U.S. patent application number 11/026098 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-02 for system and method for ordering printing of images, and system and method for printing edited images.
This patent application is currently assigned to Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Shiimori, Yoshiko.
Application Number | 20050120047 11/026098 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26454624 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050120047 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shiimori, Yoshiko |
June 2, 2005 |
System and method for ordering printing of images, and system and
method for printing edited images
Abstract
An edited-image printing system includes a client computer and
an image server that are capable of communicating data with each
other. The client computer includes desired-image deciding means
for deciding a desired image that is to be combined with a template
image, position deciding means for deciding placement position of
the desired image decided by the desired-image deciding means,
editing means for obtaining edited images of a plurality of frames
by repeatedly executing desired-image decision processing by the
desired-image deciding means and position decision processing by
the position deciding means, and transmitting means for linking
desired-image data representing a desired image constituting the
edited image obtained by the editing means and placement-position
data representing the placement position of the desired image, and
transmitting the desired-image data and placement-position data to
the image server. The image server includes receiving means for
receiving the desired-image data and the placement-position data,
and edited-image generating means for generating the edited images
of the plurality of frames from the desired-image data and
placement-position data.
Inventors: |
Shiimori, Yoshiko;
(Asaka-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCGINN & GIBB, PLLC
8321 OLD COURTHOUSE ROAD
SUITE 200
VIENNA
VA
22182-3817
US
|
Assignee: |
Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
Kanagawa
JP
|
Family ID: |
26454624 |
Appl. No.: |
11/026098 |
Filed: |
January 3, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11026098 |
Jan 3, 2005 |
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09288087 |
Apr 8, 1999 |
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6853461 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 ;
707/999.102 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 29/06027 20130101;
H04L 67/42 20130101; H04L 67/02 20130101; H04L 29/06 20130101; H04L
69/329 20130101; G06Q 99/00 20130101; H04L 67/16 20130101; H04N
1/2179 20130101; H04L 67/12 20130101; G06Q 30/0641 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
707/102 |
International
Class: |
G06F 007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 10, 1998 |
JP |
10-116249 |
Apr 22, 1998 |
JP |
10-126649 |
Claims
1-19. (canceled)
20. An edited-image printing system comprising: a client computer
and an image server that are capable of communicating data with
each other, wherein said client computer includes: desired-image
deciding means for deciding a desired image that is to be combined
with a template image; position deciding means for deciding
placement position of the desired image decided by said
desired-image deciding means; editing means for obtaining edited
images of a plurality of frames by repeatedly executing
desired-image decision processing by said desired-image deciding
means and position decision processing by said position deciding
means; and transmitting means for linking desired-image data
representing a desired image constituting the edited image obtained
by said editing means and placement-position data representing the
placement position of this desired image, and transmitting the
desired-image data constituting edited images of a plurality of
frames and the placement-position data to said image server, and
wherein said image server includes: receiving means for receiving
the desired-image data and the placement-position data transmitted
from said transmitting means of said client computer; and
edited-image generating means for generating the edited images of
the plurality of frames from the desired-image data and
placement-position data received by said receiving means.
21. A client computer capable of communicating data with an image
server, comprising: desired-image deciding means for deciding a
desired image that is to be combined with a template image;
position deciding means for deciding placement position of the
desired image, which has been decided by said desired-image
deciding means, on the template image; editing means for obtaining
edited images of a plurality of frames by repeatedly executing
desired-image decision processing by said desired-image deciding
means and position decision processing by said position deciding
means; and transmitting means for linking desired-image data
representing a desired image constituting the edited image obtained
by said editing means and placement-position data representing the
placement position of this desired image, and transmitting the
desired-image data constituting edited images of a plurality of
frames and the placement-position data to said image server.
22. An edited-image printing system comprising: a plurality of
client computers and an image server that are capable of
communicating data with each other, wherein each of said client
computers includes: desired-image deciding means for deciding a
desired image that is to be combined with a template image;
position deciding means for deciding placement position of the
desired image deciding by said desired-image deciding means;
editing means for obtaining an edited image from the desired image
deciding by said desired-image deciding means and the placement
position decided by said position deciding means; and transmitting
means for linking identification data specific to the client
computer to desired-image data representing a desired image
constituting the edited image and placement-position data
representing the placement position of this desired image, and
transmitting the resulting date to said image server, and wherein
said image server includes: receiving means for receiving the
desired-image data, the placement-position data and the
identification data transmitted from said transmitting means of
said client computer; storage means for storing the desired-image
data and the placement-position data received by said receiving
means, this data being stored classified by client computer
identified by the identification data; and edited-image generating
means for generating the edited image, on a per-client-computer
basis, from the desired-image data and placement-position data
classified by client computer in said storage means.
23. A client computer capable of communicating data with an image
server, comprising: desired-image deciding means for deciding a
desired image that is to be combined with a template image;
position deciding means for deciding placement position of the
desired image, which has ben decided by said desired-image deciding
means, on the template image; editing means for obtaining an edited
image from the desired image decided by said desired-image deciding
means and the placement position decided by said position deciding
means; and transmitting means for linking identification data
specific to the client computer to desired-image data representing
a desired image constituting the edited image and
placement-position data representing the placement position of this
desired image, and transmitting the resulting data to said image
server.
24. An image server capable of communicating data with a client
computer, comprising: receiving means for receiving, in mutually
linked form, desired-image data representing a desired image
constituting an edited image, placement-position data representing
placement position of this desired image, and identification data
specific to the client computer; storage means for storing the
desired-image data and the placement-position data received by said
receiving means, this data being stored classified by client
computer identified by the identification data; and edited-image
generating means for generating the edited image, on a
per-client-computer basis, from the desired-image data and
placement-position data, which has been stored in said storage
means, classified by client computer.
25. A method of printing an edited image in an edited-image
printing system comprising a client computer and an image server
that are capable of communicating data with each other, comprising:
in said client computer: deciding a desired image, which is to be
combined with a template image, and placement position of the
desired image; obtaining edited images of a plurality of frames by
repeatedly executing desired-image decision processing and position
decision processing; and linking desired-image data representing a
desired image constituting the edited image obtained and
placement-position data representing the placement position of this
desired image, and transmitting the desired-image data constituting
edited images of a plurality of frames and the placement-position
data to the image server; receiving, at said image server, the
desired-image data and the placement-position data transmitted from
said client computer; and generating, at said image server, the
edited images of the plurality of frames from the received
desired-image data and placement-position data.
26. A method of controlling operation of a client computer capable
of communicating data with an image server, comprising: deciding a
desired image that is to be combined with a template image;
deciding placement position of the desired image that has been
decided; obtaining edited images of a plurality of frames by
repeatedly executing the desired-image decision processing and the
position decision processing; and linking desired-image data
representing a desired image constituting the edited image that has
been obtained and placement-position data representing the
placement position of this desired image, and transmitting the
desired-image data and the placement-position data to said image
server.
27. A method of printing an edited image in an edited-image
printing system comprising a plurality of client computers and an
image server that are capable of communicating data with each
other, comprising: in said client computer: deciding a desired
image, which is to be combined with a template image, and placement
position of the desired images; obtaining an edited image from the
desired image and the placement position that have been decided;
and linking identification data specific to the client computer to
the desired-image data and placement-position data representing the
placement position of this desired image, and transmitting the
resulting data to said image server; and in said image server:
receiving the desired-image data, the placement-position data and
the identification data transmitted from said client computer;
storing the desired-image data, the placement-position data and the
identification data transmitted from said client computer; storing
the desired-image data and the placement-position data received
that has been received, this data being stored classified by client
computer identified by the identification data; and generating the
edited image, on a per-client-computer basis, from the
desired-image data and placement-position data classified by client
computer.
28. A method of controlling operation of a client computer capable
of communicating data with an image server, comprising: deciding a
desired image that is to be combined with a template image;
deciding placement position of the decided desire image on the
template image; obtaining an edited image from the desired image
and the placement position that have been decided; and linking
identification data specific to the client computer to
desired-image data representing a desired image constituting the
edited image and placement-position data representing the placement
position of this desired image, and transmitting the resulting data
to said image server.
29. A method of controlling operation of an image server capable of
communicating data with a client computer, comprising: receiving,
in mutually linked form, desired-image data representing a desired
image constituting an edited image, placement-position data
representing placement position of this desired image, and
identification data specific to the client computer; storing the
desired-image data and the placement-position data that has been
received, this data being stored classified by client computer
identified by the identification data; and generating the edited
image, on a per-client-computer basis, from the desired-image data
and placement-position data classified by client computer.
30. A recording medium storing a program for controlling operation
of a client computer, which is capable of communicating data with
an image server, said program being executed to perform a method of
controlling said operation of said client computer comprising:
deciding a desired image that is to be combined with a template
image; deciding a placement position of the desired image that has
been decided; obtaining edited images of a plurality of frames by
repeatedly executing the desired-image decision processing and the
position decision processing; and linking desired-image data
representing a desired image constituting the edited image that has
been obtained and placement-position data representing the
placement position of this desired image, and transmit the
desired-image data and the placement-position data to said image
server.
31. A recording medium storing a program for controlling operation
of a client computer, which is capable of communicating data with
an image server, said program being executed to perform a method of
controlling said operation of said client computer comprising:
deciding a desired image that is to be combined with a template
image; deciding a placement position of the decided desire image on
the template image; obtaining an edited image from the desired
image and the placement position that have been decided; and
linking identification data specific to the client computer to
desired-image data representing a desired image constituting the
edited image and placement-position data representing the placement
position of this desired image, and transmit the resulting data to
said image server.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a system for ordering the printing
of images, in which a store (shop) server is installed in each of a
plurality of stores, client computers are capable of communicating
data with an order-taking server, and the order-taking server is
capable of communicating data with the store servers; a method of
ordering the printing of images in this system; a client computer
and order-taking server constructing the system and a method of
controlling the operation of the client computer and order-taking
server; and a recording medium on which a program for controlling
the operation of the client computer has been stored.
[0003] This invention further relates to an edited-image printing
system, as well as the associated method, comprising a client
computer and an image server that are capable of communicating data
with each other; a client computer and an image server constructing
the edited-image printing system as well as a method of controlling
the operation of the client computer and a method of controlling
the operation of the image server; and a recording medium on which
a program for controlling the operation of the client computer has
been stored.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In a system on its way to becoming implemented, order
information regarding the printing of images is transmitted from a
client computer to an order-taking server, and the order-taking
server that has received the order information prints images in
accordance with the order information. With a system of this kind,
the images are printed by a high-resolution printer connected to
the order-taking server and the printed matter is mailed to the
user of the client computer.
[0006] There are also instances where a store server capable of
communicating with the order-taking server is installed in a store,
image data representing images to be printed is transmitted from
the order-taking server to the store server and the images are
printed by a high-resolution printer connected to the store server.
In this case the user of the client computer goes to the store to
pick up the printed matter.
[0007] In the case where the user of the client computer is to go
to a store to pick up printed matter, it would be convenient for
the user if the user could acquire information relating to the
store when the order is placed.
[0008] In another system on its way to becoming implemented, an
edited image is generated by combining an image with a template
image in a client computer, editing information such as image
placement position for generating the edited image and
desired-image data representing a desired image to be combined with
the template image are transmitted from the client computer to the
image server, and the image server prints the edited image. The
edited image that has been printed is mailed to the user of the
client computer.
[0009] In a situation where edited images of a plurality of frames
are printed by the image server, it is laborious to transmit the
editing information and the desired-image data from the client
computer to the image server for each and every frame of the edited
images. Further, in a case where the editing information and
desired-image data are transmitted for each frame of the edited
images, management and control must be carried out in regard to
which client computer made the transmission.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to make
it possible to acquire information relating to a store beforehand
in a case where a client computer orders printing of an image from
an order-taking server.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to reduce the
labor demanded of a client computer user in a case where edited
images of a plurality of frames are printed at an image server.
[0012] A further object of the present invention is to enable
management to be performed with comparatively high accuracy in a
situation where editing information and desired-image data have
been transmitted from a plurality of client computers.
[0013] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a system
in which a store server is installed in each of a plurality of
stores, a client computer and an order-taking server are capable of
communicating data with each other, and the order-taking server and
the store servers are capable of communicating data with each
other.
[0014] The order-taking server has store-name-list-data
transmitting means (a store-name-list-data transmitting device),
which is responsive to a store-name list request from the client
computer, for transmitting data representing a list of store names
to the client computer.
[0015] The client computer includes: first display control means (a
first display control device) for controlling a display unit so as
to display the list of store names represented by the
store-name-list data transmitted from the store-name-list-data
transmitting means; designating means (a designating device) for
designating a desired store in the store-name list displayed on the
display unit based upon display control by the first display
control means; designated-store-name transmitting means (a
designated-store-name transmitting device) for transmitting, to the
order-taking server, data representing the store name designated by
the designating means; and order information transmitting means (an
order information transmitting device) for transmitting order
information, which relates to printing of an image, to the
order-taking server.
[0016] The order-taking server further includes order-related
information transmitting means (an order-related information
transmitting device) for transmitting information, which is related
to the order information transmitted by the order information
transmitting means, to the store server installed in the store
designated by the data representing the designated store name
transmitted from the designated-store-name transmitting means.
[0017] The store server has order-related-information receiving
means (an order-related information receiving device) for receiving
the order-related information transmitted from the order-related
information transmitting means.
[0018] The first aspect of the present invention provides also a
method suited for the system described above. Specifically, there
is provided a method applicable to a system in which a store server
is installed in each of a plurality of stores, a client computer
and an order-taking server are capable of communicating data with
each other, and the order-taking server and the store servers are
capable of communicating data with each other.
[0019] The method comprises the steps of: transmitting data
representing a store-name list from the order-taking server to the
client computer in response to a request for the store-name list
from the client computer; displaying, on a display unit of the
client computer, the store-name list represented by the
store-name-list data transmitted from the order-taking server;
designating a desired store in the store-name list displayed on the
display unit; transmitting, from the client computer to the
order-taking server, data representing the designated store name
and order information relating to printing of an image;
transmitting information, which is related to the order information
transmitted by the order information transmitting means, from the
order-taking server to the store server installed in the store
designated by the data representing the designated store name
transmitted from the client computer; and receiving the
order-related information, which is transmitted from the
order-taking server, at the store server.
[0020] In accordance with the first aspect of the present
invention, the store-name-list data is transmitted from the
order-taking server to the client computer in response to a request
for the store-name list from the client computer. When this data
representing the list of store names is received by the client
computer, the list of store names is displayed on the display unit
connected to the client computer.
[0021] The user of the client computer selects a desired store from
among the store names displayed in the form of a list. Data
representing the selected store name is transmitted from the client
computer to the order-taking server. In addition, order information
(the number of prints ordered, the name and address of the orderer,
etc.) relating to the printing of an image is transmitted from the
client computer to the order-taking server.
[0022] When data representing the selected store name and the order
information are received by the order-taking server, the latter
transmits the order-related information (which may be the order
information per se or may include image data for printing) to the
store server installed in the store that has been selected.
[0023] The store server that has received the order-related
information prints an image on the basis of the order-related
information.
[0024] In accordance with the first aspect of the present
invention, the user of the client computer is capable of viewing
the list of store names beforehand when an order is placed. Viewing
the list of store names makes it possible for the user to select a
convenient store.
[0025] The client computer or order-taking server constructing the
above-mentioned system may be arranged on a stand-alone basis.
Furthermore, a program for controlling the operation of the client
computer can be stored on a recording medium.
[0026] Preferably, area-specifying data for specifying an area is
transmitted from the client computer to the order-taking server,
and a list of stores names located in the area represented by the
area-specifying data transmitted from the client computer is
transmitted from the order-taking server to the client
computer.
[0027] The user of the client computer transmits the
area-specifying data specifying the area (e.g., one located near
the residence of the user) convenient for the user to the
order-taking server, in response to which the order-taking server
transmits the data representing the list of store names in the
specified area to the client computer. Thus, only the names of
stores located in the required area can be obtained.
[0028] An arrangement can be adopted in which
image-processing-service data representing services relating to
image processing performed by a designated store can be transmitted
from the order-taking server to the client computer, and the image
processing services represented by this image-processing-service
data can be displayed on the display unit of the client computer.
In this case a desired image processing service is selected from
the image processing services displayed on the display unit, and
the selected image-processing-service data representing the
selected image processing service is transmitted from the client
computer to the order-taking server. The latter executes the
selected image processing, which is represented by the
selected-image-processing data that has been transmitted, in regard
to the image data representing the image to be printed, and
transmits the processed image data to the store server.
[0029] Image-processing-service data representing services (e.g., a
service relating to image processing such as combining an image
with a template for creating a postcard and a service for uploading
image data and printing an image represented by the uploaded image
data) relating to image processing performed by a designated store
is transmitted from the order-taking server to the client computer.
When the image-processing-service data is transmitted to the client
computer, the content of the image processing services represented
by the image-processing-service data is displayed on the display
unit of the client computer.
[0030] The user of the client computer views the image processing
services displayed on the display unit and selects the image
processing service desired to be utilized. The data representing
the selected image processing service is transmitted from the
client computer to the order-taking server.
[0031] The order-taking server applies the selected image
processing to image data representing an image to be printed. The
image data that has been subjected to the selected image processing
is transmitted from the order-taking server to the store
server.
[0032] The user of the client computer is capable of ascertaining
the image processing services performed by a store that has been
designated by the user. A desired image processing service can be
selected from the image-processing services performed by the
designated store. In a case where the designated store is not
providing the image processing service that the user desires to be
utilized, the user is capable of newly selecting a store that is
providing the image processing service desired to be utilized.
[0033] The order-taking server executes the image processing
selected by the user and the processed image data is transmitted
from the order-taking server to the store server. However, the
image processing selected by the user may be performed by the store
server. When the image processing is executed by the store server,
the data representing the selected image processing and the image
data before image processing would be transmitted from the
order-taking server to the store server.
[0034] Preferably, the client computer selects desired image
processing from a plurality of types of image processing and
transmits selected-image-processing data, which represents the
selected image processing, to the order-taking server. The latter
transmits, to the client computer, data representing a list of
names of stores that execute the image processing represented by
the selected-image-processing data transmitted from the client
computer. The latter selects the desired store from the list of
names of stores that execute image processing, the store names
being represented by the list data.
[0035] Before the user of the client computer selects a store, the
image processing which the user desires to utilize is selected. The
list of the names of stores that execute the selected processing is
transmitted from the order-taking server to the client computer.
The user selects the desired store from the list of store
names.
[0036] Before a store is selected, the user can ascertain the
stores that execute the image processing that the user desires to
be utilized. Thus the selected store will always be one that
executes the image processing that the user wishes to be
utilized.
[0037] The order-taking server may further be provided with
user-fee calculating means (a user-fee calculating device) for
calculating a user fee incurred at a designated store in regard to
a selected image processing service, and user-fee transmitting
means (a user-fee transmitting device) for transmitting the user
fee calculated by the user-fee calculating means to the client
computer.
[0038] The user of the client computer can thus know the user fee.
The user can ascertain the user fee of a selected store also in a
case where the user fee differs from store to store. Also, in a
case where a specific store establishes a special rate for a
specific period of time, the user of the client computer can
acquire knowledge of the special rate.
[0039] The order-taking server may further be provided with
advertising-data transmitting means (an advertising-data
transmitting device) which, in response to receipt of data
representing a designated store, transmits data representing an
advertisement regarding this designated store to the client
computer.
[0040] Thus, the order-taking server is capable of transmitting
data representing an advertisement regarding the store designated
by the client computer. The advertisement regarding the designated
store can be displayed on the display unit of the client
computer.
[0041] An order-taking server may construct a system in which a
client computer and the order-taking server are capable of
communicating data with each other and may include store-name-list
data transmitting means (a store-name-list data transmitting
device), which is responsive to a store-name-list request, for
transmitting data representing a list of store names to the client
computer; receiving means (a receiving device) for receiving data
representing a store name designated by the client computer and
order information relating to printing of an image; and printing
means (a printing device) for printing an image on the basis of the
order information received by the receiving means.
[0042] In this case an image that has been printed by the
order-taking server would be mailed to a store (and the store would
be designated by the client computer).
[0043] An edited-image printing system according to a second aspect
of the present invention comprises a client computer and an image
server that are capable of communicating data with each other.
[0044] The client computer includes: desired-image deciding means
(a desired-image deciding device) for deciding a desired image that
is to be combined with a template image; position deciding means (a
position deciding device) for deciding placement position of the
desired image decided by the desired-image deciding means; editing
means (an editing device) for obtaining edited images of a
plurality of frames by repeatedly executing desired-image decision
processing by the desired-image deciding means and position
decision processing by the position deciding means; and
transmitting means (a transmitting device) for linking
desired-image data representing a desired image constituting the
edited image obtained by the editing means and placement-position
data representing the placement position of this desired image, and
transmitting the desired-image data constituting edited images of a
plurality of frames and the placement-position data to the image
server.
[0045] The image server includes receiving means (a receiving
device) for receiving the desired-image data and the
placement-position data transmitted from the transmitting means of
the client computer, and edited-image generating means (an
edited-image generating device) for generating the edited images of
the plurality of frames from the desired-image data and
placement-position data received by the receiving means.
[0046] The second aspect of the present invention provides also a
method suited for the system described above. Specifically, in an
edited-image printing system comprising a client computer and an
image server that are capable of communicating data with each
other, the client computer decides a desired image, which is to be
combined with a template image, and placement position of the
desired image; obtains edited images of a plurality of frames by
repeatedly executing desired-image decision processing and position
decision processing; links desired-image data representing a
desired image constituting the edited image obtained and
placement-position data representing the placement position of this
desired image, and transmits the desired-image data constituting
edited images of a plurality of frames and the placement-position
data to the image server. The image server receives the
desired-image data and the placement-position data transmitted from
the client computer. The edited images of the plurality of frames
are generated by the image server from the received desired-image
data and placement-position data.
[0047] In accordance with the second aspect of the present
invention, edited images of a plurality of frames are generated by
the client computer. The desired-image data representing a desired
image constituting the edited image and placement-position data
representing the placement position of this desired image is linked
and transmitted from the client computer to the image server. A
plurality of frames of the edited images inclusive of the
desired-image data and placement-position data are transmitted from
the client computer to the image server.
[0048] When all of the desired-image data and placement-position
data constituting the edited images of the plurality of frames has
been received by the image server, the edited images of the
plurality of frames are generated and printed.
[0049] Edited images of a plurality of frames can be printed by
just a single transmission from the client computer to the image
server. Since it is unnecessary to perform transmission a plurality
of times in order to print edited images of a plurality of frames,
less labor is required of the user of the client computer.
[0050] The third aspect of the present invention provides an
edited-image printing system comprising a plurality of client
computers and an image server capable of communicating data with
each other.
[0051] Each client computer includes: desired-image deciding means
(a desired-image deciding device) for deciding a desired image that
is to be combined with a template image; position deciding means (a
position deciding device) for deciding placement position of the
target image decided by the desired-image deciding means; editing
means (an editing device) for obtaining an edited image from the
desired image decided by the desired-image deciding means and the
placement position decided by the position deciding means; and
transmitting means (a transmitting device) for linking
identification data specific to the client computer to
desired-image data representing a desired image constituting the
edited image and placement-position data representing the placement
position of this desired image, and transmitting the resulting data
to the image server.
[0052] The image server includes: receiving means (a receiving
device) for receiving the desired-image data, the
placement-position data and the identification data transmitted
from the transmitting means of the client computer; storage means
for storing the desired-image data and the placement-position data
received by the receiving means, this data being stored classified
by client computer identified by the identification data; and
edited-image generating means (an edited-image generating device)
for generating the edited image, on a per-client-computer basis,
from the desired-image data and placement-position data classified
by client computer in the storage means.
[0053] The third aspect of the present invention provides also a
method suited for the system described above. Specifically, in an
edited-image printing system comprising a plurality of client
computers and an image server that are capable of communicating
data with each other, each client computer decides a desired image,
which is to be combined with a template image, and placement
position of the desired image; obtains an edited image from the
desired image and placement position that have been decided; and
links identification data specific to the client computer to the
desired-image data and placement-position data representing the
placement position of this desired image, and transmits the
resulting data to the image server. The image server receives the
desired-image data, the placement-position data and the
identification data transmitted from the client computer; stores
the desired-image data and the placement-position data that have
been received, this data being classified by client computer
identified by the identification data; and generates the edited
image, on a per-client-computer basis, from the desired-image data
and placement-position data classified by client computer.
[0054] In accordance with the third aspect of the present
invention, when the desired image and the placement position are
each decided and an edited image is obtained, identification data
specific to the client computer is linked to the desired-image data
representing a desired image constituting the edited image and the
placement-position data representing the placement position of this
desired image, and the resulting data is transmitted from the
client computer to the image server.
[0055] When the image server receives the desired-image data and
the placement-position data linked to the identification data, the
desired-image data and the placement-position data is stored for
each client computer identified by the identification data. An
edited image is generated, on a per-client-computer basis, from the
desired-image data and placement-position data classified by client
computer, and the edited image is printed by the image server.
[0056] Thus, the image server manages the desired-image data and
placement-position data on a per-client-computer basis.
[0057] The client computer and the image server constituting the
edited-image printing system described above can each be arranged
on a stand-alone basis. Furthermore, it is possible to create a
recording medium on which a program for controlling the operation
of the client computer is stored.
[0058] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters
designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures
thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0059] FIG. 1 illustrates the general configuration of a system for
ordering the printing of images;
[0060] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical
construction of a client computer;
[0061] FIG. 3 illustrates tables stored in an order-taking
server;
[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates a store basic-information table;
[0063] FIG. 5 illustrates a table of available services;
[0064] FIG. 6 illustrates a table of unit prices;
[0065] FIG. 7 illustrates a table of special services;
[0066] FIG. 8 illustrates a table of special unit prices;
[0067] FIG. 9 illustrates a table of advertisement text;
[0068] FIG. 10 illustrates a table of advertisement content;
[0069] FIGS. 11 and 12 are flowcharts illustrating the procedure of
print ordering processing;
[0070] FIG. 13 illustrates the processing procedure of an
order-taking server;
[0071] FIG. 14 illustrates the processing procedure of a store
server;
[0072] FIG. 15 illustrates the transition of screens on the display
unit of a client computer;
[0073] FIGS. 16 to 21 show examples of display screens;
[0074] FIG. 22 illustrates a processing procedure for calculating
user fees;
[0075] FIGS. 23 to 25 are flowcharts illustrating a processing
procedure for ordering printing;
[0076] FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate examples of display screens;
[0077] FIG. 28 illustrates the general configuration of a system
for editing printed images;
[0078] FIG. 29 illustrates the transition of display screens on the
display unit of a client computer;
[0079] FIG. 30 illustrates the screen of a postcard service;
[0080] FIG. 31 illustrate a procedure for ordering a postcard;
[0081] FIG. 32 illustrates the screen of a service for making
prints from a digital camera;
[0082] FIG. 33 illustrates processing for ordering digital-camera
prints;
[0083] FIG. 34 illustrates the screen of a calendar and
photo-framing service;
[0084] FIG. 35 illustrates processing for ordering a calendar and
photo-framing;
[0085] FIG. 36 illustrates a processing procedure for batch
transmission;
[0086] FIG. 37 illustrates an order information file;
[0087] FIG. 38 illustrates an editing information file;
[0088] FIG. 39 illustrates the arrangement of folders stored in an
image server;
[0089] FIG. 40 illustrates an order-number file;
[0090] FIG. 41 illustrates an order management file;
[0091] FIG. 42 illustrates an order information file;
[0092] FIG. 43 illustrates an edited information file; and
[0093] FIGS. 44 to 51 illustrate a processing procedure for
sequential transmission.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(A) First Embodiment
[0094] FIG. 1 illustrates the general configuration of a system for
ordering the printing of images according to a first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0095] The system for ordering the printing of images comprises a
client computer 1 usually installed at the residence of the user,
an order-taking server 25 for taking orders for the printing of
images from the client computer 1, and store servers 30 installed
in a plurality of stores (photo labs). The client computer 1 and
order-taking server 25 are capable of communicating data with each
other via a Internet. It is possible for the order-taking server 25
and store (shop) server 30 to communicate data with each other via
the Internet.
[0096] Order information regarding the printing of an image is
transmitted from the client computer 1 to the order-taking server
25. When the order-taking server 25 receives the order information,
the order information is transmitted to the store server 30, at
which the image is printed by a high-resolution printer that has
been connected to the store server 30. When the image is printed,
the store server 30 communicates this fact to the user of the
client computer 1. Upon being so notified by the operator of the
store server 30, the user of the client computer 1 goes to the
store to pick up the print of the image.
[0097] The details of the image printing system will become more
apparent from the description that follows.
[0098] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical
construction of the client computer 1.
[0099] The overall operation of the client computer 1 is supervised
by a CPU 11.
[0100] Connected to the client computer 1 are a modem 2 for
performing data communication with the order-taking server 25; a
floppy disk (FD) drive 3 for recording data on a floppy disk and
reading data that has been recorded on the floppy disk; a CD-ROM
drive 4 for reading data that has been recorded on a CD-ROM
(compact disc read only memory); a mouse 5; and a keyboard 6. The
data obtained from the modem 2, etc., is loaded into the client
computer 1 via a system I/O controller 7.
[0101] A program for ordering the printing of images has been
stored on the CD-ROM. The stored program is read by the CD-ROM
drive 4 so that the program is installed in the client computer
1.
[0102] The client computer 1 includes a bus controller 8; a RAM 9
for storing data temporarily; and a ROM 10 for storing programs and
other necessary data. A hard-disk drive 13 is connected to the
client computer 1 via an external I/O controller 12. Data can be
written to and read in from a hard disk (not shown) by the
hard-disk drive 13.
[0103] The client computer 1 further includes an interrupt
controller 14, a microphone 15, a memory controller 16, and a VRAM
17 for storing image data temporarily in order to display images on
the a display unit 19. The image data stored in the VRAM 17 is fed
to a digital analog converter 18, so that the image data is
converted into an analog video signal. The analog video signal is
fed to the display unit 19, so that an image is displayed on a
screen of the display unit 19.
[0104] A printer 21 connected to the client computer 1 is
controlled by a printer control circuit 20.
[0105] The order-taking server 25 and store server 30 have
substantially the same construction as that of the client computer
1 shown in FIG. 2. However, one difference is that whereas the
printer 21 connected to the client computer 1 often has a
comparatively low resolution, the printers connected to the
order-taking server 25 and store server 30 have a high resolution.
Further, various tables of the kind described next are stored on
the hard disk (not shown) in the order-taking server 25.
[0106] FIGS. 3 to 10 illustrate various tables stored in the
order-taking server 25. These tables include a table of basic
information about stores, a table of available services, a
unit-price table, a special-price table, a special unit-price
table, an advertisement-text table and an advertisement-content
table.
[0107] The table of basic information about stores is one which
stores basic information regarding stores in which store servers 30
capable of performing data communication with the order-taking
server 25 have been installed. Stored in this table on a per-store
basis are a store-specific store number, store name, postal zip
code of the store, store location classified by prefecture, store
location classified by city, store location classified by town,
store location (in entirety, from prefecture to house number),
store telephone number and store facsimile number.
[0108] The table of available services stores information regarding
services that stores provide. Stored in this table are a service
number, the above-mentioned store number, the name of the service,
the basic fee for the service and the time period for delivery in a
case where the service is performed.
[0109] The unit-price table stores information regarding a unit
price that corresponds to the service (number). A service number,
lower limit on number of prints, upper limit on number of prints
and unit price are stored in this table on a per-service-number
basis.
[0110] The table of special services is for storing information
regarding special services provided by a store. A service number,
special basic fee, and the starting and end dates of the special
basic fee are stored in this table on a per-service-number
basis.
[0111] The table of special unit prices is for storing information
on special prices with regard to prices set by a store. A service
number, lower limit on number of prints, upper limit on number of
prints and special unit price are stored in this table on a
per-service-number basis.
[0112] The table of advertisement text stores, on a
per-store-number basis, an URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
designating a file made of advertisement text regarding a
store.
[0113] The table of advertisement content stores, on a
per-store-number basis, an URL designating a file made up of
advertisement content (images constituting an advertisement)
regarding a store.
[0114] Among these tables, the table of basic information about
stores, the table of available services, the advertisement-text
table and the advertisement-content table are linked to one another
by store numbers. Further, the table of available services, the
unit-price table, the special-service table and the special-price
table are linked to one another by service numbers (see FIG.
3).
[0115] FIGS. 11 to 14 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure
for ordering the printing of images. FIG. 15 illustrates the
transition of screens (windows) on the display unit 19 connected to
the client computer 1. FIGS. 16 to 21 show examples of display
screens displayed on the display unit 19 connected to the client
computer 1.
[0116] First, the client computer 1 and order-taking server 25 are
connected via the Internet, whereupon a top-page screen of the kind
shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the display screen of the display
unit 19 of client computer 1 (step 41). The top-page screen
includes a personal-information recording area A11, a service menu
area A12 and a store list area A13.
[0117] The personal-information recording area A11 is an area
clicked on by the user of the client computer 1 when personal
information (name, address, telephone number, mailing address,
etc., of the user) concerning the user of the client computer 1 is
to be entered. If the personal-information recording area A11 is
clicked on, a personal-information registration screen shown in
FIG. 17 is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 19
of client computer 1. The personal-information registration screen
contains areas A21 for displaying personal information that has
been entered.
[0118] The service menu area A12 is an area clicked on by the user
when the content of services capable of being utilized in the image
printing system by the user are to be displayed. If the service
menu area A12 is clicked on, a service menu screen shown in FIG. 18
is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 19 of client
computer 1. The service menu screen contains areas A31, A32 and A33
each representing the content of a service. Upload print area A31
is an area clicked on by the user when image data is to be uploaded
from the client computer 1 to the order-taking server 25 and the
image represented by the uploaded image data is to be printed using
the high-resolution printer connected to the store server 30.
Postcard area A32 is an area clicked on by the user when a postcard
is to be created. Calendar area A33 is an area clicked on by the
user when a calendar is to be created.
[0119] The store list area A13 is an area clicked on by the user
when the names of stores in which the store server 30 has been
installed are to be displayed in the form of a list. If the store
list area A13 is clicked on, a store-list display screen (see FIG.
26) is displayed on the display unit 19, as will be described
later.
[0120] Assume that the service menu area A12 included on the
top-page screen has been clicked on by the user of the client
computer 1 (step 41). When the service menu area A12 is clicked on,
the service-menu display screen shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on
the display screen of the display unit 19 of client computer 1
(step 42). Now assume that the postcard area A32 has been clicked
on and that a postcard creation service has been selected by the
user (step 42).
[0121] When the postcard creation service is selected by the user,
postcard selection data indicating that the postcard creation
service has been selected is transmitted from the client computer 1
to the order-taking server 25 (step 43).
[0122] When the postcard selection data is received by the
order-taking server 25, the available-service table (see FIG. 5)
that has been stored on the hard disk of the order-taking server 25
is read out and the numbers of stores providing the postcard
service are retrieved (Search Results 1) (step 71). Data
representing Search Results 1 is transmitted from the order-taking
server 25 to the client computer 1.
[0123] The data representing the Search Results 1 transmitted from
the client computer 1 is received by the client computer 1,
whereupon a screen (shown in FIG. 19) displaying a list of stores
that provide the postcard service is displayed, based upon the
Search Results 1, on the display screen of the display unit 19
connected to client computer 1 (step 44).
[0124] The screen for displaying the list of stores that provide
the postcard service includes an area A41 indicating a method of
narrowing down the stores that have been retrieved, an area A42
pulled down when the method of narrowing down stores is to be
changed, and an area A43 for displaying stores that have been
narrowed down. If stores that have been retrieved are to be
narrowed down, first the area A42 is pulled down. Pulling down the
area A42 causes the area A41 to display a method of narrowing down
stores by using "Area Selection", "Automatic" and "Postal Zip
Code". The user selects the desired method from these methods
displayed in area A41.
[0125] If "Area Selection" is chosen by the user, then an
area-selection screen (not shown) is displayed on the display
screen of the display unit 19 connected to the client computer 1
(step 45). Areas classified by prefecture (or by more local areas)
are displayed on the area-selection screen. The area desired is
selected by the user (step 46), and the data representing the
selected area is transmitted from the client computer 1 to the
order-taking server 25 (step 47).
[0126] If "Postal Zip Code" is chosen by the user, then a screen
(not shown) for entering a zip code is displayed on the display
screen of the display unit 19 connected to the client computer 1
(step 48). The postal zip code desired is entered by the user (step
49), and the data representing the entered postal zip code is
transmitted from the client computer 1 to the order-taking server
25 (step 50).
[0127] If "Automatic" is chosen by the user, then it is determined
whether personal information regarding this user has already been
registered (step 51). If this personal information has not been
registered ("NO" at step 51), then the personal-information
registration screen shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the display
screen of the display unit 19 (step 52). The user enters the
personal information (step 53) and the data representing the
entered personal information is transmitted from the client
computer 1 to the order-taking server 25.
[0128] When the personal information is entered, or if the personal
information has already been registered, it is determined whether
to narrow down the stores based upon postal zip code or based upon
the city or town of the user's address (step 54). This
determination would be set in advance. It goes without saying that
the setting can be changed. In a case where the setting is such
that stores are to be narrowed down based upon postal zip code,
data representing the postal zip code registered in the personal
information is transmitted from the client computer 1 to the
order-taking server 25 (step 55). In a case where the setting is
such that stores are to be narrowed down based upon city or town,
data representing the city or town registered in the personal
information is transmitted from the client computer 1 to the
order-taking server 25 (step 56).
[0129] Since the personal information has been registered in the
order-taking server 25, the processing indicated at step 54 may be
executed by the order-taking server 25. In such case the processing
indicated at steps 55 and 56 would be deleted.
[0130] When the data representing the selected area, the data
representing the postal zip code or the data representing the city
or town is received by the order-taking server 25 (step 72), the
content of the data is judged by the order-taking server 25 (step
73).
[0131] Upon receiving data representing an area selected by the
user, the order-taking server 25 reads out the store
basic-information table stored on the hard disk of the order-taking
server 25 and retrieves the stores located in the selected area
from among the store numbers that fall within Search Results 1
(step 74).
[0132] Upon receiving data representing a postal zip code selected
by the user, the order-taking server 25 uses the store
basic-information table to retrieve stores having the selected
postal zip code from among the store numbers that fall within
Search Results 1 (step 75).
[0133] In a case where the order-taking server 25 retrieves stores
based upon the postal zip code that has been registered in the
personal information, stores having postal zip codes the same as
that registered in the personal information are retrieved (step
76).
[0134] In a case where the order-taking server 25 retrieves stores
based upon the address that has been registered in the personal
information, stores in a city or town the same as the city or town
of the address registered in the personal information are retrieved
(step 77).
[0135] Data representing retrieved stores is transmitted from the
order-taking server 25 to the client computer 1 (step 78).
[0136] If the client computer 1 receives data representing the
retrieved stores transmitted from the order-taking server 25, the
list of store names represented by the data representing these
stores is displayed in the area A43 of the screen displaying the
list of stores providing the postcard service (step 57). The user
selects a desired store from the list of store names displayed in
area A43 (step 58).
[0137] When a store is selected, a postcard creation screen shown
in FIG. 20 is displayed on the display screen of the display unit
19 connected to the client computer 1 (step 59).
[0138] The postcard creation screen includes an area A51 for
displaying a postcard creating procedure; an area A52 for
displaying a home button, a back button and a help button; an area
53 for selecting a category of clip art; and a postcard display
area A54. The postcard creation screen further includes an area A55
clicked on by the user when an image to be used in creating the
postcard is positioned; an area A56 clicked on by the user when the
image is to be enlarged or reduced in size; an area A57 clicked on
by the user when the image is to be rotated; an area A58 for
selecting an image to be positioned; and an area A59 in which clip
art is displayed.
[0139] The user creates a postcard while clicking on the various
areas displayed on the postcard creation screen.
[0140] When a postcard is created, a postcard template and an image
to be combined with the postcard are necessary. These items of data
may be possessed by the user of the client computer 1 per se or may
be possessed by the order-taking server 25 and downloaded from this
server. Any either case, the desired postcard is created by the
user of the client computer 1. The image representing the created
postcard is displayed in area A54 on the postcard creation
screen.
[0141] When a postcard is created, a postcard ordering screen shown
in FIG. 21 is displayed on the display screen of the display unit
19 of the client computer 1 (step 60). The postcard ordering screen
includes a field A70 for entering the type of card, the number of
cards ordered, the store that excepts the order, name, name in
katakana, age, gender, category of business, occupation, e-mail
address, telephone number, facsimile number, postal zip code,
address and password. The postcard ordering screen further includes
an area A72 clicked on by the user when a user fee is to be
re-calculated; an area A73 clicked on by the user when a postcard
is to be ordered; an area A74 clicked on by the user when order
information that has been entered is to be erased; and an area A75
clicked on by the user when an order is to be canceled.
[0142] The order information is thus entered by the user. When the
entry of order information is finished, the data representing the
entered order information is transmitted from the client computer 1
to the order-taking server 25.
[0143] When the order information is received by the order-taking
server 25, the latter calculates the user fee based upon the order
information (step 79). Processing for calculating user fees will be
described later in greater detail. When a user fee has been
calculated, the data representing the calculated user fee is
transmitted from the order-taking server 25 to the client computer
1.
[0144] When the data representing the user fee is received by the
client computer 1, the user fee represented by this data is
displayed in an area A71 on the postcard ordering screen (step 61).
The area A73 is clicked on by the user when the user fee is to be
confirmed by the user. As a result, an order for the creation of
the postcard is sent from the client computer 1 to the order-taking
server 25 (step 62).
[0145] When the order-taking server 25 receives the data
representing the order from the client computer 1, the order
information, as well as the template data and the image data for
creating the postcard, is transmitted to the store server 30
selected by the user (step 80).
[0146] The store server 30 receives the order information, template
data and image data transmitted from the order-taking server 25
(step 91). On the basis the data received, the store server 30 then
executes image processing, such as the combining of images, for
creating the postcard (step 92). When the image processing is
completed, the ordered number of postcards are printed by the
high-resolution printer connected to the store server 30 (step
93).
[0147] Image, processing such as the combining of images may be
executed by the order-taking server 25 rather than by the store
server 30. In this case the data that has been subjected to image
processing would be transmitted from the order-taking server 25 to
the store server 30. Further, the printing of an image may be
performed by the printer of the order-taking server 25 rather than
by the store server 30. In this case the printed matter would be
mailed to the store by the operator of the order-taking server
25.
[0148] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the procedure for calculating
user fees (step 79 in FIG. 13).
[0149] First, the order information is analyzed (step 101). The
table of available services stored on the hard disk of the
order-taking server 25 is read out and the service number of the
postcard service at the store specified by the analyzed order
information is retrieved (step 102). When the service number is
found, a search is performed to determine whether the service
number found has been stored in the table of special services (step
103).
[0150] If the service number is found in this table ("YES" at step
104), it is determined whether the term of special service is still
valid (step 105). If the term of the special service is still valid
("YES" at step 106), an applicable basic fee is retrieved from the
table of special services, the applicable unit price is retrieved
from the table of special unit prices, and the user fee is
calculated in dependence upon the number of prints ordered (step
107).
[0151] If data conforming to the search results is not present in
the table of special services or if such data is present in this
table but the term of the special service is not valid ("NO" at
step 104 or 106), the basic fee in the table of available services
and applicable unit price in the table of unit prices are retrieved
and the user fee is calculated in dependence upon the number of
prints ordered (step 108).
[0152] The data representing the calculated user fee is transmitted
to the client computer 1, as mentioned above, so as to be displayed
on the display unit 19 connected to the client computer 1, and is
displayed on the display unit of the order-taking server 25 so that
it may be confirmed by the operator of the order-taking server
25.
[0153] FIGS. 23 to 25 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure
for ordering the printing of an image. Processing steps identical
with those of FIGS. 11 to 13 are designated by like step numbers
and are not described again. FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate examples of
screens displayed on the display unit 19 of the client computer
1.
[0154] The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 23 to 27 is for an
instance where the service menu area A12 has been clicked on the
top menu screen displayed on the display unit 19 of client computer
1.
[0155] If the area A12 is clicked on by the user when the top page
screen (see FIG. 16) is being displayed on the display unit 19 of
the client computer 1 (step 41), the screen of the list of stores
shown in FIG. 26 is displayed on the display unit 19 (step 44).
[0156] The screen of the list of stores includes an area A81 for
selecting a method of narrowing down stores, a pull-down area A82
and store display area A83, these areas being similar to those of
the screen showing the list of stores providing the postcard
service.
[0157] In a manner similar to that of the screen showing the list
of stores providing the postcard service, stores located in an area
found by retrieval based upon an area selected by the user (steps
45, 46, 47), stores located in an area found by automatic retrieval
(steps 48, 49, 50) and stores located in an area based upon postal
zip code (steps 51 to 56) are displayed in the area A83. The user
selects a desired store from the stores displayed in the area A83
(step 101).
[0158] When a desired store has been selected by the user, the data
representing the selected store is transmitted from the client
computer 1 to the order-taking server 25.
[0159] The order-taking server 25 receives the data representing
the selected store from the client computer. 1. Services made
available by the store selected by the user of the client computer
1 are retrieved from the table of available services (step 102).
Further, the text constituting the advertisement of the selected
store is retrieved from the table of advertisement characters. The
content constituting the advertisement of the selected store is
retrieved from the table of advertisement content.
[0160] When the services being provided by the selected store, the
advertisement text of this store as well as the advertisement
content thereof have been found, the data representing the items
found is transmitted from the order-taking server 25 to the client
computer 1 (step 79).
[0161] When the data such as that representing the services being
provided by the selected store is received by the client computer
1, the selected-store page screen shown in FIG. 27 is displayed on
the display unit 19 of the client computer 1 (step 42). The
services being provided by the selected store and the advertisement
of the selected store are displayed on the store page screen.
[0162] Here the selected store is providing an upload print service
and a postcard creation service. An upload print area A84 clicked
on by the user when upload printing is to be performed, a postcard
area A85 clicked on by the user when a postcard is to be created,
and an advertisement area A86 are displayed on the store page
screen.
[0163] When a postcard is to be created, the area A84 is clicked on
by the user and postcard creation processing is executed (steps 59,
60). The user fee that accompanies the postcard creation processing
is calculated and displayed on the display unit 19 of the client
computer 1. Subsequent processing is similar to that in the case
where the user clicked on the service menu area A12 on the top page
screen in the manner described above.
(B) Second Embodiment
[0164] (1) General Configuration of System for Printing Edited
Images
[0165] FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing the general configuration
of a system for printing edited images according to the second
embodiment.
[0166] The system for printing edited images comprises a client
computer 201 and an image server 230 connected via the Internet.
The client computer 201 and image server 230 are capable of
communicating data with each other via the Internet.
[0167] This system is such that the user of the client computer 201
performs image editing using the client computer 201 and transmits
editing information necessary for image editing, image data and
order information for ordering purposes to the image server 230.
The latter generates an edited image using the editing information,
etc., transmitted from the client computer 201 and prints the
edited image generated. The edited image that has been printed is
mailed to the user of the client computer 201 by the operator of
the image server 230. It is of course permissible to adopt an
arrangement in which edited image that has been printed is mailed
not to the residence of the user of client computer 201 but to a
photo lab (a photo-developing shop), in which case the user would
go to the lab to pick up the print.
[0168] Three client computers 201 and one image server 230 are
illustrated in FIG. 28. However, it goes without saying that one,
two, four or more client computers 201 or two or more image servers
230 may be connected.
[0169] The electrical construction of the client computer 1 is the
same as that shown in FIG. 2.
[0170] The construction of the image server 230 also is
substantially the same as that of the client computer 201. It goes
without saying that the printer connected to the image server 230
would have a resolution higher than the printer connected to the
client computer 201.
[0171] (2) Image Editing
[0172] Image editing processing performed by the user of the client
computer 201 will now be described.
[0173] FIG. 29 illustrates the transition of display screens on the
display unit 19 of the client computer 201.
[0174] In this embodiment, printing of postcards (a postcard
service), printing of images represented by image data obtained by
a digital camera (a digital-camera print service) and printing of
calendars and framed photos (a calendar and photo-framing service)
are carried out by the image server 230.
[0175] First, a service menu screen is displayed on the display
unit 19 of the client computer 201. A service that the user of the
client computer 201 wishes to be utilized is selected by the user
from the postcard service and digital-camera print service
displayed on the service menu screen. A service screen is displayed
on the display screen of the display unit 19 of the client computer
201 in conformity with the selected service.
[0176] Image editing is to be performed. An order screen (not
shown) also is displayed at the same time as the service screen.
The order information, which includes personal information such as
the name of the user, is entered using the order screen. Of course,
it may be so arranged that the order screen is displayed after
image editing.
[0177] (i) Image Editing in Postcard Service
[0178] FIG. 30 illustrates an example of a screen displayed on the
display unit 19 of the client computer 201 in a case where the
postcard service is received, and FIG. 31 is a flowchart
illustrating a processing procedure in a case where a postcard is
ordered in the postcard service.
[0179] The postcard service screen has a main display area AM, a
first subordinate display area AS1 and a second subordinate display
area AS2.
[0180] The main display area AM includes the following areas:
[0181] Directory Area B11
[0182] This is an area clicked on by the user when a directory of
user images to be combined with a postcard is selected. (The user
images are images in the possession of the user. They are stored on
the hard disk of the client computer 201 and are referred to as
desired images.)
[0183] Order-List Registration Area B12
[0184] This is an area clicked on by the user when it has been
decided to place an order.
[0185] Postcard-Type Display Area B13
[0186] This area displays the type of postcard (official postcard,
New Year's lottery postal card, private postcard, etc.). A list of
postcard types is displayed by pulling down the area B13.
[0187] Ordering Area B14
[0188] This area is clicked on by the user when an order is
placed.
[0189] Deletion Area B15
[0190] This is an area clicked on by the user when an order is to
deleted from the order list.
[0191] Image-File List Area B16
[0192] This is an area for displaying a user image represented by
an image file in the selected directory.
[0193] Print-Count Display Area B17
[0194] This area displays the number of prints.
[0195] Edited-Image Display Area B18
[0196] This area displays an image being edited and an edited
image.
[0197] Order List Area B19
[0198] This area displays a list of order names and thumbnail
images of edited images that have been ordered.
[0199] Order Completion Area B31
[0200] This area is clicked on by the user when the placing of an
order has been completed.
[0201] Cancellation Area B32
[0202] This area is clicked on by the user when an order is to
canceled.
[0203] The first subordinate display area AS1 is an area for
selecting a template image. The first subordinate display area AS1
includes a category selection area B20 for selecting a template
category, and a template-list area B21 for displaying a list of
templates.
[0204] The second subordinate display area AS2 is for selecting
clip art. The second subordinate display area AS2 has clip-art
selection areas B22 and B23 for selecting clip art.
[0205] The postcard service screen shown in FIG. 30 is displayed on
the display screen of the display unit 19 of client computer 201 by
selecting the postcard service on the service menu screen in the
manner described above (step 241).
[0206] The category selection area B20 is clicked on by the user so
that a list of template images in a desired category is displayed
in the template-list area B21. The desired template image in the
displayed template list is clicked on by the user. The template is
thus selected (step 242). The template image selected is displayed
in the edited-image display area B18.
[0207] If the directory selection area B11 is clicked on by the
user to select the desired directory, the user images of the
selected directory are displayed as a list in the image-file list
area B16. The user selects user images by clinking on desired
images among the list of user images displayed (step 244). The
positions at which the user images are to be placed are designated
on the template image being displayed in the edited-image area. The
selected user images are superimposed on the designated positions.
Here user images 11 and 12 are selected, the user image 11 is
placed at the upper left of the template image, and the user image
12 is placed at the lower right of the template image.
[0208] Next, the clip-art category selection area B22 is clicked on
by the user, whereby a list of clip art in the desired category is
displayed in the clip-art list area B23. The user clicks on the
desired clip art in the displayed list of clip art. The clip art is
thus selected (step 245). The placement position of the selected
clip art on the template image is designated by the user. (By way
of example, the positions placed in the edited-image area B18 are
designated by being clicked.)
[0209] The positions of the user images and the position of the
clip art can be adjusted. If necessary, text is inserted on the
edited image (postcard editing; step 246). In the example shown in
FIG. 30, text to the effect "Happy New Year" has been inserted at
the lower left of the edited image. The text would be entered from
the keyboard 6 and the insertion position would be designated by
the mouse 5.
[0210] When editing of the image is finished, the user clicks on
the order-list registration area B12 to create a thumbnail image of
the edited image. The thumbnail image of the edited image is
displayed together with the order name in the order list area B19
(step 247). If there is not another order, the order completion
area B31 is clicked on to end the ordering operation (step 248). If
there is another order, the processing of steps 242 to 247 is
repeated.
[0211] (ii) Image Editing in Digital-Camera Printing Service
[0212] FIG. 32 illustrates an example of a screen displayed on the
display screen of the display unit 19 of client computer 201 when
an image is edited in the digital-camera print service. Areas in
FIG. 32 having functions identical with those shown in FIG. 30 are
designated by like reference characters and are not described
again. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of
the digital-camera print service. Processing steps identical with
those of FIG. 31 are designated by like step numbers and are not
described again.
[0213] As shown in FIG. 32, the screen of the digital-camera print
service has an area B24 for displaying the size of a print. Pulling
down the area B24 causes various print sizes to be displayed. The
user selects a desired print size from the displayed print
sizes.
[0214] The screen of the digital-camera print service does not
include a subordinate area AS1 which, in comparison with the
postcard service screen, is for selecting a background image.
[0215] When the digital-camera print service is selected on the
service menu screen, the digital-camera print service screen shown
in FIG. 32 is displayed on the display screen of the display unit
19 of client computer 201 (step 241A).
[0216] Editing of a print image is carried out as by selecting a
user image or selecting clip art after the digital-camera print
service screen is displayed (step 246A). When editing of an image
to be printed is finished, the area B31 is clicked on by the user,
thereby completing the order (step 248).
[0217] (iii) Image Editing Calendar and Photo-Framing Service
[0218] FIG. 34 illustrates an example of a calendar and
photo-framing service screen. Areas in FIG. 34 having functions
identical with those shown in FIG. 30 are designated by like
reference characters and are not described again. FIG. 35 is a
flowchart showing the processing procedure of the calendar and
photo-framing service. Processing steps identical with those of
FIG. 31 are designated by like step numbers and are not described
again.
[0219] When the calendar and photo-framing service is selected on
the service menu screen, the calendar and photo-framing service
screen shown in FIG. 34 is displayed on the display screen of the
display unit 19 of client computer 201 (step 241B).
[0220] The calendar and photo-framing service screen has a
print-size display area B25. Pulling down the area B25 causes
various print sizes to be displayed. The user selects a desired
print size from the displayed print sizes.
[0221] Editing of a print image is carried out as by selecting a
template, selecting a user image or selecting clip art (step 246A).
Ordering is completed by clicking on the area B31 (step 248). If a
calendar is to be ordered, it goes without saying that the date,
etc., is inserted using data representing the date on which the
calendar was created.
[0222] Some of the order information (number of prints and print
size) obtained in image editing is stored in an order information
file (see FIG. 39).
[0223] (3) First Method of Ordering Printed Images
[0224] Described first will be processing executed when files,
which are necessary for producing a plurality of edited images in a
case where the printing of a plurality of edited images is ordered,
are transmitted to the image server 230 at once. (This is referred
to as batch transmission.)
[0225] FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure
executed when batch transmission is performed, FIG. 37 illustrates
an order information file transmitted from the client computer 201
to the image server 230, and FIG. 38 illustrates an editing
information file transmitted from the client computer 201 to the
image server 230.
[0226] Orders are placed in the various services in the manner
described above (step 251). If the order completion area B31 is
clicked on to complete the placing or orders (step 252), the order
information file shown in FIG. 37 is transmitted from the client
computer 201 to the image server 230 (step 253). The number of
orders, the e-mail address and the order information have been
stored in the order information file. Personal information other
than the e-mail address has not been stored in the file. Personal
information may be stored in the file beforehand as a matter of
course.
[0227] When the order information file is received by the image
server 230, the order fee is calculated based upon the order
information received (step 261). Data representing the calculated
order fee is transmitted from the image server 230 to the client
computer 201 (step 261).
[0228] When the data representing the order fee is received by the
client computer 201, the order fee is displayed on the display unit
19 of the client computer 201 (step 254). Next, the user enters
personal information, namely his or her name, telephone number
facsimile number, postal zip code and address to add this
information to the order information file (step 255).
[0229] If the ordering area B14 is clicked on by the user (step
256), the order information file shown in FIG. 37, the editing
information file shown in FIG. 38 and the user images employed in
the image editing are transmitted from the client computer 201 to
the image server 230 in one batch (step 257). It goes without
saying that an editing information file is created whenever editing
is carried out in the order processing described above.
[0230] The store server 230 receives the order information file,
editing information file and user images transmitted from the
client computer 201. Images are edited in accordance with the
number of orders using the order information file, editing
information file and user images (step 262). The edited images are
printed by the high-resolution printer of the image server 230
(step 263). The edited images that have been printed would be
mailed to the residence of the user of client computer 201 by the
operator of image server 230.
[0231] Thus, it is possible for orders for a plurality of edited
images to be transmitted at one time.
[0232] (4) Second Method of Ordering Printed Images
[0233] Described next will be processing executed when files, which
are necessary for producing a plurality of edited images in a case
where the printing of a plurality of edited images is ordered, are
transmitted to the image server 230 sequentially whenever an image
is edited. (This is referred to as sequential transmission.)
[0234] There are instances where a sequential transmission is
performed while maintaining the client computer 201 and the image
server 230 in the connected state, and instances where a sequential
transmission is performed upon breaking the connection between the
client computer 201 and image server 230 as necessary.
[0235] Of these two types of sequential transmission, sequential
transmission in which the connection between the client computer
201 and image server 230 is maintained will be described first.
[0236] FIG. 39 illustrates the organization of files and the like
in the image server 230, FIG. 40 the constitution of an
order-number file generated by the image server 230, FIG. 41 the
constitution of an order management file generated by the image
server 230, FIG. 42 the constitution of an order information file,
and FIG. 43 the constitution of an editing information file.
[0237] If an order is accepted from the client computer 201 in
sequential transmission, an order number specific to the client
computer 201 is issued by the image server 230. The order number
that has been issued is managed by the order-number file. In
addition to data representing the order number, the following data
is stored in the order-number file as information for each order:
data representing order status, which indicates whether processing
is in progress, processing has been completed or processing has
been suspended; data representing the date the order was accepted;
data representing the time at which initiation of the order was
accepted; data representing the time at which end of the order was
accepted; data representing the time at which order processing
ended; and data representing the mailing address of the client
computer 201.
[0238] If an order from the user of the new client computer 201 is
accepted, an order management folder is created anew. The order
management folder is created for each client computer 201.
[0239] When a new order is accepted from the user of the client
computer 201, a personal information file, order management file
and order-data number folder regarding this user are created. The
personal information file, order management file and order-data
number folder are stored in the order management folder.
[0240] The personal information file is a file in which the
personal information regarding the user (the user name, telephone
number, facsimile number, postal zip code, address and e-mail
address) of the client computer 201 has been stored.
[0241] The number of items of order data and the date on which the
order data was received are stored in the order management file.
Data representing the order-data number and the time at which the
order data was accepted is stored in the order management file for
every item of order data (order information file, editing
information file and user image file).
[0242] The order information file, editing information file, user
image file and thumbnail image file storing the thumbnail-image
data of the edited image have been stored in the order-data number
folder.
[0243] The order information file, editing information file and
user image file (data) are files that have been transmitted from
the client computer 201.
[0244] FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure
executed by the client computer 201 at the time of sequential
transmission, and FIGS. 45 to 48 are flowcharts illustrating the
processing procedure executed by the image server 230 at the time
of sequential transmission.
[0245] In sequential transmission, personal information of the user
of client computer 201 is transmitted from the client computer 201
to the image server 230 (step 271). It goes without saying that the
personal information is entered by the user of the client computer
201 before a transmission.
[0246] When the personal information from the client computer 201
is received by the image server 230, the latter determines whether
to accept the request for the initiation of the order (step 281).
An order number is issued based upon the personal information
received (step 282). If an order number regarding the client
computer 201 already exists, an order number is not issued. Data
representing the order number (identification data), order status,
order acceptance date, the time at which initiation of the order
was accepted and the mailing address of the user is stored in the
order-number file (step 283).
[0247] An order management folder corresponding to the order number
is generated and the personal information file is managed (step
284). Next, an order management file is generated and the order
acceptance date is written in (step 285). The order number that has
been issued is transmitted from the image server 230 to the client
computer 201 (step 286).
[0248] When the order number is received by the client computer
201, order processing is executed in the manner described above
(step 272). An order number, editing information file and user
image data which represents user images for composing an edited
image are transmitted from the client computer 201 to the image
server 230 whenever a single order processing operation is
completed (step 273). An order number, editing information file and
user image data are transmitted from the client computer 201 to the
image server 230 on a per-order basis until the placing of all
orders has been completed (steps 272 to 274).
[0249] If, prior to disconnection ("NO" at step 287), the order
data of an order information file, editing information file and
user image file is received from the client computer 201 (step
290), reference is had to the order management folder specified by
the order number that has been entered in the order information
file contained in the received order data (step 291). A new
order-data number specific to each item of order data is issued
upon referring to the order-data number that has been recorded in
the order management file (step 292).
[0250] The number of items of order data recorded in the order
management file is incremented, and the newly issued order-data
number and order data acceptance time are written in (step
293).
[0251] An order-data number folder is generated for each order-data
number issued (step 294). The received order information file,
editing information file and user image file are generated and
stored in the corresponding order-data number folder (step 295).
Furthermore, a thumbnail image of the edited image is generated
based upon the received order information file, editing information
file and user image file. The file representing the generated
thumbnail image is stored in the order-data number folder (step
296).
[0252] If the order completion area B31 is clicked to end the
placement of all orders ("YES" at step 274), then the order number
and data indicating the end of the order are transmitted from the
client computer 201 to the image server 230 (step 275).
[0253] If the image server 230 receives the data indicating the end
of an order from the client computer 201, (step 297), reference is
had to the personal information file, order management file and
order-data number folder applicable to the order number that has
been received (step 299). Data representing the time at which the
end of the order was accepted is written to the applicable order
number information of the order-number file (step 300). The fee
regarding all orders is calculated upon referring to the order
information stored in all order-data management folders in the
order management folder (step 301).
[0254] Data representing the calculated fee, thumbnail image of the
edited image, order size and number of ordered prints is
transmitted from the image server 230 to the client computer 201
(step 302).
[0255] On the basis of the data representing the fee transmitted
from the image server 230, the client computer 201 displays the fee
on the display screen of the display unit 19 of client computer 201
(step 276). The user of the client computer 201 checks the
displayed fee and clicks on the ordering area B14 or cancellation
area B32. Data representing placement or cancellation of the order
is transmitted from the client computer 201 to the image server 230
(step 277).
[0256] If data representing placement of an order is transmitted
from the client computer 201 to the image server 230 ("YES" at step
303), a counter i is set (step 304).
[0257] The image server 230 edits the image in accordance with the
editing information that has been recorded in the editing
information file stored in the order-data number folder (step 305).
It goes without saying that a user image file that has been
transmitted from the client computer 201 is utilized in image
editing. The image edited in accordance with the order information
that has been recorded in the order information file stored in the
order-data number folder is printed by the printer connected to the
image server 230 (step 306).
[0258] The processing of steps 305, 306 is repeated until the
number of items of order data is reached (steps 307, 308).
[0259] If the number of items of order data is reached, the number
of orders currently being processed stored in the order-number file
is decremented (step 309). Next, the time at which order processing
ended is written to the order-number information that has been
stored in the order-number file (step 310). An indication that
processing has ended is transmitted from the image server 230 to
the client computer 201 (step 311).
[0260] If data indicating cancellation is transmitted from the
client computer 201 to the image server 230 ("NO" at step 303),
then the number of orders currently being processed stored in the
order-number file is decremented (step 312). Further, the order
information that has been recorded in the order-number file is
placed in a halt condition (step 313). Data indicative of the
halting of processing is transmitted from the image server 230 to
the client computer 201 (step 314).
[0261] The above-described processing is for accepting a plurality
of orders in a state in which the image server 230 and client
computer 201 are connected to each other. However, an arrangement
can be adopted in which the image server 230 and client computer
201 are disconnected, after which orders are accepted from the user
of the client computer 201 and the plurality of orders are
acknowledged.
[0262] FIGS. 49, 50 and 51 illustrate a processing procedure in a
case where a plurality of orders are acknowledged even if the image
server 230 and client computer 201 have been disconnected.
Processing steps identical with those of FIGS. 44 to 48 are
designated by like step numbers and are not described again.
[0263] If a request to initiate an order is sent from the client
computer 201 to the image server 230, it is determined whether the
request to initiate the order is a new request or a request resumed
after an order has been placed (step 320).
[0264] If the request is a new order request, then issuance of an
order number, writing of the order number, etc., to the
order-number file, generation of an order management folder and
generation of an order management file are carried out in a manner
similar to the steps illustrated in FIG. 47 (steps 281 to 285).
[0265] Next, a timer is reset (step 326). The order number that has
been issued is transmitted from the image server 230 to the client
computer 201 (step 286).
[0266] If the timer measures a fixed period of time and times out
before order data is received ("NO" at step 328), then it is
considered that the order from the client computer 201 has ended.
As a result, the status of the applicable order number in the
order-number file is made processing halt (step 330). The order
management folder of the applicable order number is then deleted
(step 331).
[0267] If order data is received from the client computer 201
before time-out ("NO" at step 328, "YES" at step 329), control
shifts to the processing from step 291 of FIG. 46 and the edited
image is printed.
[0268] If an order resumption request is transmitted from the
client computer 201 to the image server 230 (steps 341, 320)
(personal information concerning the user of the client computer
201 also is transmitted to the image server 230 in an order
resumption request), the order number applicable to the personal
information (mailing address) is retrieved from the order
information file (step 362).
[0269] If the applicable order number is found ("YES" at step 363),
it is determined whether the status of this order number indicates
that the order is currently being processed. If processing is in
progress ("YES" at step 364), then the thumbnail image data, number
of prints, print size and order number of the edited image being
managed by the order-number folder of the applicable order number
are transmitted from the image server 230 to the client computer
201 (step 365).
[0270] If there is no applicable order number ("NO" at step 363),
or the status of the applicable order number indicates that
processing is not in progress ("NO" at step 364), then data
indicating the absence of applicable order data is transmitted from
the image server 230 to the client computer 201 (step 366).
[0271] If data representing the absence of applicable order data is
received by the image server 230 (step 342), the user of the client
computer 201 would initiate a new order.
[0272] If order data and data representing an order number are
transmitted from the image server 230 to the client computer 201,
the image represented by the order data and the order number are
displayed on the display unit 19 of the client computer 201. As a
result, the user of the client computer 201 verifies the orders
thus far (step 343).
[0273] If the orders thus far are verified, order processing is
carried out by the user of the client computer 201 (step 344). An
order information file, editing information file and user image
file are transmitted from the client computer 201 to the image
server 230 whenever an order is processed (step 345). If an order
information file, editing information file and user image file are
transmitted to the image server 230 whenever an order is processed,
processing for printing the edited image is executed by the image
server 230 (steps 291 to 296 in FIG. 46).
[0274] The processing of steps 344 and 345 is repeated by the
client computer 201 until all orders end (step 346). When the
processing of all orders is finished, data indicative of the end of
the orders is transmitted from the client computer 201 to the image
server 230 (step 347). As a result, the image server 230 executes
the processing of steps 299 to 311 in FIGS. 47 and 48.
[0275] The image server 230 is capable of managing order data in
regard to each client computer 201 even in a case where order data
is transmitted sequentially from the client computer 201 to the
image server 230.
[0276] As many apparently widely different embodiments of the
present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not
limited to the specific embodiments thereof except as defined in
the appended claims.
* * * * *