JP2003006483A - Method, system, and program for photograph order reception, and photographic print generating method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a system for photograph order reception, which make it possible to order extra printing with less trouble and enables a customer to order photographs in a short time, and a photograph order reception program which is used for the method and system. SOLUTION: This photograph order receiving method generates a digital image by reading a frame image of a photographic film 15 by a scanner 5, saves the digital image on an image server 8 and publishes sample images 17a to 17e in an order page 9b structured on a Web server 9, sends pieces 19b and 19c of electronic mail including thumbnail images 20a to 20e of the digital image and URL information 21 on the order page 9b to the electronic mail addresses 23b and 23c of friends B and C by a mail transmitting means, and receives photograph orders from the orderers B and C by an order receiving means when order information 18 from the friends B and C accessing the order page 9b according to the URL information 21 is inputted to the order page 9b.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is based on a photo order acceptance method for accepting a photo order via the Internet, a photo order acceptance system, a photo order acceptance program used in this method and system, and a photo order via the Internet. The present invention relates to a method for creating a photo print.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to print photographs at the same time, a customer needs to purchase an undeveloped film from a photo shop (DPE.
It is done by bringing it to the store). At the photo shop, the customer fills the DP bag as an order bag with order information such as print size and print face type, and hands over the undeveloped film to the photo shop.

The undeveloped film is sent to a developing station together with the DP bag in which order information is written and developed, and a photographic print is made from the developed film based on the order information. The produced photographic print is put in a DP bag together with the developed film and sent to the photo shop, and the customer returns to the photo shop to pay the price and receives the developed film and the photographic print.

When the customer who has received the developed film and the photographic print desires to reprint the photograph (so-called reordering), the developed film is brought back to the photo shop and an additional reorder is made. For example, if a friend asks to print a new copy of a photo, the customer collects the order details of the copy desired by the friend, that is, the frame number of the frame image and the required number of sheets in advance, and prints the print size and print face type as the order information. In addition to the above information, enter the required frame number and required number of sheets in the DP bag or negative sheet as the order bag. The customer conveys the order information to the photo shop and hands over the developed film.

The developed film is sent to a developing place together with the order information, and a desired number of reprint prints of a desired frame image are formed at the developing place based on the order information. The created reprint print is put in a DP bag together with the developed film and sent to the photo shop, and the customer returns to the photo shop to pay the price and receives the developed film and the reprint print.

[0006] In recent years, it has also been performed to order photographic prints from digital images and to make additional copies via the Internet. For example, if a customer wants to print a digital image taken by a digital camera or a digital image created by scanning with a scanner from a photographic print, the customer uses a personal computer at home (hereinafter referred to as “personal computer”) via the Internet to access the W
Access the eb server. An order page for ordering photo prints is built on the Web server, and the customer uploads the image data of the digital image to the order page and sends order information such as print size, print face type, and number of prints. Enter and specify the method of receiving photo prints, payment method, etc.

On the basis of the uploaded image data and the input order information, a photographic print is created at the photo lab, and the photographic print is received and settled by the designated receiving method and settlement method. For example, when home delivery is designated as the receiving method, the transfer sheet of the fee is delivered to the customer together with the photo print, and the customer pays the payment later by using the transfer sheet for settlement. In addition, when the receipt at the nearest photo shop is specified, the photo print is delivered to the specified photo shop, and the customer later goes to the photo shop to pay the price and receive the photo print.

[0008]

However, according to the above method, the customer not only needs to go to the photo shop when bringing in the undeveloped film and at the time of receiving the photographic print when ordering the simultaneous print, but also the reprint order. In that case, it is necessary to go to the photo shop when bringing in the developed film and receiving the reprint print, which is very troublesome.

Also, in the case of a reprint order, as in the case of the simultaneous print order, the film brought in by the customer is sent from the photo shop to the photo lab, and the photo print and the film are transferred to the photo shop after the development work in the photo lab. Sent to
There is also a problem in that a duplicate procedure in which a customer goes to a photo shop to receive the photographic print and the film is repeated, and it takes time for the customer to order the reprint and receive the reprint. If a customer asks for a reprint, a friend must wait for the simultaneous print to show the photograph and distribute it after receiving the reprint in order to compile the order details desired by the friend. Therefore, it takes more time and labor before the reprint print reaches the applicant. Further, when the customer temporarily pays for the reprint order requested by the friend and pays it to the photo shop, it may be difficult to charge the friend later.

On the other hand, when ordering an additional copy of a digital image via the Internet, it is necessary to upload the image data, so that complicated and troublesome operations are required, and a large number of images or image data are required. If there is a large amount of data, there is a problem that the upload will take time. Further, although it is not necessary to go to a photo shop at the time of ordering, when the friend asks for a reprint order, the above-mentioned problem that the customer has to collect the details of the order in advance and hand out the reprint print remains.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is possible to reduce troubles and troubles when a reprint order is made, and at the same time, a customer can order a photo order without taking time. It is an object to provide a method, a photo order receiving system, and a photo order receiving program used in this method and system. Another object is to provide a photographic print creating method for creating a photographic print based on a photo order made by the method.

