image data, the convenience of the image data provider, the service provider, and the image viewer can be improved, and the photo service can be promoted. it can.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In a preferred embodiment of the photo service system according to the present invention, an image provided by an image registrant is disclosed on a communication network, and the image is printed to a viewer, and high image quality is provided. A photo service system for providing a service such as provision of an image, comprising: an image registrant identification unit for identifying an image registrant; and an image data storage unit for storing the provided image and storing it for a predetermined period. Web screen creation means for converting the stored image data into a thumbnail image and creating a screen viewable on a network, and printing out an image selected by an image viewer, transmitting high quality image data, and the like. Image data providing means for providing the image viewer, access number measuring means for measuring the number of selections by the image viewer for each image, With reference to the number of times that is measured is the charge determination means for determining the amount of fee for payment or collection for the image registrant, those having at least.

That is, according to the present invention, there are a user who wants to store image data of a photograph taken by himself, a service provider who wants to promote the use of the service, and a viewer who wants to browse a good photograph. In order to satisfy the customer, in the photo gallery where the photos provided by the user are displayed on the web screen, the storage fee is reduced according to the number of times the third party views, prints, and downloads the photos provided by the user. Or to provide a certain reward to promote the use.

[0022]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention;

First Embodiment First, a photo service system according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a method for providing a photo service using the system will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the photo service system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functions of a service center included in the photo service system. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the procedure of the photo service for each constituent, and FIG.
It is the flowchart figure. The present embodiment relates to a photo gallery, and is characterized by the convenience of three persons, an image registrant, a service provider, and a viewer.

As shown in FIG. 1, the photo service system according to the present embodiment provides image data of a photograph taken by a portable device having a photographing function such as a digital camera 2b using a computer terminal 2a. Person 2 or an image registrant 3 who provides image data of a photograph taken by a digital camera 3b or the like using a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone 3a.
And store the image data of the provided photograph and w
a service center 1 which is displayed on the eb screen in a browsable state, prints out the image data as necessary, or transmits high quality image data, and a service center 1
An image viewer 4 who browses image data that can be browsed on the web screen by using the computer terminal 4a is connected via a communication network 5 such as the Internet. It is preferable that the communication network 5 and the center server 1a are connected by a high-speed communication line 7 so that large-sized image data can be transmitted and received without any trouble.

The service center 1 has a center server 1a for storing and storing the image data transmitted from the image registrants 2 and 3, a fee collected from the image registrants 2 and 3, A remittance / charging server 1b for determining a remuneration amount to be paid to the client 3, and performing remittance and charging; and a printing device such as a printer 1c for printing a photo requested by the image viewer 4 at the service center 1. May be provided.

When the image data is not printed at the service center 1 but at a photo service store 6 such as a mini lab, the photo service store 6 is connected to the communication network 5, and in accordance with an instruction from the service center 1. A configuration in which printing is performed and provided to the image viewer 4 may be employed.

The service center 1 stores, by function, a connection means 11 for connecting to the communication network 5, an ID, a password, and the like, as shown in FIG. Image registrant identification means 1
2, image data storage means 13 for storing and storing the image data transmitted from the image registrants 2 and 3, w for creating a screen for displaying the transmitted image data on the web
eb screen creating means 14, image data providing means 15 for printing out image data selected by image viewer 4 or transmitting high quality image data, and the number of times of printing out or transmitting high quality image data for each image data , A charge determining unit 17 for determining the amount to be charged and remitted to the image registrants 2 and 3 according to the counted number, and a charging / remitting unit 18. .

The procedure from when the image registrants 2 and 3 provide the image data until the billing or the payment of the reward is performed by using the photo service system having the above-described structure is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

First, a person who provides image data to the photo service system according to the present embodiment checks in step S101 (FIG. 3).
2), registration is performed with the center server 1a in the service center 1 according to a predetermined procedure. As a registration method, the computer terminal 2a, the mobile phone 3a
Any method such as a method of accessing the center server 1a via the communication network 5 to obtain an ID and a password may be used. Note that this registration is not always necessary, but in this embodiment, in order to collect fees and pay remunerations to the image providers 2 and 3, it is necessary to register in order to smoothly perform charging and remittance. preferable.

In step S102, the image registrants 2 and 3 registered in the center server 1a access the center server 1 using the assigned ID and password, and photograph themselves with the digital cameras 2b and 3b. The image data of the photograph is transferred to the computer terminal 2a and the mobile phone 3
The data is transmitted to the center server 1a using a or the like.

