U.S. patent application number 10/954203 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-01 for print system and handy phone.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIKON CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Ohmura, Akira.
Application Number | 20050265766 10/954203 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26587810 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050265766 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ohmura, Akira |
December 1, 2005 |
Print system and handy phone
Abstract
A print system receives an image file and a print order file
from a customer, the image file having an image data area and an
order data area. The print system copies information of the
received print order file into the order data area of the received
image file. The print system produces a print of the image data in
the image file according to the information in the order data area
of the image file. The print system has a printer capable of
producing a print of a predetermined image data provided by a third
party as well as that of the image data of the customer. The print
system delivers to the customer the print ordered by the customer
as well as the print of the predetermined image data. The print
system selects a group of orders among all the orders in accordance
with the destination of delivery for controlling the printer to
give priority to the group of orders in producing the prints. The
print system forbids the printer to produce the print of the image
data of the same customer until a predetermined time. The order
from the customer is made through a handy phone capable of
controlling a digital camera through a wireless system.
Inventors: |
Ohmura, Akira;
(Kawasaki-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
P.O. BOX 19928
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22320
US
|
Assignee: |
NIKON CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
NIKON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
26587810 |
Appl. No.: |
10/954203 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10954203 |
Oct 1, 2004 |
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10762473 |
Jan 23, 2004 |
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6821034 |
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10762473 |
Jan 23, 2004 |
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09809227 |
Mar 16, 2001 |
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6701845 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
400/62 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 67/04 20130101;
H04L 69/329 20130101; H04N 2201/0074 20130101; H04N 1/00145
20130101; G06K 15/1819 20130101; H04L 67/2842 20130101; H04L
67/2804 20130101; H04N 1/00137 20130101; H04L 67/06 20130101; G06K
15/1817 20130101; H04L 67/2823 20130101; H04N 1/00148 20130101;
B41J 3/44 20130101; G06K 15/1806 20130101; H04L 67/28 20130101;
H04N 1/00307 20130101; G06K 15/00 20130101; H04N 1/00188 20130101;
H04L 29/06 20130101; H04N 2201/0084 20130101; H04N 1/32776
20130101; H04N 2201/0015 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
400/062 |
International
Class: |
B41J 005/30 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 28, 2000 |
JP |
2000-088336 |
Mar 17, 2000 |
JP |
2000-076267 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. In a print system capable of receiving an image data and a print
order data from a customer by way of a handy phone, the handy phone
being capable of cooperating with a digital camera having a
plurality of modes, the handy phone comprising: a wireless system
capable of communicating with the digital camera, the image data to
be taken by the digital camera; a receiver that receives
information relating to the mode of the digital camera through the
wireless system from the digital camera; and a controller that
makes it possible for the handy phone to control the digital camera
in taking a photograph through the wireless system if the receiver
receives information relating to the photography mode.
2. A handy phone capable of cooperating with a digital camera
having a plurality of modes including a photography mode,
comprising: a wireless system capable of communicating with the
digital camera; a receiver that receives information relating to
the mode of the digital camera through the wireless system from the
digital camera; and a controller that makes it possible for the
handy phone to control the digital camera in taking a photograph
through the wireless system if the receiver receives information
relating to the photography mode.
3. In a print system capable of receiving an image data and a print
order data from a customer by way of a handy phone, the handy phone
being capable of cooperating with a digital camera having a
plurality of modes including a playback mode, the handy phone
comprising: a wireless system capable of communicating with the
digital camera; a first receiver that receives information relating
to the mode of the digital camera through the wireless system from
the digital camera; and a second receiver that receives a digital
image from the digital camera through the wireless system if the
receiver receives information relating to the playback mode, the
digital image received by the second receiver to be finally
transmitted to the print system under the control of the handy
phone.
4. A handy phone capable of cooperating with a digital camera
having a plurality of modes including a playback mode for a taken
digital image, comprising: a wireless system capable of
communicating with the digital camera; a first receiver that
receives information relating to the mode of the digital camera
through the wireless system from the digital camera; and a second
receiver that receives a digital image from the digital camera
through the wireless system if the receiver receives information
relating to the playback mode.
5. In a print system capable of receiving an image data and a print
order data from a customer by way of a handy phone, the handy phone
being capable of cooperating with a digital camera having a
plurality of modes, the handy phone comprising: a wireless system
capable of communicating with the digital camera; a receiver that
receives a digital image from the digital camera through the
wireless system, the digital image received by the receiver to be
finally transmitted to the print system under the control of the
handy phone; and a controller that prohibits the receiver to
receive the digital image while the handy phone is busy.
6. A handy phone capable of cooperating with a digital camera,
comprising: a wireless system capable of communicating with the
digital camera; a receiver that receives a digital image from the
digital camera through the wireless system; and a controller that
prohibits the receiver to receive the digital image while the handy
phone is busy.
7. In a print system capable of receiving an image data and a print
order data from a customer by way of a handy phone, the handy phone
having a plurality of modes and capable of cooperating with a
digital camera having a plurality of modes, the handy phone
comprising: a wireless system capable of communicating with the
digital camera; a receiver that receives information relating to
the mode of the digital camera through the wireless system from the
digital camera; and a controller that changes the mode of the handy
phone in accordance with the information received from the digital
camera through the wireless system.
8. A handy phone having a plurality of modes capable of cooperating
with a digital camera having a plurality of modes, comprising: a
wireless system capable of communicating with the digital camera; a
receiver that receives information relating to the mode of the
digital camera through the wireless system from the digital camera;
and a controller that changes the mode of the handy phone in
accordance with the information received from the digital camera
through the wireless system.
