JP6132202B2 - Photo use system and photo use method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a photograph utilization system and a photograph utilization method, and more particularly to a photograph utilization system that connects a user who handles photographs as image data and a user who handles photographs as printed matter, and a photograph utilization method in the system.

  In recent years, with the widespread use of digital cameras, an increasing number of users use / save photographed images as image data. Such a user saves image data of a photographed photograph in a storage device, a Web server, or the like, and reproduces the image data using a computer device or a mobile device when necessary to view the photograph. In addition, when it is desired to leave a photo print, an order of the photo print is made to the photo print dealer via the network.

  Regarding ordering via such a network, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-259542 discloses an order information file operation in an online service system that performs order processing of products from an ordering source to a delivery destination via a network based on the order information file. A method of creating on a display screen a hierarchical structure having a tree structure of order information and delivery destination information constituting the order information file based on an operation of a user of an ordering source, A configuration is disclosed that includes a step of registering order information and delivery destination information input from the ordering user in association with the hierarchical structure having the tree structure.

JP 2003-331137 A

  Here, as described above, a user who uses a photograph takes a photograph with a digital camera, uses / stores the photograph taken as image data (mainly referred to as a youth and a data use user), and a film. A user group (mainly referred to as an elderly person or a print user) who takes a picture with a camera, develops a film and creates and uses / saves a photographic print is mixed. When data users share photos, a method of sending image data attached to an e-mail is used. When print users share photos, reprint a photo print. The method of sending by mail is used.

  However, when a data user and a print user try to share a photo, the print user is often unfamiliar with the operation of the computer device or mobile device. However, it is difficult for the print user to view the image data even if the image is transmitted, and the photograph cannot be used effectively.

  Therefore, in such a case, a method is used in which the data user places an order for a photographic print from the photographic printer and the photographic print received from the photographic printer is sent to the print user by mail. However, in this method, since the data use user performs the order processing of the photo print, the print use user who has received the photo print cannot additionally order a favorite photo. In addition, when a print user wants to send a message to a data user, he or she must use a telephone or a postcard, and cannot receive the message by e-mail or the like convenient for the data user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its main purpose is that each of a user who handles a photograph as image data and a user who handles a photograph as printed matter appropriately share the photograph and information. An object is to provide a photograph utilization system and a photograph utilization method.

  One aspect of the present invention is a server for providing a photo service, for acquiring image data of a photo from a user terminal of a first user via a communication network, and for creating a printed matter in which the photo is laid out An order processing unit that creates print image data and instructs a second user to provide the printed material created from the print image data; and a scan image obtained by scanning the printed material handwritten by the second user Based on the extracted order information, a print processing unit for giving a print instruction to provide the second user with a photo print created from the image data of the photo, and the printed matter handwritten by the second user An e-mail describing a message extracted from the scanned image that has been scanned is created, and the e-mail is sent to the first e-mail. A mail processing unit for transmitting to the user of the user terminal, characterized in that it comprises a.

  One aspect of the present invention is a photograph utilization system including a server that provides a photograph service and a scanner, and the server acquires photograph image data from a user terminal of a first user via a communication network. An order processing unit that creates print image data for creating a printed material in which the photograph is laid out and provides a second user with the printed material created from the print image data; and a scanned image of the scanner A print processing unit for giving a print instruction to the second user to provide a photo print created from the image data of the photo based on the order information extracted from the message, and a message extracted from the scanned image of the scanner A mail processing unit that creates the described e-mail and transmits the e-mail to the user terminal of the first user; The scanner scans the printed matter handwritten by the second user, extracts the order information handwritten on the printed matter and the message from a scanned image, and transmits the extracted order information and the message to the server. To do.

  One aspect of the present invention is a photo utilization method in a system including a server that provides a photo service and a scanner, wherein the server receives photo image data from a user terminal of a first user via a communication network. An order process for obtaining and generating print image data for creating a printed matter in which the photograph is laid out, and providing a second user with the printed matter created from the print image data; and the scanner, Scan processing for scanning the printed matter handwritten by the second user, extracting order information and messages handwritten on the printed matter, and transmitting the extracted information to the server; and the order information extracted by the scanner by the server Based on the printer, the printer that causes the second user to provide a photo print created from the image data of the photo. A print process for giving an instruction, and a mail process for creating an e-mail in which the server describes the message extracted by the scanner and transmitting the e-mail to the user terminal of the first user. It is characterized by.

  According to the photograph utilization system and the photograph utilization method of the present invention, each of a user who handles a photograph as image data and a user who handles a photograph as printed matter can appropriately share the photograph and information.

  The reason is that at the service center that provides photo services, when the image data of the photo is obtained from the orderer, a printed material for viewing / ordering the photo is created and mailed to the payee, and the order information or message is received from the payee. This is because, when a printed matter on which is written is received, a photo print ordering process is performed based on the order information, or a message is read from the printed matter and notified to the orderer by e-mail.

It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the photograph utilization system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the orderer terminal which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server installed in the service center which concerns on one Example of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an MFP installed in a service center according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the process of the server installed in the service center which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the outline of the process of the photograph utilization system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is an example of the photograph postcard produced by the photograph utilization system which concerns on one Example of this invention, and an order sheet | seat. It is an example of the entry of the order sheet produced with the photograph utilization system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process at the time of service registration in the photograph utilization system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the process at the time of the service registration in the photograph utilization system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the information utilized with the photograph utilization system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the information utilized with the photograph utilization system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process at the time of service utilization in the photograph utilization system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the process and information at the time of the email transmission in the photograph utilization system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the process and information at the time of photograph postcard and order sheet delivery in the photograph utilization system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the process and information at the time of order sheet reply in the photograph utilization system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the photo print delivery / e-mail proxy transmission processing and information in the photo using system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the background art, a user who uses a photograph has a mixed user group (data user) who handles a photograph as image data, and a user layer (print user) who handles a photograph as printed matter. When the data user provides a photograph to the print user, the data user orders a photo print from the photo print company and mails the photo print received from the photo print company to the print user.

  For example, when a couple who is used to operating computer devices and mobile devices sends a picture of a child to their grandparents, the couple takes a picture of the child with a digital camera and provides the image data of the picture to a photo print dealer. A method is used in which a photographic print is ordered and the resulting photographic print is mailed to the grandparents.

  However, in this method, the couple has to perform a process of ordering a photo print and a process of mailing the photo print, which is complicated. In addition, since the couples order photo prints, grandparents cannot order additional photos that they like, which is inconvenient. In addition, when a message is transmitted from the grandparents to the couple, a telephone or a postcard is used, which is inconvenient because the message cannot be received by an e-mail or the like that is convenient for the couple.

  As described above, in a situation where there are a mixture of data use users and print use users, the sharing of photos becomes complicated, and the use of photos cannot be promoted. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, when a photo is provided from a data user to a print user, both users can appropriately share the photo and information.

  Specifically, at a service center that provides photo services, when electronic data of photos is obtained from data users, order sheets for ordering photos and photo postcards with photos printed as necessary are used for printing. Mail to user. Then, when the print user writes the order information and message on the order sheet and returns it to the service center, the service center reads the order information and message from the order sheet, performs the order processing of the photo print based on the order information, Send emails with written messages to data users.

  By performing such control, it is possible to improve the convenience of both the photo providing side and the photo receiving side, and the use of the photo can be promoted.

  In order to describe the above-described embodiment of the present invention in more detail, a photograph utilization system and a photograph utilization method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the photo utilization system of this embodiment, and FIGS. 2 to 4 are block diagrams showing the configurations of the orderer terminal, the server, and the MFP, respectively. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the server of this embodiment, FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the processing of the photograph utilization system, and FIGS. 7 and 8 are the photograph utilization system of this embodiment. Is an example of a postcard and order sheet created in FIGS. 9 and 10 are a sequence diagram and a schematic diagram showing processing at the time of service registration, and FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams showing an example of information used in the photo utilization system. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing processing when using the service, and FIGS. 14 to 17 are diagrams showing processing and information at each stage when using the service.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the photo utilization system 10 of this embodiment, a user (referred to as an orderer) who provides image data of a photo, a user (referred to as a recipient) who receives a photo print, and an order. There is a service center 30 that provides a service that connects the subscriber and the recipient. The orderer side has a computer device or mobile device (referred to as an orderer terminal 20) that transmits and receives e-mails to and from the service center 30 via the communication network, and the orderer terminal 20 is located on the service center 30 side. The server 40 and the MFP 50 perform processing for providing a service on the basis of the image data of the photograph acquired from. Hereinafter, each device will be described in detail.

[Orderer terminal]
As shown in FIG. 2, the orderer terminal 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 24, a display unit 25, an operation. Section 26, network I / F section 27, and the like.

  The CPU 21 executes a control program stored in the ROM 22 to perform arithmetic processing for controlling the orderer terminal 20 as a whole. The ROM 22 stores a control program executed by the CPU 21 and the like. The RAM 23 stores the arithmetic processing result of the CPU 21 and the like. The CPU 21, ROM 22, and RAM 23 constitute a control unit. This control unit attaches the image data of the photograph taken by the orderer or other user with a digital camera or the like to the e-mail and transmits it to the server 40 of the service center 30, or the e-mail in which the recipient's message is described Is received from the server 40 of the service center 30.

  The HDD 24 stores photo image data and the like. The display unit 25 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays an e-mail screen, a Web screen provided by the service center 30, and the like. The operation unit 26 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, and enables an operation of attaching a photograph image data to an e-mail and transmitting it to the service center 30 or an operation for receiving a service provided by the service center 30 on a Web screen. To do.

  The network I / F unit 27 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like, and includes a wireless local area network (LAN) defined by standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, and FDDI (Fiber-Distributed Data Interface). Connection to the service center 30 is performed via a communication network 80 such as a wired LAN.

[server]
As shown in FIG. 3, the server 40 includes a CPU 41, ROM 42, RAM 43, HDD 44, order processing unit 45, print processing unit 46, mail processing unit 47, network I / F unit 48, and the like.

  The CPU 41 executes a control program stored in the ROM 42 to perform arithmetic processing for controlling the entire server 40. The ROM 42 stores a control program executed by the CPU 41 and the like. The RAM 43 stores the calculation processing result of the CPU 41 and the like. The CPU 41, the ROM 42, and the RAM 43 constitute a control unit. The HDD 44 stores photo image data and messages received from the orderer, order information and messages received from the recipient, and various information described below.

  Upon obtaining the image data and the orderer's message from the orderer, the order processing unit 45 generates print image data in which the photographic image based on the image data and the orderer's message are laid out, and a thumbnail for ordering the photographic print. Print image data in which an image is laid out is generated, and the generated print image data is provided to the MFP 50 and a photo print company, and an instruction is given to create a postcard and an order sheet, which will be described later. Further, the order processing unit 45 manages various information for providing services (recipient information, orderer information, order acceptance information, order information, etc. described later).

  When the print processing unit 46 acquires the order information read from the order sheet by the MFP 50, the print processing unit 46 specifies image data for creating a photo print based on the order information, and provides the specified image data to the MFP 50 or photo print dealer. Instruct to create a photo print.

  When the mail processing unit 47 acquires the recipient's message read by the MFP 50 from the order sheet, the mail processing unit 47 creates an e-mail in which the message is described in the text, and sends the created e-mail to the orderer via the network I / F unit 48. It transmits to the terminal 20.

  The network I / F unit 48 is configured by a NIC or the like, and communicates with the orderer terminal 20 and the MFP 50 via a communication network such as a wireless LAN or a wired LAN defined by standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, and FDDI. Connect.

  The order processing unit 45, the print processing unit 46, and the mail processing unit 47 may be configured as hardware, or software that causes the control unit to function as the order processing unit 45, the print processing unit 46, and the mail processing unit 47 ( Control program), and the control program may be executed by the control unit.

[MFP]
As shown in FIG. 4, the MFP 50 of this embodiment includes a CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, HDD 54, image reading unit 55, image processing unit 56, print processing unit 57, network I / F unit 58, and the like.

  The CPU 51 executes a control program stored in the ROM 52 to perform arithmetic processing for controlling the entire MFP 50. The ROM 52 stores a control program executed by the CPU 51 and the like. The RAM 53 stores the calculation processing result of the CPU 51 and the like. The CPU 51, the ROM 52, and the RAM 53 constitute a control unit. The HDD 54 stores print image data acquired from the server 40, image data read from the order sheet by the image reading unit 55, and the like.

  The image reading unit 55 is a part that optically reads an image in an order field or a message field from a printed material (order sheet) on a platen, and converts a light source that scans the printed material and light reflected by the printed material into an electrical signal. It comprises an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) and an A / D converter for A / D converting electrical signals. Then, the image read from the order field and the message field is output to the image processing unit 56.

  The image processing unit 56 performs image processing such as edge enhancement processing, smoothing processing, and color conversion processing on the print image data acquired from the server 40. Also, using the known OCR (Optical Character Reader) technology, the image reading unit 55 decodes the image read from the order sheet, and recognizes the order information entered in the order column and the message handwritten in the message column. To the server 40.

  The print processing unit 57 prints a photo postcard and an order sheet based on the print image data subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 56. Specifically, the photosensitive drum charged by the charging device is irradiated with light corresponding to the image from the exposure device to form an electrostatic latent image, and the toner charged by the developing device is attached and developed. The image is primarily transferred to a transfer belt, subjected to secondary transfer from the transfer belt to a postcard, and a fixing device fixes the toner image on the postcard.

  The network I / F unit 58 is configured by a NIC or the like, and connects to the server 40 via a communication network such as a wireless LAN or a wired LAN defined by standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, and FDDI. .

  1 to 4 show an example of the photograph utilization system 10 of the present embodiment, and the configuration and control of each part can be changed as appropriate. For example, in FIG. 1, the MFP 50 is provided in the service center 30 and the MFP 50 prints the photo postcard and the order sheet. However, the printer may be requested to print the photo postcard and the order sheet. In this case, the MFP 50 only needs to operate as a scanner, and the print processing unit 57 can be omitted.

  Hereinafter, the photo service provided by the service center 30 will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the server 40, and FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the flow of the photo service provided by the service center 30. In the following description, it is assumed that a mail address dedicated to the service is associated with the recipient in advance, and that the e-mail is received at the service center 30 when the orderer transmits an e-mail to the e-mail address. And

  First, the orderer takes a picture using a digital camera or the like (see (1) in FIG. 6). Then, using the orderer terminal 20, if necessary, the photographed image data is attached to an e-mail with a message in the text and transmitted to the service center 30 (see (2) in FIG. 6). The e-mail destination e-mail address is an e-mail address dedicated to the service, which is associated with the recipient in advance. In this embodiment, the image data of a photograph is transmitted as an attachment to an e-mail. For example, when the service center 30 publishes a web page for providing a photograph service on the Internet. Alternatively, the web page of the orderer terminal 20 may be used to access the web page, log in with a pre-registered ID or password, and upload the image data of the photograph.

  Next, when the server 40 (order processing unit 45) of the service center 30 receives the e-mail attached with the image data (Yes in S101), it issues an order number and assigns an ID to each image data, Set the retention period for received image data. Then, referring to the pre-stored orderer information (details will be described later), the orderer ID is specified from the address (From address) of the e-mail transmission source, and the pre-stored recipient information (details will be described later). Referring to FIG. 5), the HDD 44 stores the order acceptance information that identifies the recipient ID from the address (To address) of the e-mail transmission destination and associates the order number, the orderer ID, the recipient ID, and the individual photo ID. And so on for a certain period (S102).

  Next, the server 40 (order processing unit 45) generates print image data in which a photographic image based on the received image data and a message are laid out, and a print image in which thumbnail images obtained by reducing the photographic image are laid out in order. Data is generated, and the print image data, the address of the recipient and the address of the service center 30 are transmitted to the MFP 50 and the photo print dealer via the network I / F unit 48. At that time, the arrangement of the thumbnail images is stored, the thumbnail images are associated with the photo IDs, and the association information is stored in the HDD 44 or the like.

  Based on the received print image data and address, the MFP 50 and the photo print company create a printed matter (referred to as a photo postcard) in which the address of the recipient and the orderer's message are printed on the front side and the photo image is printed on the back side. At the same time, the address and message field of the service center 30 is printed on the front side, and a printed matter (called an order sheet) is printed on the back side with a thumbnail image for print ordering and an order number, and this photo postcard and order sheet are created. Delivery to the recipient by mail or the like (S103, see (3) in FIG. 6).

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the photo postcard and the order sheet. The photograph postcard 60 shown in FIG. 7A is a postcard or the like, and an address field 61 and a message field 62 are provided on the surface, and the address of the recipient is printed on the address field 61. The message of the orderer is printed as necessary. In addition, a photographic image 63 based on the image data transmitted by the orderer is laid out and printed on the reverse side. Further, the order sheet 70 shown in FIG. 7B is also a postcard or the like, and an address field 71 and a message field 72 are provided on the surface thereof, and the address of the service center 30 is printed on the address field 71, The message field 72 is provided with a blank for the recipient to enter a message. Further, an order field 73 for the recipient to order a photo is provided on the back side, and an order number 74 for specifying the order is printed in the order field 73 and is based on the image data transmitted by the orderer. Thumbnail images 75 are laid out and printed, and the size and number of photo prints can be entered in the vicinity of each thumbnail image 75.

  In FIG. 7, the photo postcard 60 and the order sheet 70 are separately described. For example, the front and back surfaces of the photo postcard 60 are printed on one side of a sheet having a size in which the postcards are connected side by side. The front and back surfaces of order sheet 70 are printed on the other side, and the front and back surfaces of order sheet 70 are faced so that the front and back surfaces of photo postcard 60 are exposed when delivered to the recipient. When it is folded and sent back, the front and back printed surfaces of the photo postcard 60 may be folded so that the front and back surfaces of the order sheet 70 are exposed. Further, the order sheet 70 (or photo postcard 60 and order sheet 70) may be mailed to the recipient in an envelope in which the address of the recipient is written. Further, the photo postcard 60 may be omitted, and only the order sheet 70 may be mailed to the recipient. In that case, the orderer's message may be entered in an arbitrary place on the order sheet 70 (for example, the back side of the order sheet 70).

  Then, the recipient checks the photo taken by the orderer by looking at the photo postcard 60, and when ordering a photo print, each thumbnail image is displayed in the order column 73 on the back of the order sheet 70 as shown in FIG. The print size and the number of prints are entered in association with 75, or a message for the orderer is entered in the message field 72 on the surface of the order sheet 70 and returned by mail or the like (see (4) in FIG. 6).

  Next, the server 40 (order processing unit 45) of the service center 30 monitors the expiration of the storage period of the image data and the acquisition of an image obtained by scanning the returned order sheet 70 (S104, S105). Then, the order sheet is returned to the service center 30 before the image data storage period expires, and the image reading unit 55 of the MFP 50 scans the order sheet 70 and acquires the information analyzed by the image processing unit 56 (S104). No, Yes in S105), the server 40 (print processing unit 46) determines whether the order information is included in the information obtained by analyzing the scanned image (S106).

  When the order information is included (the size and number of photo prints are entered), the server 40 (print processing unit 46), the photo ID associated with the thumbnail image 75 in which the order number and the order information are entered. The image data for which the photographic print is ordered is identified and read from the HDD 44 or the like, and the read image data and the address of the recipient are transmitted to the MFP 50 and the photographic print dealer via the network I / F unit 48. Then, the MFP 50 and the photo print dealer create a photo print based on the image data, and deliver the photo print to the recipient by mail or the like (S107, see (6) in FIG. 6).

  Next, the server 40 (mail processing unit 47) determines whether or not the recipient's message is included in the information obtained by analyzing the scanned image (S108). Identify the orderer ID, identify the orderer's e-mail address with reference to the pre-stored orderer information, write the recipient's message in the body of the e-mail, and send the e-mail to the orderer's e-mail address (S109, see (5) in FIG. 6).

  Next, a process at the time of registration of a photo service and information used in the process will be described. 9 and 10 are a sequence diagram and a schematic diagram showing processing at the time of registration of a photo service. Here, an example is shown in which the recipient registers various information.

  First, the service center 30 proposes a service to the recipient through visits, direct mail, insert advertisements, and the like. In response to this proposal, the user (recipient) who receives the photo sends the address, name, phone number, etc. of the recipient, delivery method (postcard, sealed letter, etc.), printing method (glossy / None, with / without frame, etc.), payment method (account number for direct debit, credit card number for credit card payment, etc.), contract plan (for example, plan with one orderer or multiple plans, etc.) ), Return the registration sheet with the orderer's address, name, telephone number, etc.

  Upon receiving this registration sheet, the service center 30 issues a recipient ID and an orderer ID. Then, the server 40 (order processing unit 45) creates and stores information that associates the information described in the registration sheet with the issued recipient ID and orderer ID. FIG. 11 shows an example of information registered in the service center 30 at this stage. The recipient information in FIG. 11A includes the recipient's address, name, telephone number, etc. in association with the recipient ID. The delivery method, printing method, payment method, contract plan, and orderer ID are registered. Further, in the orderer information in FIG. 11B, the address, name, telephone number, etc. of the orderer are registered in association with each orderer ID.

  In addition, the service center 30 issues a recipient's dedicated e-mail address and sends a postcard indicating that the use of the service has been applied by the recipient to the registered orderer. At that time, the issued special e-mail address and recipient ID are described in the information postcard. In addition, in order to save the trouble of creating an e-mail to be sent to a dedicated e-mail address by a recipient, a QR code that automatically sends an e-mail in which the recipient ID is embedded to a dedicated e-mail address ( Registered trademark).

  The orderer who has received the information postcard transmits an e-mail in which the recipient ID described in the information postcard is described in the text to the dedicated e-mail address described in the information postcard. Alternatively, when the QR code (registered trademark) or the like is described in the guide postcard, the QR code (registered trademark) is read using the reading function of the orderer terminal 20. When this QR code (registered trademark) is read, an e-mail in which the recipient ID is described in the text is automatically transmitted to the dedicated e-mail address, so that the operation of the orderer can be simplified.

  In the service center 30, when the server 40 (order processing unit 45) receives the e-mail addressed to the dedicated e-mail address, the orderer ID is read from the e-mail, the e-mail address of the sender is extracted, and the e-mail address is ordered. Registered in association with the user ID. FIG. 12 is an example of information registered in the service center 30 at this stage. In the recipient information in FIG. 12A, a dedicated mail address is further registered in association with the recipient ID. In the orderer information in FIG. 12B, the e-mail address of the orderer is registered in association with the orderer ID.

  In this embodiment, since it is assumed that the photograph receiving side (recipient) pays the service usage fee, the receiver performs service registration, but the photo providing side (ordering party) May pay for the use of the service, and in that case, the orderer may register the service.

  Next, processing when using the photo service and information used in the processing will be described. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing processing at the time of using a service, and FIGS. 14 to 17 are schematic diagrams of processing at the time of using a service and information used in the processing.

  First, the orderer attaches the image data of the photograph to an e-mail with the destination set as a dedicated e-mail address, and if necessary, writes a message to the recipient in the main text and sends the e-mail ( (Refer (2) of the schematic diagram of FIG. 14). In the service center 30, when the server 40 (order processing unit 45) receives the email, it refers to the recipient information shown in FIG. 12A, and receives the recipient ID from the destination address (To address) of the email. Referring to the orderer information shown in FIG. 12B, the orderer ID (here, the ID of the designated orderer A) is specified from the source address (From address) of the e-mail. Then, the server 40 (order processing unit 45) issues an order number and allocates a photo ID to each of the image data attached to the e-mail. Thus, the order acceptance information shown at the bottom of FIG. 14 is completed.

  Next, the server 40 (order processing unit 45) generates print image data in which an image or message based on the acquired image data is laid out and sends the print image data to the MFP 50. The MFP 50 uses the photo postcard 60 and the order based on the print image data. A sheet 70 is created. Then, they are sent to the recipient specified by the recipient ID (see (3) in the schematic diagram of FIG. 15). As described in FIG. 7, the address field 61 of the recipient is printed in the address field 61 on the front surface of the photo postcard 60, and the message written in the mail by the orderer is printed in the message field 62, and on the back side. A photographic image 63 is assigned and printed. In addition, the address field 71 on the front surface of the order sheet 70 is printed with the address of the service center 30 and the back surface is printed with an order field 73 in which an order No. 74 and a thumbnail image 75 are laid out. It should be noted that a photo ID code may be printed in the vicinity of each thumbnail image 75, or information that associates the position of each thumbnail image 75 with the photo ID may be stored. In the former case, the information shown on the lower side of FIG. 15 is embedded in the order sheet 70.

  Next, the recipient who has received the order sheet 70 fills in the order information such as the print size and the number of copies in each thumbnail image 75 in the order column 73 on the back side of the order sheet 70, and the order sheet if necessary. A message for the orderer is handwritten in the message field 72 on the front surface 70 and posted (see (4) in the schematic diagram of FIG. 16). In the service center 30 that has received the order sheet 70, the image reading unit 55 of the MFP 50 scans the order column 73 and the message column 72 of the order sheet 70, and the image processing unit 56 analyzes the scanned image to obtain order information. And the message is extracted and transmitted to the server 40. The server 40 (order processing unit 45) acquires the order information (order No, photo ID, print size, number of sheets) extracted from the scanned image of the order field 73 (see the lower side of FIG. 16), and the message field 72 The message extracted from the scanned image is obtained.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 17, the server 40 (mail processing unit 47) refers to the order information and the order acceptance information, specifies the orderer ID corresponding to the order No, and stores the orderer information stored in advance. The email address corresponding to the orderer ID is specified based on the message, and an email describing the message extracted from the image obtained by scanning the message field 72 in the body is transmitted to the specified email address. Notify the buyer of the message.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, the server 40 (print processing unit 46) refers to the order information and the order acceptance information, identifies the recipient ID corresponding to the order No., and stores the recipient information stored in advance. Based on the photo ID corresponding to the thumbnail image specified in the order field 73, the print address or the like of the recipient corresponding to the recipient ID is specified. The image data to be obtained is taken out, designated with a printing method, a print size, and the number of sheets, and transmitted to the MFP 50 and the photo print shop. The MFP 50 and the photo print trader process the image data according to the printing method, print size, and number of copies, print the photo print, and deliver the printed photo print to the recipient.

  As described above, when the orderer (data user) provides the image data of the photo to the service center 30, the order sheet 70 and the photo postcard 60 are created if necessary and delivered to the recipient (print user). When the recipient fills the order information and / or message on the order sheet 70 and returns it to the service center 30, the order information and / or message is recognized based on the scanned image of the order sheet 70, and the recipient receives the order information. In addition, since the photo print is delivered and / or the message is transmitted to the orderer by e-mail, the convenience of both the orderer and the recipient can be improved.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the configuration of the photo utilization system 10 and the control of the server 40 can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the recipient returns the registration sheet to the service center 30 at the time of service registration, and the service center 30 sends a guide postcard to the orderer. If you have a contract with the main carrier, the telecommunications business owner knows the recipient's address / name / phone number, payment method, etc., information about the orderer's address / name / phone number, e-mail address, etc. Therefore, if the telecommunications carrier provides the service, the process at the time of service registration can be simplified.

  In the above embodiment, the receiver performs service registration. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to the case where the orderer performs service registration.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for a system that connects a user who handles photos as image data and a user who handles photos as photo prints, and a method for making photos and information available in the system.

10 Photo utilization system 20 Orderer terminal 21 CPU
22 ROM
23 RAM
24 HDD
25 Display Unit 26 Operation Unit 27 Network I / F Unit 30 Service Center 40 Server 41 CPU
42 ROM
43 RAM
44 HDD
45 Order Processing Unit 46 Print Processing Unit 47 Mail Processing Unit 48 Network I / F Unit 50 MFP
51 CPU
52 ROM
53 RAM
54 HDD
55 Image reading unit 56 Image processing unit 57 Print processing unit 58 Network I / F unit 60 Photo postcard 61 Address field 62 Message field 63 Photo image 70 Order sheet 71 Address field 72 Message field 73 Order field 74 Order No.
75 Thumbnail image 80 Communication network

Claims (9)

A server that provides photo services,
The print product is acquired from the print image data obtained from the user terminal of the first user via the communication network, and print image data for creating a print product in which the photo is laid out is created. An order processing unit for instructing the second user to provide
Based on the order information extracted from the scanned image obtained by scanning the printed matter handwritten by the second user, a print instruction is made to provide the second user with a photo print created from the image data of the photo. A print processing unit;
A mail processing unit that creates an email describing a message extracted from a scanned image obtained by scanning the printed matter handwritten by the second user, and transmits the email to the user terminal of the first user; Comprising
A server characterized by that. The order processing unit includes an order field in which thumbnail images of the photos are arranged and a print condition can be entered for each thumbnail image, and a message field in which the second user can enter a message. Create print image data to create an order sheet,
The server according to claim 1. The order processing unit creates management information including an email address of the first user, an address and a name of the second user, and sends an email from the email address of the first user. Upon acquisition, an order number is issued, an identification number is assigned to each image data attached to the e-mail, the order number and the identification number are registered in association with the management information, and the order number and the thumbnail are registered. Create print image data of the order sheet in which an image and the identification number are laid out in the order field, specify the print image data and the address and name of the second user, and perform the instruction,
The print processing unit identifies image data to be printed based on the identification number extracted from the scanned image in the order field, and based on the order number extracted from the scanned image in the order field. And specifying the address and name of the second user, specifying the image data and the address and name of the second user, and performing the print instruction,
The mail processing unit specifies the first user's email address based on the order number extracted from the scanned image in the order field, and describes the message extracted from the scanned image in the message field Sending an email to the email address of the first user;
The server according to claim 2. A photo utilization system including a server for providing a photo service and a scanner,
The server
The print product is acquired from the print image data obtained from the user terminal of the first user via the communication network, and print image data for creating a print product in which the photo is laid out is created. An order processing unit for instructing the second user to provide
A print processing unit for instructing the second user to provide a photo print created from the image data of the photo based on the order information extracted from the scanned image of the scanner;
Creating an email describing a message extracted from the scanned image of the scanner, and sending the email to the user terminal of the first user,
The scanner is
Scanning the printed matter handwritten by the second user, extracting the order information and the message handwritten on the printed matter from a scanned image, and transmitting the extracted information to the server;
A photo utilization system characterized by this. The order processing unit of the server includes an order field in which thumbnail images of the photos are arranged, a print condition can be written in each thumbnail image, and a message field in which the second user can write a message. Create print image data to create an order sheet with
The photograph utilization system according to claim 4, wherein: The order processing unit of the server creates management information including an email address of the first user, an address and a name of the second user, and receives from the email address of the first user. When the e-mail is acquired, an order number is issued and an identification number is assigned to each image data attached to the e-mail, the order number and the identification number are registered in association with the management information, and the order number Print image data of the order sheet in which the thumbnail image and the identification number are laid out in the order field, and specify the print image data and the address and name of the second user to perform the instruction. ,
The scanner scans the order field and the message field of the printed material handwritten by the second user, and extracts the order number, the identification number, and the message from a scanned image,
The print processing unit of the server identifies the image data to be printed based on the identification number extracted by the scanner, and the second user's print data based on the order number extracted by the scanner. Specify the address and name, specify the image data and the address and name of the second user, and perform the print instruction,
The mail processing unit of the server identifies an email address of the first user based on the order number extracted by the scanner and sends an email describing the message extracted by the scanner to the first Send to the user's email address,
The photograph utilization system according to claim 5, wherein: A method of using a photo in a system including a server that provides a photo service and a scanner,
The server obtains image data of a photograph from a user terminal of a first user via a communication network, creates print image data for creating a printed matter in which the photograph is laid out, and creates from the print image data Order processing for instructing a second user to provide the printed matter to be provided;
A scanning process in which the scanner scans the printed material handwritten by the second user, extracts order information and a message handwritten on the printed material, and transmits the extracted information to the server;
A print process in which the server instructs the second user to provide a photo print created from the image data of the photo based on the order information extracted by the scanner;
The server creates an e-mail describing the message extracted by the scanner, and executes e-mail processing for transmitting the e-mail to the user terminal of the first user.
A method of using a photograph characterized by the above. In the order processing, thumbnail images of the photos are arranged, and an order column including an order column in which a print condition can be entered for each thumbnail image, and a message column in which the second user can enter a message. Create print image data to create a sheet,
The method of using a photograph according to claim 7. In the order process, management information including an email address of the first user, an address and a name of the second user is created, and an email from the email address of the first user is acquired. Then, an order number is issued, an identification number is assigned to each image data attached to the e-mail, the order number and the identification number are registered in association with the management information, and the order number and the thumbnail image are registered. Creating the print image data of the order sheet laid out in the order field with the identification number and specifying the print image data and the address and name of the second user,
In the scanning process, the order field and the message field of the printed matter handwritten by the second user are scanned, and the order number, the identification number, and the message are extracted from a scanned image,
In the printing process, the image data to be printed is specified based on the identification number extracted by the scanner, and the address and name of the second user are specified based on the order number extracted by the scanner. Specify the image data and the address and name of the second user to give the print instruction,
In the mail processing, an email address of the first user is specified based on the order number extracted by the scanner, and an email describing the message extracted by the scanner is sent to the email of the first user. Send to address,
The method of using a photograph according to claim 8.

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