JP2004318249A - Print service method of rental camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print service method of a rental camera system for accurately processing a series of operation of rental, return and expense demand of a rental camera. <P>SOLUTION: In the print service method, a communication camera (3) transmits print ordering information such as ciphered image data, the number of printing set by a user, an order date and ID information of the communication camera to a print service server (2). The print service server calculates demand expense required for printing on the basis of transmitted print order information, decodes and prints the ciphered image data, outputs an instruction promoted to transmit the printed image to a receiving place, and transmits demand information including the ID information, the order date and the demand expense to a rental server (4). The rental server outputs an instruction promoted to pay the demand expense to an owner of the print service server when a fee based on the demand expense is received from a user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a print service method for photographs taken by a rental camera, and more particularly to a print service method for a rental camera system using a communication line.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When the sightseeing is completed, a predetermined number of frames and the like are not always used for photographing, and after a while after the sightseeing, a photo shop is requested to develop the film. Further, even when a photograph is taken with a digital camera, a print request is not always made immediately. In general, if it takes time from photographing to printing of a photograph, the impression of sightseeing or the like is diminished, and the enjoyment of the photograph gradually decreases. With this, the impression of sightseeing diminishes over time, and the enjoyment of the pictures taken with care will gradually decrease.
[0003]
As a method for solving such a problem, an invention relating to a print service method for a rental camera system is known. According to the present invention, an image photographed by a traveler using a rented camera is transmitted to an image processing apparatus using a communication line during a trip, and the transmitted image is printed on a photograph, and the printed photograph is printed. Is delivered to a place designated by the traveler (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0004]
Therefore, the traveler can obtain the photo already printed on returning from the trip, and can enjoy the photo more. Further, an effect that the camera need not be carried can be obtained.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-305615 A
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the invention described in Patent Literature 1 does not disclose a request for print cost. That is, the print service of the rental camera system must be able to provide a service over a wide range, and must be available to an unspecified number of people. Therefore, in response to random service requests from many travelers, a large number of processes are promptly processed, and a system for billing expenses to be paid by an unspecified number of people who use the service has been constructed simply and accurately. Must be. However, in order for a print service to be established as a business, a series of operations from lending a camera to returning it must be managed and processed in addition to how the accounting process should be performed between related terminals. Are not disclosed in the above-mentioned publications, although it is necessary to negotiate specifically.
[0007]
Further, the rental camera described in Patent Literature 1 has to transmit a print order using a mobile phone, requires much support from the rental company to the user, and the operation is complicated. Further, it is necessary to transmit an order from the server of the rental company to the server of the print service company, which increases system costs such as temporary storage of order data and duplication of the server system. Processing was complicated.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can easily transmit image data captured by a rented camera, and accurately perform image data processing, print destination, billing processing, and the like. It is an object of the present invention to provide a print service method of a rental camera system that can perform the following.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a print service server owned by a print service company, receives the rental information transmitted from the rental server, and registers them in the order management database; Based on the ID information and image data transmission destination information input in advance, image data transmitted from the rental camera, order information such as the number of prints, and date information and ID information on the order date are received and managed. Registering the image data in the order management database, outputting the image data print order information based on the information registered in the order management database, calculating the print cost based on the order information, and registering it in the order management database. And print the order information such as the number of prints and print And transmitting the information about the use, identifying the destination information to receive the printed photographs, a rental camera print service method provided with the.
[0010]
According to the present invention, in the print service method according to the above-described invention, the step of outputting the print order information is a step of outputting the print order information from the print service server to a print server owned by a printing company. .
[0011]
Further, according to the present invention, the print service server owned by the print service provider receives the lending information transmitted from the rental server, registers the information in the order management database, and stores an ID previously input to the digital camera. Receiving, based on the information and the image data transmission destination information, the image data transmitted from the rental camera, order information such as the number of prints, date information and ID information on the order date, and registering them in the order management database; Outputting the print order information of the image data to the print server owned by the printing company based on the order information corresponding to the registered ID information and date information; receiving the print cost from the print server; Steps to register in the database and print cost and number of prints on the rental server Transmitting the order information etc., identifying the destination information to receive the printed photographs, a rental camera print service method provided with the.
