JP6249697B2 - Printing service system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a print service system for printing an image included in an information communication apparatus with a print terminal.

  There are the following methods for printing an image in a conventional print service system. For example, there is a method in which a print terminal directly reads an image stored in a memory medium and prints the image. Further, for example, there is a method in which a print terminal connected to a network reads an image stored in an image server connected to the network and prints the image.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique (hereinafter also referred to as related technique A) in which a card reader provided in a print terminal reads an image stored in a memory medium and prints the selected image. It is disclosed. The memory medium is a USB memory, an SD (Secure Digital) card, or the like.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a technique (hereinafter also referred to as related technique B) in which a print terminal connected to a network reads an image stored in an image server connected to the network and prints the image. Has been.

  Specifically, in Related Technology B, a print terminal or a mobile phone connected to a network uses an ID code and a password to display an image stored in an image server connected to the network via the network. Read from the server. The ID code and password are entered by an input device such as a touch panel of the print terminal. The ID code is assigned to the image when the image is registered and stored. Then, the print terminal prints the selected image among the read images.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for easily reprinting an image (hereinafter also referred to as related technique C). Specifically, in Related Technology C, in the print service system, an image server receives and stores an image photographed and created by a photo sticker creation device via a network. Then, in the same or another photographic sticker producing apparatus connected to the network, the image is read and printed by inputting the ID issued when the image is stored.

JP 2012-179877 A JP 2004-178392 A JP 2007-249271 A

  However, the related technologies A, B, and C have the following problems. Specifically, the print service systems of the related technologies A, B, and C include a large-capacity server (image server) that stores images in a concentrated manner. However, there is a physical upper limit on the image storage capacity in the server. Therefore, it is necessary to provide an image capacity limit, storage expiration date, and the like for the image to be stored.

  For example, when the server stores an image via a network, an expiration date is set for the image. When the expiration date of the image expires, an expiration date management device for automatically erasing the image must be provided separately, and the total image capacity stored in the server must be managed so as not to exceed the total storage capacity of the server. Goodbye. In this case, it is expensive to maintain and manage the server.

  Therefore, in order to avoid the high cost as described above, a configuration in which the above-described expiration date management device is not provided is conceivable. However, in this configuration, it is necessary for the server itself to constantly monitor the total capacity of the image and separately execute a process for deleting the image as necessary. Therefore, a large processing load is applied to the server. Also, the greater the number of images processed by the server, the greater the processing load on the server. As a result, when the server requests an image from the print terminal to print the image, the processing speed for transmitting the image to the print terminal decreases. As a result, there is a problem that it takes a long time to print an image on the printing terminal.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and provides a print service system capable of suppressing an increase in time required for printing an image, which is caused by applying a processing load on the image to a server. For the purpose.

In order to achieve the above object, a print service system according to an aspect of the present invention includes an information communication apparatus, a server, and a print terminal that can communicate with each other via a network. The information communication device includes an image sharing storage unit for storing an image associated with identification information for specifying a user and sharing the image with the outside, and the server stores the identification information. A storage unit that stores the first user information including the identification information in association with the identification information, and the print terminal is an input for the user to input the second user information including the identification information for identifying the user. And a transmission unit that transmits the input second user information to the server, the server further using the received second user information and the first user information, An information management unit that performs determination for confirming the validity of the user who has input the second user information; and the print terminal further identifies the second user information when the validity is confirmed. Associated with broadcast, the provided image shared storage unit the image acquisition unit that acquires the image stored therein a printing unit that prints the image acquired, and the print service system, the image A plurality of the information communication devices each having a shared storage unit are provided, and the image sharing storage unit of each information communication device specifies a first storage area for storing an image associated with the identification information and another user A second storage area for storing an image associated with another identification information, and the information management unit of the server includes the image included in a specific information communication device among the plurality of information communication devices. A duplicate image, which is an image obtained by duplicating the target image, which is the image stored in the first storage area of the shared storage unit, is used as information other than the specific information communication device among the plurality of information communication devices. A distribution management unit that performs processing for storing in the second storage area of the image sharing storage unit included in the communication device, and the distribution management unit further includes distributed storage information indicating a storage location of the duplicate image The image acquisition unit of the print terminal includes (a) using the second user information, the server acquires the image of the target image stored in the first storage area. A process for obtaining the target image stored in the first storage area in accordance with the storage location of the target image, and (b) using the second user information, Queries the storage location of the duplicate image indicated by the distributed storage information, and performs one or both of the processes for obtaining the duplicate image stored in the second storage area according to the storage location of the duplicate image The distribution management unit of the server further periodically attempts to access the image shared storage unit that is the storage location of the duplicate image indicated by the distributed storage information included in the first user information, When the number of accessible image sharing storage units corresponding to the same first user information is ascertained, and the distribution management unit further includes a case where the number of accessible image sharing storage units is less than a prescribed value (C) Of the plurality of image sharing storage units, the target image is a new image sharing storage unit that is the image sharing storage unit other than the image sharing storage unit that the distribution management unit periodically tries to access. Process for moving to the second storage area (d) One of processes for storing the duplicate image in the new image sharing storage unit is performed .

  According to the present invention, the print service system includes an information communication device, a server, and a print terminal. The information communication apparatus includes an image sharing storage unit for sharing the image with the outside. The server includes a storage unit that stores first user information in association with the identification information. The print terminal includes an input unit for a user to input second user information including the identification information. When the validity of the user is confirmed by the information management unit of the server, the print terminal acquires the image stored in the image sharing storage unit and prints the image.

  That is, in the print service system, the image is printed by the print terminal in a state where the image is stored in an information communication apparatus different from the server. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a server from being subjected to a processing load related to an image. For this reason, it is possible to suppress an increase in the time required to print an image due to the processing load relating to the image being applied to the server.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the printing service system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart of a pre-registration process. It is a figure which shows the image which a display part displays in each condition of a user information registration process. It is a flowchart of a printing process. It is a figure which shows the image which the display part of a printing terminal displays in each condition of a printing process. It is a figure for demonstrating the identification information as user authentication information. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the printing service system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the printing service system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart of a distributed memory image management process. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the printing service system which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof may be omitted.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a print service system 1000 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 illustrates a state in which the network 30 is included in the print service system 1000 for the purpose of illustration. However, the network 30 may not be included in the print service system 1000.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a print service system 1000 includes print terminals 100-1, 100-2,..., 100-n (natural numbers of 2 or more), a server 200, and information communication apparatuses 400-1, 400. -2, ..., 400-m (a natural number of 2 or more).

  Each of the print terminals 100-1, 100-2,..., 100-n has the same configuration. Moreover, the main part concerning this Embodiment contained in each of the information communication apparatuses 400-1, 400-2, ..., 400-m has the same configuration.

  Hereinafter, each of the print terminals 100-1, 100-2,..., 100-n is also simply referred to as a print terminal 100. In the following, each of the information communication devices 400-1, 400-2,..., 400-m is also simply referred to as the information communication device 400. That is, the print service system 1000 includes n print terminals 100 and m information communication apparatuses 400. In the print service system 1000, it is assumed that the number of information communication apparatuses 400 is sufficiently larger than the number of print terminals 100.

  Each information communication device 400 is held by each different user who uses the print service system 1000. The information communication device 400 is a device that can be carried by the user. The information communication device 400 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer). Information communication apparatus 100 is not limited to a PC, and may be a mobile phone, a smartphone, or the like.

  In the print service system 1000, each of the information communication device 400, the server 200, and the print terminal 100 is configured to be able to communicate with each other via the network 30. The network 30 is, for example, the Internet. That is, each information communication device 400, server 200, and each print terminal 100 are configured to be able to communicate with the network 30.

  The information communication apparatus 400 includes a network I / F (interface) 401, a control unit 402, a presentation unit 410, an image acquisition unit 420, an information acquisition unit 430, and an image sharing storage unit 440.

  The network I / F 401 has a function of communicating with the network 30. The control unit 402 is connected to each component (for example, the presentation unit 410) included in the information communication apparatus 400. The control unit 402 performs various processes described later. The control unit 402 controls each component included in the information communication apparatus 400.

  The presentation unit 410 receives information display and user operation input. Specifically, the presentation unit 410 includes a display unit 411 and an input unit 412. Display unit 411 displays an image corresponding to the state of information communication apparatus 400. The input unit 412 is an interface for the user to give an instruction to the information communication apparatus 400. The input unit 412 includes, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. Hereinafter, an operation performed by the user using the input unit 412 is referred to as an operation MU.

  The image sharing storage unit 440 is a storage device for sharing images with the outside. The image sharing storage unit 440 stores an image associated with each identification information. Here, the identification information is information for specifying a user. The identification information is, for example, a user ID for specifying a user. Different user IDs are assigned to different users. The identification information is not limited to the user ID, but may be other information for specifying the user.

  In the image sharing storage unit 440, a shared folder 441 is provided. The shared folder 441 stores an image associated with each identification information. The shared folder 441 is configured to be accessible from the outside based on user authentication information.

  In the image acquisition unit 420, an operation MU for storing an image is performed by a user, and a memory media reader (not shown) provided in the information communication apparatus 400 is inserted with a memory medium storing the image. If an image is received, the image is read from the memory medium. The memory medium is, for example, a USB memory, an SD (Secure Digital) card, or the like.

  In addition, the image acquisition unit 420 performs an operation MU for storing an image by a user, and uses a USB cable to a communication interface (not shown) provided in the information communication apparatus 400. When the stored digital camera is connected, an image is read from the digital camera.

  The image acquisition unit 420 associates the identification information for identifying the user who has performed the operation MU for storing the image with the read image and stores it in the shared folder 441. As a result, the shared folder 441 stores an image associated with the identification information.

  The information acquisition unit 430 uses a card reader provided in the information communication apparatus 400 to retrieve the user authentication information from an IC (Integrated Circuit) card or the like in which user authentication information for identifying (authenticating) the user is stored. Is read.

  The server 200 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer). The server 200 includes a network I / F 201, an information management unit 210, and a storage unit 220.

  The network I / F 201 has a function of communicating with the network 30.

  The storage unit 220 is a storage device such as an HDD. In the storage unit 220, a user directory 221 is provided for each piece of identification information. The identification information is, for example, a user ID. The user directory 221 is created by the information management unit 210.

  The storage unit 220 stores a user name, a user ID, a password, an email address, user authentication information, shared folder information, and the like. The e-mail address is used to notify the completion of registration of user authentication information. The user authentication information is information used for accessing the shared folder 441 from the print terminal 100. The shared folder information is information indicating the location of the shared folder 441. The storage unit 220 also stores a list of a plurality of registered shared folders.

  The information management unit 210 has a function of managing various information. The information management unit 210 includes a registration unit 211 and an inquiry unit 212. The registration unit 211 performs processing for registering user information, details of which will be described later. Although the details will be described later, the inquiry unit 212 performs authentication determination using user information.

  The print terminal 100 includes a network I / F 101, a display unit 111, an audio output unit 112, an input unit 120, a printing unit 130, a fee settlement unit 140, an inquiry unit 150, an information acquisition unit 160, and a control. Unit 170.

  The control unit 170 is configured with hardware and software. The control unit 170 is connected to each component (for example, the display unit 111) included in the print terminal 100. The control unit 170 performs various processes described later. For example, the control unit 170 manages the state of each component, gives instructions to each component, and the like. The control unit 170 controls each component included in the print terminal 100.

  The network I / F 101 has a function of communicating with the network 30.

  The display unit 111 is a liquid crystal display, a CRT display, or the like. The display unit 111 displays an image corresponding to the state of the print terminal 100. The display unit 111 displays, for example, an image that instructs the user to perform an operation or the like. The audio output unit 112 is a speaker.

  The input unit 120 is an interface for a user to give an instruction to the print terminal 100. The input unit 120 includes a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. The user can perform operations such as menu selection, number of printed sheets, image selection (designation), and the like by performing operations using the input unit 120. Hereinafter, an operation performed by the user using the input unit 120 is referred to as an operation PU.

  The printing unit 130 is a sublimation type printer, an ink jet type printer, or the like. Although described in detail later, the printing unit 130 prints an image on a sheet-like print medium. Examples of the print medium include plain paper, plain paper with a protective layer, and sticker paper.

  The fee settlement unit 140 is a cash-in type charging machine such as a coin mech or bill validator. The fee settlement unit 140 includes a fee entry port (not shown). The fee settlement unit 140 settles the fee that the user has inserted into the fee entry port. The fee is a fee necessary for the user to use the printing service, for example. The fee settlement unit 140 is not limited to the above-described billing machine, and may be, for example, an IC card reader corresponding to electronic money.

  Although the details will be described later, the inquiry unit 150 inquires (transmits) user information for authentication to the server. Although details will be described later, the information acquisition unit 160 is a card reader that reads user authentication information stored in a card such as an IC card.

  Next, the flow of a print service in the print service system 1000 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. In order for the user to use the printing service, user information and image pre-registration are required. Hereinafter, the process for performing pre-registration for using the printing service is also referred to as pre-registration process.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the pre-registration process.

  First, the user uses the input unit 412 of the information communication apparatus 400 to perform an operation MU for providing a shared folder 441 that can be accessed from the outside via the network 30 in the image sharing storage unit 440. Thereby, in step S110, the control unit 402 creates a shared folder 441 in the image sharing storage unit 440.

  Next, the user inserts a memory medium storing a plurality of images into a memory media reader (not shown) provided in the information communication apparatus 400. Next, the user performs an operation MU for storing a plurality of images in the information communication apparatus 400.

  Thereby, in step S120, the image acquisition unit 420 reads a plurality of images from the memory medium. Then, the image acquisition unit 420 stores the plurality of images in the shared folder 441 of the image sharing storage unit 440.

  Note that the processing in step S120 may be performed when a digital camera storing an image is connected to a communication interface (not shown) provided in the information communication apparatus 400 using a USB cable.

  In step S120, one image may be read. In this case, one image is stored in the shared folder 441 by the process of step S120.

  Next, in step S130, user information registration processing is performed. The user information registration process is performed using an Internet Web service. In the user information registration process, user information is input, set, and registered. The user information registration process will be briefly described below.

  In the user information registration process, the control unit 402 of the information communication apparatus 400 transmits a request for using the Web service provided by the server 200 to the server 200. As a result, the server 200 transmits each image described later to the information communication apparatus 400. Then, the control unit 402 causes the display unit 411 to display the received image at a timing according to the situation.

  Then, the user uses the input unit 412 of the information communication apparatus 400 to input user information. The user information includes a user name, a user ID, a password, an email address, shared folder information, and user authentication information. The user authentication information is, for example, card information described later.

  Then, the control unit 402 transmits a registration instruction for registering the input user information to the server 200 to the server 200. The registration instruction includes the input user information.

  In addition, the control unit 402 associates the identification information included in the user information with the plurality of images stored in the shared folder 441 in step S120. The identification information is, for example, a user ID. Thereby, the shared folder 441 of the image sharing storage unit 440 stores a plurality of images associated with the identification information.

  When the process of step S130 is performed in a state where one image is stored in the shared folder 441, the shared folder 441 of the image sharing storage unit 440 stores one image associated with the identification information. To do.

  In response to the reception of the registration instruction, the registration unit 211 of the information management unit 210 of the server 200 stores the user directory 221 associated with the identification information included in the user information included in the registration instruction in the storage unit 220. create. The identification information is, for example, a user ID.

  Next, the information management unit 210 stores the received user information in the created user directory 221. Accordingly, the storage unit 220 including the user directory 221 stores user information including identification information in association with the identification information. As described above, the user information is registered in the server 200.

  Next, an example of the user information registration process in step S130 will be specifically described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing images displayed on the display unit 411 in each situation of the user information registration process.

  First, in the user information registration process, the control unit 402 of the information communication apparatus 400 transmits a request for using the Web service to the information management unit 210 of the server 200 via the network 30. Thereby, the Web service can be used. Thereafter, the display unit 411 displays the image G22 in FIG. 3 for a predetermined time, and then displays the image G22.

  While the image G22 is displayed, as described above, the user inputs user information using the input unit 412 of the information communication apparatus 400. The user information includes a user name, a user ID, a password, a mail address, and shared folder information. Here, the shared folder information is information for specifying the location of the shared folder 441. The shared folder information is a global IP address, a directory path, and the like.

  In addition, the user uses the input unit 412 to perform an operation for selecting a user authentication method. The user authentication method is an authentication method necessary when accessing the shared folder 441 from the print terminal 100. The user authentication method is also a method for specifying a user when accessing the shared folder 441 from the print terminal 100.

  An example of the user authentication method is a method of authenticating by combining an IC card, a user ID, and a password (hereinafter also referred to as user authentication method N1). The IC card is an IC chip mounted cash card, credit card, membership card, or the like.

  Another example of the user authentication method is a method of authenticating a combination of a magnetic card, a user ID and a password (hereinafter also referred to as user authentication method N2). The magnetic card is a magnetic stripe cash card, a credit card, a membership card, or the like.

  Another example of the user authentication method is a method of authenticating a combination of a barcode or matrix type two-dimensional code, a user ID and a password (hereinafter also referred to as user authentication method N3). The bar code or matrix type two-dimensional code is a code shown on a member card or the like. The matrix type two-dimensional code is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark).

  In user authentication processing described later corresponding to each user authentication method, user information including a user ID and a password is used in combination with either a physical card or an identification code. The physical card is, for example, an IC card or a magnetic card. The identification code is, for example, a bar code or a matrix type two-dimensional code.

  When an operation for pressing the button B22 is performed after each of the above operations is performed in a state where the image G22 is displayed, the control unit 402 displays the input user information, user authentication method information, Is transmitted to the server 200 for registration. The registration instruction includes input user information and user authentication method information. The user authentication method information is information that identifies the selected user authentication method.

  In response to the reception of the registration instruction, the information management unit 210 of the server 200 creates the user directory 221 in the storage unit 220 as described above, and receives the received user information and user authentication in the user directory 221. Method information is stored. Then, the display unit 411 displays the image G23.

  The image G23 is an image for inputting card information used in the selected user authentication method. The card information of the IC card includes, for example, information indicating the type of IC card, a card number, a password, and the like. The card information is not limited to the above. The card information may be, for example, information including a card ID for identifying the card, a user name, a password, and the like.

  In a state where the image G23 is displayed, the user uses the input unit 412 to perform an operation for inputting card information and an operation for registering the card information in the server 200 as user authentication information. The user authentication information is user information.

  In response to the above operation, the control unit 402 transmits, to the server 200, a registration instruction for registering the input card information as user authentication information in the server 200. The registration instruction includes the input card information.

  In response to receiving the registration instruction, the information management unit 210 of the server 200 stores the received card information as user authentication information in the created user directory 221. Accordingly, user authentication information (card information) as user information is registered in the server 200.

  Next, the display unit 411 displays the image G24. Along with the display of the image G24, the server 200 transmits a registration completion notification (message) indicating that the registration of the user information is completed to the registered e-mail address. Thus, the user information registration process ends.

  Next, a process for printing an image (hereinafter also referred to as a printing process) performed after the pre-registration process will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the printing process. The display unit 111 of the print terminal 100 displays an image corresponding to each situation of the printing process, and the audio output unit 112 outputs an audio corresponding to each situation, thereby giving an instruction of an operation to be performed by the user to the user. give. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating images displayed on the display unit 111 of the print terminal 100 in each situation of the printing process.

  First, in the printing process, the display unit 111 displays a selection image G41 for selecting an image print usage method according to control by the control unit 170. In a state where the selection image G41 is displayed, the user performs an operation PU for selecting a shared folder as a target for reading an image to be printed. As a result, the control unit 170 selects “shared folder” as a target for reading an image to be printed (S210).

  In the following description, processing using an image stored in the shared folder 441 registered in advance will be described. In this embodiment, it is possible to print an image read from a memory medium, a CD, a DVD, or the like, similarly to a conventional print terminal.

  Next, according to control by the control unit 170, the display unit 111 displays the user information input image G42. In a state where the user information input image G42 is displayed, the user uses the input unit 120 to perform an operation PU for inputting a user ID assigned to the user and a password as user information. That is, the input unit 120 is used by the user to input user information including a user ID as identification information and a password. Thereby, the control part 170 receives the user ID and password as input user information (S220).

  Next, in step S230, a user authentication process for determining the legitimacy of the user is performed. Although details will be described later in the user authentication process, as described above, user information including a user ID and a password is used in combination with either a physical card or an identification code. As described above, the physical card is, for example, an IC card or a magnetic card. As described above, the identification code is, for example, a bar code or a matrix type two-dimensional code.

  In the user authentication process, first, the control unit 170 causes the display unit 111 to display a user authentication message. The user authentication message is a message indicating an operation requested to the user in order to perform user authentication.

  In addition, the control unit 170 selects the information by referring to the user authentication method information stored in the user directory 221 associated with the received user ID in the storage unit 220 via the information management unit 210 of the server 200. To understand the user authentication method.

  Here, in the above-described step S130, for example, it is assumed that the above-described user authentication method N1 using an IC card is selected as the user authentication method for accessing the shared folder 441. In this case, the control unit 170 causes the display unit 111 to display an image G43 indicating a user authentication message (instruction) regarding the IC card. The user authentication message is, for example, a message “Please hold the IC card over the card reader”.

  If the selected user authentication method is the above-described user authentication method N3 using an identification code, the identification code of the member card indicating the identification code is used as a card reader instead of the operation and processing described later. An operation and a process for causing the image to be read are performed. In this case, the identification code is used as user authentication information.

  Here, it is assumed that the user authentication information registered in advance in the storage unit 220 by the user information registration process in step S130 described above is stored in the IC card. The user authentication information is, for example, the card information described in the process of step S130 described above.

  The user authentication information is not limited to card information, and may be other information. The user authentication information may be, for example, identification information shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining identification information as user authentication information. As shown in FIG. 6A, the identification information may be information including, for example, an ID, a user name, a date of birth, and a password. The ID in FIG. 6A is, for example, a card ID. Card ID is ID for specifying an IC card, a magnetic card, etc., for example. The date of birth is the date of birth of the user.

  FIG. 6B shows, as an example, identification information generated by arranging (connecting) an ID, a user name, a date of birth, and a password in this order. In addition, when an alphabet exists in identification information as shown in FIG. 6B, the alphabet may be expressed in hexadecimal as shown in FIG. 6C by converting the alphabet into an ASCII code. .

  In order to improve security, the identification information may be information obtained by changing the arrangement of each piece of information shown in FIG. Further, the identification information may be information encrypted by general-purpose encryption software.

  In a state where the image G43 is displayed, the user performs an operation for causing the information acquisition unit 160 as a card reader to read the user authentication information stored in the IC card into the information acquisition unit 160. Thereby, the information acquisition unit 160 reads the user authentication information. When the user authentication information is read, the inquiry unit 150 transmits to the server 200 an authentication request instruction for causing the server 200 to execute an authentication determination process.

  The authentication request instruction includes user information R used for authentication. The user information R includes the read user authentication information and the user ID and password as user information input (received) in step S220. That is, the inquiry unit 150 is a transmission unit that transmits the input user information R to the server 200.

  The information management unit 210 of the server 200 performs an authentication determination process in response to receiving an authentication request instruction including the user information R.

  In the authentication determination process, the information management unit 210 uses the received user information R and the user information stored in the storage unit 220 to determine the validity of the user who has input the user information R I do. More specifically, the information management unit 210 determines whether or not the user specified by the received user information R matches the user specified by the user information stored in the storage unit 220.

  More specifically, the inquiry unit 212 of the information management unit 210 uses the user ID included in the user information R in which the user ID, password, and user authentication information included in the user information R are stored in the storage unit 220. It is determined whether the user ID, password, and user authentication information included in the user information associated with each match.

  Note that the authentication determination process may be configured such that determination is performed using only the user ID and password without using user authentication information (hereinafter also referred to as modified configuration A).

  In the authentication determination process of the modified configuration A, the inquiry unit 212 associates the user ID and password included in the user information R with the user ID included in the user information R stored in the storage unit 220. It is determined whether or not the user ID and the password included in each match.

  If the information management unit 210 determines that they match, the user's validity has been confirmed, that is, user authentication has been performed normally. When the validity of the user is confirmed, the inquiry unit 150 receives a notification indicating that the validity of the user has been confirmed from the information management unit 210.

  The control unit 170 performs a process of displaying the list image G44 on the display unit 111 in response to the reception of the notification by the inquiry unit 150. The list image G44 is an image showing the shared folder registered in advance in the process of step S130. Here, the number of shared folders registered in advance is assumed to be 3, for example. In this case, the list image G44 indicates the names (folder names) of the three shared folders as in the list image G44 of FIG.

  Next, in a state where the list image G44 is displayed, the user performs an operation for selecting a desired shared folder. Thereby, the control unit 170 recognizes the selected shared folder (hereinafter also referred to as a selected shared folder) (S240).

  In step S250, an image acquisition process is performed. In the image acquisition process, the control unit 170 acquires a plurality of images stored in the shared folder 441 of the image sharing storage unit 440 associated with the identification information (user ID) of the user information R. That is, the control unit 170 is an image acquisition unit that acquires an image.

  Specifically, in the image acquisition process, the control unit 170 transmits an acquisition instruction for acquiring a plurality of images associated with the user ID of the user information R to the information communication apparatus 400. The acquisition instruction indicates the user ID of the user information R.

  When receiving the acquisition instruction, the information management unit 210 of the information communication apparatus 400 reads a plurality of images associated with the user ID indicated by the acquisition instruction from the shared folder 441 of the image sharing storage unit 440. Then, the information management unit 210 transmits the plurality of read images to the print terminal 100.

  Thereby, the control unit 170 acquires a plurality of images associated with the user ID from the information communication apparatus 400. When the number of images associated with the user ID is 1, the control unit 170 acquires one image from the information communication apparatus 400. Hereinafter, the image acquired from the information communication apparatus 400 by the process of step S250 is also referred to as an acquired image.

  Next, the control unit 170 causes the display unit 111 to display a plurality of acquired images as thumbnail images (reduced images) of the acquired images (S260). Hereinafter, an image that the user desires to print is also referred to as a print target image.

  Next, the user selects a print target image from among a plurality of images (acquired images) displayed on the display unit 111 using the input unit 120, and print media and prints for printing the print target image Select the size and number of copies. When the number of images associated with the user ID is 1, one image displayed on the display unit 111 is selected as a print target image.

  As a result, the control unit 170 recognizes the selected print target image, print medium, print size, and number of prints (S270). Since the print medium has been described above, detailed description will not be repeated. The print size is a size that can be printed at a photo shop or the like. The print size is, for example, a postcard size (post size), L size, 2L size, or the like. The number of prints is the number of print media on which the print target image is printed.

  Next, in accordance with an instruction from the print terminal 100, the user inputs a printing fee into a fee input port provided in the fee settlement unit 140. The printing fee is a fee required for the printing service. Note that the printing fee is calculated by the control unit 170. As a result, the print terminal 100 acquires a fee (S280).

  When the fee is acquired, the printing unit 130 prints the print target image on the print medium (S290). Through steps S250 and S290, the printing unit 130 prints the image acquired by the image acquisition process. Hereinafter, a print medium on which an image (image to be printed) is printed is also referred to as a printed matter.

  Then, the print terminal 100 discharges the printed material to the outside (S291). Thereby, the user receives the printed matter.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the print service system 1000 includes the information communication apparatus 400, the server 200, and the print terminal 100. The information communication apparatus 400 includes an image sharing storage unit 440 for sharing an image with the outside. The server 200 includes a storage unit 220 that stores the first user information in association with the identification information. The print terminal 100 includes an input unit 120 for a user to input second user information including identification information. When the validity of the user is confirmed by the information management unit 210 of the server 200, the print terminal 100 acquires the image stored in the image sharing storage unit 440 and prints the image.

  That is, in the print service system 1000, the image is printed by the print terminal 100 in a state where the image is stored in the information communication apparatus 400 different from the server 200. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a server from being subjected to a processing load related to an image. For this reason, it is possible to suppress an increase in the time required to print an image due to the processing load relating to the image being applied to the server.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the user creates the shared folder 441 that can be accessed from the outside via the network 30 to the information communication apparatus 400 connected to the network 30 in advance. In addition, the user information communication device 400 accesses the information management unit 210 of the server 200 via the network 30 and registers user information such as a user ID, password, and user authentication information in the shared folder 441. deep.

  As a result, it is possible to eliminate waiting for the user in front of the print terminal 100 such as the time required for reading the memory medium and the time required for data transfer. Further, it is possible to prevent the memory media from being damaged or lost when the user carries the memory media. Moreover, the troublesomeness of backing up the images on the memory media in advance can be eliminated. As described above, the user can easily and quickly print a desired image on the print terminal 100.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the user image is stored in the information communication apparatus 400 connected to the network 30. This eliminates the need to store images in the server 200. As a result, it is possible to eliminate management of image storage capacity and expiration date related to the server 200. Therefore, the storage capacity and operating cost of the server 200 and the management cost of the server 200 can be reduced.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the information communication device 400 is a device that can be carried by the user (for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, etc.). As a result, the information communication apparatus 400 is always connected to the Internet and accessible as long as the remaining battery level is available. Therefore, the print service system 1000 can be operated more stably.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the user stores the image stored in the shared folder 441 that can be accessed from the outside via the network in advance by inputting the user information on the print terminal. The user can select and print a desired image. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate damage or loss of the memory media due to the user carrying the memory media to the installation location of the print terminal.

  In addition, the above-described configuration can eliminate the trouble of backing up the images on the memory media in advance. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate waiting for the user to read the image from the memory medium or to transfer the image in front of the print terminal. As a result, the user can easily and quickly print a desired image on the print terminal.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the image is stored in the shared folder 441 that can be accessed from the outside via the network 30. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the management of the storage capacity and the expiration date related to the storage of the image of the server. As a result, the storage cost and management cost of the server can be reduced.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, images are distributed and stored in a plurality of shared folders 441 that can be accessed from the outside via a network. Therefore, the possibility of damage or disappearance related to storage of image data in the print service system is reduced. As a result, stable service can be provided.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, images are distributed and stored in a plurality of shared folders 441 that can be accessed from the outside via a network. Therefore, even when the information communication apparatus 400 is not turned on or the network storage is not connected to the network, an image can be read from another shared folder 441 and printed.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to eliminate the need for the user to bring the memory medium storing the image to the print terminal. Further, it is possible to eliminate waiting for the user to read the image from the memory medium or to transfer the image to the server in front of the print terminal. In addition, the user can easily and quickly print a desired image on the print terminal.

  Note that when the user brings the memory medium storing the image to the print terminal, the image may be lost due to loss or damage of the memory medium. Therefore, the user needs to backup the image data stored in the digital camera or the memory medium in advance in order to prevent the loss of the image. However, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to eliminate the work such as the backup.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to eliminate the need for a large-capacity server that is connected to a network and stores images in a concentrated manner and a management device that manages the storage capacity of the images. As a result, server installation and maintenance and management costs can be greatly reduced.

  Note that the file size of an image is increasing as digital cameras have higher resolution and higher image quality. In addition, the capacity of stored images is increasing due to the increase in the capacity of memory media for storing captured images. For this reason, it takes a long time for the print terminal to read an image from the memory medium. As a result, the related technologies A and B have a problem that the user of the print service has to wait for a long time in front of the print terminal.

  In addition, in order for the user to receive a printing service, it is necessary to carry a memory medium storing an image to a place where the printing terminal is installed. For this reason, the user may damage the memory medium or lose the memory medium during the movement.

  There are many types of memory media. For this reason, the print terminal has a plurality of insertion openings in order to support various types of memory media. When a user reads an image from a memory medium he / she brings, there is a possibility that a trouble may occur in which the memory medium is damaged due to an incorrect insertion slot. Therefore, in order to avoid trouble, the user needs to make a copy of the image stored in the memory medium and a backup of the image in advance.

  Also, when an image is stored in the image server of the print service system from the print terminal, the user must wait in front of the print terminal while reading the image from the memory medium and transferring the image to the server. There is a problem.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, each of the above problems can be solved by configuring as described above.

  In the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which user identification information of a user ID and a password is used as user information. Further, in the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which card information of an IC card or a magnetic card or an identification code indicated by a membership card is used as user authentication information used for accessing a shared folder. However, the present embodiment is not limited to these configurations. For example, it is good also as a structure which utilizes said card information in combination with user identification information.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, the shared folder is provided in the user information communication apparatus 400. However, in the present embodiment, the shared folder is also provided in the network storage connected to the network 30.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a print service system 1000A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7, the print service system 1000A is different from the print service system 1000 of FIG. 1 in that it further includes a network storage 50. The rest of the configuration of the print service system 1000A is the same as that of the print service system 1000, so detailed description will not be repeated.

  The network storage 50 is a storage device such as an HDD. The network storage 50 functions as an external storage device for the information communication apparatus 400. The network storage 50 is configured to be able to communicate with the network 30. That is, the network storage 50 is configured to be accessible from each of the print terminal 100, the information communication apparatus 400, and the server 200. The network storage 50 is a storage device for sharing images with the outside.

  Similar to the image sharing storage unit 440, the network storage 50 is provided with a shared folder 51. The shared folder 51 is configured in the same manner as the shared folder 441. That is, the shared folder 51 of the network storage 50 stores an image associated with each identification information.

  In the print service system 1000 </ b> A having the above configuration, the user performs an operation MU for providing the shared folder 51 that can be accessed from the outside via the network 30 using the input unit 412 of the information communication apparatus 400. As a result, the shared folder 51 is provided in the network storage 50.

  Next, the user uses the input unit 412 to perform an operation for storing an image in the shared folder 51. As a result, the image is stored in the shared folder 51.

  Further, the user is notified of the location of the shared folder 51 provided in the network storage 50 when accessing the information management unit 210 of the server 200 using the input unit 412 and registering user information in the server 200. Register shared folder information.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, an external storage device is used in addition to the information communication device 400. As a result, a large amount of large-capacity images can be stored at low cost. As a result, the print service system 1000A can store a much larger image than the conventional print service system.

  Note that a photo sharing service or a data storage service provided on an Internet website may be used instead of the network storage 50 as an external storage device.

<Embodiment 3>
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a print service system 1000B according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, the print service system 1000B includes m information communication apparatuses 400B instead of m information communication apparatuses 400, as compared with the print service system 1000A of FIG. Instead, the difference is that the server 200B is included. Since the other configuration of the print service system 1000B is the same as that of the print service system 1000A, detailed description will not be repeated.

  The m information communication devices 400B are expressed as information communication devices 400B-1, 400B-2,..., 400B-m.

  The information communication device 400B is different from the information communication device 400 of FIG. 7 in that a system shared folder 442 is further provided in the image sharing storage unit 440. That is, the image sharing storage unit 440 of each information communication device 400B includes a shared folder 441 as a storage area and a system shared folder 442 as a storage area. Since the other configuration of information communication apparatus 400B is the same as that of information communication apparatus 400, detailed description will not be repeated. That is, the print service system 1000A is provided with a plurality of information communication apparatuses 400B having the image sharing storage unit 440.

  Hereinafter, two different users are referred to as a user A and a user B for the sake of explanation. In the present embodiment, the shared folder 441 included in the specific information communication apparatus 400 is a storage area for storing an image associated with identification information for specifying the user A.

  The system shared folder 442 included in the specific information communication apparatus 400 is shared and used in the print service system 1000A. This is a storage area for storing an image associated with another identification information for specifying another user (user B) different from the user A. The other identification information is, for example, a user ID.

  The server 200B is different from the server 200 of FIG. 7 in that an information management unit 210B is provided instead of the information management unit 210. Since the other configuration of server 200B is the same as that of server 200, detailed description will not be repeated.

  The information management unit 210B is different from the information management unit 210 in that it further includes a distribution management unit 213. Since the other configuration of information management unit 210B is the same as that of information management unit 210, detailed description will not be repeated.

  Although details will be described later, the dispersion management unit 213 performs processing for dispersing and storing images (hereinafter also referred to as image dispersion storage processing).

  Next, the image dispersion storage process will be described. Here, as an example, user A is assumed to be a user who owns information communication device 400B-1. As an example, the user B is assumed to be a user who owns the information communication device 400B-2. Further, it is assumed that the shared folder 441 is provided in the image sharing storage unit 440 of each information communication device 400B by the above-described pre-registration process. Further, it is assumed that the shared folder 441 stores a plurality of images.

  In the image distributed storage process, first, a folder creation process is performed. In the folder creation process, the distribution management unit 213 transmits a creation instruction for creating the system shared folder 442 to the image sharing storage unit 440 to each information communication apparatus 400B. The control unit 402 of each information communication device 400B creates a system shared folder 442 in the image sharing storage unit 440 in accordance with the creation instruction.

  Next, in the image distributed storage process, a duplicate image storage process is performed. In the following description, the information communication apparatuses 400B-1 and 400B-2 are used for explanation. Hereinafter, the image stored in the shared folder 441 of the information communication apparatus 400B-1 is also referred to as an image G1.

  In the following, an image obtained by duplicating the image G1 is also referred to as a duplicate image. Hereinafter, one information communication device 400B among the m information communication devices 400B is also referred to as a specific information communication device 400B or an original image storage device. The specific information communication device 400B (original image storage device) is, for example, the information communication device 400B-1.

  In the following, information communication devices 400B other than the specific information communication device 400B among the m information communication devices are also referred to as other information communication devices 400B or duplicate image storage devices. Another information communication device 400B is, for example, an information communication device 400B-2.

  In the duplicate image storage process, the distribution management unit 213 copies a duplicate image obtained by copying the image G1 stored in the shared folder 441 of the image sharing storage unit 440 included in the specific information communication device 400B to the other information communication device 400B. Processing for storing in the system shared folder 442 of the image sharing storage unit 440 is performed.

  Specifically, the distribution management unit 213 acquires the image G1 stored in the shared folder 441 of the image sharing storage unit 440 included in the specific information communication device 400B (original image storage device). Then, the distribution management unit 213 stores the duplicate image obtained by duplicating the acquired image G1 in the system shared folder 442 of the image sharing storage unit 440 included in the other information communication apparatus 400B.

  The system shared folder 442 may store a plurality of images obtained by dividing the duplicate image instead of the duplicate image.

  Next, a user information update process N is performed. In the user information update process N, the distributed management unit 213 includes the distributed storage information in the user information stored in the user directory 221 associated with the identification information that identifies the user who owns the specific information communication device 400B. The distributed storage information is information indicating the location of the system shared folder 442 storing the duplicate image (that is, the location where the duplicate image is stored). The user information stored in the user directory 221 is information input by the user using the input unit 412 in the user information registration process of FIG.

  Thus, the image dispersion storage process ends. In the duplicate image storage process, the number of specific information communication devices 400B (original image storage devices) is 1, and the number of other information communication devices 400B (replicated image storage devices) is k (1 ≦ k ≦ m). Natural number to meet).

  For example, when the duplicate image storage process is performed in a state where k = 3, the duplicate image of the image G1 included in one information communication device 400B (original image storage device) becomes three information communication devices 400B (replication). Image storage device). In this case, one user information stored in the user directory 221 includes three types of distributed storage information.

  Here, in order to simplify the explanation, it is assumed that k = 1. Further, it is assumed that the information communication device 400B-1 is an original image storage device and the information communication device 400B-2 is a duplicate image storage device. In this case, in the copy image storage process, the distribution management unit 213 copies the copy image obtained by copying the image G1 stored in the shared folder 441 of the image sharing storage unit 440 included in the information communication device 400B-1 to the information communication device 400B. -2 is stored in the system shared folder 442 of the image sharing storage unit 440.

  Then, the distribution management unit 213 includes the distributed storage information in the user information stored in the user directory 221 associated with the identification information that identifies the user A who owns the information communication device 400B-1. The distributed storage information is information indicating the location of the system shared folder 442 of the information communication apparatus 400B-1.

  The image dispersion storage process is repeatedly performed every time the target original image storage device is changed. By repeatedly performing the image distributed storage process, a plurality of duplicate images can be distributed and stored in a plurality of system shared folders 442.

  Next, in the print terminal 100, the control unit 170 performs one or both of the image acquisition process B and the duplicate image acquisition process.

  In the image acquisition process B, the control unit 170 uses the user information R described above to inquire the server 200B about the storage location of the image G1, and the image G1 stored in the shared folder 441 according to the storage location of the image G1. It is processing for acquiring.

  Specifically, in the image acquisition process B, the control unit 170 transmits a storage location request including the user information R to the server 200B. The storage location request is a request for inquiring about the storage location of the image G1.

  In response to receiving the storage location request, the server 200 </ b> B transmits the shared folder information stored in the user directory 221 associated with the user ID included in the user information R to the print terminal 100. As a result, the control unit 170 requests the image G1 from the information communication apparatus 400B-1 including the shared folder 441 as the storage location according to the storage location of the image G1 indicated by the received shared folder information. Get G1.

  Further, in the duplicate image acquisition process, the control unit 170 uses the above-described user information R to inquire the server 200B about the storage location of the duplicate image, and stores it in the system shared folder 442 according to the storage location of the duplicate image. The process for acquiring the duplicate image is performed.

  Specifically, in the duplicate image acquisition process, control unit 170 transmits a duplicate storage location request including user information R to server 200B. The duplicate storage location request is a request for inquiring the storage location of the duplicate image.

  In response to receiving the copy storage location request, the server 200 </ b> B transmits the distributed storage information stored in the user directory 221 associated with the user ID included in the user information R to the print terminal 100. Thereby, the control unit 170 requests a duplicate image from the information communication apparatus 400B-1 including the system shared folder 442 as the storage location according to the storage location of the duplicate image indicated by the received distributed storage information. Get a duplicate image.

  In the following, an image (image G1, duplicate image) acquired in one or both of the image acquisition process B and the duplicate image acquisition process is also referred to as an acquired image.

  Then, the printing process B is performed. In the printing process B, the processes of steps S260 to S291 in FIG. 4 are performed. Thereby, the printing unit 130 prints the print target image (acquired image) on the print medium.

  As described above, according to the print service system 1000B of the present embodiment, the images are distributed and stored in the system shared folder 442 of the plurality of information communication apparatuses 400B connected to the network 30. Therefore, in the entire print service system 1000B, the possibility of damage or disappearance related to image storage is reduced, and stable image storage is possible.

  Further, the images are distributed and stored in the system shared folder 442 of the plurality of information communication apparatuses 400B. Therefore, even if the information communication apparatus 400B owned by the user is not turned on, or the information communication apparatus 400B is not connected to the network 30, the user's image is acquired by the print terminal 100. The image can be printed.

  Furthermore, the more information communication devices 400B connected to the network 30, the larger the total capacity of images that can be stored, and the wider range of image storage. Therefore, the print service system 1000B can be maintained and operated more stably.

<Embodiment 4>
In the third embodiment, the distribution management unit 213 of the information management unit 210B performs a process for creating the system shared folder 442 in the image sharing storage unit 440. In addition, the distribution management unit 213 performs processing for storing the duplicate image by distributing it to a plurality of system shared folders 442.

  In the present embodiment, processing for managing images stored in a distributed manner (hereinafter referred to as distributed storage image management processing) is performed so that the images can be stably stored and used. In the distributed storage image management processing, processing for moving the distributed storage location of images and processing for distributing and storing images in the new system shared folder 442 so that a certain number or more of the system shared folders 442 can always be accessed. Etc.

  The print service system according to the present embodiment is the print service system 1000B of FIG. The distribution management unit 213 in the print service system 1000B repeatedly performs the distributed storage image management process every time a specific time elapses. The distributed storage image management process is a process for managing such that the number of accessible system shared folders related to one user information always exceeds a prescribed value.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the distributed storage image management process.

  In step S310, the distribution management unit 213 refers to user information stored in the user directory 221. The user information referred to is, for example, information input by the original image storage device (information communication device 400B).

  Here, the user information will be described below as an example including a plurality of types of distributed storage information. Note that the user information may include one piece of distributed storage information. Hereinafter, the user information referred to in step S310 is also referred to as reference user information.

  In the following, the image sharing storage unit 440 corresponding to the system shared folder 442 indicated in the distributed storage information included in the reference user information is also referred to as a target image sharing storage unit. When the number of pieces of distributed storage information included in the reference user information is plural, the number of target image sharing storage units is plural. Here, as an example, it is assumed that there are a plurality of target image sharing storage units.

  In step S320, access processing is performed. In the access process, the distribution management unit 213 attempts to access all target image sharing storage units.

  For example, when the information communication apparatus 400 having the target image sharing storage unit is turned off, the target image sharing storage unit (image sharing storage unit 440) is inaccessible. Hereinafter, the accessible image sharing storage unit 440 is also referred to as an accessible storage unit.

  Through the access processing, the distribution management unit 213 grasps the number of accessible storage units. Hereinafter, the number of distributed storage information included in the reference user information is also simply referred to as distributed storage information number S.

  That is, by performing step S320 at predetermined time intervals, the distribution management unit 213 causes the image sharing storage unit 440 (target) that is a storage location of the duplicate image indicated by each of the one or more pieces of distributed storage information included in the reference user information. The image sharing storage unit) is periodically accessed. Thereby, the distribution management unit 213 grasps the number of accessible image sharing storage units corresponding to the same reference user information.

  In step S330, the distribution management unit 213 determines whether the number of accessible storage units is equal to or greater than a specified value T. The prescribed value T is, for example, a value that is 0.3 times the number of distributed storage information S. When the 0.3-fold value is not an integer, an integer obtained by rounding off the value after the decimal point of the 0.3-fold value is set as the specified value T. When the number of distributed storage information S is 1, the specified value T is set to 1.

  The specified value T is not limited to a value that is 0.3 times the number of distributed storage information S. The prescribed value T may be, for example, a value 0.1 to 0.2 times the number of distributed storage information S or a value 0.4 times the number of distributed storage information S.

  If YES in step S330, this distributed storage image management process ends. On the other hand, if NO in step S330, that is, if the number of accessible storage units is less than the prescribed value T, the process proceeds to step S331.

  Hereinafter, the shared folder 441 specified by the shared folder information included in the reference user information is also referred to as a specific shared folder. In the following, among the m image sharing storage units 440 that each of the m information communication apparatuses 400 has, the image sharing storage unit 440 other than the target image sharing storage unit is also referred to as a new image sharing storage unit.

  In step S331, an image storage process B is performed. In the image storage process B, either an image moving process or an image duplicating process is performed.

  In the image movement process, the distribution management unit 213 performs a process for moving the image G1 stored in the specific shared folder to the system shared folder 442 of the new image shared storage unit.

  Specifically, the distribution management unit 213 acquires the image G1 stored in the specific shared folder from the information communication apparatus 400 including the specific shared folder. Then, the distribution management unit 213 stores the acquired image G1 in the system shared folder 442 of each new image shared storage unit of all the information communication apparatuses 400 including the new image shared storage unit.

  In the image duplication processing, the distribution management unit 213 performs processing for storing a duplicate image obtained by duplicating the image G1 stored in the specific shared folder in the new image sharing storage unit.

  Specifically, the distribution management unit 213 acquires the image G1 stored in the specific shared folder from the information communication apparatus 400 including the specific shared folder. Then, the distribution management unit 213 stores the duplicate image obtained by duplicating the acquired image G1 in the system shared folder 442 of the new image shared storage unit of each of the information communication apparatuses 400 including the new image shared storage unit.

  In step S332, a user information update process is performed. In the user information update process, the distribution management unit 213 updates the reference user information in accordance with the process performed in the image storage process B.

  When the image movement process is performed in the image storage process B, the distribution management unit 213 further includes distributed storage information indicating the location of the system shared folder 442 in which the image is stored by the image movement process, in the reference user information. As a result, the reference user information stored in the system shared folder 442 is updated.

  When the image duplication process is performed in the image storage process B, the distribution management unit 213 further includes the distributed storage information indicating the location of the system shared folder 442 where the image is stored by the image duplication process in the reference user information. As a result, the reference user information stored in the system shared folder 442 is updated.

  After the process of step S332, the process of step S320 is performed again.

  By the above distributed storage image management process, the access process of step S320 is performed at predetermined time intervals during a period in which the state determined as YES in step S330 continues.

  Note that the distributed storage image management process is performed on user information stored in each user directory 221. That is, the distributed storage image management process is performed for each different user information stored in the storage unit 220.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to manage the number of system shared folders as image storage destinations that can be accessed according to one user information always exceed a prescribed value. .

<Embodiment 5>
In this embodiment, a configuration for performing encryption processing will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a print service system 1000C according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10, the print service system 1000C includes n print terminals 100C instead of n print terminals 100 as compared to the print service system 1000B in FIG. 8, and instead of the server 200B. The difference is that the server 200C is included. Since the other configuration of the print service system 1000C is the same as that of the print service system 1000B, detailed description will not be repeated.

  The n print terminals 100C are expressed as print terminals 100C-1, 100C-2, ..., 100C-n.

  The server 200C is different from the server 200B of FIG. 8 in that an information management unit 210C is provided instead of the information management unit 210B. Since the other configuration of server 200C is the same as that of server 200B, detailed description will not be repeated.

  The information management unit 210C is different from the information management unit 210B in that it further includes an encryption processing unit 214. Since the other configuration of information management unit 210C is the same as that of information management unit 210B, detailed description will not be repeated.

  Although the details will be described later, the encryption processing unit 214 performs encryption processing.

  The print terminal 100C is different from the print terminal 100 of FIG. 8 in that it further includes a decoding unit 180. Since the other configuration of print terminal 100C is the same as that of print terminal 100, detailed description will not be repeated. The decryption unit 180 performs decryption processing, details of which will be described later.

  In the print service system 1000C, an image distributed storage process C is performed. The image distributed storage process C differs only in that the duplicate image stored in the system shared folder 442 is encrypted by the encryption processing unit 214 in the image distributed storage process of the third embodiment. Since the other processes of the image distributed storage process C are the same as the image distributed storage process, detailed description will not be repeated.

  A brief description is given below. In the image distribution storage process C, the distribution management unit 213 performs a process for storing the encrypted duplicate image in the system shared folder 442 of the image sharing storage unit 440 included in the other information communication apparatus 400B.

  Specifically, the distribution management unit 213 acquires the image G1 stored in the shared folder 441 of the image sharing storage unit 440 included in the specific information communication device 400B (original image storage device). Then, the dispersion management unit 213 generates a duplicate image obtained by duplicating the acquired image G1.

  Next, the encryption processing unit 214 encrypts the duplicate image. The encryption method is, for example, a method using a general password or a method with high security using a common key code and a specific key code. Thereby, privacy between users can be maintained.

  Hereinafter, the encrypted copy image is also referred to as an encrypted image. Note that the encryption processing unit 214 may encrypt a plurality of images obtained by dividing the duplicate image.

  Next, the distribution management unit 213 stores the encrypted image (replicated image) in the system shared folder 442 of the image sharing storage unit 440 included in the other information communication apparatus 400B.

  The system shared folder 442 may store an image obtained by encrypting each of a plurality of images obtained by dividing the duplicate image.

  Next, as in the third embodiment, user information update processing N is performed. Thereafter, one or both of the image acquisition process B and the duplicate image acquisition process C are performed by the control unit 170 in the print terminal 100C. The image acquisition process B is the same as the process described in the third embodiment.

  The duplicate image acquisition process C is different only in that the duplicate image acquired in the duplicate image acquisition process of the third embodiment is encrypted. Since the other processes of the duplicate image acquisition process C are the same as the duplicate image acquisition process, detailed description will not be repeated.

