JP4579738B2 - Image printing system, print server, image output device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image printing system that can synthesize and edit an image captured by a digital camera, an image read by a scanner, image data recorded on a recording medium brought by the user, an image stored in advance in the apparatus, and the like. About.

  Images taken with a digital camera or the like can be printed at home using a personal computer, a printer, or the like, instead of bringing a film into a photo shop for printing as in the past. Also, already printed photographs can be read with a scanner or the like, reprinted, stretched, and the like.

  However, while there is a demand for more beautiful images and processing them with various ingenuity, electronic devices such as digital cameras, personal computers, printers, and scanners are making rapid progress. Since it is sold, it is difficult for individuals to always make the highest quality prints, and there are limits to what sub-images such as frame images to be combined with captured images can be used by individuals.

  Therefore, a digital photo print device, which is an image output device installed in a store such as a camera store, which can be installed in a relatively small space, records a recording medium on which an image has been recorded or a photograph that has already been printed. There is a method of bringing in and synthesizing frame images and printing (digital photo print system, for example, see [Patent Document 1] and [Non-Patent Document 1]).

JP 2002-46324 A Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., “Recommend Digital Camera Print”, [online], [Searched on December 1, 2002]

  However, among printing processes of a conventional printing system such as a digital photo printing apparatus or an image output apparatus, particularly in the case of immediate printing, the processing time of the printing process itself directly affects the waiting time. Furthermore, when a large amount of print output is made from a recording medium or the like on which an image photographed by a digital camera is recorded, there is a problem that the user has to wait for a long time until the printing is completed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a user determines a part from a predicted print time and stores a part of the printed matter in a server. An object of the present invention is to provide a system and the like for printing.

In order to achieve the above object, a first invention is a system in which a server and a plurality of image output devices are connected via a network, wherein the image output device prints image data as a printed matter. Means, a predicted print time calculation means for calculating a predicted print time required for printing the desired image data, a first instruction button for instructing to print all the desired image data, and the desired print data First display means for displaying a second instruction button for instructing to print only a part of the image data, and when the second instruction button is selected, a registration number is assigned, and the printing means A second display means for displaying a first input field for inputting the number of prints to be printed, a third input field for displaying the numbered registration number and a second input field for inputting a password. And it shows means, remaining image data excluding the image data printing instruction by instruction of the second instruction button from the desired image data, the registration number, and the personal identification number, as the registration data, transmitted to the server First transmitting means for
Comprising a said server, said remaining image data received as the registration data, the registration number, and the personal identification number and storing means for storing in association with, from any of the image output device, the registration When there is a request with a number and a password , the registered data is searched by the registered number, and when the password matches, the remaining image data stored in the storage means is transferred to the request source image. An image printing system comprising: a second transmission unit configured to transmit to the output device, wherein the request source image output device includes a printing unit configured to print the remaining image data received from the server. It is.

“Image data” is obtained by photographing a subject with an image output device, reading data by a scanner, reading data from a recording medium, transferring via a network, or the like.
The “registration number” is a unique number assigned by the image output device when only a part of the desired image data is instructed to be printed, and the authentication information together with the password entered by the user. Registered as

  In the first invention, the image output device displays the number of prints and the estimated print time when printing the image data. The user can store part or all of the image data together with the authentication information according to the estimated print time.

  In the first invention, the image print system provides billing information corresponding to the number of storage days. That is, it is information such as collecting an extra charge for image data that has exceeded a predetermined storage period.

The second invention is a program for causing a computer to function as the server of the first invention.
A third invention is a program for causing a computer to function as the image output device of the first invention.

  The above-mentioned program may be held and distributed on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or the program can be transmitted and received via a communication line.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system or the like that allows a user to store a part of printed matter in a server based on the estimated print time and print the remaining printed matter at a later date from an arbitrary image output device.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an image printing system and the like according to the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to components having substantially the same functional configuration, and redundant description will be omitted.

First, the configuration of the image print system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of the image print system 100.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image print system 100 includes a print server 101 and a plurality of image output devices 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, etc. connected via a network 140. The image output device 102-n is installed in a store or on the street as a street terminal (KIOSK terminal).

The network 140 is a network such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), and an in-house LAN, and may be wired or wireless.
The print server 101 is a server computer or the like, and provides various types of information and controls the entire system via the network 140.

Next, a schematic configuration of the print server 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the print server 101.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the print server 101 is configured by connecting a control unit 201, an input unit 202, a display unit 203, a storage unit 204, an input / output unit 205, a communication unit 206, and the like to each other via a system bus 207. The

  The control unit 201 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.

The CPU calls a program stored in a storage device, a ROM, a recording medium, or the like to a work memory area on the RAM and executes the program, performs arithmetic processing, operation control, and the like to realize various functions.
The ROM is a non-volatile memory that permanently holds programs, data, and the like, and the RAM is a volatile memory that temporarily holds programs, data, and the like.

The input unit 202 inputs data and includes, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, and an input device such as a numeric keypad.
An operation instruction, operation instruction, data input, maintenance management, and the like can be performed on the print server 101 via the input unit 202.

  The display unit 203 includes a display device such as a CRT monitor and a liquid crystal panel, and a logic circuit (such as a video adapter) for realizing a video function of a computer in cooperation with the display device.

  The storage unit 204 is a device that stores data, and includes a hard disk, a memory, and the like. The storage unit stores a program executed by the CPU, data necessary for program execution, an OS (Operating System), and the like. The storage unit 204 holds image registration data 210 and records image data received from the image output apparatus 102. The image registration data 210 will be described later.

  The input / output unit 205 performs data input / output, for example, a flexible disk drive, a PD drive, a CD drive (-ROM, -R, -RW, etc.), a DVD drive (-ROM, -R, -RW, etc.), It has media input / output devices such as MO drives.

The communication unit 206 is a communication interface that mediates communication between the print server 101 and the network 140, and includes a communication control device, a communication port, and the like.
The system bus 207 is a path that mediates transmission / reception of control signals, data signals, and the like between the devices.

Further, an output unit (not shown) having a printer device or the like may be provided and used for maintenance management of the print server 101 or the like.
Note that a server computer or the like having a similar configuration can be used as the print server 101.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the image output device 102 in the image print system 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the image output apparatus 102-1 includes an image data reading / writing unit 311, an image editing / combining unit 312, a material database (material DB) 313, a printing unit 314, an order content input unit 315, and a charging unit 316. , Image data transmission / reception means 317, print prediction time calculation display means 318, number slip issuing means 319, registration number data 320, and the like.

The image data reading / writing unit 311 captures the subject 321 with an imaging device such as the digital camera 505 (FIG. 5), reads the document 322 with a document reading device such as the scanner 403 (FIG. 5), or stores image data in advance. Image data is acquired by reading from the recorded recording medium 323. The image data reading / writing unit 311 can also record the image data created by the image output device 102 on the recording medium 323.
The recording medium 323 is, for example, smart media, compact flash (registered trademark) card (CF card), SD card, memory stick, floppy (registered trademark) disk, PC card, CD-ROM, or the like.

  The image editing / synthesizing unit 312 synthesizes one or more input or selected image data, such as processing such as graffiti or stamp, clipping of image data, scaling, pasting of a clipped image on another image, etc. It consists of an image processing program that performs editing and the like. Material image data, frame image data, etc. existing in the material database 313 can also be used as image data used for processing and composite editing.

  The printing unit 314 is a high-resolution color printer 513 (FIG. 5). A plurality of printers may be installed, and any system such as a sublimation type or an ink jet type may be used. The printed matter 324 is a printed photo ID photo, a digital camera photo or the like, a sticker print, a postcard, or the like.