Here, as the image data, the image data generally taken by the image registrants 2 and 3 with the digital cameras 2b and 3b is not limited to the image data taken with the digital cameras 2b and 3b. Film data of the photographed photograph may be converted into digital data at a photo service store such as a mini lab, or image data obtained by a regular method through the Internet or a wireless line. As a method for transmitting image data to the center server 1a, the computer terminals 2 of the image registrants 2 and 3
The image data may be transmitted using a communication device installed in a facility such as a photo service store or a convenience store, without being limited to the method using the mobile phone 3a or the mobile phone 3a. Any method can be used as long as the image data captured or acquired by the registrants 2 and 3 can be transmitted to the center server 1a through the communication network 5.

Next, in step S103, the center server 1a having received the image data from the image registrants 2 and 3 stores the image data in the image data storage means 13, and in step S104, stores the stored image data. The data is arranged in a predetermined manner to create a photo gallery screen that can be browsed on the web. At this time, the display screen may be arranged in an arbitrary form, such as grouping in an album format for each user, grouping by theme, and sequentially displaying one by one assuming browsing on a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone. Can be displayed. In displaying, it is preferable to display an image reduced in a thumbnail format for easy access.

Next, in step S105, the image viewer 4 browses the photo gallery displayed on the web. At the time of browsing, it is optional whether to request registration to the center server 1a or to allow unrestricted access.
In addition to browsing using a, it is also possible to browse using a wireless communication device such as a portable terminal, or to browse using a terminal installed in a facility such as a photo service store or a convenience store.

Then, in step S106 (FIG. 3,
), The image viewer 4 selects a photo from the thumbnail images displayed in the photo gallery and requests the center server 1a to transmit the thumbnail image. In response to this request, the center server 1a 4 and the thumbnail image is transmitted. It is preferable that the thumbnail image is provided free of charge from the viewpoint of promoting services.

In step S107, if there is a favorite photo in the photo gallery or in the obtained thumbnail image, the image viewer 4 proceeds to step S108 (in FIG. 3) to select the center server 1.
A request for print output of the picture or a request for transmission of high-quality image data is made to the server a. The center server 1a provides prints or high-quality image data as desired by the image viewer 4. Note that the high-quality image here is an original image provided by the image registrants 2 and 3,
In some cases, the original image may be a corrected image in which color adjustment or trimming processing is performed on the original image or a frame prepared in advance is added.

When the image viewer 4 desires a print output, the image viewer 4 provides necessary information such as an address and a name to the center server 1a, and the printer 1c in the service center 1 The print output using the printing device of the photo service store 6 is mailed or sent to the photo service store 6 to receive it. If the user desires to transmit high-quality image data, the image viewer 4 provides information such as a mail address, an address, and a name, and receives the data via the communication network 5 or stores the data in a predetermined storage. The image data stored in the medium is received by mail.
It is preferable that a predetermined fee be charged to the image viewer 4 for this print service or transmission of high-quality image data (see FIG. 3).

In step S109, the service center 1 counts the number of printouts or transmissions of high-quality image data performed to the image viewer 4, and in step S110, refers to this count to display the image. Set the amount of charging or reward for the registrants 2 and 3. That is, normally, the fee is set according to the number of provided image data, the storage period of the image data, and the like. In the present embodiment, the fee is set based on the amount set based on the number of image data and the storage period. From this reference amount, the charge amount is reduced, the reward amount is increased, or other services are added to the image registrant 2,
3 is characterized by the convenience.

For example, in the case of a system in which a predetermined fee is collected for each image data for posting and storage, the fee is reduced according to the count number, or the storage period of the image data is extended. In the case of a system that gives free or a predetermined reward for the posting and storage of image data, we will add a reward amount according to the count number, extend the storage period of image data,
Convenience can be achieved such as increasing the basic reward for the provision of the image after the next time.

Then, in step S111 (FIG. 3), the remittance / charging server 1b transmits the calculated remittance or charging information to the image registrants 2 and 3, and the image registrants 2 and 3 Payment is made by a known method, for example, by card approval, or payment is made to a bank account or the like.