[0012]

In order to solve the above problems, the photographic order receiving method according to claim 1 of the present invention uses a digital image of a frame image after the frame image of the photographic film is read by the image reading means. The digital image is generated by the image generating unit, the digital image is stored in the image storing unit, the contents of the digital image are posted on the order page constructed on the Web server, and the thumbnail image of the digital image and the URL information of the order page are included. Send an e-mail to a predetermined e-mail address by mail sending means,
When the order information from the orderer who has accessed the order page based on the URL information is input to the order page, the order accepting means accepts the photograph order from the orderer.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for receiving a photographic order, in which a frame image of a photographic film is read by the image reading means and then a digital image of the frame image is generated by the image generating means and the digital image is stored in the image storing means. , An electronic mail including a thumbnail image of a digital image and attached with a photo ordering program is sent by a mail sending means to a predetermined e-mail address, and the orderer who receives the e-mail receives the photo ordering program. When you start up and enter order information and indicate your intention to order a photo, the photo order program sends the order information via the Internet and receives the order information from the orderer sent by the photo order program. In this case, the order accepting means accepts the photograph order from the orderer.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photo order receiving method according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein when there are a plurality of frame images and a plurality of predetermined e-mail addresses, a mail sending means is used. A feature is that a thumbnail image corresponding to a specific frame image is selectively transmitted for each electronic mail address.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital photo ordering method in which an orderer is posted on an order page in an electronic mail according to the first aspect of the present invention. It is characterized in that it contains a password necessary for browsing the contents of the image.

A photographic order receiving system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is an image reading means for reading a frame image of a photographic film, an image generating means for generating a digital image from the read frame image, and an image storage for storing the digital image. Means, an image posting means for posting the contents of the digital image on an order page constructed on a Web server, and an e-mail containing a thumbnail image of the digital image and URL information of the order page to a predetermined e-mail address. E-mail sending means for sending by sending, and order receiving means for receiving a photo order from the orderer when the order information from the orderer who has accessed the order page based on the URL information is input to the order page. A photo order reception system featuring.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic order receiving system in which image reading means for reading a frame image of photographic film, image generating means for generating a digital image from the frame image read by the image reading means, and the digital image are read. A predetermined e-mail containing an image saving means for saving, a thumbnail image of a digital image, and an attached photo ordering program capable of inputting order information and transmitting the order information via the Internet E-mail sending means for sending to the address, and order receiving means for receiving a photo order from the orderer when the order information sent by the photo ordering program is received from the orderer who received the e-mail A photo order reception system characterized by that.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the photographic order acceptance system according to the fifth or sixth aspect, when there are a plurality of frame images and a plurality of predetermined e-mail addresses, the e-mail transmission means is used. The thumbnail image corresponding to a specific frame image is selectively transmitted for each individual electronic mail address.

The photo order receiving system according to claim 8 is the photo order receiving system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the orderer places a digital message on an order page in an electronic mail. It is characterized in that it contains a password necessary for browsing the contents of the image.

The photographic order receiving program according to claim 9 is an image generating means for generating a digital image from a frame image of a photographic film read by the image reading means, and an image for storing the digital image in the image storing means. Writing means, image posting means for posting the contents of the digital image on the order page constructed on the Web server, an electronic mail including the thumbnail image of the digital image and the URL information of the order page are addressed to a predetermined electronic mail address It is characterized by functioning as an email sending means for sending and an order receiving means for receiving a photo order from the orderer when the order information from the orderer who has accessed the order page based on the URL information is input to the order page. To do.

A photographic order receiving program according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is an image generation means for causing a computer to generate a digital image from a frame image of a photographic film read by the image reading means, and an image for storing the digital image in the image storage means. To a predetermined e-mail address, an e-mail containing a writing means, a thumbnail image of a digital image, and an attached photo ordering program that enables input of order information and transmission of order information via the Internet It is characterized by functioning as an email sending means for sending and an order receiving means for receiving a photo order from the orderer when the order information sent by the photo ordering program is received from the orderer who received the electronic mail. .

The photo order acceptance program according to claim 11 is the photo order acceptance program according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the mail transmission means is used when there are a plurality of frame images and a plurality of predetermined e-mail addresses. The thumbnail image corresponding to a specific frame image is selectively transmitted for each individual electronic mail address.

The photo order acceptance program according to claim 12 is the digital photo on which the orderer posted on the order page in an electronic mail in the photo order acceptance program according to any one of claims 9 to 11. It is characterized in that it contains a password necessary for browsing the contents of the image.

In the photographic print making method according to the thirteenth aspect, after the frame image of the photographic film is read by the image reading means, the digital image of the frame image is generated by the image generating means, and the digital image is stored in the image storing means. At the same time, the contents of the digital image are posted on the order page built on the Web server, and an electronic mail including the thumbnail image of the digital image and the URL information of the order page is sent to the predetermined electronic mail address by the mail sending means. However, when the order information from the orderer who has accessed the order page based on the URL information is entered in the order page, the order accepting means accepts the photo order from the orderer, and the photo order accepted by the order accepting means. Based on the digital image data stored in the image storage means, Characterized by creating a photo print of the frame image by preparative creation means.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the photographic print creating method, after the frame image of the photographic film is read by the image reading means, the digital image of the frame image is generated by the image generating means and the digital image is stored in the image storing means. The orderer who has stored the thumbnail image of the digital image and sent the e-mail with the attached photo order program to the predetermined e-mail address by the mail transmission means, and who has received the e-mail, When the photo ordering program is started, order information is input, and the intention to order a photo is displayed, the photo ordering program transmits the order information via the Internet, and the photo ordering program transmits the order information. When the order information from the orderer is received, a photo order from the orderer is received by the order receptionist. And creating a photographic print of the frame image by the photographic print creating means using the data of the digital image stored in the image storing means based on the photographic order received by the order receiving means. Is characterized by.

According to the first, fifth and ninth aspects of the present invention, the electronic mail transmitted by the mail transmitting means includes the thumbnail image showing the photographed content of the photographic film. Therefore, the electronic mail is received. When the person opens the e-mail, the thumbnail image included in the e-mail can be easily viewed, and it can be determined whether or not to order the photograph. The e-mail also contains the URL information of the order page, and the order accepting means accepts the photo order from the orderer who accesses the order page based on this URL information. There is no need to go to the store, and you can easily order photos from home.

