JP2007140949A - Photographic print system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable safe ordering of photographic prints while solving the troublesomeness related to expense payment, and shortening the time between ordering and delivery completion. <P>SOLUTION: A personal computer 10 operated by an orderer and a plurality of agent terminals 50 set in a plurality of newspaper delivery agents are communicable with a server 70 through the Internet 3, and a delivery agent with a delivery area containing a print delivery destination address create photographic prints. The server 70 transmits collection route information related to an expense collecting route, which includes routes for collecting the expense together with newspaper expense when the delivery agent which forms the prints has a contract with the orderer, to the personal computer 10. The personal computer 10 transmits an image data file and selected information for collection route to the server 70. The agent terminal 50 of the agent which forms the prints receives the image data file, the delivery destination address, and the information for collection route from the server 70. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a photo print system for creating a photo print based on an image data file uploaded to a server by a photo print orderer via a communication network.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been known a print system that orders printing of digital image data files such as images taken with a digital camera or images read with a scanner via the Internet (see Patent Document 1).

Specifically, a photograph print orderer operates a personal computer at home connected to the Internet (hereinafter referred to as a “computer”) to create a photo print of an image data file for which a photo print order is desired. Upload to the server of the print store equipped with the photo processing device. In the print store, a photo print is created based on the image data file uploaded to the server. When the orderer wishes to deliver the photo print, he / she requests the delivery to a specialized delivery company.
JP 2005-205761 A

  As described above, when paying for a photo print ordered online in exchange for a product at the time of delivery, it is necessary to stay at home at the time of delivery. On the other hand, in order to pay for a photo print with a credit card, it is premised that the card is held, and it is necessary to input the credit card number at the time of ordering. As described above, when ordering a photographic print online, annoyance related to payment of the price occurs.

  In general, when a print shop requests delivery to a delivery company, the photo prints are collected by the delivery company and transported to the nearest collection center of the print shop. Thereafter, the product is transported to the nearest collection / delivery center of the photo print delivery address and delivered to the delivery address. Therefore, it takes at least about two days from ordering a photo print to receiving it.

  Furthermore, when the trader who delivers the photo print is an unfamiliar trader or an unreliable trader, it is impossible to request the creation of the photo print with peace of mind.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a photo print system that can eliminate troublesomeness related to payment of a price, shorten the time from ordering to delivery completion, and order a photo print with peace of mind.

Means and effects for solving the problems

  The photo print system of the present invention has a plurality of orderer terminals operated by a plurality of photo print orderers and a predetermined delivery area, respectively, and regularly delivers contracted goods and collects the price of contracted goods. Regular delivery contracts are made with consumers, and multiple operator terminals installed at the establishments of multiple operators that create and deliver photo prints communicate with the server via the communication network. This is a photographic print system in which the orderer terminal transmits an image data file desired to be printed to the server in accordance with an operation input to the orderer terminal of the photographic print orderer. Then, the orderer terminal transmits delivery address information to the server in accordance with the operation input to the orderer terminal of the photo print orderer, and the server adds the delivery address information received from the orderer terminal. It is information on the business information of one or a plurality of business operators including the address in the delivery area, and information on the collection route of the price for the photo prints, and the photo print orderer and the regular delivery among the business businesses When a contractor is included, in addition to the collection route that is normally set, collection route information including the route for collecting the price of the contract product in a lump is sent to the orderer terminal. When the orderer terminal includes a plurality of business operators in accordance with the operation input to the orderer terminal of the photo print orderer, a plurality of business operators are included in the business information. If there are a plurality of collection routes in the operator selection information and collection route information of the operator selected by the operator, the route selection of the collection route selected by the photo print orderer from the plurality of collection routes Information is transmitted to the server, and the operator terminal of the operator relating to the operator selection information receives the image data file, delivery address information, and route selection information from the server.

  In the present invention, the timing at which the server transmits the provider information to the orderer terminal and the timing at which the collection route information is transmitted need not be the same. Further, the timing at which the orderer terminal transmits the provider selection information to the server and the timing at which the collection route selection information is transmitted need not be the same. Furthermore, the timing of receiving the image data file from the server, the timing of receiving the delivery address information, and the timing of receiving the route selection information are the same for each of the business operator's business terminals related to the business information business enterprise selection information. There is no need.

  Further, the photo print system of the present invention has a plurality of orderer terminals operated by a plurality of photo print orderers and a predetermined delivery area, respectively. Regular delivery contracts for collection may be signed with consumers, and multiple business terminals installed at multiple business offices that create and deliver photo prints are connected to a server via a communication network. And the orderer terminal transmits an image data file desired to be printed to the server in accordance with an operation input to the orderer terminal of the photograph print orderer. Then, the orderer terminal transmits delivery address information to the server in accordance with the operation input to the orderer terminal of the photo print orderer, and the server adds the delivery address information received from the orderer terminal. When the company information of one or a plurality of businesses including the address concerned is included in the delivery area is transmitted to the orderer terminal, and the orderer terminal includes a plurality of businesses in the business operator information In accordance with the operation input to the orderer terminal of the photo print orderer, the operator selection information of the business selected by the photo print orderer from the plurality of business operators is transmitted to the server, and the server This is information related to the collection route of the print price, and is normally set when the business operator related to the business operator selection information received from the orderer terminal has a regular delivery contract with the photo print orderer. When collection route information including a route to collect in a collective fee and a collection fee in addition to the collection route is transmitted to the orderer terminal, and the orderer terminal includes a plurality of collection routes in the collection route information In response to an operation input to the orderer terminal of the photo print orderer, the route selection information of the collection route selected by the photo print orderer from the plurality of collection routes is transmitted to the server, and the operator is selected. The company terminal of the company related to the information receives the image data file, delivery address information, and route selection information from the server.

  In the present invention, the timing of receiving the image data file from the server, the timing of receiving the delivery address information, and the timing of receiving the route selection information are the same at the same time. There is no need.

  According to these configurations, when the photo print orderer has a regular delivery contract with a business that includes the delivery address in the delivery area, the photo print price is also collected when collecting the price of the contracted product. Can be done. Therefore, the troublesomeness regarding the payment of a price can be eliminated. In addition, since the photo print is created at the business terminal of the business that includes the delivery address in the delivery area, the finished photo print is delivered to the delivery destination by the business. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time from ordering to completion of delivery as compared with the case where delivery is performed via the nearest collection / delivery center of the photo print creation place and the nearest collection / delivery center of the delivery destination. Furthermore, since a business operator having a predetermined delivery area is in close contact with the area, it is possible to place an order for a photo print with peace of mind.

  In the photo print system of the present invention, the server stores a delivery timing storage means for storing a product delivery timing to a customer with whom the business operator has a regular delivery contract, and a photo print orderer makes a regular delivery contract with the business operator. Information on the delivery service that can deliver the ordered photo print from the date and time when the photo print was ordered and the product delivery timing stored in the delivery timing storage means. Delivery service information creating means for creating the delivery service information may be further provided, and the delivery service information created by the delivery service information creating means may be transmitted to the orderer terminal.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the delivery service for delivering the photo print to the photo print orderer. Also, the finished photo print can be delivered together with the contract product. Accordingly, since the photograph print orderer receives the photo print together with the contracted product, it is possible to save the trouble of receiving.

  In the photo print system of the present invention, the delivery flight information created by the delivery flight information creation means includes information on options related to a plurality of delivery flights capable of delivering the ordered photo print, and the server Transmits information on the delivery flights created by the delivery flight information creation means to the orderer terminal, and receives information on the delivery flights selected by the photo print orderer sent from the orderer terminal, The information may be transmitted to the provider terminal. According to this configuration, the photograph print orderer can select the most convenient delivery flight from among a plurality of delivery flights that can deliver the photo print.

  A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a photo print system according to the present embodiment.

  The photo print system 1 according to the present embodiment is a system that accepts an order for photo prints using the Internet 3 and creates and delivers a photo print, and is operated by a photo print orderer as shown in FIG. A personal computer 10, an image processing device 30 operated by an image processor having expertise in photography, a plurality of business terminals 50 operated by a plurality of businesses having a predetermined delivery area, and a server 70 are provided. . The personal computer 10, the image processing apparatus 30, and the operator terminal 50 are all connected to the server 70 via the Internet 3 so as to be communicable.

  In this embodiment, as a business operator having a delivery system, a business operator who concludes regular delivery contracts that regularly deliver contracted goods and collect payment for contracted goods is considered. An explanation will be given using a newspaper store as an example. In FIG. 1, only three business operator terminals 50 are shown. However, in the photo print system 1, there are business operator terminals 50 installed in newspaper stores nationwide registered in this system. Many are provided. In FIG. 1, only one personal computer 10 is shown, but the photographic print system 1 is provided with a large number of personal computers 10 connected to the Internet 3 of photographic print orderers in various parts of the country.

  The personal computer 10 stores hardware such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and hard disk, and various software is stored in the hard disk. The personal computer 10 functions by combining these hardware and software. As shown in FIG. 2, the personal computer 10 includes a display 15 for displaying various information related to the personal computer 10, a keyboard 16 and a mouse 17 for inputting instructions to the personal computer 10, a CD-ROM, an FD, A media drive 18 that reads image data files recorded on various media such as MO and a communication interface 19 for connecting to the Internet 3 are connected.

  Accordingly, the photograph print orderer who operates the personal computer 10 can photograph the orderer information (specifically, his / her name, delivery address of the finished photo print, delivery address telephone number, etc.) and a plurality of business operators. Information about the newspaper store selected as the operator requesting the creation of the print, and the contents of the order (specifically, information about the selected collection route (detailed later)), information about the selected delivery flight (details later) The image data file desired to be printed among the image data files read by the media drive 18, the thumbnail image data file related to the image data file, the number of prints of the image related to the image data file, etc.) 3 can be uploaded to the server 70.

  The image processing apparatus 30 is, for example, a general-purpose personal computer, and stores hardware such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk. The hard disk includes various programs for causing the personal computer to function as the image processing apparatus 30. Software is stored. And the correction value calculation part 31 (refer FIG. 3) mentioned later is comprised by combining these hardware and software. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the image processing apparatus 30 includes a display 35 for displaying various information related to the image processing apparatus 30, a keyboard 36 and a mouse 37 for inputting instructions to the image processing apparatus 30, A communication interface 39 for connecting to the Internet 3 is connected.

  Therefore, the image processing apparatus 30 downloads the thumbnail image data file related to the image data file uploaded from the personal computer 10 to the server 70 and displays the image related to the thumbnail image data file on the display 35. An image processor who operates the image processing device 30 observes the image displayed on the display 35 and corrects the color density, sharpness, contrast, saturation, and the like of the image using the keyboard 36 and the mouse 37. Perform operation input. Then, the correction value calculation unit 31 calculates an appropriate correction value related to the thumbnail image data file in accordance with the operation input of the image processor. Further, the image processing apparatus 30 uploads the correction value calculated by the correction value calculation unit 31 to the server 70 via the Internet 3.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the business entity terminal 50 includes a general-purpose personal computer 60 and a printer 51 that are connected to each other and capable of transmitting and receiving data. The personal computer 60 stores hardware such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and hard disk. Various software including programs for causing the personal computer 60 to function is stored in the hard disk. By combining these hardware and software, an order information storage unit 61, a correction unit 62, a customer information storage unit 63, and a search unit 64, which will be described later, are configured. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a display 65 for displaying various information and a communication interface 69 for connecting to the Internet 3 are connected to the personal computer 60.

  Accordingly, the personal computer 60 acquires the ordering information uploaded from the orderer's personal computer 10 to the server 70, that is, the orderer information and the order contents, and the correction value uploaded from the image processing device 30 of the image processor to the server 70. And stored in the order information storage unit 61. Then, the correction unit 62 corrects the image data file related to the thumbnail image data file based on the correction value of the thumbnail image data file acquired from the server 70. Thereafter, the printer 51 creates a photo print based on the corrected image data file.

  The search unit 64 stores information on customers who have a regular delivery contract with the newspaper store stored in the customer information storage unit 63 (specifically, name, address, method of collecting the price of the newspaper, The orderer is searched from a database of persons in charge of delivery). Then, the orderer information included in the ordering information acquired from the server 70, the collection route for the photo print price, and the information regarding the delivery service are displayed on the display 65. Further, if the orderer is detected from the database by the search unit 64, that is, if the orderer of the photo print has a regular delivery contract with the business operator, it is in charge of delivery to the orderer. The name of the person in charge is also displayed on the display 65. If the orderer is not detected, the orderer information acquired from the server 70 is registered in the database as a customer of the print order. The contents displayed on the display 65 may be printed by the printer 51 or a printer dedicated for printing.

  The server 70 stores hardware such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk, and various software including a program for causing the server 70 to function is stored in the hard disk. By combining these hardware and software, a web file storage unit 71, an order information storage unit 72, an operator information storage unit 73, a delivery information generation unit 74, a thumbnail generation unit 75, a correction value document, which will be described later. An insertion unit 76, an extraction unit 77, an order signal generation unit 78, and an order preparation completion signal generation unit 79 (see FIG. 5) are constructed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, a communication interface 89 for connecting to the Internet 3 is connected to the server 70.

  The web file storage unit 71 stores a large number of web files such as HTML files in order to provide the contents of the photo print service to the client personal computer that has accessed the server 70. Therefore, the server 70 can provide a Web site for accepting an online print order to the personal computer 10 that can access the server 70 via the Internet 3.

  The order information storage unit 72 stores order information uploaded from the personal computer 10, that is, orderer information, information on the selected store and order contents, and correction values uploaded from the image processing device 30.

  The business operator information storage unit 73 stores information of a plurality of newspaper dealers registered as newspaper dealers that create and deliver photo prints in the photo print system 1, and includes an area storage unit 73a and a collection route storage. Section 73b, schedule storage section 73c, and delivery timing storage section 73d. In addition, by rewriting the stored contents of the business operator information storage unit 73, it is possible to register / delete a newspaper store.

  The area storage unit 73a stores a delivery area of each newspaper store. In addition, the delivery area of each newspaper store may have an overlapping part. The collection route storage unit 73b stores information related to the collection route for the price of the photo print. Specifically, information such as a route for collecting a price in exchange for a photo print, a route for collecting a price by a credit card, and a route for collecting a price by bank transfer are stored as collection routes that are normally set. . Further, when a newspaper dealer selected as a business operator who requests the creation of a photo print by the orderer has a regular delivery contract with the orderer, the above-mentioned stored in the collection route storage unit 73b. In addition to the normally set collection route, a route for collecting the price of the newspaper in a lump is added. In addition, collection of the price of a newspaper is usually performed once a month by collecting money by a person in charge of collecting money or by bank withdrawal. The information stored in the collection route storage unit 73b is transmitted to the orderer's personal computer 10 as order destination information together with information on the deliverable flights created by the delivery flight information creation unit 74 as will be described in detail later. Is done.

  The schedule storage unit 73c stores the delivery schedule of each newspaper store. Specifically, the presence / absence of evening delivery, delivery start time, delivery route within the delivery area, newspaper closed date, and the like are stored. Therefore, it is possible to specify when and where the delivery person of the newspaper store passes from the stored contents of the schedule storage unit 73c. The delivery timing storage unit 73d stores newspaper delivery timing for each customer who has a regular delivery contract with a newspaper store. Specifically, the delivery timings of customers who subscribe to morning and evening publications are every morning and every evening. In addition, the delivery timing of customers who contract only for the morning newspaper is every morning.

  The delivery service information creation unit 74 delivers the date and time when the photo print was ordered, the newspaper delivery timing stored in the delivery timing storage unit 73d to the photo print orderer, and the delivery address of the photo print orderer. Based on the delivery schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 73c of the newspaper store included in the area, information on the delivery flight capable of delivering the ordered photo print and the delivery time is created.

  For example, if the newspaper delivery timing to the photo print orderer is every morning, the finished photo print is delivered by the morning newspaper delivery day the day after the photo print order is placed. The time for the morning delivery to arrive at the delivery address is the delivery time. Further, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the information on the three deliverables relating to the deliverable flights that can deliver the photo print is included in the delivery flight information created by the delivery flight information creating unit 74. That is, when the newspaper delivery timing to the photo print orderer is every morning, the information on the morning newspaper delivery flights for 3 days from the day after the order is placed is included.

  The information on the deliverable flights created by the delivery flight information creation unit 74 is transmitted to the orderer's personal computer 10 as the ordering party information together with the information regarding the collection route of the photo print as described above.

  When the thumbnail image data file is not included in the information related to the image uploaded from the personal computer 10, the thumbnail generation unit 75 generates a thumbnail image data file related to the image. The correction value writing unit 76 writes the correction value uploaded from the image processing apparatus 30 in the order information storage unit 72.

  The extracting unit 77 includes a delivery area including the delivery address of the photo print orderer based on the storage contents of the area storage unit 73a from among a plurality of newspaper stores registered in the photo print system 1. A store is extracted and a supplier list is generated. The order list generated by the extraction unit 77 is transmitted to the personal computer 10 via the Internet 3.

  The order signal generation unit 78 generates an order signal for notifying the image processing apparatus 30 that an order has been received for a photo print when the order contents are uploaded from the personal computer 10 of the orderer. The order signal generated by the order signal generation unit 78 is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 30 via the Internet 3. The order preparation completion signal generation unit 79 notifies the operator terminal 50 that preparation for ordering a photo print is completed when the correction value is uploaded from the image processing apparatus 30. Is generated. The order preparation completion signal generated by the order preparation completion signal generator 79 is transmitted to the operator terminal 50 of the ordering store.

  Here, a procedure for creating a photo print in the photo print system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 6 which is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the personal computer 10, a procedure for ordering a photographic print using the personal computer 10 will be described.

  First, when a photograph print orderer accesses the server 70 using the personal computer 10, a top page (not shown) of an online print order website is displayed on the display 15. Further, when accessing a page for ordering prints, an orderer information input screen 91 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed (step S101). In this embodiment, on the orderer information input screen 91, as shown in FIG. 7, the orderer name, delivery address, and delivery phone number are entered as orderer information. If registered, an ID, a password, or the like may be input.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the confirm button 91a on the orderer information input screen 91 has been operated (step S102). If it is determined that the confirm button 91a has not been operated (step S102: NO), the determination in step S102 is repeated until it is determined that the confirm button 91a has been operated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation of the confirmation button 91a has been performed (step S102: YES), the orderer information input on the orderer information input screen 91 is transmitted to the server 70 (step S103).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not an ordering party list generated based on the delivery address included in the orderer information transmitted to the server 70 in step S103 is received from the server 70 (step S104). If it is determined that the ordering party list has not been received (step S104: NO), the determination in step S104 is repeated until it is determined that the ordering party list has been received. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ordering party list has been received (step S104: YES), an ordering party selection showing options of a plurality of newspaper dealers including delivery addresses in the delivery area as shown in FIG. A screen 92 is displayed (step S105). At this time, the orderer can select a store that requests the creation of a photo print from among the options of the store displayed on the order selection screen 92. When there is one newspaper store that includes the delivery address in the delivery area, the store is automatically requested to create a photo print.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the confirm button 92a on the order selection screen 92 has been operated (step S106). If it is determined that the confirm button 92a has not been operated (step S106: NO), the determination in step S106 is repeated until it is determined that the confirm button 92a has been operated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation of the confirm button 92a has been performed (step S106: YES), information on the store selected by the orderer on the ordering party selection screen 92 is transmitted to the server 70 (step S107). .

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the ordering party information related to the newspaper dealer related to the information transmitted to the server 70 in step S107 is received from the server 70 (step S108). If it is determined that the supplier information has not been received (step S108: NO), the determination in step S108 is repeated until it is determined that the supplier information has been received. On the other hand, if it is determined that the supplier information has been received (step S108: YES), a collection route selection screen 93 showing a plurality of collection route options at the supplier store as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. (Step S109).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the confirmation button 93a on the collection route selection screen 93 has been operated (step S110). If it is determined that the confirm button 93a is not operated (step S110: NO), the determination in step S110 is repeatedly performed until it is determined that the confirm button 93a is operated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation of the confirm button 93a has been performed (step S110: YES), a delivery flight selection screen 94 as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed (step S111). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, three deliverable flights are displayed together with the delivery date and time when delivered by each delivery flight.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the confirmation button 94a on the delivery flight selection screen 94 has been operated (step S112). If it is determined that the confirm button 94a has not been operated (step S112: NO), the determination in step S112 is repeated until it is determined that the confirm button 94a has been operated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation of the confirm button 94a has been performed (step S112: YES), after the image data file is read from the medium by the media drive 18 (step S113), the image data file and the server The web file acquired from 70 is combined and an order screen 95 as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the display 15 (step S114). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, images for six frames are displayed on the order screen 95. At this time, the orderer inputs the number of prints for each frame image using the keyboard 16 or the mouse 17.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the confirmation button 95a on the order screen 95 has been operated (S115). If it is determined that the confirm button 95a has not been operated (step S115: NO), the determination in step S115 is repeated until it is determined that the confirm button 95a has been operated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation of the confirm button 95a has been performed (step S115: YES), it is determined whether there is an image not yet displayed on the order screen 95 (step S116).

  If it is determined that there is an image that is not yet displayed on the order screen 95 (step S116: YES), the process returns to step S113, and the image data file is read from the medium again. On the other hand, when it is determined that all the images are displayed on the order screen 95 (step S116: NO), the order contents are transmitted to the server 70 (step S117).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 12, which is a flowchart showing the exchange of the server 70 with the personal computer 10, a procedure for ordering a photo print in the server 70 will be described.

  First, in response to access from the personal computer 10, a web file for displaying an online print order site is transmitted to the personal computer 10. Then, it is determined whether or not the orderer information input on the orderer information input screen 91 is received (step S201). If it is determined that the orderer information has not been received (step S201: NO), the determination in step S201 is repeated until it is determined that the orderer information has been received. On the other hand, if it is determined that the orderer information has been received (step S201: YES), the orderer information is stored in the ordering information storage unit 72, and the ordering party list is generated by the extraction unit 77 (step S201). S202). Thereafter, the ordering party list generated in step S202 is transmitted to the personal computer 10 (step S203).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the information on the store selected by the orderer transmitted from the personal computer 10 has been received (step S204). If it is determined that the information on the selected store has not been received (step S204: NO), the determination in step S204 is repeated until it is determined that the information has been received. On the other hand, when it is determined that the information on the selected store has been received (step S204: YES), the delivery flight information creation unit 74 displays the information on the deliverable flight of the photo print related to the selected store. The information is created (step S205), and the information and information regarding the collection route for the photo print price at the store are transmitted to the personal computer 10 as the ordering information (step S206).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the order content transmitted from the personal computer 10 has been received (step S207). If it is determined that the order details have not been received (step S207: NO), the determination in step S207 is repeated until it is determined that the order details have been received. On the other hand, when it is determined that the order contents are received (step S207: YES), the received order contents are stored in the order information storage unit 72 (step S208).

  Next, a procedure for acquiring a correction value in the server 70 will be described with reference to FIG. 13 which is a flowchart showing an exchange of the server 70 with the image processing apparatus 30.

  First, in step S206 of the procedure when a photo print order is placed in the server 70 described above, after the order content transmitted from the personal computer 10 is stored in the order information storage unit 72, the order signal generation unit 79 receives the order signal. Is generated (step S301) and transmitted to the image processing apparatus 30 via the Internet 3 (step S302).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a correction value (calculated in S405 described later) has been received from the image processing apparatus 30 (step S303). If it is determined that the correction value has not been received (step S303: NO), the determination in step S303 is repeated until it is determined that the correction value has been received. On the other hand, if it is determined that a correction value has been received (step S303: YES), the correction value writing unit 76 writes the received correction value into the order information storage unit 72 (step S304).

  Here, a procedure for calculating a correction value will be described with reference to FIG. 14 which is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the image processing apparatus 30.

  First, it is determined whether or not an order signal transmitted from the server 70 has been received (step S401). If it is determined that the order signal has not been received (step S401: NO), the determination in step S401 is repeated until it is determined that the order signal has been received. On the other hand, if it is determined that the order signal has been received (step S401: YES), the server 70 is accessed and the thumbnail image data file stored in the order information storage unit 72 is downloaded (step S402). Then, the thumbnail image related to the thumbnail image data file acquired in step S402 is displayed on the display 35 (step S403).

  At this time, the image processor who observes the thumbnail image displayed on the display 35 can perform an operation input to the image processing apparatus 30 using the keyboard 36 or the mouse 37. Therefore, it is determined whether or not an operation input has been performed by the image processor (step S404). If it is determined that no operation input has been performed (step S404: NO), the determination in step S404 is repeated until it is determined that an operation input has been performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that an operation input has been made (step S404: YES), the correction value calculation unit 31 calculates an appropriate correction value for the thumbnail image displayed on the display 35 (step S405). . Thereafter, the correction value calculated in step S405 is transmitted to the server 70 (step S406).

  Next, a procedure for placing an order for a photo print with the business operator in the server 70 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S304 of the procedure for acquiring the correction value in the server 70 described above, the correction value transmitted from the image processing apparatus 30 is written in the order information storage unit 72, and then the order preparation completion signal generation unit 79 performs. An order preparation completion signal is generated (step S501). Then, the order preparation completion signal generated in step S501 is transmitted to the business terminal 50 of the ordering store via the Internet 3 (step S502). Thereafter, in response to the access from the business operator terminal 50, the orderer information including the orderer information and the order content stored in the order information storage unit 72 is transmitted to the business operator terminal 50 (step S503).

  Further, a procedure for creating a photo print will be described with reference to FIG. 16 which is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the business operator terminal 50.

  First, in the personal computer 60, it is determined whether or not the order preparation completion signal transmitted from the server 70 has been received (step S601). If it is determined that no signal has been received (step S601: NO), the determination in step S601 is repeated until it is determined that a signal has been received. On the other hand, if it is determined that a signal has been received (step S601: YES), the server 70 is accessed to obtain the order information stored in the order information storage unit 72 (step S602). After that, the order information downloaded in step S602 is stored in the order information storage unit 61 (step S603).

  Subsequently, the search unit 64 searches the orderer from the database stored in the customer information storage unit 63 (step S604). Further, an order status notification screen 96 as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the display 65 (step S605). As shown in FIG. 17, the order status notification screen 96 displays the orderer information stored in the order information storage unit 61, the collection route for the price of the photo print, the delivery service for the photo print, and the number of prints. If the orderer is detected in step S604, that is, if the dealer has a regular delivery contract with the orderer, the name of the person in charge responsible for delivery to the orderer is notified of the order status. It is displayed on the screen 96. If the orderer is not detected, the orderer information acquired from the server 70 is registered in the database as the customer of the print order.

  Thereafter, the correction unit 62 performs image data file correction processing based on the correction values stored in the order information storage unit 61 (step S606). Then, the corrected image data file and information such as the number of prints of the image data file are transmitted to the printer 51, and a photo print is created in the printer 51 (step S607).

  The photographic print created in the above-described procedure is delivered to the delivery address by the newspaper dealer who created the photographic print together with the newspaper.

  As described above, the photo print system 1 of the present embodiment has a plurality of personal computers 10 operated by a plurality of photo print orderers and a predetermined delivery area, and regularly delivers newspapers and newspaper prices. Can be communicated with the server 70 via the Internet 3. The server 70 is information relating to the collection route for the price of the photo print. Of the newspaper stores including the delivery address in the delivery area, the store selected by the orderer as the store requesting the creation of the photo print is the orderer. When a regular delivery contract is concluded, collection route information including a route collected together with the newspaper price in addition to the normally set collection route is transmitted to the personal computer 10. When the image data file to be printed and the collection route information include a plurality of collection routes, the personal computer 10 transmits the collection route selection information selected by the orderer to the server 70. Further, the business terminal 50 of the store that creates and delivers the photo print receives the image data file, the delivery address, the collection route selection information, and the like from the server 70. Therefore, it is possible to collect the price of the photo print at the time of collecting the price of the newspaper. Thereby, the troublesomeness regarding the payment of a price can be eliminated. In addition, since the photo print is created at the business terminal 50 of the newspaper dealer that includes the delivery address in the delivery area, the finished photo print is delivered to the delivery destination by the delivery person in charge of the dealer. . Therefore, the time from ordering to delivery completion can be shortened compared with the case of delivering via the nearest collection / delivery center of the photo print creation location and the nearest collection / delivery center of the delivery destination. Furthermore, since the newspaper store that includes the delivery address in the delivery area is in close contact with the area, it is possible to order photo prints with peace of mind.

  In the photo print system 1 according to the present embodiment, the delivery service information creation unit 74 includes the date and time when the photo print order was placed, and the product delivery timing to the photo print orderer stored in the delivery timing storage unit 73d. The photos ordered based on the delivery schedule of the supplier dealer stored in the schedule storage unit 73c that stores the delivery schedule that can specify when and where the delivery person of the newspaper dealer passes. Create information about delivery and delivery time that can deliver prints. The delivery flight information created by the delivery flight information creation unit 74 is transmitted to the orderer's personal computer 10. Therefore, the scheduled delivery time can be notified to the photograph print orderer. Also, the finished photo print can be delivered with the newspaper. Therefore, since the photograph print orderer receives the photo print together with the newspaper, it is possible to save the trouble of receiving.

  In the photo print system 1 of the present embodiment, the delivery service information created by the delivery service information creation unit 74 includes information on options related to the three delivery services that can deliver the ordered photo print. The server 70 transmits the delivery flight information created by the delivery flight information creation unit 74 to the orderer's personal computer 10 and receives the information about the delivery flight selected by the photo print orderer sent from the personal computer 10. Then, the information is transmitted to the operator terminal 50. Therefore, the photographic print orderer can select the most convenient delivery service from among the three delivery services that can deliver the photographic print.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various design changes can be made as long as they are described in the claims. It is a thing. For example, in the above-described embodiment, after information on a store selected by the orderer from among a plurality of stores is transmitted to the server 70, the server 70 is information regarding a collection route for the price of a photo print. When the store selected by the orderer has a regular delivery contract with the orderer, the collection route information including the route to collect together with the newspaper price in addition to the normally set collection route is stored in the personal computer 10. Although the case of transmitting has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. Before the information on the store selected by the orderer from the plurality of stores is transmitted to the server 70, the server 70 and the regular delivery to the orderer in the store including the delivery address in the delivery area. When there is a dealer who has a contract, collection route information including a route that is collected together with the newspaper price in addition to the normally set collection route may be transmitted to the personal computer 10. Good.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the delivery service information creation unit 74 includes the date and time when the photo print was ordered, the newspaper delivery timing to the photo print orderer stored in the delivery timing storage unit 73d, and the delivery. Based on the delivery schedule of the supplier dealer that is stored in the schedule storage unit 73c that stores the schedule, information on the delivery flight that can deliver the ordered photo print and the delivery time is created. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the delivery service information creation unit 74 can deliver based on only the date and time when the photo print was ordered and the newspaper delivery timing to the photo print orderer without considering the delivery schedule of the supplier. You may make it produce the information of a flight. In addition, information on deliverable flights may not be created.

  In the above-described embodiment, the delivery flight information created by the delivery flight information creation unit 74 includes information on options related to three delivery flights that can deliver the ordered photo prints. As described above, the number of options related to delivery flights is not limited to three. Further, the delivery service information creating unit 74 may create only information related to one delivery service.

  In addition, in the above-described embodiment, as a business operator having a delivery system, a business operator who concludes a regular delivery contract that periodically delivers contracted goods and collects the price of the contracted goods with the consumer is considered. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the business operator may be a regular delivery company other than a newspaper store, such as a milk shop. Further, it may be an irregular delivery company such as a liquor store or a convenience store.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the server 70 is independent from the personal computer 10, the image processing device 30, and the operator terminal 50 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, some or all of the functions of the server 70 may be integrated with the business entity terminal 50.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the orderer's personal computer 10, the image processing device 30, and the operator terminal 50 can communicate with the server 70 via the Internet 3 has been described. Not limited. The personal computer 10, the image processing apparatus 30, and the business entity terminal 50 may communicate with the server 70 not via the Internet 3 but via another communication network. Moreover, you may make it communicate with the server 70 via two or more communication networks.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the image processing apparatus 30 is connected to the Internet 3 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image processor terminal is constituted by a personal computer connected to the Internet 3 and an image processing device 30 connected to the personal computer, and the image processing device 30 stores thumbnail image data files from the server 70 via the personal computer. Acquisition or transmission of correction values to the server 70 may be performed. Further, for example, an image processor terminal may be configured by a personal computer connected to the Internet 3 and an image processing apparatus 30 not connected to the personal computer. In this case, the thumbnail image data file acquired by the personal computer is recorded on the medium, and the image processing apparatus 30 reads the thumbnail image data file from the medium and calculates a correction value. Then, the calculated correction value is recorded on a medium, and the personal computer reads the correction value from the medium and transmits it to the server 70.

  In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the business entity terminal 50 is configured by the personal computer 60 connected to the Internet 3 and the printer 51 connected to the personal computer 60 has been described. I can't. For example, the printer 51 is not connected to the personal computer 60, and the personal computer 60 acquires an image data file, a correction value, and the like from the server 70, and an image data file that has been subjected to correction processing based on the acquired correction value is used as a medium. It is also possible that the printer 51 reads the corrected image data file from the medium and performs the printing process.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a photo print system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the personal computer shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the provider terminal shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the server shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the personal computer shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the orderer information input screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the supplier selection screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the collection path | route selection screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the delivery flight selection screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the order screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows exchanges with the personal computer of the server shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows exchanges with the image processing apparatus of the server shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows exchanges with the provider terminal of the server shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the provider terminal shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the order status alerting | reporting screen displayed on the display shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Photo print system 3 Internet (communication network)
10 PC (orderer terminal)
50 operator terminal 70 server 73b collection route storage unit 73d delivery timing storage unit (delivery timing storage means)
74 Delivery service information creation part (delivery service information creation means)

Claims (4)

Consumers who have multiple orderer terminals operated by multiple photo print orderers and predetermined delivery areas, and who regularly deliver contracted products and collect payment for contracted products And a plurality of business operator terminals installed at the business establishments of a plurality of business operators that create and deliver photo prints can communicate with a server via a communication network, and the orderer terminal Is a photo print system that transmits an image data file desired to be printed to the server according to an operation input to the orderer terminal of the photo print orderer,
The orderer terminal transmits delivery address information to the server in accordance with an operation input to the orderer terminal of the photo print orderer,
The server is business information of one or a plurality of business operators that include an address related to the delivery address information received from the orderer terminal in a delivery area, and information related to a collection route for the price of a photo print, If one or more businesses include business operators who have a regular delivery contract with the photo print orderer, in addition to the collection route that is normally set, the price of the contracted product is bundled. Sending collection route information including the collection route to the orderer terminal;
In the case where the orderer terminal includes a plurality of business operators in accordance with the operation input to the orderer terminal of the photo print orderer, a plurality of business operators are included in the business operator information. If a plurality of collection routes are included in the operator selection information and collection route information of the operator selected by the user, the route selection information of the collection route selected by the photo print orderer from the plurality of collection routes To the server,
The photographic printing system, wherein the business operator terminal of the business operator related to the business operator selection information receives the image data file, delivery address information, and route selection information from the server. Consumers who have multiple orderer terminals operated by multiple photo print orderers and predetermined delivery areas, and who regularly deliver contracted products and collect payment for contracted products And a plurality of business operator terminals installed at the business establishments of a plurality of business operators that create and deliver photo prints can communicate with a server via a communication network, and the orderer terminal Is a photo print system that transmits an image data file desired to be printed to the server according to an operation input to the orderer terminal of the photo print orderer,
The orderer terminal transmits delivery address information to the server in accordance with an operation input to the orderer terminal of the photo print orderer,
The server transmits to the orderer terminal the business information of one or a plurality of business operators that include the delivery address information received from the orderer terminal in the delivery area.
When the orderer terminal includes a plurality of business operators in the business operator information, a photo print orderer from among the plurality of business operators according to the operation input to the orderer terminal of the photo print orderer The operator selection information of the operator selected by is transmitted to the server,
The server is information related to the collection route for the price of the photo print, and is normally set when the business operator related to the business operator selection information received from the orderer terminal has a regular delivery contract with the photo print orderer. In addition to the collected collection route, the collection route information including the collection fee and the collection route information is sent to the orderer terminal,
When the orderer terminal includes a plurality of collection routes in the collection route information, a photo print orderer is selected from the plurality of collection routes according to an operation input to the orderer terminal by the photo print orderer. Sends the route selection information of the collection route selected by the server to the server,
The photograph printing system, wherein the business operator terminal of the business operator related to the business operator selection information receives the image data file, delivery address information, and route selection information from the server. The server is
A delivery timing storage means for storing a product delivery timing to a customer for whom the business operator has a regular delivery contract;
When the photograph print orderer has a regular delivery contract with the business operator, the photograph ordered is based on the date and time when the order for the photo print was made and the product delivery timing stored in the delivery timing storage means. Delivery information creating means for creating information on delivery services that can deliver prints;
3. The photo print system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the delivery flight information created by the delivery flight information creation means is transmitted to the orderer terminal. The delivery flight information created by the delivery flight information creation means includes information on options related to a plurality of delivery flights capable of delivering the ordered photo prints,
The server transmits the delivery flight information created by the delivery flight information creation means to the orderer terminal and receives information about the delivery flight selected by the photo print orderer sent from the orderer terminal. The photographic print system according to claim 3, wherein the information is transmitted to the business operator terminal.

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