9. The handy phone according to claim 8, further comprising an
operation button capable of functioning in at least two of the
plurality of modes of the handy phone, the function of the
operation button differing depending on the mode, wherein the
controller changes the function of the operation button according
to the information.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims priority of
Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-076267 filed on Mar. 17, 2000,
and No. 2000-088336 filed on Mar. 28, 2000, the contents being
incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a print system in which a
customer transfers image data to the print system through a network
and a printer in the print system produces prints of the
transferred image data, and more particularly to a print system in
which a customer transfers image data via a handy phone.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] A service is being provided in which a customer transmits
image data to a shop using the Internet, and the image data is
stored into an image storing server of the shop. Alternatively in
this service, a customer carries the image data into the shop and
the image data is stored into the image storing server. And the
customer orders prints from among image data stored in the image
storing server. Japanese Patent Publication 11-146308 discloses a
technology in which an image is printed in response to print-order
information. Japanese Patent Publication 11-205503 discloses a
technology in which a photo laboratory, which performs printing, is
chosen based on recipient data, and also discloses a technology in
which a photo laboratory is chosen based on photo laboratory's
operating conditions. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Publication
11-154218 discloses a technology in which a photo laboratory is
chosen based on print-order information. Widespread use of the
Internet and the digital image allows a photo laboratory to accept
print orders from everywhere. However, a customer cannot yet have
information about the status of his prints in the photo laboratory.
If a photo laboratory prints a large amount of image data of the
same customer at one time, the photo laboratory can decrease the
cost of printing because packaging and delivering of prints can be
made at one time. However, it takes a long time for the same
customer to transmit a large amount of image data at one time,
causing him a difficulty.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In order to overcome the problems and disadvantages, the
invention provides a print system comprising a receiver that
receives an image file and a print order file from a customer and a
controller that copies information of the received print order file
into the order data area of the received image file. The image file
has an image data area and an order data area. The print system
further comprises a printer that produces a print of the image data
in the image file according to the information in the order data
area of the image file. This makes it possible to avoid the
misprints.
[0007] According to the another feature of the invention, a print
system comprises a receiver that receives an image data and a print
order data from a customer and a printer that produce a print of
the image data in accordance with the order data. The printer is
capable of further producing a print of a predetermined image data
provided by a third party. The print system further comprises a
controller that delivers to the customer the print ordered by the
customer as well as the print of the predetermined image data. This
makes it possible for the third party to deliver to the customer
the print of the predetermined image data for the purpose of an
advertisement.
[0008] According to still another feature of the invention, a print
system comprises a receiver that receives a plurality of orders
from customers to produce prints of image data, each order
designating destination of delivery of the prints. The print system
further comprises a printer that produces the prints and a
controller that selects a group of orders among all the orders in
accordance with the destination of delivery for controlling the
printer to give priority to the group of orders in producing the
prints. This is advantageous for the print system to more
efficiently deliver the prints.
[0009] According to a further feature of the invention, a print
system comprises a receiver that receives an image data and a print
order data, the print order data including an identification of a
customer of the order and a printer that produces a print of the
image data according to the print order data. The print system
further comprises a controller that forbids the printer to produce
the print of the image data of a predetermined customer until a
predetermined time on the basis of the identification in the print
order data. This is advantageous for the print system to more
efficiently package the prints of the predetermined customer.
[0010] According to another feature of the invention, the print
system comprises a handy phone with a wireless system capable of
communication with a digital camera. The print system conveniently
receives the image file and the print order file from the customer
by way of the handy phone, the image file being originated by the
digital camera. The handy phone also conveniently controls the
digital camera through the wireless system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of a printing system in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an image storing
server.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a print server.
[0014] FIGS. 4 to 8 are flowcharts showing print ordering processes
performed between a cellular phone and an image storing server.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a view showing a screen of a cellular phone.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process that performs file
translation and rewriting of added information.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process performing
automatic selection of a photo laboratory that performs
printing.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a view explaining that a delivery truck delivers
prints to convenience stores by making the rounds of an area where
a plural of laboratories and convenience stores exist.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a delivery manner in which a
delivery truck delivers prints from a photo laboratory to a
plurality of convenience stores.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a process that controls a
printing order of image data in a photo laboratory.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing control performed in a print
server.
[0022] FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing a printing system in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 17 is an external view showing a cellular phone.
[0024] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a process that is performed
in a CPU of a cellular phone when the cellular phone instructs a
digital camera to be connected with the cellular phone.
[0025] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a process that a digital
camera transmits image data stored in the digital camera through a
cellular phone.
[0026] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a control process that is
performed in a CPU of an image storing server.
[0027] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a process that is controlled
in a CPU of a print server when a signal received from an image
storing server includes image data.
[0028] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a process that is controlled
in a CPU of a print server when a signal received from an image
storing server does not include image data.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment
[0029] A first embodiment of a printing system according to the
present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of the printing system. The
printing system includes cellular phone 1 on which a customer
mainly orders prints, image storing server 2 that accepts orders of
prints, print server 3, delivery server 4, photo laboratories that
perform printing, convenience stores at which customers receives
prints, and delivery truck 6. Cellular phone 1 and image storing
server 2 can be connected by radio communication and the Internet,
thereby transmitting signals each other. Image storing server 2 and
print server 3, print server 3 and a photo laboratory, print server
3 and delivery server 4, and delivery server 4 and a convenience
store can be connected by the Internet or an intranet, thereby
transmitting signals each other. Customer terminal 1 is used for
transmitting image data taken by a camera such as a digital camera,
or for ordering prints to a photo laboratory. As customer terminal
1, for example, a personal computer capable of communicating with
other devices through the Internet, and a cellular phone are used.
In this embodiment, a cellular phone is used. Image storing server
2 receives and stores image data transmitted from cellular phone 1.
And image storing server 2 transmits image data ordered by a
customer to print server 3. Image storing server 2 manages status
of the process between ordering and delivering.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an image storing server 2.