As described above, a service provider who provides a photograph for which a print request or a transmission request for high-quality image data is frequently made is often accessed by a third party, which contributes to the promotion of use of the service. Will be. Therefore,
By giving such a privilege to the image registrants 2 and 3 and discounting the storage fee, increasing the reward amount, or extending the storage period, the burden on the image registrants 2 and 3 can be reduced. In addition, by providing such benefits, the image registrants 2, 3 strive to provide good photos that can be accessed by many image viewers 4,
If many good-looking photos are gathered in the gallery, it becomes easier for the image viewer 4 to obtain desired photos, and the service provider can promote the use of the photos. Benefits are born.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a photo service system according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a method of providing a photo service using the system will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 5 to 7. I do. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing functions of a service center that constitutes the photo service system. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the procedure of the photo service for each constituent, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart thereof. This embodiment is characterized in that it is easy to obtain an image in a photo gallery.

As shown in FIG. 1, the photo service system according to the present embodiment converts image data of a photograph taken by a digital camera 2b, 3b or the like into a computer terminal 2a, a cellular phone or the like, similarly to the first embodiment. The image registrants 2 and 3 provided by using 3a and the like, and the image data of the provided photos are stored and displayed in a browsable state on a web screen, and the image data is printed out as necessary. And a service center 1 for automatically transmitting image data of high quality and transmitting an updated image automatically.
Using the computer terminal 4a, the user can browse the image data that can be browsed on the web screen by using the computer terminal 4a, and receive the automatically distributed update image via the communication network 5 such as the Internet. Connected.

The service center 1 stores and stores image data transmitted from the image registrants 2 and 3 and automatically distributes updated images to image viewers 4 registered in advance. Also, the service center 1 is provided with a remittance / charging server 1b that determines a fee to be collected from the image registrants 2 and 3 or a reward amount to be paid to the image registrants 2 and 3 and performs remittance and charging. Printer 1c that prints a photo requested by image viewer 4
Etc. may be provided.

When printing of image data is not performed at the service center 1 but at a photo service store 6 such as a mini lab, the photo service store 6 is connected to the communication network 5, and in accordance with an instruction from the service center 1. A configuration in which printing is performed and provided to the image viewer 4 may be employed.

The service center 1 stores, by function, a connection means 11 for connecting to the communication network 5, an ID, a password, etc., as shown in FIG. Image registrant identification means 1
2, image viewer identification means 19 for identifying an image viewer 4 who desires automatic distribution of an updated image, image data storage means 13 for storing and storing image data transmitted from image registrants 2 and 3, Web screen creating means 14 for creating a screen for displaying the transmitted image data on the Web,
An updated image distribution unit 20 for automatically distributing the thumbnail image of the updated photo to the registered image viewer 4, and prints out the image data selected by the image viewer 4 or transmits high-quality image data. Image data providing means 1
5 and an access count measuring means 16 for counting the number of printouts or transmission of high quality image data for each image data
And at least a fee determining means 17 for determining the amount to be charged and remitted to the image registrants 2 and 3 according to the count number, and a charging / remitting means 18.

After the image registrants 2 and 3 provide the image data using the photo service system having the above configuration, the image is distributed to the image viewer 4 and the image registrants 2 and 3 are charged or paid. FIG. 6 shows a procedure until the process is performed.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

First, as in the first embodiment described above, the person who provides image data to the photo service system of the present embodiment determines in step S201 (FIG. 6) the service center 1 in the service center 1 according to a predetermined procedure. Registration with the center server 1a is performed by an existing method. Note that this registration is not always necessary, but in this embodiment, the image providers 2 and 3 collect fees and pay rewards.
It is preferable that the information is registered for smooth billing and remittance.

In step S202, the image registrants 2, 3 registered in the center server 1a access the center server 1 using the assigned ID and password, and photograph themselves with the digital cameras 2b, 3b and the like. The image data of the photograph is transferred to the computer terminal 2a and the mobile phone 3
The data is transmitted to the center server 1a using a or the like. Note that the image data may be data obtained by converting a film of a photograph taken by a film camera into digital data at a photo service store such as a mini lab, or image data obtained by a regular method through the Internet or a wireless line. Is also good. As a method of transmitting the image data to the center server 1a, the image data may be transmitted using a communication device installed in a facility such as a photo service store or a convenience store.

Next, in step S203, the center server 1a having received the image data from the image registrants 2 and 3 stores the image data in the image data storage unit 13, and then in step S204, stores the stored image data. The data is arranged in a predetermined manner to create a predetermined photo gallery screen that can be browsed on the web. In displaying, it is preferable to display an image reduced in a thumbnail format for easy access.