  A brief description is given below. In the duplicate image acquisition process C, the control unit 170 uses the user information R described above to inquire the server 200C about the storage location of the encrypted duplicate image, and the system shared folder 442 according to the storage location of the duplicate image. The process for obtaining the encrypted duplicate image stored in the. As a result, the control unit 170 acquires an encrypted copy image (encrypted image).

  Next, a decoding process is performed. In the decryption process, the encrypted image is decrypted. Thereby, the decryption process acquires a non-encrypted duplicate image.

  Hereinafter, the image (image G1, duplicate image) acquired by the image acquisition process B and the decoding process is also referred to as an acquired image.

  Then, the printing process C is performed. In the printing process C, the processes of steps S260 to S291 in FIG. 4 are performed. Thereby, the printing unit 130 prints the print target image (acquired image) on the print medium.

  When the image G1 stored in the shared folder 441 of the information communication apparatus 400B is deleted, the information management unit 210C (distribution management unit 213) of the server 200C shares the system in which the image is distributed and stored. The image in the folder 442 may be deleted. Thereby, management may be performed so that images that are not used remain in the shared folder.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, encrypted images are distributed and stored in the system shared folder 442 as a shared area. Thereby, privacy between users can be maintained. In addition, when the user performs an operation for deleting the stored image, the image of the other information communication apparatus 400B stored in a distributed manner is also deleted. As a result, images that are no longer needed can be reduced, and an increase in the storage capacity of the entire system can be suppressed. As a result, a stable system can be operated.

(Other variations)
The print service system according to the present invention has been described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The present invention also includes modifications made to the present embodiment by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be freely combined with each other within the scope of the invention, and each embodiment can be appropriately modified or omitted.

  Further, each of the print service systems 1000, 1000A, 1000B, and 1000C may not include all the components shown in FIGS. That is, each of the print service systems 1000, 1000A, 1000B, and 1000C need only include the minimum components that can realize the effects of the present invention.

  Further, the present invention may be realized as an image printing method in which operations of characteristic components included in each of the print service systems 1000, 1000A, 1000B, and 1000C are steps. In the present invention, a computer may execute each step included in the image printing method. The present invention may also be realized as a program that causes a computer to execute each step included in such an image printing method. Further, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable recording medium that stores such a program. The program may be distributed via a transmission medium such as the Internet.

  All the numerical values used in the above-mentioned embodiment are examples of numerical values for specifically explaining the present invention. That is, the present invention is not limited to the numerical values used in the above embodiments.

  The image printing method according to the present invention corresponds to a part or all of the flowchart of FIG. The image printing method according to the present invention does not necessarily include all corresponding steps in FIG. That is, the image printing method according to the present invention need only include the minimum steps that can realize the effects of the present invention.

  The order in which the steps in the image printing method are executed is an example for specifically explaining the present invention, and may be in an order other than the above. Further, some of the steps in the image printing method and other steps may be executed in parallel independently of each other. It should be noted that the present invention can be freely combined with each other within the scope of the invention, and each embodiment can be appropriately modified or omitted.

  For example, a system shared folder 442 as a storage destination for distributing and storing images may be provided in the print terminal 100 (print terminal 100C). In a general print service system, the number of installed print terminals 100 is much smaller than the number of information communication apparatuses 400. However, the print terminal 100 is always energized and available for use during service use time for providing a print service. Therefore, the system shared folder 442 provided in the print terminal 100 can always be accessed. As a result, a print print service can be provided to the user stably.

  The information communication device 400 is not limited to a device that can be carried by the user, and may be a stationary device.

  30 network, 50 network storage, 51,441 shared folder, 100, 100-1, 100-2,..., 100-n, 100C, 100C-1, 100C-2,. , 120, 412 input unit, 130 printing unit, 150, 212 inquiry unit, 170, 402 control unit, 180 decryption unit, 200, 200B, 200C server, 210, 210B, 210C information management unit, 213 distribution management unit, 214 encryption Processing unit, 220 storage unit, 400, 400-1, 400-2, ..., 400-m, 400B, 400B-1, 400B-2, ..., 400B-m Information communication device, 440 Image sharing storage 442 System shared folder, 1000, 1000A, 1000B, 1000C Print service Stem.

Claims (5)

A print service system including an information communication device, a server, and a print terminal that can communicate with each other via a network,
The information communication device includes:
An image sharing storage unit for storing an image associated with identification information for specifying a user and sharing the image with the outside;
The server
A storage unit for storing the first user information including the identification information in association with the identification information;
The print terminal is
An input unit for a user to input second user information including the identification information for specifying the user;
A transmission unit that transmits the input second user information to the server,
The server further includes:
Using the received second user information and the first user information, an information management unit for performing a determination for confirming the validity of the user who has input the second user information;
The print terminal further includes:
When the validity is confirmed, an image acquisition unit that acquires the image stored in the image sharing storage unit and associated with the identification information of the second user information;
A printing unit for printing the acquired image ,
The print service system includes a plurality of the information communication devices having the image sharing storage unit,
The image sharing storage unit of each information communication device is
A first storage area for storing an image associated with the identification information;
A second storage area for storing an image associated with another identification information for identifying another user,
The information management unit of the server is
A plurality of duplicate images, which are images obtained by duplicating the target image, which is the image stored in the first storage area of the image sharing storage unit included in a specific information communication device of the plurality of information communication devices. A distribution management unit that performs processing for storing in the second storage area of the image sharing storage unit included in another information communication device other than the specific information communication device,
The distribution management unit further includes distributed storage information indicating a storage location of the duplicate image in the first user information,
The image acquisition unit of the print terminal is
(A) Using the second user information, the server is inquired about the storage location of the target image stored in the first storage area, and is stored in the first storage area according to the storage location of the target image. Process for acquiring the stored target image
(B) Using the second user information, the server is inquired about the storage location of the duplicate image indicated by the distributed storage information, and is stored in the second storage area according to the storage location of the duplicate image. Processing for obtaining the duplicate image
Do one or both of
The distribution management unit of the server further tries to access the image sharing storage unit, which is a storage location of the duplicate image indicated by the distributed storage information included in the first user information, by periodically accessing the same. Ascertaining the number of accessible image sharing storage units corresponding to the first user information;
If the number of accessible image sharing storage units is less than a prescribed value, the distribution management unit,
(C) The new image sharing storage unit that is the image sharing storage unit other than the image sharing storage unit that the distribution management unit periodically tries to access among the plurality of image sharing storage units. Processing for moving to the second storage area
(D) Processing for storing the duplicate image in the new image sharing storage unit
A printing service system that does one of the above . The print service system further includes:
The print service system according to claim 1, comprising a network storage configured to be communicable with the network, storing an image, and sharing the image with the outside. The information management unit of the server further includes:
An encryption processing unit for encrypting the duplicate image;
The distribution management unit of the server performs a process for storing the encrypted duplicate image in the second storage area of the image sharing storage unit included in the other information communication device,
The image acquisition unit of the print terminal uses the second user information to inquire the storage location of the duplicate image indicated by the distributed storage information to the server, and the second user information is stored in accordance with the storage location of the duplicate image. Performing a process for obtaining the encrypted duplicate image stored in the storage area;
The print terminal further includes:
Print service system as in claim 1 or 2 comprising a decoding unit for decoding the acquired the encrypted duplicated image. The second user information includes a user ID and a password,
The second user information is used in combination with either (a) a physical card which is an IC (Integrated Circuit) card or a magnetic card and (b) an identification code which is a bar code or a matrix type two-dimensional code. The printing service system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The information communication apparatus, the print service system according to any one of claims 1-4 user is capable portable device.

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