Further, since the digital image of the frame image is stored in the image storing means, the orderer does not need to upload the image data by utilizing the digital image for printing according to the photograph order. Since the content of the digital image is posted in, the orderer can place a photo order while checking the content of the frame image, and it is possible to prevent an order mistake.

If the applicant for the photographic order is not the owner (primary customer) of the photographic film but the friend or the like (secondary customer), the primary customer needs to purposely add up the order contents of the secondary customer. In addition, it is possible to reduce trouble and trouble when ordering a photograph and also shorten the time required for it. If an email containing thumbnail images is sent to the email address of the primary or secondary customer early by the email sending means, the primary or secondary customer who received the email will receive the email. Can confirm the photographed contents of the photographic film at an early stage and can order the photograph at an early stage.

According to the second, sixth and tenth aspects of the invention, the electronic mail sent by the mail sending means includes the thumbnail image showing the photographed contents of the photographic film, and therefore the electronic mail is received. When the person opens the e-mail, the thumbnail image included in the e-mail can be easily viewed, and it can be determined whether or not to order the photograph. A photo ordering program is attached to the e-mail, and the order accepting means accepts the photo order from the orderer sent by the photo ordering program, so the orderer bothers to go to the photo shop when ordering the photo. There is no need, and you can easily order photos from home. Furthermore, the orderer's connection time to the Internet is shorter than accessing the order page on which the contents of the digital image are posted, which is advantageous in terms of time and cost depending on the orderer's computer environment. At the same time, it can be used to reduce network traffic.

Further, since the digital image of the frame image is stored in the image storing means, it is not necessary for the orderer to upload the image data by using the digital image for printing according to the photograph order. Since the content of the digital image is posted in, the orderer can place a photo order while checking the content of the frame image, and it is possible to prevent an order mistake.

When the applicant for the photo order is not the primary customer but the secondary customer, the primary customer does not have to bother to aggregate the order details of the secondary customer, which reduces trouble and trouble in ordering the photo. In addition, the time required for this can be shortened. If an email containing thumbnail images is sent to the email address of the primary or secondary customer early by the email sending means, the primary or secondary customer who received the email will receive the email. Can confirm the photographed contents of the photographic film at an early stage and can order the photograph at an early stage.

According to the third, seventh and eleventh aspects of the present invention, the thumbnail image corresponding to a particular frame image is selectively transmitted by the mail transmitting means for each electronic mail address. The thumbnail image can be different for each email address, and the recipient of the email can check only a specific thumbnail image. For example, if a single photographic film contains a frame image of a family trip photo, a frame image of a photo of an alumni association, and a frame image of a photo of an employee trip, send it to the e-mail address of the alumni association. Only the thumbnail image of the frame image of the photograph may be transmitted, and only the thumbnail image of the frame image of the employee trip photograph may be transmitted to the e-mail address of the employee.

According to the inventions of claim 4, claim 8 and claim 12, the e-mail contains the password necessary for the orderer to browse the contents of the digital image posted on the order page. Therefore, the contents of the digital image posted on the order page can be viewed only when the orderer uses the password. Thereby, it is possible to prevent others from accessing the order page and browsing the contents of the digital image.

According to the inventions of claims 13 and 14, the effects of the inventions of claims 1 and 2 can be obtained, respectively, and the digital image stored in the image storage means can be used for a photo order. Since it is used for a corresponding print, it is possible to efficiently create a photographic print when performing a reprint order without performing the same procedure as when performing a simultaneous print order.

[0035]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a photograph order receiving system according to the present embodiment. Figure 1
In the figure, reference numeral P is the photo order receiving system, A is a customer (primary customer) who owns the photographic film, B and C are friends of the customer A (secondary customer), 2 is a photo shop, and 3 is a photograph. The developing station for developing is shown. Friends B and C are personal computers 1b and 1 that can be connected to the Internet W, respectively.
have c.

The photo order receiving system P includes a film developing machine 4 for developing an undeveloped film and a developing station 3
The image reading means for reading the frame image of the developed film and the scanner 5 as the image generating means for generating a digital image from the read frame image, and paper exposure and development using the data of the generated digital image , A printer processor 6 as a photo print creating means for creating a photo print, a management server 7, a database server 7a, an image server 8 as an image storing means, W
eb server 9, mail server 10, printing personal computer 1
1, a printer 12 is provided.

The scanner 5 is connected to the printer processor 6 and the image server 8, and the image server 8 includes the management server 7
Are connected. The management server 7 is for integrally controlling the entire photo order receiving system, and includes a database server 7a, a Web server 9, and a mail server 1.
0, it is also connected to the printing personal computer 11. A printer 12 is connected to the printing personal computer 11.

The image server 8 is for storing the digital image generated by the scanner 5. The Web server 9 is a server that is open to the public on the Internet W, and on the Web server 9, a home page 9a of the photo lab 3 is constructed as an Internet site. Within the home page 9a, an order page 9b (see FIG. 4), a personal information input page 9c (see FIG. 9), a receipt /
The payment method designation page 9d (see FIG. 10) has been constructed, and details thereof will be described later.

The mail server 10 is for transmitting and receiving electronic mail to and from the outside via the Internet W,
The printing personal computer 11 has a receipt / settlement method designation page 9d
This is for causing the printer 12 to print an order slip, a home delivery slip, a payment transfer slip, and the like based on the designation information when the receipt / settlement method is designated above.

Next, a photographic print making method using the photographic order receiving system P will be described. In the first embodiment, a case will be described in which the customer A makes a simultaneous print order, and then the friends B and C of the customer as the orderer make a reprint order (reorder).

FIGS. 2 and 3 are flow charts for explaining a method for creating a photographic print which accepts a photographic order using the photographic order receiving system P shown in FIG. 1 and creates a photographic print based on the photographic order.

The customer A goes to the photo shop 2 and delivers the undeveloped film 13 (see FIG. 1) which has been taken (S.
1) Order simultaneous printing. At this time, order information such as print size and print face type is written in the DP bag 14 (S.2), and the e-mail addresses of the friends B and C are also written in the DP bag 14 (S.3). When the customer A has a personal computer at home, the electronic mail addresses of the friends B and C may be sent from the personal computer at home to the mail server 10 of the photofinishing laboratory 3 to make contact. This friend B, C
The e-mail address of is stored in the database server 7a.

Here, the friends B and C are, for example, those who are shown on the film 13 of the customer A who has already taken a picture, and can be expected to place a photo order later, and the customer A includes the contents taken by the photographic film. A person who wishes to have an e-mail sent from the photo lab 3 to that person. Since the undeveloped film 13 may include frame images that the customer A does not want the friend B or the friend C to see, the customer A may show to each of the friends when the simultaneous print order is placed. A frame image, that is, a browse-permitted frame image for each friend is designated and entered in the DP bag 14 (S.
3). By designating the browsing-permitted frame image for each friend, the contents of the frame images other than the browsing-permitted frame image can be prevented from being seen by the friend. Note that the case where the customer A cannot specify the browse-permitted frame image for each friend in advance will be described later.

The photo shop 2 receives the undeveloped film 13 from the customer A.
When the undeveloped film 13 is received, the order information is filled in, and the undeveloped film 13 is sent together with the DP bag 14 in which the e-mail addresses of the friends B and C and the browsing-permitted frame image for each friend are designated to the developing place 3 (S). .4).

When the undeveloped film 13 and the DP bag 14 are sent, the film is first developed in the developing station 3 by the film developing machine 4 (S.5). Next, the frame image of the developed film 15 is read by the scanner 5,
A digital image of the frame image is generated (S.6). The digital image is output to the printer processor 6, and the printer processor 6 creates a photographic print 16 using the digital image based on the order information (S.7).

The produced photographic print 16 is sent to the photo shop 2 together with the developed film 15 (S.8),
At a later date, the customer A goes to the photo shop 2 to pay for the simultaneous print and receives the photographic print 16 and the developed film 15 (S.9), and the simultaneous print order by the customer A ends.

On the other hand, the digital image generated by the scanner 5 is also sent to the image server 8 and stored in the image server 8 (S.10). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the contents of the digital image stored in the image server 8 are posted on the order page 9b as sample images 17a to 17e by the management server 7 or the Web server 9 functioning as an image posting means. (S.11). This order page 9b is capable of inputting the above order information. Here, as shown in the figure, the order information 18 is the print size information 1
8a, print surface type information 18b, print number information 18
It is composed of c.

Subsequently, the management server 7 or the mail server 10 functioning as a mail transmitting means sets the electronic mail addresses of the friends B and C stored in the database server 7a as the destinations, and the electronic mails shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively. The mails 19b and 19c are transmitted (S.12).

In the e-mail 19b sent to the e-mail address of the friend B, thumbnail images 20a, 20c, 20d, 20e created by the management server 7 from the digital images stored in the image server 8, The URL information 21 of the order page 9b is included in the attached file format or the format described in the mail body. The thumbnail images 20a, 20c, 20d, and 20e correspond to the frame images that the customer A has permitted the friend B to browse, and the thumbnail images 2 for the frame images that are not permitted to be browsed.
0b is not included in the email 19b. This e-mail 19b contains the password 2 required for friend B to view the contents of the digital image posted on the order page 9b.
2b is also included, but this password 22b is for friend B
Stored in the database server 7a in association with the e-mail address.

On the other hand, in the electronic mail 19c sent to the electronic mail address of the friend C, the thumbnail images 20a, 20b, 20c created by the management server 7 from the digital images stored in the image server 8, The URL information 21 of the order page 9b is included in the attached file format or the format described in the mail body. The thumbnail images 20a, 20b, 20c correspond to the frame images that the customer A has permitted the friend C to browse, and the thumbnail images 20d, 20 for the frame images that are not permitted to be browsed.
e is not included in the email 19b. This e-mail 19b contains the password 22 required for friend C to view the contents of the digital image posted on the order page 9b.
The password 22c is also stored in the database server 7a in association with the e-mail address of the friend C, although c is included.

As described above, when there are a plurality of frame images and the e-mail addresses of friends, the thumbnail image corresponding to a specific frame image is selectively transmitted for each e-mail address of the friend, so that the images are transmitted. The thumbnail image can be different for each e-mail address of a friend, and each friend who receives the e-mail can check only a specific thumbnail image that is permitted to be viewed.

When friends B and C decide to order pictures by looking at the thumbnail images and access the order page 9b from the personal computers 1b and 1c at home or the like based on the URL information 21 via the Internet W (S.13). ), The mail address / password input screen 9e is displayed on the screens of the personal computers 1b and 1c as shown in FIG. 8, and the input of the e-mail addresses 23b and 23c and the passwords 22b and 22c of the friends B and C is requested. .

The friend B inputs the e-mail address 23b and the password 22b, and the "Complete" button 24
When b is clicked, the input information is compared with the e-mail address and password 22b of friend B stored in database server 7a, and when it is determined that the person accessed by Web server 9 is friend B himself, Figure 4
The order page 9b shown in is displayed on the screen of the personal computer 1b. That is, as shown in FIG.
a, 17c, 17d, 17e are read and the personal computer 1
Although it is displayed on the screen of b, the sample image 17b is not displayed and the friend B cannot see the sample image 17b.

On the other hand, friend C sends an e-mail address 2
3c and the password 22c are input, and when the "completion" button 24b is clicked, the input information is compared with the e-mail address and password 22c of the friend C stored in the database server 7a and accessed by the Web server 9. When it is determined that the person is the friend C himself, the order page 9b shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the screen of the personal computer 1c. That is, as shown in the figure, the sample images 17a, 17b, 17c are read and the personal computer 1c is read.
However, the sample images 17d and 17e are not displayed, and the friend C cannot see the sample images 17d and 17e.

Here, the sample images 17a to 17e correspond to the thumbnail images 20a to 20e, respectively, so that both the friends B and C can see only the images permitted to be viewed on the order page 9b. ,
In other words, other people cannot view the images of the friends B and C without the customer A's permission. The image data of the thumbnail images 20a to 20e may be used as they are as the image data of the sample images 17a to 17e.

Friends B and C who accessed the order page 9b
Inputs order information 18 including print size information 18a, print surface type information 18b, and print number information 18c for the frame image for which an order is desired (S.1).
4) At this time, the sample image 17 on the order page 9b
Since it is possible to input the order information 18 while confirming a to 17e, it is possible to prevent an order error.

After the input is completed, when the "Next" button 24a is clicked, the pages are switched and the personal information input page 9c shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the screen of the personal computer. On this personal information input page 9c, friends B and C respectively input personal information 25 including name information 25a, address information 25b, telephone number information 25c, and electronic mail address information 25d (S.15).

After completing the input, when the "Next" button 24c is clicked, the page is switched, and the receiving / reception shown in FIG.
The payment method designation page 9d is displayed on the screen of the personal computer. Friends B and C on this page 9d
Specifies the method of receiving the photographic print and the method of settling the price (S.16).

In the first embodiment, for example, as the receiving method, it is possible to select and specify the delivery by home delivery (home delivery) or the in-store delivery at a photo shop. If payment by home delivery is specified as the payment method, the payment method will be payment by transfer using the price transfer slip delivered with the photo print, and if payment by store is specified as the payment method, payment will be made at the store. Settled by. The friends B and C input the receiving method designation information 26 on the receiving / settling method designation page 9d, and if the receiving method is over-the-counter receipt, receive photo prints from some of the photo shops prepared in advance. The receiving photo shop name 26a is also selected and designated.

On the receipt / settlement method designation page 9d, the credit card settlement designation information 26b can also be input. When this credit card payment is designated, a credit information input page (not shown) is displayed, and by inputting and transmitting predetermined credit information on the credit information input page, payment by the credit card is performed by the designated receiving method. .

When the "send" button 24d is clicked after the input of the receiving method designating information 26 and the designation of the receiving photo shop name 26a are completed, the order information 18, the personal information 25, the receiving method designating information 26 and the like are transmitted via the Internet W. Sent,
Management server 7 or Web functioning as an order receiving means
The server 9 receives the photograph order (S.1).
7). Based on the photo order, the management server 7 transfers the image data of the digital image stored in the image server 8 to the printer processor 6 and causes the printer processor 6 to create a photo print 16 '(see FIG. 1). (S.18). At this time, since the photographic print 16 'is created by using the digital image stored in the image server 8, the developed film 15 is not necessary for creating the reprint print. In addition, there is no need to upload images for ordering photos, complicated and troublesome operations are not required, and it does not take time when the number of ordered items is large.

The order receiving means determines whether the delivery method designated by the delivery method designation information 26 is home delivery or over-the-counter delivery (S.19). In the case of home delivery, the credit card payment designation information 26b is If not input, the home delivery slip and the payment transfer slip are printed by the printing personal computer 11 and the printer 12 (S.2).
0). The created photographic print 16 'is enclosed in a delivery bag together with the price transfer slip, the delivery slip is attached to the delivery bag, and delivered to the homes of friends B and C, respectively (S.21 and FIG. 1 as well). reference). Later, the friends B and C transfer the price of the photographic print 16 'by using the transfer slips, respectively, so that the settlement is completed (S.22). When the credit card payment designation information 26b is input, the payment by the credit card is performed, so the payment transfer slip is not printed.

When the receiving method designated by the receiving method designation information 26 is the in-store receipt and the credit card payment designation information 26b is not input, the order slip is printed by the printing personal computer 11 and the printer 12. S.23), the created photo print 16 'is put in a DP bag together with the order slip and sent to the designated photo shop. (S.24). Later, the friends B and C go to the photo shop to pay the price and receive the photo print 16 '(S.25). Credit card payment designation information 26b
If is entered, payment by credit card will be made, so there is no need to pay for the payment at the store.

According to the first embodiment, the electronic mail 19 sent to the electronic mail addresses of friends B and C is sent.
Since b and 19c include thumbnail images corresponding to the browsing-permitted frame images, the friends B and C who have received the e-mails 19b and 19c can view the e-mail 19b on the screens of the personal computers 1b and 1c at home or the like. , 19c, it is possible to easily browse the thumbnail images. Thereby, the content of the frame image corresponding to the thumbnail image can be confirmed, and it can be determined whether or not to order the photograph.

Since the e-mails 19b and 19c also include the URL information 21 of the order page 9b, the friend B,
C can access the order page 9b from home or the like, and can easily place a photo order without going to the photo shop.

E-mail 19 including thumbnail image
b and 19c are sent to the e-mail addresses of the friends B and C of the customer A, it is necessary to have the customer A bother to show the photographic print when the friends B and C make a reprint order (reorder). Further, it is not necessary to have the customer A aggregate the order contents, and it is possible to reduce the trouble and trouble of the reprinting order and the time.

When the electronic mails 19b and 19c are sent immediately after the digital image is generated by the scanner 5, the photographic print 1 in the simultaneous print order is sent.
The friends B and C can confirm the contents of the frame image at an early stage without waiting for the finish of 6, and can order the photograph at an early stage and receive the photographic print 16 '.

In this embodiment, when a simultaneous print order is placed, a frame image is read by the scanner 5 and a digital image is generated, and a photographic print 16 is made by the printer processor 6 using the generated digital image.
However, the photographic print 16 may of course be created using a conventional analog printer processor for simultaneous printing. As a result, the photograph order can be accepted by the photograph order acceptance method according to the present invention while effectively utilizing the existing analog printer processor.

Further, when the customer A orders the simultaneous printing, if the browsing-permitted frame image of each of the friends B and C is unknown,
The customer A writes only his or her e-mail address in the DP bag 14, and thumbnail images 20a to 20 of all the frame images.
An e-mail containing e may be sent to your e-mail address. The customer A confirms the thumbnail images 20a to 20e included in the e-mail, designates the browsing-permitted frame image for each of the friends B and C, describes the designated information in the e-mail, and writes the designation information in the mail server of the photo lab 3. When the image is transmitted to the destination 10, the photographic print 16 'is created according to the procedure from step 4 (S.4) onward in the above flow chart.

When all the frame images can be shown to friends B and C, all the frame images may of course be designated as the browsing-permitted frame images. As a result, the electronic mails 19b and 19c sent to the electronic mail addresses 23b and 23c of the friends B and C include thumbnail images 20a to 20e corresponding to all the frame images, and
All sample images 17a to 17e are displayed on the order page 9b regardless of whether the friend B or C accesses. Alternatively, if all the frame images may be permitted to be browsed in this way, a process of requesting the customer A to designate a browse-permitted frame image and a process executed in association therewith (for example, friends B and C) Select thumbnail images to send to or identify friends B and C who access order page 9b)
May be omitted.

In the first embodiment, the friend B,
The UR of the same order page 9b is sent to the emails 19b and 19c respectively sent to the email address of C.
The L information 21 is included, but two order pages (sample images 17a, 17c, 17d,
Page with 17e and sample images 17a, 1
7b and 17c) may be provided exclusively for friends B and C, and the URL information of each order page may be included in the electronic mails 19b and 19c. As a result, it is not necessary to identify the accessing person based on the e-mail address and password and change the sample image permitted to be browsed for each friend B, C. It is not necessary to request the input of a mail address or a password, the burden on the friends B and C in ordering a photo can be reduced, and the photo order receiving system P does not need to issue and manage the password.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, for example, a friend B is given an e-mail address 23b.
To the thumbnail image 20a by means of mail transmission to
20c, 20d, 20e, the e-mail 19b including the URL information 21 of the order page 9b and the password 22b is transmitted, and the friend B who accesses the order page 9b constructed on the Web server 9 based on the URL information 21 receives the e-mail 19b. When the order information 18 is entered on the order page 9b, the order acceptance means accepts the photograph order.

However, as shown in FIG. 11, friend B
The e-mail 27 including the thumbnail images 20a, 20c, 20d, 20e included in the e-mail address 23b is sent by the e-mail sending means, and the picture ordering program 28 is attached instead of the URL information 21. Good.

When friend B, who has received the e-mail 27, activates the photo ordering program 28 on the personal computer 1b, a screen 29 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the personal computer 1b. On this screen 29, select order information 30 consisting of print size, print face type, and number of ordered sheets, receiving method designation information 31 for designating delivery by home delivery or receipt at the store, and photo store name in case of store receipt. You can enter the specified photo shop name information 31a, payment method specification information 32 that specifies whether to pay by credit card, bank transfer, or payment at a convenience store, and personal information 33 such as address, name, and email address. Has become.

After the order information 30, the receiving method designating information 31, the receiving photo shop name information 31a, the settlement method designating information 32, and the personal information 33 are completed, the friend B sends a "send" button 34.
When the user clicks to display the intention of ordering a photo, the photo ordering program 28 transmits the input information via the Internet W. When the input information is accepted by the order acceptance means as a photo order, the management server 7
Transfers the image data of the digital image stored in the image server 8 to the printer processor 6 and causes the printer processor 6 to create a photographic print 16 ', and thereafter, the receiving method designation information 31, the receiving photographic shop name information 31a, and the settlement. Receipt and settlement are performed according to the method designation information 32.

According to the second embodiment, the order page 9
As compared with the case of the first embodiment for accessing b, the time required for the orderer to connect to the Internet W is shorter, which is advantageous in terms of time and cost depending on the orderer's computer environment and the order page 9b. Need not be built, and can also be used to reduce network traffic.

[0077]

As described above, according to the inventions of claim 1, claim 5, and claim 9, the electronic mail transmitted by the mail transmitting means includes the thumbnail image showing the photographing contents of the photographic film. Therefore, the person who receives the e-mail can easily see the thumbnail image included in the e-mail by opening the e-mail, and can determine whether or not to order the photograph. The e-mail also contains the URL information of the order page, and the order accepting means accepts the photo order from the orderer who accesses the order page based on this URL information. There is no need to go to the store, and you can easily order photos from home.

Further, since the digital image of the frame image is stored in the image storing means, the orderer does not need to upload the image data by using the digital image for printing according to the photograph order, and the order page is displayed. Since the content of the digital image is posted in, the orderer can place a photo order while checking the content of the frame image, and it is possible to prevent an order mistake.

When the applicant for the photographic order is not the owner (primary customer) of the photographic film but the friend or the like (secondary customer) of the photographic film, the primary customer needs to purposely add up the order contents of the secondary customer. In addition, it is possible to reduce trouble and trouble when ordering a photograph and also shorten the time required for it. If an email containing thumbnail images is sent to the email address of the primary or secondary customer early by the email sending means, the primary or secondary customer who received the email will receive the email. Can confirm the photographed contents of the photographic film at an early stage and can order the photograph at an early stage.

According to the second, sixth and tenth aspects of the present invention, the electronic mail transmitted by the mail transmitting means includes the thumbnail image showing the photographed contents of the photographic film, and therefore the electronic mail is received. When the person opens the e-mail, the thumbnail image included in the e-mail can be easily viewed, and it can be determined whether or not to order the photograph. A photo ordering program is attached to the e-mail, and the order accepting means accepts the photo order from the orderer sent by the photo ordering program, so the orderer bothers to go to the photo shop when ordering the photo. There is no need, and you can easily order photos from home. Furthermore, the orderer's connection time to the Internet is shorter than accessing the order page on which the contents of the digital image are posted, which is advantageous in terms of time and cost depending on the orderer's computer environment. At the same time, it can be used to reduce network traffic.

Further, since the digital image of the frame image is stored in the image storing means, the orderer does not need to upload the image data by using the digital image for printing according to the photograph order. Since the content of the digital image is posted in, the orderer can place a photo order while checking the content of the frame image, and it is possible to prevent an order mistake.

When the applicant for the photo order is not the primary customer but the secondary customer, the primary customer does not need to bother to aggregate the order contents of the secondary customer, and the trouble and trouble in ordering the photo are reduced. In addition, the time required for this can be shortened. If an email containing thumbnail images is sent to the email address of the primary or secondary customer early by the email sending means, the primary or secondary customer who received the email will receive the email. Can confirm the photographed contents of the photographic film at an early stage and can order the photograph at an early stage.

According to the third, seventh and eleventh aspects of the invention, the thumbnail image corresponding to a specific frame image is selectively transmitted by the mail transmitting means for each electronic mail address. The thumbnail image can be different for each email address, and the recipient of the email can check only a specific thumbnail image. For example, if a single photographic film contains a frame image of a family trip photo, a frame image of a photo of an alumni association, and a frame image of a photo of an employee trip, send it to the e-mail address of the alumni association. Only the thumbnail image of the frame image of the photograph may be transmitted, and only the thumbnail image of the frame image of the employee trip photograph may be transmitted to the e-mail address of the employee.

According to the inventions of claim 4, claim 8 and claim 12, the e-mail contains the password necessary for the orderer to browse the contents of the digital image posted on the order page. Therefore, the contents of the digital image posted on the order page can be viewed only when the orderer uses the password. Thereby, it is possible to prevent others from accessing the order page and browsing the contents of the digital image.

According to the thirteenth and fourteenth aspects of the invention, the effects of the first and second aspects of the invention can be obtained, and the digital image stored in the image storage means can be used for ordering a photograph. Since it is used for a corresponding print, it is possible to efficiently create a photographic print when performing a reprint order without performing the same procedure as when performing a simultaneous print order.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a photo order receiving system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a photographic print creating method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a photographic print creating method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an example of an order page screen displayed when a friend B accesses an order page constructed on a Web server.

FIG. 5 shows an example of an order page screen displayed when friend C accesses an order page constructed on a Web server.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating contents of an electronic mail transmitted to the electronic mail address of friend B.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating contents of an electronic mail transmitted to the electronic mail address of friend C.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which an e-mail address and a password are input on a mail address / password input screen.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing how personal information is input to a personal information input page.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a receipt / settlement method designation page.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating contents of an electronic mail attached with a photo ordering program, which is transmitted in the photo print creating method according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a photo ordering program.

[Explanation of symbols]

A: Customer (primary customer) B, C ... Friend (secondary customer) P ... Photo order acceptance system W ... Internet 1a, 1b ... PC 5 ... Film scanner (image reading means, image forming means) 6 ... Printer processor (photograph print making means) 7 ... Management server 7a ... database server 8 ... Image server 9 ... Web server 9b ... Order page 9c ... Personal information input page 9d ... Receiving and settlement method designation page 10 ... Mail server 15 ... Developed film (photographic film) 17a to 17e ... Sample image (contents of digital image) 18, 30 ... Order information 18a ... Print size information 18b ... Print surface type information 18c ... Print quantity information 19b, 19c ... E-mail 20 ... Thumbnail image 20a to 20e ... thumbnail images 21 ... URL information 22b, 22c ... Password 23b, 23c ... E-mail address 24d, 34 ... Send button 25, 33 ... Personal information 26, 31 ... Receipt method designation information 26a, 31a ... Receiving photo store name 26b ... Credit settlement designation information 27 ... Email 28 ... Program for ordering photos 32 ... Payment method designation information

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G06F 17/60 ZEC G06F 17/60 ZEC G03B 27/46 G03B 27/46 B G06T 1/00 200 G06T 1 / 00 200A H04N 1/00 107 H04N 1/00 107Z 5/76 5/76 E Z 7/173 610 7/173 610A 640 640Z F Term (reference) 2H106 BA55 BA58 BA95 5B050 AA08 AA09 BA10 BA15 CA07 CA08 DA04 EA12 EA20 FA02 FA08 FA12 FA13 FA19 5C052 AA12 DD04 FA04 FA06 FA08 FB01 FB05 FC06 FD07 5C062 AA05 AA13 AA29 AB03 AB17 AB38 AC41 AC42 BA04 BD00 BD09 5C064 BA07 BB07 BC01 BC07 BC18 BC23 BD02 BD08

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A digital image of the frame image is generated by an image generating unit after the frame image of the photographic film is read by the image reading unit, the digital image is stored in the image storing unit, and the content of the digital image is stored on the Web. The URL information is posted on an order page constructed on a server, and an e-mail including the thumbnail image of the digital image and the URL information of the order page is sent to a predetermined e-mail address by an e-mail sending means, A method for accepting a photograph order, wherein the order accepting means accepts a photograph order from the orderer when order information from the orderer who has accessed the order page based on the above is entered in the order page. 2. A digital image of the frame image is generated by the image generating means after the frame image of the photographic film is read by the image reading means, and the digital image is stored in the image storing means. An e-mail that is included and to which the photo ordering program is attached is sent to a predetermined e-mail address by mail sending means, and the orderer who receives the e-mail activates the photo ordering program to place an order. When the information is entered and the intention to order the photograph is entered, the program for ordering the photograph transmits the order information through the Internet, and the order information from the orderer transmitted by the program for ordering the photograph is received. In this case, the photograph order from the orderer is accepted by the order acceptance means. Accepted method. 3. When a plurality of the frame images and the predetermined electronic mail addresses are present, the mail transmitting means selectively transmits a thumbnail image corresponding to a specific frame image for each individual electronic mail address. The photograph order receiving method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. 4. The electronic mail includes a password necessary for the orderer to browse the contents of the digital image posted on the order page. The method for accepting photo orders according to any one of 1. 5. An image reading means for reading a frame image of a photographic film, an image generating means for generating a digital image from the read frame image, an image storing means for storing the digital image, and a content of the digital image. And an image posting means for posting on an order page built on a Web server, and an e-mail transmission for sending an e-mail including a thumbnail image of the digital image and URL information of the order page to a predetermined e-mail address. Means for accepting a photo order from the orderer when the order information from the orderer who has accessed the order page based on the URL information is input to the order page. A featured photo order reception system. 6. An image reading unit for reading a frame image of a photographic film, an image generating unit for generating a digital image from the frame image read by the image reading unit, an image storing unit for storing the digital image, Send an e-mail to a predetermined e-mail address that includes a thumbnail image of a digital image and is attached with a photo ordering program that enables input of order information and transmission of the order information via the Internet. When receiving the order information transmitted by the photo ordering program from the orderer who has received the e-mail,
A photo order receiving system, comprising: an order receiving unit that receives a photo order from the orderer. 7. The mail transmitting means, when there are a plurality of the frame images and the predetermined electronic mail addresses,
The photograph order receiving system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein thumbnail images corresponding to specific frame images are selectively transmitted for each electronic mail address. 8. The electronic mail includes a password necessary for the orderer to browse the contents of the digital image posted on the order page. The photo order acceptance system according to any one of 1. 9. A computer, image generating means for generating a digital image from a frame image of a photographic film read by the image reading means, image writing means for storing the digital image in the image storing means, and contents of the digital image. Image posting means for posting on an order page built on a Web server, email sending means for sending an email containing a thumbnail image of the digital image and URL information of the order page to a predetermined email address, And said U
A photograph order receiving program for functioning as an order receiving unit that receives a photograph order from the orderer when the order information from the orderer who has accessed the order page based on RL information is input to the order page. 10. An image generating unit for generating a digital image from a frame image of a photographic film read by an image reading unit, an image writing unit for storing the digital image in an image storing unit, and a thumbnail image of the digital image. And a mail sending means for sending an e-mail with a photo ordering program attached thereto, which enables input of order information and transmission of the order information via the Internet, to a predetermined e-mail address, and A photo order receiving program for causing an order receiving unit to receive a photo order from the orderer when the order information transmitted by the photo ordering program is received from the orderer who receives the electronic mail. 11. When there are a plurality of the frame images and the predetermined electronic mail addresses, the mail transmitting means selectively transmits a thumbnail image corresponding to a specific frame image for each electronic mail address. 11. The photo order acceptance program according to claim 9 or 10. 12. The electronic mail includes a password necessary for the orderer to browse the contents of the digital image posted on the order page. The photo order acceptance program according to any one of 1 above. 13. A digital image of the frame image is generated by an image generating unit after the frame image of the photographic film is read by the image reading unit, the digital image is stored in the image storing unit, and the contents of the digital image are stored on the Web. The URL information is posted on an order page constructed on a server, and an e-mail including the thumbnail image of the digital image and the URL information of the order page is sent to a predetermined e-mail address by an e-mail sending means, When the order information from the orderer who has accessed the order page based on the above is entered into the order page, the order accepting means accepts the photograph order from the orderer, and the photograph accepted by the order accepting means Based on the order, using the data of the digital image stored in the image storage means And a photographic print creating means for creating a photographic print of the frame image. 14. A thumbnail image of the digital image is generated by reading a frame image of a photographic film by an image reading unit and then generating a digital image of the frame image by an image generating unit and storing the digital image in an image storing unit. An e-mail that is included and to which the photo ordering program is attached is sent to a predetermined e-mail address by mail sending means, and the orderer who receives the e-mail activates the photo ordering program to place an order. When the information is entered and the intention to order the photograph is entered, the program for ordering the photograph transmits the order information through the Internet, and the order information from the orderer transmitted by the program for ordering the photograph is received. In this case, the order accepting means accepts the photograph order from the orderer, and the order accepting means A photographic print creating method characterized in that, based on the received photographic order, the photographic print creating unit creates a photographic print of the frame image using the data of the digital image stored in the image storing unit. ..