Next, in step S205 (FIG. 6), the image viewer 4 browses the photo gallery displayed on the web, and as a result, the quality of the image displayed in the photo gallery is good, and When automatic distribution of an updated image is desired when the image is updated, the center server 1a
Register for. Generally, the number of images displayed in a photo gallery is large, and unless the user browses the entire gallery, it is impossible to find updated images such as newly added images and corrected images. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even if the image viewer 4 does not access the photo gallery, only the updated image can be viewed on the computer terminal or the mobile terminal, etc., and the convenience of the image viewer 4 is improved. It is.

Then, in step S206 (FIG. 6), the image viewer 4 selects a photo from the thumbnail images displayed in the photo gallery and receives the thumbnail image from the center server 1a. Here, in step 207 (FIG. 6), when the image registrants 2 and 3 provide new images, the updated image distribution means 20 is created from the updated images for the registered image viewers 4. The thumbnail images are automatically distributed (FIG. 6).

Then, in step S208, if there is a favorite photo in the photo gallery or in the obtained thumbnail image, the image viewer 4 proceeds to step S209 (in FIG. 6) to select the center server 1
A request for print output of the picture or a request for transmission of high-quality image data is made to the server a. The center server 1a provides prints or high-quality image data as desired by the image viewer 4. The high-quality image referred to here may be an original image provided by the image registrants 2 and 3 or a modified image obtained by performing color adjustment or trimming on the original image or adding a frame prepared in advance. . It is preferable that a predetermined fee is charged to the image viewer 4 for this print service or transmission of high-quality image data (see FIG. 6).

In step S210, the service center 1 counts the number of printouts or transmissions of high-quality image data performed to the image viewer 4, and in step S211 refers to the counted number to display the image. Set the amount of charging or reward for the registrants 2 and 3. That is, based on the amount set based on the number of image data to be provided, the storage period, and the like,
From this reference amount, the charge amount is reduced, the reward amount is increased, or other services are added according to the count number, and the image registrants 2 and 3 are provided with convenience.

Then, in step S212 (FIG. 6), the remittance / charging server 1b transmits the calculated remittance or charging information to the image registrants 2 and 3, and the image registrants 2 and 3 Payment is made by a known method, for example, by card approval, or payment is made to a bank account or the like.

As described above, according to the photo service system of this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the above-described first embodiment,
By registering the image viewer 4 in the center server 1a in advance, every time an image in the photo gallery is updated, the updated image can be automatically obtained. There is no necessity, and since the amount of distributed images is small, the updated image can be browsed on a portable terminal such as a cellular phone, and the convenience of the image viewer 4 is improved.

In the second embodiment, an example has been described in which a means for automatically distributing updated images is provided in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, but image registration is performed in accordance with the count number. A configuration may be provided in which the function of setting the amount of charging / remittance for the users 2 and 3 is not provided, and only the function of automatically distributing updated images is provided.

Further, in the above embodiment, the photo gallery was described, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the fee charged for the use of the service is changed according to the number of times the service is performed. The present invention can be applied to any service and system to be set.

[0058]

As described above, according to the Internet photo service system and the photo service providing method using the system according to the present invention, the image data provider, the service provider, and the image viewer are included. This is advantageous in that the convenience of the person can be improved and the photo service can be promoted.

The reason is that the amount charged to the image registrant can be reduced in accordance with the number of times that the image viewer requests printing or transmission of high quality image data for the image provided by the image registrant, By giving rewards such as increasing the amount of rewards and extending the storage period of image data, incentives to provide better images to image registrants work, and photo galleries where good image data gathered Can be accessed by more third parties to promote the service, and image viewers can obtain more good-looking photos.

Further, according to the Internet photo service system and the photo service providing method using the system according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an image easily without accessing a photo gallery.

The reason is that an automatic image distribution function is provided in the center server, and the image viewer can obtain only the updated image by registering in the center server in advance.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a photo service system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions in a service center in the photo service system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a procedure for providing a photo service according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for providing a photo service according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing functions in a service center in a photo service system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a procedure for providing a photo service according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for providing a photo service according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 Service center 1a Center server 1b Remittance / billing server 1c Printer 2 Image registrant 2a Computer terminal 2b Digital camera 3 Image registrant 3a Mobile phone 3b Digital camera 4 Image viewer 4a Computer terminal 5 Communication network 6 Photo service store 7 High speed System communication line 11 Connection means 12 Image registrant identification means 13 Image data storage means 14 Web screen creation means 15 Image data provision means 16 Access count measurement means 17 Charge determination means 18 Remittance / billing means 19 Image viewer identification means 20 Update image Delivery method

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A photo service system for publishing an image provided by an image owner on a network and providing a service using the image to a third party, wherein information for specifying the image owner is provided. Image owner identifying means for storing and identifying, image data storing means for storing the image and storing it for a predetermined period, and converting the stored image data into a thumbnail image, which can be viewed from a third party on a network Image display means for displaying the image selected by the third party, image providing means for providing the image selected by the third party to the third party in a predetermined form, and the number of times each of the images is selected by the third party And a fee determining means for determining an amount of a fee to be paid or collected to the image owner with reference to the counted number of times. And a photo service system. 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein when the predetermined image storage fee is collected for the image provided by the image owner, the fee setting means reduces the collected storage fee according to the number of times, or 2. The photo service system according to claim 1, wherein a storage period of the image is extended. 3. In the case where a predetermined reward is given to the image provided by the image owner, the fee setting means increases the reward given according to the number of times, or The photo service system according to claim 1, wherein the storage period of the photo service is extended. 4. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the image selected by the third party is provided to the third party as print or high-quality image data by the image providing means. The photo service system according to any one of the above. 5. The photo service system according to claim 4, wherein said high-quality image data comprises an original image provided by said image owner or a modified image subjected to a predetermined process. 6. The photo service system further comprises means for automatically distributing the thumbnail image, wherein when a new image is added by the image holder, the thumbnail image is transmitted to the third party registered in advance. The photo service system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a thumbnail image formed from the added image is automatically distributed. 7. A photo service system for publishing an image provided by an image owner on a network and providing a service using the image to a third party, wherein the third user desires automatic distribution of the image. Customer identification means for storing and identifying information specifying the three parties, image data storage means for storing the image data provided by the image owner and storing the image data for a predetermined period, and storing the stored image data Image display means for converting to a thumbnail image and displaying it in a state that can be viewed by a third party on the network, and when a new image is added from the image holder, Image distribution means for automatically distributing a thumbnail image formed from the added image,
A photo service system comprising at least: 8. When a printout of a selected image, transmission of high-quality image data, or automatic distribution of a thumbnail image is performed to the third party, a predetermined fee is charged to the third party. The photo service system according to claim 1, wherein a fee is charged. 9. A method for publishing an image provided by an image owner on a network and providing a service to a third party using the image, wherein the image provided by the image owner is provided. Storing and storing the image data for a predetermined period; converting the stored image data into a thumbnail image; and displaying the thumbnail image in a state that can be viewed by a third party on a network; Providing an image to the third party in a predetermined form, measuring the number of selections by the third party for each of the images, and referring to the measured number of times, to the image owner Determining the amount of a fee to be paid or collected for the photo service. 10. When a predetermined image storage fee is collected for the image provided by the image owner, the collected storage fee is reduced or the storage period of the image is reduced according to the number of times. 10. The method of providing a photo service according to claim 9, wherein the method is extended. 11. When a predetermined reward is given to the image provided by the image owner, the reward to be given is increased or the storage period of the image is extended according to the number of times. 10. The method of providing a photo service according to claim 9, wherein: 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein when providing the image, the image selected by the third party is provided to the third party as print or high-quality image data. A method for providing a photo service according to any one of the first to third aspects. 13. The photo service providing method according to claim 12, wherein said high quality image data comprises an original image provided by said image owner or a modified image subjected to a predetermined process. 14. When a new image is added by the image holder, a thumbnail image formed from the added image is automatically distributed to the third party registered in advance. The method of providing a photo service according to claim 9, wherein: 15. A method of publishing an image provided by an image owner on a network and providing a service using the image to a third party, wherein the third party wishing to automatically distribute an image is provided. Registering the image data, storing the image data provided by the image owner, and storing the image data for a predetermined period, converting the stored image data into a thumbnail image, Displaying the image in a browsable state, and automatically registering the thumbnail image formed from the added image to the third party registered in advance when a new image is added from the image holder. Providing a photo service. 16. A predetermined fee is charged to the third party when the selected image is printed out, high-quality image data is transmitted, or thumbnail images are automatically distributed. The method of providing a photo service according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein: