JP2011022932A - Template posting system, photographic print order system and template creating program - Google Patents

Abstract

Various templates can be provided depending on countries, regions, etc., and the burden on template creation on the side of providing a print ordering system is reduced.
A photo print ordering system connected via a network to a personal computer 2 installed on the side of a photo print orderer, and an image receiving unit 11 for accepting upload of image data from the personal computer 2 A template storage unit 101 that stores template data that can be fitted and combined with image data, an order processing unit 15 that performs order processing of photo prints based on the template data and image data that is fitted and combined with the template data, and a network A template image accepting unit 12 capable of accepting posting of template data via.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a template posting system connected to a computer installed on the template creator side via a network, a photo print ordering system using the template posting system, and a computer connected to the photo print ordering system. It relates to the template creation program to be installed.

  As one form of ordering a photographic print, a photographic print ordering system that can place a print order via the Internet is known (see Patent Document 1 below). An orderer who wants to place a print order can access the homepage of a company that provides a photo print ordering system (online print service) using his / her personal computer (computer) and upload the image data to be created as a photo print. . In addition, when creating a photographic print, a photographic print may be created based on a composite image in which image data is inserted and combined with template data. For example, New Year's card prints, commemorative prints, business card prints, calendars, and the like are created by inserting and combining image data with template data.

JP 2004-139406 A

  When image synthesis with template data is performed, the template data is selected from those prepared in advance by a company that provides a photo print ordering system.

  On the other hand, the place for accepting print orders via the Internet is not limited, and the above-mentioned photo print ordering system can be constructed in various regions and countries. Therefore, it is possible that people from various regions and countries will come in. In such a case, it is difficult to design all templates on the company side and prepare them in advance. Depending on the region and country, there is a preference for template design, and there are designs that can be accepted or cannot be accepted due to cultural issues.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem is that when providing a service using template data, for example, an order for a photographic print is made based on a composite image obtained by combining the template data and the image data. In this case, a template submission system that can provide various templates depending on the country, region, etc., and can reduce the burden of template creation on the side of providing a service such as a print order system, and photo print order using this template submission system A system and a template creation program installed in a computer connected to the photo print ordering system are provided.

In order to solve the above problems, the template posting system according to the present invention is:
A template posting system connected via a network to a computer installed on the template creator side,
A template image accepting unit capable of accepting posting of template data from the computer via a network;
A template storage unit for storing the posted template data;
And a template data processing unit for processing the template data for providing a service.

  The operation and effect of the template posting system having such a configuration will be described. This template posting system is connected to a computer (such as a personal computer) on the template creator side via a network such as the Internet. This system has a function of receiving template data uploaded from a computer. The uploaded template data is stored in the template storage unit. For example, the template data can be synthesized by fitting the uploaded image data. A print order can be placed using the created composite image. The objects of printing are paper (normal photographic prints), T-shirts, mugs, and the like. The template data processing unit executes template data processing, for example, print order processing, template data transmission processing, and the like for providing these services. Further, order processing in which the template data itself is sold as a product can be considered.

  The template data is configured not only to be prepared on the side of providing a service such as a print service, but also to be able to post original template data via a network such as the Internet. The computer that can post can be connected to the template posting system via a network, and may be a computer of an orderer who orders the various services described above, or a computer related to a person who does not order the service. May be. With the above configuration, it becomes possible to provide a variety of template data, making it possible to provide template data according to the circumstances of the country, region, etc., and reducing the burden on template creation on the service provider side it can.

  In the present invention, a check is made as to whether or not an illegal image is included in the template data to be posted, and if the illegal image is included, a posting permission / inhibition determination unit that prohibits posting of the template data is provided. preferable.

  For example, if the template data includes an image that is not authorized by the copyright holder or an image that violates public order and morals, a function is provided for checking this. As a result, it is possible to prevent the provision or printing of an image that violates the copyright law.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the template data has an image data fitting area set by the computer on the creator side.

  The template data requires a template image portion and a fitting area for image data. It is preferable that the setting of the insertion area is set on the creator side so that the intention of the creator who created the template can be reflected. Thereby, the burden on the side providing the template posting system can be reduced.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that a usage number counting unit that counts the number of times the posted template data is used for providing the service is provided.

  When template data is posted and the template is used by various people, for example, it can be evaluated that it contributed to print sales. Moreover, it can be said that the template itself is a copyrighted work. Therefore, by counting the number of times of use for providing services such as print orders, it becomes possible to provide the creator with an amount (or securities, service points, etc.) corresponding to the number of uses. As a result, it is possible to expect creation of a more excellent template. Specific examples of service provision include print orders for paper, T-shirts, mugs, etc., and sales of templates themselves.

The photo print ordering system using the template posting system according to the present invention is:
An image receiving unit that accepts uploading of image data via a network from a computer installed on the order side of the photo print;
A composition processing unit that performs fitting and composition between the uploaded image data and the template data stored in the template storage unit;
An order processing unit that functions as the template data processing unit and that performs a photographic print ordering process based on the image data to be fitted and synthesized.

  The operation and effect of the photo print ordering system having such a configuration will be described. This photo print ordering system is connected to an orderer's computer (such as a personal computer) via a network such as the Internet. This system has a function of receiving image data uploaded from a computer. Also, template data that can be embedded and combined with uploaded image data is stored in the template storage unit. The image data uploaded to the template data can be inserted and synthesized. A photograph print can be ordered using the created composite image. The template data is configured not only to be prepared on the print service providing side but also to be able to post original template data via a network such as the Internet. The computer that can post can be connected to the photo print ordering system via a network, and may be a computer of an orderer who orders photo prints, or a computer related to a person who does not order photo prints. May be. With the above configuration, it becomes possible to provide a variety of template data, and it is possible to provide template data according to the circumstances of the country, region, etc., and reduce the burden of template creation on the side providing the print order system be able to.

In order to solve the above problems, a template creation program according to the present invention is installed in a computer connected to the photo print ordering system via a network, and causes the computer to function as a template data posting device.
The computer,
Template creation means for creating a template area for template data,
A fitting area setting means for setting an image fitting area in the template data;
It is characterized by functioning as posting permission / refusal judging means for permitting posting only template data in which a fitting area is set to the template posting system.

  By installing such a program in a computer, template data that can be posted to the photo print ordering system can be created. The template requires a template area and an image fitting area. The setting of the fitting area is an item that should reflect the intention of the creator, and preferably has a function of setting such an area. When posting template data to the template posting system, it is necessary to set a fitting area. Therefore, the posting of template data in which such an area is not set is not permitted. Thereby, provision of the template which cannot be used for image composition can be prevented.

The figure which shows the composition of the whole system including the photograph print ordering system Block diagram showing the functions of the servers that make up the photo print ordering system Diagram showing an example of template configuration Diagram showing the functions of the template creation program installed on the computer Diagram showing the configuration of the photo print creation system Flow chart showing the procedure for posting a template to the server Flow chart showing the procedure on the server side that received the template data Flow chart showing the procedure for ordering photo prints using the photo print ordering system

  A preferred embodiment of a photo print ordering system using a template posting system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of the entire system including a photo print ordering system.

<System configuration>
The photo print ordering system is a system for enabling ordering of photo prints via the Internet, and the main function for this is provided by the function of the server 1 connected to the Internet. Such functions are mainly provided by software. The number of installed servers 1 is not limited to one, and can be installed for each region or country, for example.

  The personal computer 2 (corresponding to a computer) is operated by a customer who orders a photo print online. A browser capable of searching the Internet is installed on the personal computer 2. By using the personal computer 2 and accessing the homepage of a company (trader) that provides a photo print ordering system, it is possible to order photo prints online. Note that the order of the photo print is not limited to the personal computer 2 but may be made from a mobile phone or other portable device (which also corresponds to a computer).

  Although details will be described later, an original template created by the user can be uploaded to the server 1 using the personal computer 2. The creator of the template does not need to be in the position of a customer who places an order for a photo print, and can post the created template to the server 1.

  The photo print creation system 3 includes a printer that creates photo prints, and is a system constructed in a photo shop. The photo print creation system 3 is a system for creating photo prints by downloading image data relating to photo print orders via the server 1. The photo print creation system 3 is a system constructed for each photo shop.

<Detailed system functions>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions of the server 1 constituting the photo print ordering system. The transmission / reception unit 10 has a function of receiving and transmitting various data via the Internet. The image receiving unit 11 has a function of receiving image data uploaded from the personal computer 2. The received image data is stored in the image data storage unit 100. The image data storage unit 100 uses a mass storage device such as a hard disk.

  The template receiving unit 12 has a function of receiving template data uploaded from the personal computer 2. A template is intended to create a photographic print with more added value by inserting and synthesizing image data. For example, New Year's card prints, calendar prints, business card prints, and the like. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a template when creating a calendar print. The template includes a template region T1 and a fitting region T2 into which image data is inserted. The fitting region T2 is not limited to one, and two or more image data may be fitted.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a template used for creating a photo book. In (a), one template is composed of one template image data. For example, in the case of a photo book, one template image data includes a cover image data, album page image data, and a plurality of template image data of back cover image data. One template data is configured. In this way, it is possible to post in a form in which a plurality of template data is collected. A template region T1 and a fitting region T2 are also set for each page as necessary.

  The template storage unit 101 stores a large number of template data. The template storage unit 101 also uses a mass storage device such as a hard disk. Template data previously created at the photo shop side can be uploaded to the server 1 and stored in the template storage unit 101. Template data can be posted via the Internet.

  There are preferences in the design of the template, and there are differences depending on the country and region. In addition, there is a limit to the designs that can be created in the photo store, and it is preferable to provide a mechanism that can be widely recruited from the public in order to reduce the effort of creating a template in the photo store. For example, if you create a template design based on the scenery and customs of the country or region, you can request a photo print from such a country or region, or from someone who is interested in such a country or region. You can also expect an increase. In addition, templates having various designs can be provided, and an increase in orders for photographic prints can be further expected.

  The posting possibility determination unit 13 checks whether or not an illegal image is included in the template data, and performs processing so as not to accept an uploaded template post if the illegal image is included. An example of an unauthorized image may include an image that has not been approved by the copyright holder. For example, when template data including a famous anime character image is posted, the posting of such template data is rejected. Whether or not a character is included can be detected by using a pattern matching technique.

  The same applies when images that violate public order and morals such as pornographic images are included. Such an image can be detected by, for example, a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-33656. When accepting a template submission from the general public, a template including an illegal image as described above may be posted. Checking each time a template is submitted is a laborious task. In view of this, by providing the posting permission / inhibition determination unit 13 having the above-described function, an unauthorized template can be excluded in advance. Only a template for which posting is permitted is stored in the template storage unit 101 by the posting permission determination unit 13.

  The composition processing unit 14 has a function of creating a composite image obtained by fitting image data into a template. The created composite image can be confirmed on the screen of the customer's personal computer 2.

  The order processing unit 15 (corresponding to a template data processing unit) has a function of performing order processing for photo prints. In the case of a photo print creation request using a template, a photo print ordering process is performed based on composite image data in which image data is inserted into the template data and synthesized. Note that there are various possible forms for ordering photo prints, and the present invention is not limited to using the above template. For example, in addition to a normal print order in which one piece of image data is printed as one photo, order processing for a photo book or the like can be performed.

  The contents of the order processing include image data and template data related to the order, finished print size, number of prints, finish date and time, payment method for print price, photo print receiving method, order number, customer data, etc. These are data managed in order units as order data.

  The order data storage unit 102 stores order data relating to photo print orders. Since the image data and the template data are stored in the image data storage unit 100 and the template storage unit 101, respectively, the data can be stored in a form linked with an ID (for example, identification information such as a file name). . The order data can be deleted, for example, when the delivery of the photo print related to the order is completed.

  The use frequency counting unit 16 has a function of counting the number of times when the template data is used for ordering a photo print. When accepting a template submission, it is preferable to give something back to the person who provided the template. In the case of a template, a copyright is usually established for the design, and a fee for using the copyrighted work is provided.

  The calculation unit 17 has a function of calculating the usage fee of the template according to the count result of the use frequency counting unit 16. For example, it is decided like XX yen for one use. The calculation result is stored in the usage fee data storage unit 103. The usage fee data is calculated for each template, and the data is managed for each template provider. It is preferable that the usage fee payment method is determined in advance when the template is posted. The usage fee is not uniform and may be changed according to the number of uses. For example, it is possible to make arrangements such as 1 yen up to the first 10 times and 1 30 yen after that.

  As for the number of times of use, when a plurality of photo print orders based on the same template are made, the number of times of use can be counted by the number of prints. Furthermore, instead of paying the usage fee, securities or service points may be provided to the creator. For example, when the count value reaches a predetermined value, a book certificate (book card) or gift certificate can be provided, or a service point can be provided. As a usage form of the service point, it can be used for a print price of a photographic print.

  The template creation program 18 is a computer program (software) used when an original template is posted by the personal computer 2. Those who wish to post a template download the template creation program 18 to the personal computer 2 and install it. This program is provided free of charge.

<Functions set on PC>
Next, functions to be set in the personal computer 2 when a template is to be posted will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  The transmission / reception unit 20 has a function of transmitting / receiving various data via the Internet. The browser 21 is software for performing the Internet. The template creation program 22 can be obtained by downloading the template creation program 18 stored in the server 1.

  The template creation program 22 is a program for creating a template and posting it to the server 1. The template creation means 220 provides a function for creating template data.

  The fitting area setting means 221 provides a function for setting an area for fitting and combining image data in the template area. The fitting area is indicated by T2 in the template of FIG. For the setting of the fitting area, the position map, size, etc. in the template area can be set. Moreover, not only one insertion area | region but multiple can be set. In that case, position coordinates and size are set for each. The shape of the fitting region is not limited to a rectangle or a square, and an arbitrary shape (for example, a heart mark, a star shape, etc.) can be set in addition to an elliptical shape, a circular shape, a triangular shape, or the like.

  The posting permission / non-permission determining means 222 provides a function for allowing posting to the server 1 only of a template in which a fitting area is set. If the insertion area is not set, the image data cannot be combined and cannot be used for the print service. The setting of the fitting area is an item that should reflect the intention of the creator, and is preferably set not by the service provider but by the template creator himself. Therefore, it is prohibited to post template data that does not have a setting area.

  The template storage unit 200 stores the created template. A fitting area is set, and not only a completed template but also a template in the middle of creation can be saved. The creation work can be resumed from the middle later. In addition, the setting area once set can be corrected later.

<Configuration of photo print creation system>
The configuration of the photo print creation system 3 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. The order receiving device 30 has a function of receiving a photo print order. When receiving an online photo print order via the Internet, data related to the order such as image data and template data is downloaded from the server 1. The order receiving device 30 can also accept print orders from customers who have visited the photo shop directly.

  The controller 31 manages order data and gives instructions to the printer. The order data acquired via the order receiving device 30 is managed by the controller 31 in units of orders. As printers, a silver salt printer 32 and a dry printer 33 are connected by a local area network. An appropriate number of printers 32 and 33 can be installed according to the scale of the photo shop.

  The silver salt printer 32 is a printer that creates a photographic print by printing and exposing an image on photographic paper. The dry-type printer 33 is a printer that creates a photographic print by ejecting ink onto inkjet paper. What type of printer is used can be appropriately determined.

<Template submission procedure (PC side)>
Next, the procedure for submitting an original template to the server 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in order to post a template, the template creation program 22 needs to be installed. If installed, the process proceeds to step S5. If not installed, the server 1 is accessed (S1, S2). That is, the website of the company that provides the photo print ordering system 1 is opened.

  Next, member registration is performed (S3). Member registration is performed by a well-known configuration, and input of personal information such as name and address, and setting of ID and password are also performed. Next, the template creation program 18 is downloaded from the server 1 (S4). When the download is completed, the program is launched (S5).

  Next, template data is created (S6). After creation, it is determined whether or not to post (S7). If not, the template data is stored in the template storage unit 102 (S10). Template data can be saved even when it is in the process of being created, and can be resumed later.

  If it is determined to post in step S7, it is further determined whether or not the fitting area has been set (S8). This is based on the function of the posting possibility determination unit 222. If the insertion area is not set, posting cannot be made, so the process returns to step S6 to continue the creation work. If an attempt is made to post when the insertion area is not set, a warning is displayed on the monitor screen of the personal computer 2 that the posting cannot be made.

  When the fitting area is set, a template is posted (S9). Posting can be performed by clicking the send button. After posting, the template data is saved (S10).

<Template submission procedure (server side)>
In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the procedure on the server side after posting the template data will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When posting a template, it is necessary to perform an authentication procedure (S20). The authentication procedure can be performed by inputting an ID and a password. If the ID and password are not obtained, a separate member registration procedure may be performed.

  After successful authentication, template data is received (S21). Next, it is checked whether or not an illegal image is included by the function of the posting possibility determination unit 13 (S22). If the illegal image is not included, the template data is stored in the template storage unit 101 (S23). If an illegal image is included, for example, if it is determined that an image that is suspected of copyright violation or an image that violates public order and morals is included, a process of rejecting posting is performed (S24).

  When posting is rejected, a processing result to that effect is returned to the personal computer 2 side (S25). Similarly, when the submission is accepted and the template data is saved, a processing result to that effect is returned.

<Photo print order processing>
Next, a procedure for ordering a photographic print using the photographic print ordering system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  A customer who wants to place a print order accesses the server 1 using the personal computer 2 and opens a home page for the print service (S30). Next, an authentication procedure is performed and an ID and a password are input (S31).

  It is determined whether to use a service using a template among various print services (S32). When the template is not used, other order processing is executed (S33). When the template is used, the image data to be combined and combined with the template is uploaded (S34).

  Next, a template is selected (S35). The template is selected, for example, for each type. First, the template is selected. For example, when creating a business card print, one is selected from a large number of templates classified as a business card print. The classification may be performed in stages, for example, business card prints may be further finely classified. For example, it can be classified for business use, private use, etc., or in languages such as Japanese and English.

  After the template is selected, image data to be synthesized with this template is selected (S36). The image data uploaded in step S34 is displayed as a thumbnail image on the screen, and appropriate image data is selected from the thumbnail images. Image composition of the selected image data and template data is performed (S37).

  If the composite image displayed on the screen is OK, the process proceeds to the next step. If not, the process returns to step S35, and the selection of the template and the selection of the image data is performed again (S38). Alternatively, the position and the enlargement / reduction ratio of the image data to be inserted and combined are adjusted.

  If the image composition is OK, it is determined whether or not the same procedure is to be performed for another template (S39). When the work is completed, order processing is performed (S40). The order process is a process for determining a print size setting, a print number setting, a settlement method selection, a receiving method selection, and the like. After performing the order process, a process for determining the order contents is performed (S41). When the order process is finalized, the confirmation mail is transmitted to the personal computer 2.

  Further, by confirming the order processing, the content of the template used for the print order is also confirmed. Therefore, the number of times of use is counted up with respect to the template related to use (S42). This is based on the function of the usage count unit 16. Along with counting up, the template usage fee is calculated. This is based on the function of the calculation unit 17. If there are a plurality of prints using the same template, the count is counted accordingly.

<Effect>
According to the present invention, since the posting of the template is accepted by the server, it is possible to provide a template according to the characteristics and circumstances of the region and country. By making it possible to provide various templates, it is possible to expect an increase in demand for print orders. Since the copyright of the copyright is paid to the creator of the template, the willingness to create the original template can be stimulated, and a template having a better design can be expected.

<Another embodiment>
Various forms of the network connecting the personal computer 2 (computer) and the server 1 can be considered and are not limited to a specific form. For example, it can be performed by wire / wireless or a combination thereof.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the template posting system is used for the photo print ordering system has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A composite image obtained by combining the template data and the image data can be used in addition to the photo print. For example, it can be used for printing on clothes such as T-shirts. It can also be used for printing on tableware such as mugs and dishes. The object on which the composite image is printed is not particularly limited to photographic print (paper).

  In the present embodiment, as a service using template data, a service is provided based on a combined image obtained by fitting and combining the template data and image data. The present invention is not limited to this, and the posted template itself may be the target of a product (sales). In this case, the process of combining the template data and the image data is not particularly performed. However, a system that can purchase a template together with a print order such as a photo print may be used.

1 server (photo print ordering system)
2 PC
3 Photo Print Creation System 11 Image Receiving Unit 12 Template Accepting Unit 13 Posting Acceptability Determining Unit 14 Compositing Processing Unit 15 Order Processing Unit 16 Usage Count Unit 22 Template Creation Program 100 Image Data Storage Unit 101 Template Storage Unit 220 Template Creation Unit 221 Area setting means 222 Posting permission / inhibition judgment means

Claims (6)

A template posting system connected via a network to a computer installed on the template creator side,
A template image accepting unit capable of accepting posting of template data from the computer via a network;
A template storage unit for storing the posted template data;
A template posting system comprising: a template data processing unit that processes the template data for service provision. A post permission determination unit is provided for checking whether or not an illegal image is included in the template data to be posted, and prohibiting the posting of the template data when an illegal image is included. Item 12. The template submission system according to Item 1. 3. The template posting system according to claim 1, wherein the template data is set in an image data insertion area by the computer on the creator side. 4. The template posting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a usage count section that counts the number of times the posted template data has been used for providing the service. A photo print ordering system using the template posting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An image receiving unit that accepts uploading of image data via a network from a computer installed on the order side of the photo print;
A composition processing unit that performs fitting and composition between the uploaded image data and the template data stored in the template storage unit;
A photographic print ordering system comprising: an order processing unit that functions as the template data processing unit and performs photographic print ordering processing based on the image data to be fitted and synthesized. A template creation program that is installed in a computer connected to the template posting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 via a network, and causes the computer to function as a template data posting device.
The computer,
Template creation means for creating a template area for template data,
A fitting area setting means for setting an image fitting area in the template data;
A template creation program that functions as a posting permission determination unit that permits posting of only template data in which a fitting area is set to the template posting system.

Images