  The order content input means 315 allows the user to select the order content to be output as necessary. Items to be selected include print mode selection (normal image data output, index print output, postcard print, sticker print, ID photo print, etc. In the case of normal output of actual image data, thumbnail images are displayed, and which image is printed when image data for multiple frames is input (when digital camera images are output) Thumbnail image display and image selection), the number of prints and the print size are specified. Note that the user can specify one or more pieces of image data to be processed and combined and edited before outputting the image.

As the order content input means 315, for example, a touch panel integrated with display means such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel, and various pointers such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a trackball can be used.
The charging unit 316 validates each function of the image output apparatus 102 in accordance with the amount of money that has been input in advance. Further, an extra charge is collected based on the extra information received from the print server 101.

  The image data transmission / reception means 317 transmits a part or all of image data and authentication information to the server for transmission, transmission of authentication information for requesting image data, reception of stored image data from the server, etc. It is.

  The estimated print time calculation display unit 318 calculates and displays the estimated print time based on the initial operation time at the start of printing, the print interval time per printer, the number of available effective prints, and the like. The user can determine whether or not to output all printed materials on the spot with reference to the display of the predicted time.

  The number slip issuing means 319 issues a number slip 325 from the printing means 314 in response to a user request. The number slip 325 is obtained by printing a registration number or both a registration number and a password. The number slip 325 is printed on a medium (such as a receipt) different from the printed matter 324.

  The registration number data 320 is a table that holds registration numbers issued within the image output apparatus. The registration number data 320 will be described later.

Next, an external configuration of the image output apparatus 102 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the image output apparatus 102.

  A monitor 401 such as a monitor with a touch panel is disposed in front of the upper part of the image output apparatus 102. The monitor 401 functions as display means for displaying operation guidance, operation status, read images, edited images, and the like.

  A media insertion slot 402 is installed below the screen of the monitor 401. A scanner 403 that reads an image of a printed matter and converts it into digital data is installed in a horizontal part that separates the upper part and the lower part. In addition, a lens window 404 is provided on the screen of the monitor 401 for capturing an image of a subject with an imaging device such as a digital camera 505. These media insertion slot 402, scanner 403, and lens window 404 constitute a part of the image data reading / writing unit 311.

  The media insertion slot 402 is an insertion slot for various media (smart media, compact flash (registered trademark) card (CF card), floppy (registered trademark) disk, PC card, CD-ROM, etc.), and floppy (registered trademark). A disk insertion slot, a CD-ROM insertion slot, a PC card insertion slot, a smart media insertion slot, a compact flash (registered trademark) insertion slot, and the like are arranged at a single position.

  Further, the main body of each reading / writing device is installed in the housing of the image output device 102 corresponding to the insertion port of each recording medium. Each insertion slot may be provided with a shutter (not shown) so that the recording medium cannot be taken out until the fee collection is completed.

  In the lower part of the image output device 102, there are a charge insertion port (coin insertion port 405, bill insertion port 406), a return lever 407, a return port 408, a receipt outlet 409, a printed matter outlet 410, a speaker 411, and a maintenance key 412. A door opening / closing key 413 and the like are arranged.

The charge insertion port (coin insertion port 405, bill insertion port 406), return lever 407, return port 408, and receipt outlet 409 constitute part of the charging unit 416.
The customer pays a fee by inserting a coin into the coin insertion slot 405 or inserting a banknote into the banknote insertion slot 406. If there is a change, it is discharged from the return port 408 and can be received. Further, when the order is canceled or when coins are jammed, the coin return lever 407 is turned to release it from the return port 408 so that it can be received.
After collecting the fee, a receipt on which the amount collected and the details of the order are printed is released from the receipt outlet 409.

The printed matter outlet 410 constitutes a part of the printing unit 314 and the number slip issuing unit 319. The user receives the printed matter 324 discharged from the printed matter outlet 410 after instructing execution of printing by touching the touch panel button or the like. When a request for issuing a number slip is made, a number slip 325 is received. Note that the number slip 325 may be taken out from the receipt outlet 409.
The speaker 411 reproduces voice, BGM, sound effects, and the like during standby or operation.

  The maintenance key 412 is a key for switching between a normal operation mode in which a user can be accepted and a management mode in which the administrator performs setting and maintenance of the image print system 100.

  Further, although it cannot be clearly recognized from the appearance, a personal computer including a control unit for controlling each component of the post-type image output device 102 or voltage conversion is performed in the casing of the post-type image output device 102. A power supply box, an uninterruptible power supply that prevents damage to the CPU and hard disk of the control unit in the event of a power failure are installed.

Next, a schematic configuration of the image output apparatus 102 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image output apparatus 102.

  The image output device 101 includes a control unit 501, a hard disk 502, an input / output unit 503 (a CD-ROM drive device, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.), a digital camera 505, a scanner 403, various media reading / writing units 507 (1 to n), A shutter 508 (1 to n), a monitor 401 (with a touch panel), a coin mech 510, a bill burr 511, a receipt journal processing unit 512, a printer 513, a communication control unit 514, and the like are connected via a bus 516.

  The control unit 501 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and drives and controls each device connected via the bus 516 according to a program stored in a hard disk 502 as a large-capacity storage medium.

  The hard disk 502 is input as a part of the image editing / synthesizing unit 312 in addition to a program for driving and controlling each component, for example, a reading / writing program corresponding to each recording medium 323, a shutter opening / closing control program, a charging program, and the like. Alternatively, an interactive processing menu is displayed on the monitor 401 as an image processing program for editing and processing the selected image and part of the order content input means 315, print conditions are set for the printing means 314, and printing starts. A material database 313 storing a program to instruct, a program corresponding to the print progress output means 317, and image data such as a frame used for image composition, a background image, a line drawing illustration image for coloring, and a registration number are assigned. For example, registration number data 320 is stored.

  Each of these program codes is read by the control unit 501 as necessary, transferred to the RAM, read by the CPU, and executed as various means.

  The input / output unit 503 (CD-ROM drive device, keyboard, mouse, etc.) upgrades the programs and information stored in the ROM and hard disk 502 of the control unit 501, or sets the operation and device settings of the image print system 100 The main unit is switched to the management mode with the maintenance key, the CD-ROM for upgrading is inserted into the input / output unit 503, data is rewritten, or setting data is input. To set.

The digital camera 505, the scanner 403, and various media reading / writing units 507 (1 to n) correspond to the image data reading / writing unit 311.
The shutter 508 is provided at the recording medium insertion port, and opens and closes the recording medium insertion port so that the recording medium cannot be removed during the reading process or the recording medium cannot be removed until the accounting process is completed. be able to.

  By selecting and touching the touch panel button displayed on the monitor 401 according to the operation guide displayed on the monitor 401, from the selection of the print mode and reading of the original image data to processing, composition editing, and output of the printed matter 324. A series of operations can be performed.

The coin mech 510, the bill burr 511, and the receipt journal processing unit 512 correspond to the charging unit 316, and accept coin insertion, bill insertion, and issue a receipt.
The printer 513 corresponds to the print unit 314 and performs image printout processing.
The communication control unit 514 is a communication control device, a communication port, and the like, and performs communication control between the image output device 102 and the print server 101 via the network 140.

  Next, the registration number data 320 and the registration data 210 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 shows one mode of the registration number 321 held in the registration number data 320. The registration number data 320 is a table for assigning a registration number by the image output apparatus 102. The registration number 321 has a device ID 322 and a serial number 323.

  The device ID 322 is an ID for identifying the image output device 102. The serial number 323 is a number given to the first user after the present time, and there is only one serial number in the registration number data. For example, when one registration is completed, a process such as adding 1 to the numerical value of the serial number 323 is performed. By updating the serial number 323, a new registration number is assigned to the next user. On the print server 101 side, data received from a plurality of image output devices 102 are managed collectively. For example, an ID for identifying the image output device 102 of the transmission source is added to the upper few digits, and the number is unique. Give sex.

  The registered number data 320 may be substituted by adding a mathematical expression that can set a random number to the program.

  FIG. 7 shows an aspect of the registration data 210 of the print server 101. The registration data 210 includes a registration number 701, a personal identification number 703, a registration date 704, an additional flag 705, and a plurality of image data 706-1, 706-2, 706-3,.

  The registration number 701 is a number given by the image output apparatus when storing and registering image data. That is, when the user registers image data, a registration number 321 is generated as shown in FIG. 6 and this registration number 321 is sent to the print server 101. The registration number 321 is held as the registration number 701 of the registration data 210.

  The personal identification number 703 is a number input by the user. The registration date 704 is an image data storage date. The premium flag 705 is transmitted from the print server 101 to the image output apparatus 102 as billing information when the image data is stored beyond a predetermined number of days (for example, 14 days). is there. Image data 706-1, 706-2, 706-3... Are image data transmitted to the print server 101 without being printed.

Next, operations of the print server 101 and the image output apparatus 102 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10.
8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the operations of the print server 101 and the image output apparatus 102.
FIGS. 11 to 15 show examples of display screens in the image print system 100. FIG. FIG. 11 shows a menu screen 1000. 12 and 13 show a display screen 1100 and a display screen 1200. FIG. FIG. 14 shows a display screen 1300. FIG. 15 shows a display screen 1400.

  The control unit 501 of the image output apparatus 102 displays a menu screen indicating service contents, procedures, guidance, and the like on the monitor 401 and allows the user to select a function. Here, it is selected whether it is new data or registered data (step 801). FIG. 11 shows a menu screen 1100. This is a screen displayed in step 801 in FIG. 8 for the user to select whether the image data is new image data or already registered image data. If “new image data” 1101 is selected here, the process proceeds to step 802 in the case of Yes.

  When “registered image data” 1102 is selected, the process proceeds to the process in the case of No in step 802, that is, the registered image data process (step 803). Step 803 will be described later.

  If it is new image data (Yes in step 802), the control unit 501 acquires the image data via any of the various media 507, the scanner 403, the digital camera 505, and the like (step 804). When inputting image data, the user selects a method such as reading from the recording medium 323, reading from the scanner 403, or imaging of a subject by an imaging device (such as the digital camera 505).

  The control unit 501 performs image processing, editing, composition, and the like based on a user instruction (step 805). Examples of image processing, editing, and composition include synthesis of input image data, frame images, existing images, etc., paint color, character input, movement, enlargement / reduction, and creation of postcard data.

  The control unit 501 performs image processing such as color correction, resizing, trimming, layout, character / logo synthesis (step 806).

  The control unit 501 holds the image processed image data in the memory, the hard disk 502, or the like (step 807). The control unit 501 calculates and displays the estimated print time based on the initial operation time at the start of printing, the print interval time per printer, the number of available effective prints, and the like (step 808).

  12 and 13 show a display screen 1200 and a display screen 1300. This is a screen displayed in step 808 in FIG. 8, in which the user indicates the estimated print time, selects whether to print all or part, and further inputs the number of sheets to be printed. The predicted print time calculated in step 808 is shown in the display area 1201 of the display screen 1200. When the user selects “print all” 1202, the process proceeds to the processing in the case of Yes in step 809.

  In the case of printing all (Yes in step 809), the control unit 501 responds to the user's order details (output form (photo print, sticker print, index print, postcard print, etc.), number of prints, etc.), and whether there is additional information. The billing process and the receipt issuing process are performed (step 810).

The control unit 501 transfers the image data held in step 807 to the printer 513 that can output it, and performs print output processing (step 811).
When the operation of the image printing system 100 is continued, the process may return to step 801.

  When all or part of the data is stored without printing (No in step 809), when the user selects “partial print (the rest will be printed later)” 1203, a display screen 1300 is further displayed ( 13), the user inputs the number of sheets to be printed in the input field 1301, and proceeds to the processing in the case of No in step 809.

  The control unit 501 assigns a serial number 323 and generates a registration number 321 (step 812). FIG. 14 shows a display screen 1400. This is the screen displayed in step 812. The control unit 501 displays the registration number 321 assigned by the image output apparatus 102 in the column 1401, and the user inputs the password in the password input column 1402. When a number slip is issued, it is entered in a field 1403. Further, the control unit 501 holds the password and registration number input by the user in the memory or the hard disk 502 (step 813).

  The control unit 501 performs billing processing and receipt issuance processing according to the user's order contents (output form (photo print, sticker print, index print, postcard print, etc.), number of prints, etc.) and the presence / absence of additional information (step 814).

  The control unit 501 adds the registration date 321 having the serial number 323 to the print server 101, the personal identification number, and the remaining image data as the registration date, and transmits it to the print server 101 (step 815). The remaining image data is image data that is not printed in step 816. Note that the transmission to the print server 101 may be performed after all the processes are completed, or may be performed for a plurality of cases in a daily process or the like. The current date may be added later on the print server 101 side.

  The control unit 201 of the print server 101 receives data from the image output apparatus 102 (step 816).

  The control unit 201 of the print server 101 stores the data received from the image output apparatus 102, that is, the registration number, the password, the remaining image data, the registration date, etc. in the storage unit 204 as registration data 210 (step 817).

  The control unit 501 of the image output apparatus 102 transfers the data to be printed out of the image data held in Step 607 to the printer 513 that can output it, and performs print output processing (Step 818).

  The control unit 501 performs an update process such as adding 1 to the serial number 323 portion of the registration number 321 of the registration number data 320 to update the registration number data 320 (step 819). Here, if it is necessary to issue a number slip, the number slip may be printed.

  Through the above process, the image print system 100 transmits part or all of the input image data and authentication information from the image output apparatus 102 to the print server 101, and the print server 101 receives the received image data and authentication information. The registration date is stored in the storage unit 204.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operations of the print server 101 and the image output apparatus 102 in the registered image data processing (step 803 in FIG. 8).

  The control unit 501 of the image output apparatus 102 acquires a registration number and a password entered by the user (Step 1001). FIG. 15 shows a display screen 1500. This is the screen displayed in step 1001. The user inputs the registration number acquired when registering the image data in the column 1501 and further inputs the personal identification number in the column 1502.

  The control unit 501 transmits the registration number and the password to the print server 101 (step 1002).

  The control unit 301 searches the image registration database 210 with the received registration number (step 1003).

  If the passwords do not match (No in step 1004), the control unit 201 transmits an error message to the image output apparatus 102 (step 1005). The control unit 501 of the image output apparatus 102 receives the error message and displays it (step 1006). Here, the processing may be repeated from step 1001 on the image output apparatus 102 side.

  If the passwords match (Yes in step 1004), the control unit 201 compares the registration date with the current date, and turns on the premium flag if the fixed period has passed (step 1007).

  The control unit 201 transmits the image data and the premium flag to the image output device 102 (step 1008).

  The control unit 501 of the image output apparatus 102 receives the image data from the print server 101 and stores it in the hard disk 502 or the like (step 1009). Thereafter, the processing from step 809 is performed as in the case of new image data. In this case, image data that has already undergone image processing has been received from the print server 101, but image data may be processed, edited, combined, or processed again.

  Through the above process, the image print system 100 retrieves from the storage unit 204 of the print server 101 image data with the same authentication information (registration number and password) transmitted from the image output apparatus 102 to the print server 101, and print server 101 transmits the image to the image output apparatus 102. At this time, charging information is added according to the number of days elapsed from the registration date.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the image printing system 100 can store part or all of the image data input by the image output apparatus 102 in the print server 324. The user determines the number of stored sheets based on the estimated print time. The stored image data can be received later by any image output apparatus 102 and the remaining printed matter 324 can be printed. It also provides billing information according to the number of storage days.

  Assume that a user prints a photograph at lunchtime at a work place, for example. Since the estimated print time is long, print only a few sheets and store the rest. On a holiday several days later, this user can install the remaining number of prints by inputting a registration number and a personal identification number with a device installed in a store near his home.

  In this case, if the second print date exceeds the basic storage days, a surcharge is charged for the remaining prints. For example, the basic storage period is set to 2 weeks (14 days) and the premium rate is set to 10%. If printing is performed after 14 days, a charge that is 10% higher than the normal print charge is charged.

  In this embodiment, the authentication information is a registration number and a personal identification number given by the image output apparatus 102. However, a number that identifies the user, such as a user's telephone number, may be used. In this case, a plurality of registrations can be performed for one user.

  In this embodiment, the image data is stored in the print server 101. However, the image data may be distributed and held in the image output apparatus 102. In this case, image data management information may be held in the print server 101 so that it can be taken out from any image output apparatus 102.

  The preferred embodiments of the image printing system and the like according to the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea disclosed in the present application, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image printing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hardware diagram of print server 101 The block diagram which shows the structure of the image output apparatus 102 External perspective view of image output apparatus 102 Hardware configuration diagram of the image output apparatus 102 The figure which shows the one aspect | mode of the registration number table 320 The figure which shows the one aspect | mode of the image registration database 210 A flowchart showing operations of the print server 101 and the image output apparatus 102 in the image print system 100. A flowchart showing operations of the print server 101 and the image output apparatus 102 in the image print system 100. A flowchart showing operations of the print server 101 and the image output apparatus 102 in registered image data processing The figure which shows the one aspect | mode of the menu screen 1100 The figure which shows the one aspect | mode of the display screen 1200 which displays print prediction time. The figure which shows the one aspect | mode of the display screen 1300 which inputs the number of prints The figure which shows the one aspect | mode of the display screen 1400 which inputs the authentication information at the time of registering image data The figure which shows the one aspect | mode of the display screen 1500 which inputs the authentication information at the time of taking out registered image data

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ......... Image printing system 101 ......... Print server 102 ......... Image output apparatus 140 ......... Network 204 ......... Storage part 210 ......... Image registration data 311 ......... Image data reading / writing means 312 ... …… Image editing / synthesizing means 313... Material database 314... Printing means 315... Order content inputting means 316... Billing means 317 ..... Image data transmitting / receiving means 318. 319 ... Number card issuing means 320 ... Registration number data

Claims (5)

A system in which a server and a plurality of image output devices are connected via a network,
The image output device includes printing means for printing image data as a printed matter;
A predicted print time calculating means for calculating a predicted print time required for printing desired image data;
First display means for displaying the predicted print time, a first instruction button for instructing to print all of the desired image data, and a second instruction button for instructing to print only a part of the desired image data When,
When the second instruction button is selected, a second display means for displaying a first input field for inputting a registration number and inputting the number of prints to be printed by the printing means;
A third display means for displaying the numbered registration number and a second input field for entering a personal identification number;
The remaining image data excluding the image data instructed to be printed by the instruction of the second instruction button from the desired image data, the registration number, and the password are sent to the server as registration data . A transmission means;
Comprising
The server stores the remaining image data received as the registration data , the registration number, and a password storing the password in association with each other,
From any of the image output apparatus, wherein when there is a request with registration number and the personal identification number, the by registration number searches the registration data, in the case where the personal identification number matches, the stored on the storage means Second transmission means for transmitting the remaining image data to the requesting image output device,
The image printing system, wherein the printing unit of the requesting image output apparatus prints the remaining image data received from the server. The image output device comprises input means for inputting image data,
The image printing system according to claim 1, wherein the input unit is any one of a photographing unit that photographs a subject, a scanner that reads image data, and a reading unit that reads a recording medium. The storage means stores the remaining image data received as the registration data , the registration number, and the password together with a storage date,
The image printing system according to claim 1, wherein the server transmits billing information corresponding to the storage date to the image output apparatus in response to the request from the arbitrary image output apparatus. A program for causing a computer to function as the server according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A program causing a computer to function as the image output apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images