[0012]
Further, according to the present invention, in the print service method according to the above-mentioned invention, the digital camera is rented from a business owner of the print service server to a rental business owner of the rental server, and includes ID information and transmission destination information. Is a print service method for a rental camera, which is information set by the printing company.
[0013]
Further, according to the present invention, in the print service method according to the above-described invention, the information transmitted to the print service server includes financial account information with which the user has contracted, and the print service server determines the print cost. A print service method for a rental camera, further comprising the step of billing the bill to a financial institution having an account.
[0014]
Further, according to the present invention, in the print service method according to the above-mentioned invention, the information transmitted from the rental camera includes ID information generated by the print service server to specify image data and the like corresponding to the image data and the like. If the user has transmitted ID information and password information to the print service server together with the additional print order information, the information is received as additional print order information, A rental camera print service method further comprising a step of specifying a user and image data corresponding to the user, and a step of registering the received additional print order information in an order management database.
[0015]
Further, in the print service method according to the invention described above, the step of receiving the information transmitted from the digital camera and registering the information in the order management database includes encrypting the image data and then encrypting the image data in the order management database. A rental camera print service method including a registration step.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a rental camera system according to the present invention.
The rental camera system includes a print service server 2, a communication camera 3, a rental server 4, a print server 5, a financial institution terminal 6, a user terminal 7, and an image server 8 connected to a communication line 1. I have. Here, the print service server 2 is an information processing terminal such as a computer owned by a service provider that provides a print service.
[0017]
The communication camera 3 is a camera rented to a user who is a traveler and has a communication function so that information can be exchanged with the print service server 2 via the communication line 1. The rental server 4 is an information processing device provided in a travel agency. The service provider provides the travel agent with a digital camera (communication camera) 3 having a communication function, and the travel agent lends the provided communication camera 3 to a traveler. The rental server 4 manages the lending of the communication camera 3.
[0018]
The print server 5 is an information processing apparatus provided in a print lab that prints an image photographed by a user on a photograph. The print server 5 receives a print request and manages print processing.
[0019]
The financial institution terminal 6 is an information processing terminal provided in a financial institution such as a bank, and performs a process of withdrawing a printing fee or the like from a user's account.
[0020]
The user terminal 7 is an information processing terminal provided at a user's home or the like. The user can order from the user terminal 7 to print an image taken during the travel.
[0021]
The image server 8 is an information processing terminal for storing images taken by a user during a trip and controlling printing based on a request from the user.
[0022]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the print service server 2.
[0023]
The print service server 2 includes an input / output control unit 10, a camera registration unit 11, an order reception processing unit 12, a print processing unit 13, a cost billing processing unit 14, a sales processing unit 15, an encryption key generation unit 22, and a data memory 16. ing. The print service server 2 is connected to an input / output device 21 for inputting and outputting information.
[0024]
The input / output control unit 10 is an interface for exchanging various types of information with each terminal connected to the communication line 1 and the input / output device 21. The camera registration unit 11 records the ID of the communication camera provided to the travel agency. The order reception processing unit 12 receives a photo print order from a user. The print processing unit 13 makes preparations for photo printing. The expense request processing unit 14 performs a procedure related to calculation and payment of the printing fee. The sales processing unit 15 performs sales performance management processing. The encryption key generation unit 22 generates key data for setting encryption key data in a communication camera 3B having an encryption function described later.
[0025]
The data memory 16 includes a camera management data memory 17, an order management data memory 18, an image data memory 19, and a sales management data memory 20.
[0026]
The camera management data memory 17 stores information about the rented communication camera 3. The order management data memory 18 stores print order contents transmitted from the user. The image data memory 19 stores the image data transmitted from the user. The sales management data memory 20 stores information related to sales results.
[0027]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication camera 3.
[0028]
The communication camera 3 includes an input / output control unit 25, an imaging processing unit 26, an order processing unit 27, an order transmission processing unit 28, and a data memory 29. The communication camera 3 is provided with an input / output unit 33 for inputting / outputting information.
[0029]
The input / output control unit 25 is an interface for exchanging various types of information with the print service server 2 and the input / output unit 33 connected to the communication line 1. The imaging processing unit 26 performs a series of processes from photographing a subject, processing the image, and recording the image in the data memory 29. The order processing unit 27 supports an operation input when a user orders printing. The order transmission processing unit 28 transmits the contents of the order to the print service server 2.
[0030]
The data memory 29 includes an address data memory 30, an order data memory 31, an image data memory 32, and a camera ID memory (not shown).
[0031]
The address data memory 30 stores the address of the print service server 2 when transmitting the order details. The address is set before the rental, and the user cannot set it. Therefore, the order from the communication camera 3 is transmitted only to the print service server 2. The order data memory 31 stores order contents such as the image size and the number of orders to be transmitted to the print service server 2. The image data memory 32 is a memory that stores image data that has been captured and processed by the imaging processing unit 26. Further, in a camera ID memory (not shown), ID information for specifying the camera is written. This ID information can be set only by the service provider.
[0032]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the rental server 4.
[0033]
The rental server 4 includes an input / output control unit 35, a lending processing unit 36, a billing processing unit 37, a sales processing unit 38, and a data memory 39. The rental server 4 is connected to an input / output device 42 for inputting and outputting information.
[0034]
The input / output control unit 35 is an interface for exchanging various types of information with each server and the input / output device 42 connected to the communication line 1. The lending processing unit 36 records the rental information such as the camera ID of the lent communication camera 3, the lending period, and the return place. The billing processing unit 37 receives billing information such as a printing fee sent from the print service server 2. The sales processing unit 38 performs actual processing such as lending of the communication camera 3 and billing to the user generated by a print order from the lent communication camera 3.
[0035]
The data memory 39 is provided with a lending management data memory 40 for storing lending information of the lending communication camera 3 and a sales management data memory 41 for storing sales information relating to lending of the communication camera 3 and printing orders.
[0036]
Next, the operation of the rental camera system will be described.
[0037]
FIG. 6 is a related diagram showing an information flow of the first embodiment of the print service method according to the present invention.
In the first embodiment, information is exchanged among the print service server 2, the printing device 2a, the communication camera 3, and the rental server 4.
[0038]
In this embodiment, a contract is made such that the service provider provides the communication camera 3 to the rental company, and the print order of the images taken by the provided communication camera 3 is all undertaken by the service provider and the commission is paid to the rental company. Shall be concluded.
[0039]
The service provider sets the camera ID and data transmission destination of the communication camera 3 owned by the service provider to the address of the print service server 2 and provides the communication agent 3 to the travel agency.
[0040]
When the service provider inputs the provided information regarding the communication camera 3 from the input / output device 21 of the print service server 2, the camera registration unit 11 starts up and records the information in the camera management data memory 17.
[0041]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of the camera management data memory 17.
The “camera ID” and “model” for specifying the communication camera 3, the name of the provided travel agency “partner”, and the “end of provision” as the end of provision are recorded in the camera management data memory 17 as information. You. On the other hand, when renting the communication camera 3 to a customer, the travel agent provided with the communication camera 3 transmits the information specifying the lent communication camera 3, the information on the lending period, and the information on the customer to the rental server 4. Input via the input / output device 42. The input information is recorded in the lending management data memory 40 by the function of the lending processing unit 36.
[0042]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the lending management data memory 40.
The information for identifying the communication camera 3 is “lending number” and “camera ID”, the information about the lending period is “lending date” and “scheduled return date”, and the information about the customer is “name”, “address” and “ "Phone number" is recorded. If the customer wants to pay the printing fee by debiting the account of the financial institution, the customer's "account number" is recorded. The location where the printed photo is to be delivered to the customer is recorded in the "Destination".
[0043]
Next, an operation of ordering a photo print from a hotel, for example, after taking a picture using the communication camera 3 rented by a traveler will be described.
[0044]
FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart showing the operation of ordering printing of a photo from a communication camera.
[0045]
When the traveler selects the print order menu from the input unit 33 of the communication camera 3, the order processing unit 27 is activated, and an order screen for the traveler to input a print order is displayed on the input / output unit (S1). .
[0046]
The order processing section 27 searches the image data memory 32 to display the photographed image, and prompts the traveler to input a print size and the number of ordered sheets (S2). When the traveler inputs information for ordering printing in accordance with the displayed instruction, the order processing unit 27 stores the order information in the order data memory 31 (S3). When the traveler further inputs an order (No in S4), the above steps S2 to S3 are repeated.
[0047]
If the traveler inputs an operation of ending the order (Yes in S4), the above-mentioned “order information”, “camera ID”, “image data”, and “order date and time” are set as transmission data, and the communication camera 3 has an address. This transmission data is transmitted to the address of the print service server 2 registered in the data memory 30 (S6).
[0048]
The order date and time are set to the transmission date and time. The communication camera 3 can transmit only to an address registered in the address data memory 30. This is because only a predetermined print service server 2 exclusively provides a print service. It is the service provider that sets the destination address in the address data memory 30, and the setting is completed before the communication camera 3 is provided to the rental provider.
[0049]
When transmitting the data, the image data may be encrypted. In this case, after inputting the order information, a process (S5) for encrypting the image data is executed.
[0050]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication camera with encryption function 3B. An encryption processing unit 23 and an encryption key data memory 24 are added to FIG. 3 which is a block diagram of a communication camera having no encryption function.
[0051]
In this description, especially when a communication camera having an encryption function is described, the communication camera 3B is described as a communication camera with an encryption function. .
[0052]
The encryption key data memory 24 stores encryption key data necessary for encrypting data in the encryption processing unit 23. The encryption processing unit 23 encrypts the image data using the encryption key data.
[0053]
The encryption key data is generated by the encryption key generation unit 22 of the print service server 2 together with the decryption key data, and is set in the encryption key data memory 24 of the communication camera with encryption function 3B. On the other hand, the decryption key data generated together with the encryption key data is recorded in the camera management data memory 17 so as to be specified by the camera ID as shown in FIG.
[0054]
When the encryption key is generated in the print service server 2 of the service provider and is set in the communication camera with encryption function 3B only by the service provider, the service provider necessarily sets the transmission address of the communication camera with encryption function 3B. No need to set. Even if the print order data is transmitted from the communication camera with encryption function 3B to another service provider, since the image data is encrypted, it does not become a captured image even if printed. Therefore, in the case of the communication camera with encryption function 3B, the destination may be input from the input / output unit 33 when the traveler makes a print order, or may be set by the travel agency before lending.
[0055]
The print service server 2 that has received data such as order information from the communication camera 3 performs printing and billing processing.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the print service server.
[0056]
In the print service server 2, the order reception processing unit 12 is activated to authenticate the camera ID included in the transmission data (S10). That is, it is checked whether or not the transmitted camera ID matches the camera ID stored in the camera management data memory 17. If the authentication is successful, the received order details are recorded in the order management data memory 18 and the image data is recorded in the image data memory 19 (S12).
[0057]
On the other hand, if the order is an encrypted image, after authentication of the camera ID (S10), a decryption process is performed using the decryption key data registered in the camera management data memory 17, and the captured image is obtained. Is restored (S11), and is recorded in the image data memory 19, and at the same time, the order details are stored in the order management data memory 18 (S12).
[0058]
In addition, an inquiry about the destination of the printed photo is transmitted to the rental server 4 specified by searching the camera management data memory 17 using the camera ID. This inquiry includes the camera ID and order date and time information.
[0059]
Upon receiving the inquiry, the rental server 4 searches the rental management data memory 40 from the camera ID and the order date and time data, reads out the destination information, and transmits the information to the print service server 2.
[0060]
The print service server 2 receives the destination information as a response to the inquiry, and stores this information in the order management data memory 18 (S13).
[0061]
Subsequently, the print processing unit 13 is activated, reads out the order contents and the image data from the order management data memory 18 and the image data memory 19, respectively, transmits the read data to the printing device 2a, and executes printing (S14). Then, an instruction to output the printed photo to the “destination” recorded in the order management data memory 18 is output (S15).
[0062]
Note that this “destination” information was obtained by inquiring of the rental server 4, but may be a location unique to the rental camera, such as a travel agency's main branch, by agreement with the travel agency. In this case, the destination information is registered in the camera management data memory 17 and is referred to at the time of transmission.
[0063]
Next, the expense request processing unit 14 is activated, calculates a printing fee based on the order content registered in the order management data memory 18, and stores the amount in the order management data memory 18 (S16).
[0064]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of the order management data memory 18.
The order management data memory 18 stores an "order number" issued by the print service server 2, an "order date" for identifying the order, a "camera ID", and the like. , And “print total amount” are stored. Here, the date on which the printed photo was sent to the partner is recorded in the “shipping date”.
[0065]
Then, the expense request processing unit 14 transmits a print charge request including the “billing number”, “billing amount”, “payment term”, order contents, and the like to the rental server 4 (S17). Further, the billing data is stored in the sales management data memory 20 based on the data transmitted to the rental server 4 (S18).
[0066]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of the sales management data memory 20.
Here, the date on which the printed photo was sent to the destination is entered in the “sale date”, and the date on which the billed amount and the like were transmitted to the rental server 4 is entered in the “billing date”. The “billing date” may be the date when the bill was sent, and the “payment date” may be a date calculated from the “billing date”.
[0067]
The rental server 4 that has received the data such as the billing amount from the print service server 2 receives the amount from the traveler based on this information and processes the sales.
[0068]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the rental server.
In the rental server 4, the billing processing unit 37 is activated and authenticates the camera ID included in the data transmitted from the print service server 2 (S20). That is, it is checked whether or not the transmitted camera ID matches the camera ID stored in the lending management data memory 40. If the authentication is successful, the transmitted billing amount, billing date, and billing number are recorded in the lending management data memory 18 (S21).
[0069]
Thereafter, when the traveler returns the communication camera 3, the travel agent gives the printed photo and receives a printing fee including its own fee. At this time, the content of the order data memory 31 of the communication camera 3 may be collated with the content to be charged.
[0070]
Then, the travel agency inputs predetermined information from the input / output device 42 of the rental server 4. In the rental server 4, the sales processing unit 38 is activated, writes the return date in the lending management data memory 40, and writes necessary information on sales in the sales management data memory 41 (S22).
[0071]
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of the sales management data memory 41.
Then, the sales processing unit 38 executes a payment process for the amount charged to the service provider (S23). After the sales processing described above is completed, processing is performed so that the returned communication camera 3 can be lent again.
[0072]
Next, a second embodiment of the print service method according to the present invention will be described.
[0073]
In the second embodiment, information is exchanged among the print service server 2, the printing device 2a, the communication camera 3, and the rental server 4, as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, the data transmitted from the communication camera 3 to the print service server 2 does not include the order date and time (transmission date and time), and when the print service server 2 receives the data from the communication camera 3, the received date and time are indicated by the print service server. 2 in that it is extracted from the timekeeping mechanism of No. 2 and recorded in the “order date” of the order management data memory 18.
[0074]
By setting the order date to the date and time when the print service server 2 receives the order, even if the traveler is traveling abroad, the order date is used as a key item without being affected by the time difference from each country. The effect is that the order can be identified.
[0075]
FIG. 16 is a related diagram showing the information flow of the third embodiment of the print service method according to the present invention.
In the third embodiment, information is exchanged among the print service server 2, the communication camera 3, the rental server 4, and the print server 5. In the first embodiment, the print service server 2 prints directly on the printing device 2a. However, in the third embodiment, the print service server 2 stores information about printing in the print server 5 installed in the print lab. And the photo print is executed in the print lab. In the following description, detailed description of the same portions as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.
[0076]
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the print server 5.
The print server 5 includes an input / output control unit 45, a print request receiving unit 46, a print processing unit 47, an expense request processing unit 48, and a data memory 49. The print server 5 is connected to an input / output device 52 for inputting and outputting information.
[0077]
The input / output control unit 45 is an interface for exchanging various types of information between each terminal connected to the communication line 1 and the input / output device 52. The print request receiving unit 46 receives print instruction data transmitted from the print service server 2. The print processing unit 47 controls the operation of the printing device. The expense billing processing unit 48 executes a printing fee billing process and the like.
[0078]
The data memory 49 includes a print management data memory 50 and a sales management data memory 51. The print management data memory 50 stores the contents of an order for printing and the like. The sales management data memory 51 stores sales information related to printing.
[0079]
Next, the operation of the rental camera system according to the third embodiment will be described.
[0080]
The print service server 2 that has received the transmission data such as the order information from the communication camera 3 performs the order reception processing of steps S10 to S12 in FIG. 11 and then transmits the transmission data to the print server 5.
[0081]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the print server 5.
In the print server 5, the print request receiving unit 46 is activated and writes information in the print management data memory 50 based on print request data such as image data, order content information, and destination information from the print service server 2 (S25). ).
[0082]
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the configuration of the print management data memory 50.
The print management data memory 50 stores a “print request date” for identifying an order, a “camera ID”, and the like, along with a “print request number” issued by the print service server 2. "Contents" and "total printing amount" are stored. Here, the date on which the printed photo was sent to the "destination" is recorded in the "shipping date".
[0083]
Next, the print processing unit 47 is activated, and controls the printing operation of the printing apparatus according to the print contents (S26). Then, an instruction to output the printed photo to the destination is output (S27).
[0084]
Subsequently, the expense request processing unit 48 is activated, calculates the total printing amount, records it in the print management data memory 50, and transmits the amount to the print service server 2 (S28). The print service server 2 that has received the print fee data executes the processing of steps S16 to S18 in FIG.
[0085]
In the third embodiment, a photo is printed in a plurality of printing labs, so that printing is performed in a printing lab near a travel agency, thereby providing an effect that a photo delivery service can be efficiently performed.
[0086]
FIG. 20 is a related diagram showing the information flow of the fourth embodiment of the print service method according to the present invention.
In the fourth embodiment, information is exchanged among the print service server 2, the printing device 2a, the communication camera with encryption function 3B, the rental server 4, and the financial institution terminal 6. The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the print service server 2 newly exchanges information with the financial institution terminal 6. In the following description, detailed description of the same portions as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.
[0087]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of ordering a photo print of the communication camera with encryption function 3B.
[0088]
When the traveler selects the print order menu from the input unit 33 of the communication camera with encryption function 3B, the order processing unit 27 starts up and performs the same processing as steps S1 to S4 in FIG. 10 to collect order information ( S30). Then, an instruction is issued to the traveler, prompting the destination of the printed photo, the payment method, and the debit from the financial institution to input the account number (S31).
[0089]
When the traveler inputs predetermined data in accordance with this instruction, first, the image data to be ordered and the personal information data of the traveler such as an account number are encrypted (S32), and these data and the above-mentioned "order information", “Camera ID”, “current date and time”, “destination”, “account number” and the like are set as transmission data, and the transmission data is transmitted to the address of the print service server 2 set in the address data memory 30. (S33).
[0090]
The print service server 2 that has received the transmission data such as order information from the communication camera with encryption function 3B performs printing and billing processing for travelers.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the print service server 2.
[0091]
In the print service server 2, the order reception processing unit 12 is activated, and executes the same processing as steps S10 to S12 in FIG. 11 (S35). Note that the decryption process is also applied to personal information data. Next, the expense request processing unit 14 is activated, calculates the printing fee and the sending cost, records them in the order management data memory 18 (S36), and instructs the financial institution terminal 6 to debit the fee from the corresponding account. Request (S37). If the withdrawal has failed (S38, No), the communication camera 3B with the encryption function is notified that the withdrawal has failed.
[0092]
If the withdrawal is successful (S38, Yes), the image data and the order information are transmitted to the printing device 2a to execute the printing (S41). Then, an instruction prompting the service partner to send the printed photo to the destination is output (S42).
[0093]
Next, the expense request processing unit 14 is activated, and transmits to the communication camera with encryption function 3B and the rental server 4 that the camera ID, order date, printing and sending are performed (S43). Then, the deducted fee is recorded in the sales management data memory 20 (S44), and an instruction prompting the service provider to pay a fee to the travel agency is output (S45).
[0094]
According to the fourth embodiment, since money related to the printing fee is not exchanged with the travel agency, the billing process can be executed efficiently.
[0095]
FIG. 23 is a related diagram showing the flow of information in the fifth embodiment of the print service method according to the present invention.
In the fifth embodiment, information is exchanged among the print service server 2, the printing device 2a, the communication camera 3, the rental server 4, the financial institution terminal 6, the user terminal 7, and the image server 8. The fifth embodiment has a configuration in which a user terminal 7 and an image server 8 are added to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. In the following description, a detailed description of the same portions as those in the fourth embodiment will be omitted.
[0096]
FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image server 8.
[0097]
The image server 8 includes an input / output control unit 55, a print management unit 56, an order processing unit 57, and a data memory 58. The image server 8 is connected to an input / output device 61 for inputting and outputting information.
[0098]
The input / output control unit 55 is an interface for exchanging various information with each server, terminal, and input / output device 61 connected to the communication line 1. The print management unit 56 manages images for printing, and receives print instruction data transmitted from the order management unit 57 or the print service server 2, and controls printing to the printing apparatus 2a. The order processing unit 57 receives print order data from the user terminal 7 and performs an order receiving process.
[0099]
The data memory 58 is provided with an image data memory 59 and an order management data memory 60. The image data memory 59 stores image data to be printed. The order management data memory 60 stores order and billing information relating to printing.
[0100]
Next, the operation of the rental camera system according to the fifth embodiment will be described.
[0101]
As in the fourth embodiment, the print service server 2 that has received transmission data such as order information from the communication camera 3 performs printing and billing processing for travelers.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the print service server.
[0102]
In the print service server 2, the order reception processing unit 12 and the cost request processing unit 14 are activated and execute the same processing as steps S35 to S38 in FIG. 22 (S50). Subsequently, the print processing unit 13 is activated, and the received image data is transmitted to the image server 8 and registered (S51). At the same time, a storage ID and a password for accessing the image registered in the image server 8 are generated and transmitted to the image server 8 (S52). Then, the order is transmitted to the image server 8 to prompt printing (S53).
[0103]
In the image server 8, the print management unit 56 is activated, stores the image sent from the print service server 2 in the image data memory 59, and further manages the order details, storage ID, and password sent from the print service server 2. The data is stored in the data memory 60.
[0104]
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a configuration of the order management data memory 60 in the image server 8. In addition to the storage ID and the password, order contents, customer information, billing information, and the like are recorded so as to be able to respond to subsequent orders.
[0105]
Next, the print management unit 56 generates an image for index printing including the storage ID, the password, and the access URL of the image server 8, causes the printing device 2a to execute printing of the photograph, and reports the completion of printing to the print service server. Notify 2. The print service server 2 executes the same processing as steps S42 to S45 in FIG. 22 (S54).
[0106]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the printed photo may be sent to a destination specified by the traveler or a travel agency. Further, the printing fee may be deducted from a financial institution, or may be received by a travel agent from a traveler. Further, the notification of the storage ID, the password, and the access URL of the image server 8 is not printed on the index print, but the information is transmitted to the communication camera 3 when the print order from the communication camera 3 is received. It may be done by doing.
[0107]
As described above, the traveler can obtain the photograph taken at the travel destination. However, if the user wants to reprint the photograph after returning the rental camera, the image server 8 can be obtained by using the user terminal 7 owned by the user. Can be accessed. The user accesses the URL described in the index print from the user terminal 7, inputs a storage ID and a password, requests authentication, specifies a print size and the number of prints for each image, and specifies a destination and payment. When printing is ordered by inputting the method, account number, and e-mail address, the order processing unit 57 of the image server 8 is activated to perform an order receiving process.
[0108]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation from order reception to printing.
[0109]
The order processing unit 57 authenticates the storage ID and the password included in the transmission data (S60). That is, it is checked whether the transmitted storage ID and password match the storage ID and password stored in the order management data memory 58. If the authentication is successful, the transmitted order details are recorded in the order management data memory 58 (S61).
[0110]
Next, based on the contents of the order, the printing fee and the sending cost are calculated and recorded in the order management data memory 18 (S62), and the financial institution terminal 6 is requested to withdraw the fee from the corresponding account (S63). ). If the withdrawal has failed (S64 No), the user terminal 7 is notified by e-mail that the withdrawal has failed (S65). If the withdrawal is successful (Yes in S64), the print management unit 56 starts up, retrieves the specified image from the image data memory 59 (S66), transmits the image data and the order information to the printing device 2a, and executes printing. (S67). Then, an instruction to send the printed photo to the destination is output (S68).
[0111]
According to the fifth embodiment, the user can repeatedly order photos even after the travel, so that the user can enjoy the photos more.
[0112]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying constituent elements in an implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Further, components of different embodiments may be appropriately combined.
[0113]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, transmission of the image data image | photographed by the rented camera can be performed easily, without taking the trouble to the person who borrowed the camera. Further, since the print order destination is unified and all the management is performed there, the processing of the image data, the management of the print destination, etc. can be centralized, and the billing process can be performed efficiently.
[0114]
Also, since the print ordering destination is unified, the effect of reducing the financial administrative burden on the camera rental company can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a rental camera system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print service server.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication camera.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication camera with an encryption function.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a rental server.
FIG. 6 is a related view showing a flow of information in the first embodiment of the print service method according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a camera management data memory.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second configuration of the camera management data memory.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a lending management data memory.
FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart showing an operation of ordering printing of a photo from a communication camera.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the print service server.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of an order management data memory.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a sales management data memory.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the rental server.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of a sales management data memory.
FIG. 16 is a related view showing a flow of information in a third embodiment of the print service method according to the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print server.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the print server.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a configuration of a print management data memory.
FIG. 20 is a related view showing a flow of information in a fourth embodiment of the print service method according to the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an outline operation of ordering a photo print of the communication camera with the encryption function.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the print service server.
FIG. 23 is a related view showing a flow of information in a fifth embodiment of the print service method according to the present invention.
FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image server.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the print service server.
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a configuration of an order management data memory in the image server.
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation from order acceptance to printing.
[Explanation of symbols]
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 communication line 2 print service server 2 a printing device 3 communication camera 3 B communication camera with encryption function 4 rental server 5 print server 6 financial institution terminal 7 user terminal , 8 image server, 12 order receiving processing unit, 13 print processing unit, 14 billing processing unit, 18 order management data memory, 20 sales management data memory, 22 encryption key generation unit, 23 encryption Processing unit, 24: encryption key data memory, 27: order processing unit, 28: order transmission processing unit, 30: address data memory, 32: image data memory, 33: input / output unit, 38: sales processing unit, 40: lending Management data memory, 41: Sales management data memory, 48: Expense request processing section, 56: Print management section, 57: Order processing section, 60: Order management data memory.

Claims (7)

A print service method, wherein image data taken by a digital camera rented based on rental information such as photograph destination information and rental period information registered in a rental server can be obtained with the destination information. ,
The print service server owned by the print service provider is
Receiving the rental information transmitted from the rental server, and registering them in an order management database;
Based on the ID information and the image data transmission destination information input in advance to the digital camera, the image data transmitted from the rental camera, order information such as the number of prints, date information on the order date and the ID information are received. , Registering them in the order management database,
Outputting print order information of image data based on the information registered in the order management database;
Calculating a print cost based on the order information and registering it in an order management database;
Transmitting, to the rental server, order information such as the number of prints and information about the print cost;
Identifying destination information for receiving the printed photo;
A print service method for a rental camera, comprising: The print service method for a rental camera according to claim 1, wherein the step of outputting the print order information is a step of outputting the print order information from the print service server to a print server owned by a printing company. A print service method, wherein image data taken by a digital camera rented based on rental information such as photograph destination information and rental period information registered in a rental server can be obtained with the destination information. ,
The print service server owned by the print service provider is
Receiving the rental information transmitted from the rental server, and registering them in an order management database;
Based on the ID information and the image data transmission destination information input in advance to the digital camera, the image data transmitted from the rental camera, order information such as the number of prints, date information on the order date and the ID information are received. , Registering in the order management database;
Outputting print order information of image data to a print server owned by a printing company based on the registered order information corresponding to the ID information and the date information;
Receiving print costs from the print server and registering them in the order management database;
Transmitting order information such as the print cost and the number of prints to the rental server;
Identifying destination information for receiving the printed photo;
A print service method for a rental camera, comprising: The digital camera is rented from a print service server to a rental company that owns a rental server, and the ID information and the transmission destination information are information set by the print company. The print service method for a rental camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The information transmitted to the print service server includes financial account information contracted by the user, and the print service server bills the print cost to the financial institution where the account is established. The print service method for a rental camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a step. The information transmitted from the rental camera includes ID information generated by the print service server and specifying image data and the like, and password information for specifying a user corresponding to the image data and the like.
When the user has transmitted the ID information and the password information to the print service server together with the additional print order information, the information is received as additional print order information, and the user and the image data corresponding to the user are received. Identifying
4. The print service method for a rental camera according to claim 1, further comprising: registering the received additional order information in an order management database. The step of receiving the information transmitted from the digital camera and registering the information in the order management database includes a step of encrypting image data and then registering the image data in the order management database. The print service method for a rental camera according to claim 1.

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