Referring to FIG. 2, storage device 201, transmitter receiver 202,
and CPU 203 are connected electrically each other. Storage device
201 includes image data area 211 that stores image data transferred
form customer terminal 1, image and customer management data area
212 that stores image and customer management data for managing a
corresponding relation between image data and customers, process
management program area 213 that stores a program for managing a
process between ordering and delivering, and HTML file area 214
that stores screen data displayed on cellular phone 1. Although
FIG. 2 is schematically illustrated in a manner that storage device
201 includes four areas, a real circuit is not always the same as
the figure. Transmitter receiver 202 sends and receives signals for
cellular phone 1 and print server 3. CPU 203 controls all
operations of image storing server 2. Print server 3 performs
operations managing a plurality of photo laboratories for printing
image data. Print server 3 receives orders from image storing
server 2 and selects the most suitable photo laboratory among from
a plurality of photo laboratories, and determines schedules such as
a printing schedule and a delivery schedule of each photo
laboratory.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a print server 3. Storage
device 301, transmitter receiver 302, and CPU 303 are electrically
connected each other. Storage device 301 includes image data area
311 that stores image data transferred from image storing server 2,
image management data area 312 that stores image management data
for managing image data, process management program area 313 that
stores a process management program, and lab & store database
area 314 that stores information on photo laboratories and
convenience stores. Transmitter receiver 302 transmits to and
receives from image storing server 2, delivery server 4, and photo
laboratories. CPU 303 controls entire print server 3. In this
embodiment, two separate servers, image storing server 2 and print
server 3, are used in order to decrease an operation rate of each
server, but one incorporated server, which is incorporated image
storing server 2 with print server 3, may be used instead of these
two servers.
[0033] Delivery server 4 transmits a print delivery time schedule,
which is transmitted from print server 3, to convenience stores,
and transmits information, which is transmitted from convenience
stores, to print server 3. In a photo laboratory, its printers
print requested images transmitted from print server 3 according to
management controlled by print server 3. The printers in the photo
laboratory include a laser printer and a jet-ink printer that print
digital data images directly, and a silver-halide printer that
prints silver-halide images by producing an optical image
transformed from digital image data. These prints are delivered to
convenience stores by a delivery truck and received by customers.
At a convenience store, finished prints are handed to a customer.
Prints are transported to a convenience store from a photo
laboratory by a delivery truck. Although a convenience store is
used as a place where prints are handed to a customer, the present
invention is not limited to the convenience store as a receiving
place of prints. If receiving of prints is possible, any place is
usable. For example, kiosk may be used as a receiving place. In a
convenience store, information, such as a print delivery from the
photo laboratory and a print receipt by a customer, is entered and
transmitted to a server 4.
[0034] In such a system configuration, a customer can order
printing of images from among image data stored in image storing
server 2, or from new image data transmitted from cellular phone 1,
using cellular phone 1. And a customer can receive prints, which
are printed with high quality at a photo laboratory, at a
designated place. Since the process between accepting a print order
and delivering prints is performed effectively, a photo laboratory
manager or a server administrator can decrease the time necessary
for performing this process, and decrease the cost of performing
the process.
[0035] The following specifically explains a flow from ordering a
print to receiving a print in accordance with the present
embodiment by referring to figures. FIGS. 4 to 8 are flowcharts
showing print order processes performed in a cellular phone 1 and
image storing server 2.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 4, a process performed by cellular phone 1
is explained. When a cellular phone 1 is coupled with image storing
server 2, the flow starts. In step S101, it is determined whether
cellular phone 1 has customer account information with regard to
image storing server 2. If cellular phone 1 has the customer
account information, then, in step S103, cellular phone 1 transfers
the customer account information to image storing server 2. If
cellular phone 1 does not have the customer account information,
then, in step S103, cellular phone 1 displays the customer account
transferred from image storing server 2. In the case where cellular
phone 1 has already been coupled with image storing server 2
through other medium such as the Internet, a customer has a
customer ID for signing in. He enters this customer ID on the
screen. In step S104, it is determined whether a customer has
entered customer account information and has instructed to transfer
the customer account information to image storing server 2. If he
has entered and instructed, then, in step S105, he transmits the
customer account information. If not, the flow returns to step
S103. In step S106, cellular phone 1 displays a menu screen
transferred from image storing server 2. On a menu screen, there
are items of ordering prints or a search service. In step S107, one
of the items, ordering prints and a search service, is chosen. In
step S108, it is determined whether the customer has chosen the
search service. If he has chosen the search service, then in step
S109 cellular phone 1 displays a search service screen transferred
from image storing server 2. If not, in step S110, a customer
orders prints. In step S109, when a customer enters searching
conditions onto the search screen and transfers them to image
storing server 2, the search service starts. The search service is
such a service in which when a customer enters specific conditions,
image storing server 2 determines whether he can receive prints
under the conditions. In step S111, it is determines whether the
conditions are entered and transferred. If the conditions are
transferred, then in step S112 cellular phone 1 displays a search
result. If not, the flow returns back to step S109. The conditions
include the number of prints, a print size, a convenience store
where prints are received, an area of receiving places, and the
time of receiving prints. For example, when a customer enters the
number of prints and the time of receiving prints, a list of
convenience stores meeting the conditions, is displayed. And when
he further enters a condition of a receiving area, he can narrow
the search for finding adequate convenience stores in the area, and
a lost of the convenience stores is displayed on the screen. When a
customer enters only the number of prints, a list of convenience
stores and the time at which he can receive prints at the
convenience store is displayed. When a customer omits a print size,
it is deemed that a popular size print is ordered, and a search is
performed under the condition. In this search service, the
conditions entered in step S111 are transferred to print server 3
through image storing server 2, and the search is performed on
print server 3 using the process management program. This is
performed in the same manner as a photo laboratory selecting
process, as described later.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, print ordering process is
explained. In step S201, cellular phone 1 displays a screen that
asks a customer which image data he selects, one image data is
image data stored in image storing server 2, and another image data
is image data that will be newly transferred. In step S202, it is
determined whether selection and transfer instruction of the image
data has been performed. If the selection and transfer instruction
has been performed, then in step 203 a signal corresponding to the
selection and transfer instruction is transferred to image storing
server 2. If the selection and transfer has not been performed, the
flow returns back to step S201. In step S204, it is determined
whether stored image data to be printed has been selected. If the
stored image data to be printed has been selected, then in step
S205 cellular phone 1 receives a thumbnail image of image data
stored in image storing server 2, and also receives a screen for
ordering a print of the image data. In step S206, a thumbnail image
and order condition items are superimposed on the screen, as shown
in FIG. 9. If the stored image data to be printed is not selected,
in step S207 cellular phone 1 displays a new screen for selecting a
new image. At this time, cellular phone 1 receives the screen for
ordering prints. The flow hereafter explains one example that a
customer orders a print of image data that is stored in a digital
camera, which is wirelessly coupled to cellular phone 1 using
Bluetooth technology.
[0038] When a Bluetooth coupling is set in step S208, in step S209,
cellular phone 1 displays the current list of devices capable of
being coupled with cellular phone 1 among from Bluetooth devices
that already have customer accounts for cellular phone 1. In step
S210, it is determined whether a digital camera device has been
selected. If a digital camera device has been selected, in step
S211 cellular phone is coupled to the digital camera device, and
the digital camera is powered on. If a digital camera device has
not been selected, the flow returns to step S209, thereby allowing
cellular phone 1 to control the digital camera device. In step
S212, cellular phone 1 receives a thumbnail image of image data
stored in a digital camera, and as shown in FIG. 9, a thumbnail
image and order condition items are superimposed. In step S213,
information about items, such as "STORAGE", "PRINTS", "SIZE", and
"RECEIPT" on an order-screen, is entered and transferred. In the
case of a new image data, the image data is transferred along with
the information about the items. "STORAGE" has two options, "0000"
and "0001". When "0000" is optioned, image data will not be stored
in image storing server 2, or the image data will be eliminated
when the image data is already stored. When "0001" is optioned,
image data will be stored in image storing server 2. "PRINTS" means
the number of prints, and an entered number of prints are printed.
"SIZE" means a print size, for example, "0001" indicates a popular
size of a print. "RECEIPT" means a receiving place where a customer
receives prints, and a code number corresponding to this place is
entered. In step S214, it is determined whether image data and
print order data are being transmitted. If they are not being
transmitted, this flow ends. If they are being transmitted, in step
S215, it is determined whether there has been an incoming call or a
dial tone. If there has been an incoming call or a dial tone, in
step S216, transmitting of the image data and the order data is
suspended, leaving cellular phone 1 anytime ready to resume
transmitting the data from a suspended point. If there has not been
an incoming call or a dial tone, the process returns back to step
S214. In step S217 it is determined whether communication has
ended. If communication has ended, in step S218, cellular phone 1
resumes transmitting the image data and order data from the
suspended point, and returns back to step S214. If communication
has not ended, cellular phone 1 repeats step S217. When this flow
ends, print ordering process is completed.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a process that image storing
server 2 performs is explained. Flows of FIGS. 7 and 8 start when
image storing server 2 is coupled to cellular phone 1. In step
S301, it is determined whether image storing server 2 has received
customer account information. If image storing server 2 has
received customer account information, in step S302, the server
searches the same account that could be stored in the server. If
there is the same account, in step S303, image storing server 2
sends a menu screen to cellular phone 1. If there is not the same
account, or the account has not been sent yet, in step S305, the
server sends a customer account registering screen to the phone. In
step S305, it is determined whether image storing server 2 has
received a signal generated by selecting the search service on the
menu screen. If the server has received the signal, in step S306,
the server sends a search service screen to cellular phone 1. In
step S307, it is determined whether the server has received
condition information entered on the service screen. If the server
has received them, in step S308, image storing server 2 sends the
received condition information to print server 3. In step S309,
image storing server 2 receives photo laboratory information
searched based upon the condition information on printer server 3.
In step S310, image storing server 2 sends the searched photo
laboratory information, received from print server 3, to cellular
phone 1. If it is determined that image storing server 2 has not
received a signal in step S305, the process continues to step S311,
and it is determined whether image storing server 2 has received a
signal generated by selection of print ordering on a menu screen.
If image storing server 2 has received the signal, the process
continues to step S312, and the server sends a print selecting
screen to cellular phone 1. If image storing server 2 has not
received the signal, the process returns back to step S305.
[0040] In step S313 if image storing server 2 has received a signal
generated by selecting a print of stored image data, in step S314,
the server sends a thumbnail image of the image data corresponding
to a customer account information, along with a ordering screen to
be superimposed on the thumbnail image. Since this thumbnail image
is viewed on a liquid crystal display of cellular phone 1, a
smaller thumbnail image in pixel than that on a personal computer
is sent to cellular phone 1. In step S313, if image storing server
2 has not received a signal generated by selecting a print of
stored image data, when the server receives a signal generated by
selecting a print of new image data in step S315, the process
continues to step S316, and when the server does not receive the
signal, the program returns back to step S313. In step S316, the
server sends an image selecting screen and an ordering screen to
cellular phone 1.
[0041] In step S318, image storing server 2 confirms whether a new
print order of image data has been ordered, after order information
has been sent to the server in step S317. If a print order of new
image data has not been ordered, the process continues to step
S324. In step S324, image storing server 2 transfers the ordered
image data and the order information to print server 3. If a print
order of new image data has been ordered, image storing server 2
receives the image data in step S319. In step S320, image storing
server 2 confirms whether it has received an interruption signal
instructing the sever to stop receiving the image data and the
order data. If the server has received the signal, the server, in
step S321, performs an interruption process where receiving of the
image data is interrupted and the server is left ready to resume
receiving the image data from an interrupted point anytime. By
performing the interruption process, the server can incorporate the
data before interruption with the data after connection,
seamlessly. In step S322, image storing server 2 determines whether
signal receipt has been resumed. If the signal receipt has been
resumed, the server receives the image data in step S319. If the
server does not receive the image data, it waits for resumption,
repeating step S322.
[0042] In step S320, if image storing server 2 has not received an
interruption signal, the process continues to step S323. In step
S323, it is determined whether the server has received the signal.
If the server has received the signal, the process continues to
step S324. In step S324, image storing server 2 transfers the
ordered image data and the order information to print server 3. In
this case, when image storing server 2 receives an order of new
image data, the server instructs print server 3 to print images
after receiving whole new image data. When a print order includes
both of stored image data and new image data, image storing server
2 transfers both of the image data to print server 3 after receipt
of the new image data has been completed. In step S324, image
storing server 2 classifies images into three categories using the
received order information. These images are images to be only
stored, images to be only printed, and images to be stored and
printed. Image data to be only stored is allocated to a
predetermined folder in a customer folder within image storing
server 2. Image data to be only printed is transferred to print
server 3. Although this image data is stored temporarily in image
storing server 2, they are eliminated from the server after
confirmation that a customer has received prints. The reason for
storing the image data temporarily in storing server 2 is that the
image could be crushed during the period between the time when the
image data is started to be transferred to storing server 2, and
the time when printing is finished. By storing the image data
temporarily in image storing server 2, it is possible to avoid
letting a customer send image data again. With regard to the image
data to be stored and printed, image storing server 2 stores them
and transfers to print server 3. And image data is not eliminated
after being printed. In general, every time image storing server 2
receives an order, image storing server 2 stores receipt of print
order and the number of prints, coupled with ordered image data. In
step S325, image storing server 2 sends the clerk's name who
accepted the order. After that this process ends.
[0043] The following explains control performed in print server 3.
When image data is transferred to print server 3 from image storing
server 2, print server 3 transforms a format of the transferred
image data into the DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) format in
which print information, such as the number of prints, can be added
to the image data. And print server 3 adds the number of prints to
the image data. By using the DPOF format, a printer of a photo
laboratory does not need to set complex conditions, because the
photo lab printer can automatically set the number of prints in the
DPOF format. In the case where an original image data already has
the number of prints written in DPOF format, and a customer orders
a new print order of the same image data, the original number of
prints is replaced to the new number of prints. This is because the
new number is the more possible number that a customer desires.
[0044] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process that performs
translating of a file and rewriting of added information. Referring
to FIG. 10, the process starts when print server 3 receives image
data from image storing server 2. In step S801, it is determined
whether received image data is written in DPOF format. If the
received image data is written in DPOF format, the process
continues to step S804. In step S804, print server 3 replaces the
original number of prints with the newly ordered number of prints.
If the received image data is not written in DPOF format, the
process continues to step S802. In step S802, the received image
data is translated into image data of the DPOF format. And in step
S803, the translated number of prints is added to the image data of
the DPOF format, as DPOF format information. And this routine, in
which translation and rewriting of a file are performed, ends.
[0045] The following explains management of printing and print
delivering, performed on print server 3. Print server 3
automatically selects a photo laboratory, in which image data is
printed, using a process management program, and transfers images
to the photo laboratory. In this process management program, the
automatic selection of the photo laboratory is based upon
information about the number of prints added to image data,
information about a receiving place where a customer receives
prints, information about receiving time when a customer receives
prints, information about operating status of each photo laboratory
printer, and running status of a delivery truck.
[0046] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process performing
automatic selection of a photo laboratory. Referring to FIG. 11,
the process starts when print server 3 has received image data and
order information. In step S901, print server 3 collects data
necessary for selecting a photo laboratory among from received
order information. In step S902, print server 3 searches a photo
laboratory that meets the receiving place condition obtained in
step S901, based upon a database of convenience stores (receiving
places) and photo laboratories. When printer server 3 has selected
a plurality of photo laboratories that meet the conditions in step
S903, in S904, printer server 3 selects a photo laboratory where
its current loads are small and incoming loads will be small, based
upon resulting information in the past operation. This allows print
server 3 to determine an adequate photo laboratory. In step S905,
it is determined whether the selected photo laboratory can process
prints as necessary. If the selected photo laboratory can process
prints as necessary, print server 3 transfers image data to the
selected photo laboratory. If the selected photo laboratory cannot
process them, the process continues to step S902. In step S902, a
photo laboratory is selected again. In step S907, print server 3
transfers selected photo laboratory information, the hour that
printing has been completed, and the hour that delivery has been
performed, to image storing server 2. And print server 3 also
transfers information about a convenience store and the hour to
deliver prints to a convenience store, to print server 4. Even
after transferring image data to a photo laboratory, print server 3
holds image data and keeps it until print processing is completed
(until the photo laboratory has confirmed that customer received
prints). This allows a photo laboratory to avoid such a trouble as
a customer or image storing server 1 must send the image data
again, if the photo laboratory should loose the image data.
[0047] The following specifically explains the automatic processing
as illustrated in FIG. 11, using FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a view
explaining that a delivery truck delivers prints to convenience
stores by making the rounds of an area where a plural of photo
laboratories and convenience stores exist. A delivery truck makes
rounds in order, for example, through a photo laboratory A,
convenience store A, convenience store B, convenience store C,
photo laboratory B, convenience store D, convenience store E,
convenience store F, and photo laboratory A. In this case, if image
data is transferred to one of photo laboratory A and B, the truck
can deliver prints to any convenience store. Therefore, in step
S902 of FIG. 11, two photo laboratories are selected. It is
necessary to make operations between printing and delivering
efficient. Therefore, when a customer designates one of convenience
stores A, B, and C as a receiving place, image data must be
transferred to photo laboratory A and printed there. And, likewise,
when a customer designates one of convenience stores D, E, and F as
a receiving place, image data must be transferred to photo
laboratory B and printed there. In step S904, a photo laboratory is
selected by considering workload status of the photo laboratory and
delivery running status of the delivery truck, as follows. Even if
convenience store A is designated as a receiving place by a
customer, when it is determined that prints will not be completed
in time because of heavy load for printers of photo laboratory A,
print server 3 transfers image data to photo laboratory B, and
prints are printed in photo laboratory B and transported to
convenience store A. Print server 3 also controls an order of image
data printed in a photo laboratory.
[0048] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a delivery manner in which a
truck delivers prints from one photo laboratory to a plurality of
convenience stores. In this delivery manner, prints printed in
photo laboratory C are delivered to convenience stores G, H and J
by a delivery truck that starts at 10 o'clock and 14 o'clock. A
delivery truck that starts at 12 o'clock and 16 o'clock delivers
prints to convenience stores K, M, and N. In such a delivery
manner, it is possible to deliver prints more efficiently by
controlling the printing order of image data. For example, there is
the following case; one print order is accepted at 13:20 p.m. under
condition that a delivery truck must start at 16:00 at the latest,
and a receiving place is convenience store M. And another print
order is accepted at 13:30 p.m. under condition that a delivery
truck must start at 14:00 at the latest, and a receiving place is
convenience store J. If the order accepted at 13:20 p.m. is treated
first, the order accepted at 13:30 p.m. may not be in time for the
delivery truck of 14:00 p.m. start.
[0049] Since the prints of the order accepted at 13:20 p.m. may be
delivered by the delivery truck of 16:00 p.m. start, the order
accepted at 13:30 p.m. can be treated first. Thus, by adjusting the
printing order of prints in a manner that prints may be printed in
time for a specific truck delivery, it is possible to control the
printing of prints more efficiently. The following explains the
control of printing, using a flowchart.
[0050] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a process that controls a
printing order of image data in a photo laboratory. Referring FIG.
14, it is possible to print prints efficiently by considering a
delivery truck timetable. In step S1201, print server 3 searches
image data of which prints are delivered to receiving places within
the area where the coming delivery truck makes rounds. In step
S1202, prints are printed in accepted order. In step S1203, print
server 3 determines whether the number of prints, which must be
delivered by the truck, has reached the predetermined number, or
whether the hour has reached the predetermined hour. If the number
of prints has reached the predetermined number, or the hour has
reached the predetermined hour, the process continues to step
S1204. In step S1204, print server 3 stops current printing. And
this flowchart ends. The reason why print server 3 stops printing
when the predetermined number of prints or the predetermined hour
has been reached is to avoid the state where prints to be delivered
cannot be transported by the coming truck, and to avoid the state
where departure of the current delivery truck becomes late. When
printing is completed in step S1204, the process returns back to
step S1201, and continues the present flow during business hours.
The following explains a system corresponding to a business in
which a photo laboratory company gains advertising rates. In this
business, the photo laboratory company gains advertising rates by
inserting an advertising print into customer's prints.
[0051] For example, there is a camera maker that advertises in the
above-business. The digital camera maker inserts a print of which
picture was taken by its digital camera, thereby appealing good
quality of its picture and capable of promoting digital cameras.
The following explains a system capable of realizing the
above-business.
[0052] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing control performed in print
server 3. When image storing server 2 receives image data of
advertisement from a company that wants to insert an advertising
print, this flow starts. In step S1501, advertisement image data is
prepared. In step S1502, print server 3 determined whether a
printer is in full operation. If the printer is in full operation,
the process returns back to step S1502 and continues the step. If
printing is performed in full operation of the printer, print
delivery becomes late, deteriorating service quality. If the
printer is not in full operation, the process continues to step
S1503. In step S1503, print server 3 determines whether image data
to be transferred to the printer has been changed to image data of
a new customer. If the image data to be transferred has been
changed, the process continues to step S1504. In step S1504,
advertisement image data is transferred to the printer before the
image data of a new customer is transferred. In this case, the
advertisement print is placed top of customer's stacked prints. If
the image data to be transferred has not been changed, the
operation in step S1503 is repeated. In step S1505, the number of
advertisement prints is counted. In step S1506, print server 3
determines whether the number of advertisement prints has reached
the number ordered by a company. If the number of the advertisement
prints has not reached, the process returns back to step S1501. If
the number of the advertisement prints has reached, the process
continues to step S1507. In step S1507, print server 3 determines
whether new advertisement prints are requested. If new
advertisement prints are requested, advertisement image data is
changed to new advertisement image data. If new advertisement
prints are not requested, the present flow ends.
[0053] By using the above advertisement method, it is possible for
a company to make an advertisement cost cheaper than a direct mail
cost because delivery charge is not necessary. In particular, in
the case where a digital camera maker wants advertisement, the
maker can make an efficient advertisement because a customer is a
user of a digital camera. And, at the same time, a photo laboratory
can show quality of printing. Even if quality of customer's print
is not good, it is possible to let a customer realize that the
reason for bad picture quality is because of camera's bad image
quality. In the present embodiment, though a convenience store is
independent from a photo laboratory, it is possible to install a
photo laboratory system in a convenience store. The convenience
store manages the photo laboratory system and delivers prints to
other convenience stores. In the system of the present embodiment,
image storing server 2 manages print server 3 and another photo
laboratory equipment altogether. But image storing server 2, print
server 3, and a photo laboratory could be managed by different
companies. A company managing image storing server 2 gains a margin
from a company managing print server 3 according to the number of
prints. A company managing print server 3 gains a margin from a
photo laboratory. It is also possible that a company managing image
storing server 2 collects money from customers, and after the
company subtracts a margin from the money, the company sends the
rest of the money to a company managing print server 3.
Furthermore, it is possible to collect customers in conjunction
with a service provider. The service provider gains a margin when
prints are ordered through the service provider. Since this allows
the service provider to decrease a connecting charge (free charge),
customers utilizing this service provider will increase, and print
orders also will increase.
Second Embodiment
[0054] The following explains a second embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing a printing system
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. It
should be noted that description will be made on the arrangements
of the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 16
which are different from those of the first embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, and common arrangements to the two embodiments are given
the same referential numerals and description thereof will be
omitted.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 16, the printing system includes digital
camera 15 for taking a picture and capturing image data, cellular
phone 1 for ordering a print, image storing server 2 for receiving
a print order, print server 3, delivery server 4, a photo
laboratory for performing printing, a convenience store where a
customer receives prints, and a delivery truck 6 for delivering
prints running between the photo laboratory and the convenience
store. Cellular phone 1 is connected with image storing server 2
through a service provider via the Internet and radio
communication. Cellular phone 1 communicates with image storing
server 2 and vice versa. Image storing server 2 and print server 3,
print server 3 and a photo laboratory, print server 3 and delivery
server 4, and delivery server 4 and a convenience store are
connected via intranet or the Internet, and communicate with each
other. Cellular phone 1 transfers image data captured by digital
camera 15, and orders a print that will be printed in a photo
laboratory. Cellular phone 1 has a Bluetooth circuit for
communicating with other devices with wireless communication.
Digital camera 15 takes a picture and stores the captured image
data into memory within digital camera 15. Digital camera 15 has a
Bluetooth circuit for communicating with other devices with
wireless communication. Digital camera 15 can communicate with
cellular phone 1 with wireless communication using the Bluetooth
technology.
[0056] The following explains cellular phone 1. FIG. 17 is an
external view showing a cellular phone 1. Referring to FIG. 17,
cellular phone 1 includes speaker 101, microphone 102, display 103,
and a plurality of buttons. Speaker 101 and microphone 102 are used
during talking on the phone. And display 103 and a plurality of
buttons are also used during talking on the phone. Menu button 104
is used for displaying a menu screen. Connection button 105 is used
for connecting cellular phone 1 with an external device. Pushing
this button displays a list of accessible devices on display 103.
Implementing button is used for decision and implementation of
optional items on a screen such as menu. Up direction button 107,
down direction button 108, right direction button 109, and left
direction button 110 are used for indicating and selecting optional
items on a screen, such as a menu. Communication button 111 is used
for starting a communication. Clear button 112 is used for clearing
and canceling a selected item. Off button 113 is used for stopping
communication or turning main-power off. Functions described above
are mainly for setting communication. Functions of these buttons
are changed when cellular phone 1 is connected to other devices
using a technology such as the Bluetooth technology. The functions
of the buttons are also changed according to a state of a device
connected to cellular phone 1. For example, when the main power of
digital camera 15 is on and digital camera 15 is in a shooting
mode, the buttons are set to be able to control digital camera 15
remotely. And when the main power of digital camera 15 is on and
digital camera 15 is in a playback mode, the buttons are set to be
able to transfer image data, stored in memory of digital camera 15,
to image storing server 2. Even when the main power of digital
camera 15 is off, the buttons can be set to be able to transfer
image data, stored in memory of digital camera 15, to image storing
server 2. When a device connected to cellular phone 1 is a digital
camera, cellular phone 1 is automatically set into an image
transfer mode in which image data, stored in memory of digital
camera 15, can be transferred to image storing server 2.
[0057] The following explains control that is performed when
cellular phone 1 is connected to digital camera 15. FIG. 18 is a
flowchart showing a process that is performed in a CPU of a
cellular phone 1 when the cellular phone 1 instructs a digital
camera 15 to connect to the cellular phone 1. The process starts
when connection between cellular phone 1 digital camera 15 is
confirmed after connection button 105 is operated. In step S2101,
it is determined whether the main power of digital camera 15 is on.
If the main power of digital camera 15 is on, the process continues
to step S2102. In step S2102, cellular phone 1 receives device
information from digital camera 15. Cellular phone 15 can learn
functions of digital camera 15 from the device information, and can
set functions of the buttons. If the main power of digital camera
15 is not on, the process continues to step S2103. In step S2103,
the main power of digital camera 15 is turned on. In step S2104,
cellular phone 1 receives the device information from digital
camera 15. In step S2105, it is determined whether the current mode
set in digital camera 15 is the shooting mode. If the current mode
is the shooting mode, the process continues to step S2106. In step
S2106, digital camera 15 is set into a remote control mode. In step
S2107, buttons of cellular phone 1 are set to be able to control
digital camera 15 remotely, according to the device information. If
the current mode is not the shooting mode or main power is not on,
the process continues to step S2108. In step S2108, digital camera
15 is set into the image transfer mode in which image data stored
in digital camera 15 is transferred to image storing server 2. In
the image transfer mode, an instruction of printing transferred
image data is executed as well as a transfer of image data. In step
S2109, the function of the buttons is set to an image transfer
function according to the device information.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 18, the functions changed in step S2107
and S2108 are specifically explained. In step S2107, the function
of the buttons has been set to the remote control function. In the
remote control function mode, implementing button 106 serves as a
shutter release button of digital camera 15. Up direction button
107 and down direction 108 are used for zooming up and down a
photographic lens. In step S2109, the function of the buttons has
been set to the image transfer function. In the image transfer
mode, up direction button 107 and down direction button 108 are
used for selecting specific image data among from a plurality of
image data, and right direction button and left direction button
are used for selecting a specific folder when a customer searches
image data from a plurality of folders. Implementing button 106 is
used for determining whether a customer transfers image data
selected by up direction button 107 and down direction button 108.
Digital camera 15 automatically transfers image data in itself to
image storing server 2 through cellular phone 1 when the image data
stored in the memory of digital camera 15 increases more than the
predetermined number of prints. This feature allows a customer to
avoid taking a long time to transmit image data. And the feature
also allows a customer to avoid a difficulty in which he cannot
search a desired print because he cannot remember the image of a
long time ago.
[0059] The following explains an operation that digital camera 15
transmits image data to image storing server 2. FIG. 19 is a
flowchart showing a process that a digital camera 15 transmits
image data within the digital camera 15 through a cellular phone 1.
The flow starts when image data stored in digital camera 15
increases more than the predetermined number of prints and digital
camera 15 is automatically connected to cellular phone 1. In step
S2201, it is determined whether the main power of cellular phone 1
is on. If the main power of cellular phone 1 is on, the process
continues to step S2202. In step S2202, it is determined whether
cellular phone 1 is in communication. If cellular phone 1 is not in
communication, the process continues to step S2205. If cellular
phone 1 is in communication, the process continues to step S2203.
In step S2203, it is determined whether communication with cellular
phone 1 has been completed. If the communication has not been
completed, the process repeats step S2203. If the communication has
been completed, the process continues to step S2205. If the main
power of cellular phone 1 is not on in step S2201, the process
continues to step S2204. In step S2204, the main power of cellular
phone 1 is turned on and the process continues to step S2205. In
step S2205, a mode is changed to the image transfer mode, and after
cellular phone 1 has been connected to image storing server 2,
cellular phone 1 transfers image data to image storing server 2 and
instruct image storing server 2 to print prints. Since digital
camera 15 also has a connection button, operating this button
allows digital camera 15 to connect to cellular phone 1 even though
image data does not increase more than a predetermined number of
prints. And, likewise, above flow can be started. The following
explains the process that is operated in image storing server 2. By
transferring image data and instructing to print in a short
interval, as described above, it is possible to transfer image data
without taking a long time, and to surely instruct image storing
server 2 to print prints. However, such a manner of printing,
packaging and delivering of prints in a short interval decreases
efficiency and expenses more costs. To avoid this, image storing
server 2 suspends execution of printing instructed by cellular
phone 1 until image storing server 2 receives a new instruction of
printing prints. Image storing server 2 does not only suspend the
execution but also prompts a customer to transfer an instruction of
printing to image storing server 2, when image storing server 2 is
holding suspended image data.
[0060] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a control process that is
performed in a CPU 203 of image storing server 2. The flow starts
when image storing server 2 is connected to cellular phone 1. In
step S2301, image storing server 2 searches ID data that has been
transmitted from cellular phone 1. In step S2302, image storing
server 2 determines whether suspended image data corresponding to
the ID data exists. If the suspended image data corresponding to
the ID data does not exist, the process continues to step S2306. If
the suspended image data exists, the process continues to step
S2303. In step S2303, image storing server 2 transfers a signal
representing existence of suspended image data. In step S2304, it
is determined whether image storing server 2 has received an
instruction of printing. If image storing server 2 has received the
instruction of printing, the process continues to step S2305. In
step S2305, image storing server 2 instructs print server 3 to
perform printing. If image storing server 2 has not received the
instruction of printing, the process continues to step S2306. In
step S2306, it is determined whether image storing server 2 has
been disconnected from cellular phone 1. If image storing server 2
has not been disconnected from cellular phone 1, the process
returns back to step S2304. If image storing server 2 has been
disconnected from cellular phone 1, the process continues to step
S2307, and the flow ends.
[0061] The following explains a process in which print server 3
instructs a printer to perform printing. Referring to FIG. 21,
print server 3 automatically executes the process of printing when
image data received from image storing server 2 has reached the
predetermined number of prints. The predetermined number of prints
must be the number that enables a company to generate a profit. In
the process of printing shown in FIG. 22, the printing is
implemented only when print server 3 receives an instruction of
printing.
[0062] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a process that is performed
in a CPU 303 of print server 3. This process is performed when
print server 3 receives a signal having image data, from image
storing server 2. In step S2401, it is determined whether print
server 3 has received image data. If print server 3 has not
received image data, the process repeats step S2401. If print
server 3 has received image data, the process continues to step
S2402. In step S2402, print server 3 searches ID data of image data
that has been stored in print server 3. In step S2403, it is
determined whether ID data of received image data matches one of
the ID data stored in print server 3. If the ID data matches one of
the ID data, process continues to step S2404. In step S2404, print
server 3 stores the received ID into the same folder. If the ID
data does not match one of the ID data stored in print server 3,
the process continues step S2405. In step S2405, a new folder is
created and the ID data is stored in this folder. In step S2406, it
is determined whether image data has increased more than the
predetermined number or image data includes an added instruction of
printing. If image data has not increased more than the
predetermined number or image data does not include an added
instruction of printing, the process returns back to step S2401. If
image data has increased more than the predetermined number or
image data includes an added instruction of printing, the process
continues to step S2407. In step S2407, the printer prints images
of image data stored in the same folder, and the flow ends. In this
case, printing of prints is not performed until the stored image
data reaches the predetermined number of prints. However, even
though image data does not reach the predetermined number of
prints, it is also possible to implement the printing after the
predetermined time has passed. This predetermined time is such time
that the completion of printing is in time for a delivery truck
start.
[0063] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a process that is performed
in a CPU 303 of print server 3. This process is performed when
print server 3 receives a signal without image data, from image
storing server 2. In step S2501, it is determined whether print
server 3 has received an instruction of printing. If print server 3
has not received the instruction of printing, the process repeats
step S2501. If print server 3 has received the instruction of
printing, the process continues to step S2502. In step S2502, print
server 3 searches ID data of stored image data. In step S2503, it
is determined whether ID data of received image data matches one of
the ID data of image data stored in print server 3. If the ID data
of received image data matches one of the ID data, process
continues to step S2504. In step S2504, print server 3 searches the
image data of the ID data in a folder where the image data of the
ID data is stored. If the ID data of received image data does not
match one of the ID data, the process continues to step S2506. In
step S2506, print server 3 transmits error data to image storing
server 2. This error data means that image data to be printed does
not exist in print server 3. In step S2505, prints of image data
stored in the folder searched in step S2504 are printed, and the
flow end. As described above, according to the second embodiment of
the present invention, by transferring image data and instructing
the server to process prints in a short interval, it is possible to
transfer image data without a difficulty of taking long time, and
to surelyinstruct the server to perform printing. And despite of
treating a small quantity of prints, it is possible to print,
package and deliver prints efficiently, and to decrease costs.
[0064] Although a few preferred embodiments of the present
invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these
embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the
invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *