Network photographic service system, image command apparatus and method

The first network camera service system, printing order equipment and order printing method This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application 97126497. X filed on November 18, 1997, titled "Network Camera Service System".

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a network photography service system for providing users with related photography services through a network such as the Internet.

2. Description of the Related Art In order to provide users with a photographic service, a network photographic service system has been proposed. The system provides additional printing instructions and attaches photographic images to various instruments such as scanners and printers. Various services such as uploading and downloading of photo and image data in e-mail messages, and, in the major wholesale lab (Major wholesale lab), the server computer includes a large-capacity disk (hereinafter referred to as the image server) to enable users It can save his/her image recorded in the image server and access the image server through a network.

The advantage of the network camera service is that the user can order a print even if the user stays at home or in the office. However, in reality, not everything, such as developing films and receiving prints, can be performed on the network. Therefore, it is useful to provide this service through a local photo studio or retail station as an agency.

Looking at this service from the user's point of view, the more such agencies, the more convenient it is. However, from the perspective of easier understanding of where to visit when placing an order or easier data management, it is better to have only one wholesale station for accepting orders. Therefore, when providing a network camera service, it is best to consider whether to centralize the equipment in the wholesale station, so as to involve as many agencies as possible.

However, in the form where all the above-mentioned instruments are concentrated in a large-scale wholesale station, since the transmission path from the agency to the wholesale station becomes longer and there is a waiting time after the agency has processed the films and before the collection of these films, it is impossible Avoid delaying the delivery date of the print.

Although it is possible to increase the number of wholesale stations while increasing the frequency of concentration and transmission.

02140324.4 The shortest transmission path is used to perform faster processing, but the advantages such as easy to understand where to access and easy to centralize data are lost. In addition, the increase in concentration and transmission frequency leads to an increase in the concentration and transmission cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Based on the consideration of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a network camera service system that can provide users with a punctual and efficient service and maintain the network camera service system such as easy to understand where to visit And the advantages of easy centralized data management.

The network camera service system of the present invention includes at least a station server with the ability to communicate via a network and set in a printer with an image, and a central server set in a service center for receiving printing commands via the network, wherein, The processing performed by the central server includes the following steps: storing the image recorded by the user of each station as digital image data, making the digital image data accessible on the network, and responding to commands transmitted by the user through the network A station is selected to output one print in a plurality of stations, and the printing service requested by the command is provided to the user by transmitting instruction information to the station server in the selected station.

The so-called "station server" here refers to a service computer inserted into an individual station such as a counter-type retail station, and a "central server" refers to a service computer inserted into a service center for centralized management of image data. Both the station and the central server have a data recording medium such as a hard disk whose capacity is sufficient to store the desired image data. The station server performs winding of the so-called printer server and has connections to image printers (in the case where there are multiple image printers, the connections to the printers can be switched to each other).

"Receiving a printing command via the network" refers to receiving a command used as command information from the user in the form of predetermined data. In particular, the format of the command information is, for example, disclosed on a mesh citation on the Internet and transmitted by the user to the central server via an e-mail message, and the command information is established according to this format. In addition, if the user creates a command by inputting information on a predetermined screen, the command can be automatically converted into command information in a predetermined format and transmitted to the central server.

The "graphic image obtained through a station" refers to the graphic image obtained by scanning the user to the station for the first printing using a film scanner. In addition, users use various data readers such as card readers to read out graphic images obtained from digital cameras such as storage devices.

02140324.4 can be included in the graphic image. These graphic images will refer to digital image data from now on.

The read-out processing can be performed in the service center (in a centralized manner). However, if each station performs this processing, since data concentration, transmission, and waiting time are not required, the data transmission will become faster. In this case, an operation of transmitting the digital image obtained by the station to the central server will be required. This operation of transmitting data to the central server can be performed by the station every time the station obtains digital image data or when the concentration is performed at a predetermined time. In addition, the central server can extract data from each station server. In the same situation (where the data is large), the data can be stored in a medium and then transmitted without using the network.

The "network" referred to here refers to the network represented by the internetwork. The network includes all communication devices whose communication speed is sufficient to transmit command information and image data such as dedicated lines, CATV networks, dial-up connections, and LANs.

The central server executes the step of "executing the steps including storing the image as digital image data recorded by the user of each station and making the digital image data accessible on the network", thereby making the digital image The data is centrally managed and enables users to refer to the digital image data. When ordering the printing of an image, the image to be printed is often selected by referring to all the images recorded. The image access function of the above-mentioned central server is a function of performing such selection on the display screen.

"Selecting a station in response to command information to output a print of a plurality of stations" refers to the option to have a printing service required by the command when a special instrument is required to provide services such as image postcards or calendar generation. One station of this special instrument serves as a printout station. In addition, according to a printing command received, by allowing the user to specify a station for him/her to receive a printing and by including information indicating the specified station in the command information, the specified station can be selected for output The station of the imprint. "Select a station" means that only one station exists and this station is selected as the station for outputting the print.

"Processing includes the steps of providing a printing service to the user" refers to all the processing required to provide a printing service to the user. For example, when a station orders an additional printing of an image, since the printing cannot be produced without the digital image data of the image, the digital image data of the image must be removed from another image. A station transmits to that station. In other words, "processing includes the steps of providing a printing service to the user" means not only using a printer to output a print, but also a series of

02140324.4 The processing steps in the column also include such a data transfer.

"Order information" particularly refers to, for example, the number of processes that have been ordered, the number of images and the number of prints used to specify what kind of operation is stored (such as additional print or postcard generation, etc.). "Instruction information" includes not only command information, but also information indicating where the digital image data is obtained from (the place where the digital image information is stored). In this case, when the station server that receives the instruction information does not have the required image data, the server requests the central server or the image server of the station that is specified as the station server and obtains the image data for transmission. Digital image data. In addition, image data required for printing may be included in the instruction information.

Each station server preferably stores an image recorded as high-resolution data by a user of the station in which the server is inserted. In this way, when an additional print is ordered by the user of the station, there is no need to obtain digital image data from another station.

When each station server stores the digital image data of its users as described above, the digital image data that has been stored in the central server and becomes accessible may have a higher resolution than that stored in the station server. Low-resolution image data with less high-speed image data. In other words, the digital image data can be classified in such a way that the digital image data of the station server is used to output the print, and the digital image data in the central server is used to perform processing via the network. access.

When high-resolution image data for outputting a print is stored in a station server, since the amount of data that needs to be transmitted in this case becomes very small, if the station server executes the printing Will be more effective. Therefore, when the central server stores the digital image data for access, the digital image data is preferably stored in association with the storage location information of the station server that has the digital image high-resolution image data, so that when When selecting a station server for outputting a print, the station of the station server in which the high-resolution image data of the digital image for which the print has been ordered can be selected based on the storage location information.

When a print image is output from a station other than the station that stores digital image data, the communication cost required to transmit the data increases the cost for the print service. When such a data transmission occurs, since both stations contribute to the provision of printing services, the cost paid by the user will be shared by the station that outputs the printing and the station that stores the digital image data. As mentioned above, in the network camera system of the present invention, the cost change depends on the

02140324.4 The content of the command information transmitted by the central server, in particular, depends on whether data transmission is required or the amount of data to be transmitted. Therefore, the central server can manage the transactions that occur between the stations or between each station and the service center through the recording process of the transmission instructions to the server of each station through the transmission of the command information, so that the records can be used, for example, User fee control and electronic settlement.

In this context, "printing service" not only refers to services such as outputting an additional print or generating an image postcard, but also refers to companion services performed before the image print is delivered to the user. In particular, for example, instead of the mailing and transmission service of receiving the completed print at the counter, the user is notified by e-mail that a print is ready or the storage period of digital image data in a station is about to expire in the near future. A service for receiving e-mails trying to extend the storage period, a service for users to select a station for receiving the print, a service for placing ordered images in an album, and printing in the case of commemorative images Services installed on a photo frame are considered to be the said printing services.

Therefore, "instruction information" and "order information" are meant to include all the information required for companion services such as how to receive a print and how to receive an address or e-mail address. This kind of information can obviously be used not only for reference, but also for various services. In other words, by using a printer for generating an address label connected to the station server, when the "instruction information" specifies an address of a print, it is possible to refer to the name and address included in the instruction information. Perform processing such as automatic address label printing.

In services for producing controlled prints such as complex images, a method of using templates is already known. When providing this kind of service, the central server can store a template and make the template accessible on the network, so that the user can use the template to order a controlled print. When a command message requests the controlled printing service, as a part of the command message, it is considered that the information of the template specified by the command message can be transmitted to the station server.

The "information of the template" mentioned here refers to the template itself or the suffix of the template or the place where the template is stored.

However, as with the above-mentioned image data, it is preferable that the amount of data to be transmitted is relatively small. Therefore, it is preferable that each station store a high-resolution template for outputting one print, and it is considered that the information of the template has a small data size such as only the size of the template ID.

When each station server stores a template of high-resolution data, the central server can

02140324.4 The template is stored in the form of low-resolution data having a data size lower than the size of the high-resolution data stored in the station server.

The template mentioned in this article not only includes data, but also includes processing procedures such as macros. In particular, the template may be, for example, a background image including a blank space for positioning an image or a group of such background images and a process of "inserting a prescribed image into the blank space of the background image" . In addition, only processes such as "rotate the prescribed image by 90°" or "reduce the saturation of the prescribed image" can be used as the template, and only by applying the template on the image can the The image is rotated by 90. .

The network camera service system of the present invention can communicate between the service center for receiving printing service commands and the stations dispersed in each area through the network, and respond to the command information transmitted by a user through the network , The central server in the service center selects a station to output the ordered printing, and assigns a printing process to each station to replace the printing process performed by the central server itself. As a result, the number of films or prints concentrated or transferred is reduced and quick service is provided to users. In this case, the reception of commands is uniformly executed by the central server, so that advantages such as easy understanding of where to access and centralized data management will not be lost.

If each station server stores an image recorded by the user of the station in which the station server is inserted in the form of high-resolution image data, then when each station orders the execution of the user's image printing No data transfer will occur. Therefore, the network load or communication cost can be reduced in this way.

In this case, the digital image data stored in each station is only transmitted as needed. Therefore, the digital image data stored in the central server can be very low-resolution image data, and its resolution is reduced to such a degree that when the image data is accessed, it is displayed on the display screen. There is no problem in displaying the low-resolution image data. In this way, the disk space of the central server can be saved.

When selecting a station for outputting a print, if in principle a station that stores high-resolution image data of a digital image whose print has been ordered is selected, compared with the case of selecting another station, the networks Cost and load will be reduced. This is because large-scale data transmission is not required.

When providing a controlled printing service using the template as a printing service, if a template and a user's digital image data on the central server are disclosed and sent to the station server

02140324.4 The server transmits the information used to identify the template related to processing and receives a command. Then, a simple composite image can be generated in the station, and a quick printing service can be provided.

In this case, if high-resolution template data is stored in the station to be used as the user's digital image data, then there is no need to transmit the said station server when the central server commands the station server to execute the controlled printing service. template. In this way, the network load and communication cost can be reduced.

In addition, if the template stored in the central server is low-resolution data for display, the disk space of the central server can be saved.

In addition, the change in cost depends on whether data transmission is performed or the amount of data that needs to be transmitted. Therefore, if the central server performs transaction management between stations or between each station and the central server according to the instruction information, then service charge control, electronic checkout, etc. will become easy.

If there are multiple stations participating in this system in a wide area, then the network camera service system will become very valuable. Therefore, in order to make such a system truly valuable, efforts should be made to increase branch stations by considering both the convenience of a user and the effect of the system as well as the benefits of the station. In the form of a system where the instruments are concentrated in a service center, the counter-type station merely becomes an agency and their branches are reduced. Therefore, there is no reason to absolutely require users to use the network camera service. On the other hand, in this system, counter-type stations can increase branches by providing printing services. In addition, in a form in which each station stores its own user's high-resolution image data, tasks related to the data are assigned to the station with priority over other stations. Therefore, the more its users use the network camera service, the more branches there will be.

In other words, the present invention not only solves the technical problem, but also overcomes the management problem that hinders the promotion of the network camera service system. Therefore, the advantages of the present invention are very great.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the network camera service system of the present invention; Figure 2 shows an example of command information; Figure 3 shows another example of command information; An example of station designation processing performed by the central server; Figure 5 shows the flow of data in the controlled printing service; Figure 6 shows the system structure for the controlled printing service;

02140324.4 Fig. 7 shows an example of how to use the network camera service system of the present invention, and Fig. 8 shows an example of how to use the network camera service system in which all instruments are centralized.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the network camera service system of the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. First, referring to Figure 8, the system in which all the instruments are concentrated in one wholesale station and their problems are explained.

In the system shown in FIG. 8, the user 1 requests the first print from the agency 13 (121). The first print is produced by the agency 13 itself or the wholesale station 14 after a request from the agency 13. In each case, the film (122) from the user 1 is temporarily sent to the wholesale station 14 (122). The wholesale station 14 uses a scanner 7 or the like to read the film, and stores the image recorded on the film in the image server 15 as digital image data. If the first print has been ordered by the wholesale station, the print is produced by the printer 9 or similar devices, and sent to the agency 13 (123), and then passed to the user 1 through the agency 13 (124) .

After the image server 15 has stored the digital image data, the user 1 can access the image server 15 via the Internet 5 (125) and order an additional printing or similar service to view the stored image on the display screen. Image data. In response to this command, the image server 15 generates a print using a printer or the like, and delivers the print to the user 1 (127) by mail or through the agency (126).

As can be easily seen from the above process, the wholesale station 14 should collect all the films from the users of all agencies in this system. Therefore, the transfer of the film may be delayed due to concentration and/or queue for transfer. Since the concentration and transfer of films and prints are performed by humans, the transfer data of the final print may be delayed for several days due to the concentration and/or queuing for transfer, depending on the amount of concentration and transfer per day. In other words, in this system, it becomes easier to order an additional printing or similar service, but there is no guarantee of fast printing service. In addition, if an agency performs the first printing, then, for example, both the agency and the wholesale station need to perform input processing together. Therefore, the system often causes trouble.

In the network camera service system of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1, the user 1, the service center 2 for receiving commands, and the retail station 3 or the special station 4 with special equipment can all communicate through the network. On this occasion, since the service center and the special station need to conduct special communication frequently, they use high-speed lines so that they can quickly process more commands.

02140324.4 First, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the retail station 3 executes the input of digital image data. When a user orders the retail station 3 to perform the first print, the retail station 3 uses the scanner 7 to read the film and the printer 9 to produce the first print. After the first print is produced, the digital image data read by the scanner 7 is stored in the station server 8. In this case, low-resolution image data (hereinafter referred to as a draft) of reduced-resolution digital image data is generated and transmitted to the central server 12 in the service center 2. The station server 8 not only stores the digital image data, but also stores its templates.

The central server 12 in the service center 2 stores the sketches transmitted from each station related to the station that transmits the image, and at the same time makes the sketches accessible on the network. In this case, since the user uses the sketch only to confirm the image on a command basis, the sketch does not have to have a particularly high quality. In this embodiment, the digital image data stored by the station server 8 for outputting a print has 4 basic pixels (approximately 1024 X 1792 pixels) necessary for outputting an L-size print at 300 dpi At the same time, the digital image stored by the central server 12 for access via the network has 1/4 basic pixels (approximately 368×256 pixels). The central server 12 also stores a sketch of the template stored by the station server 8, so that the user can access the template via the network.

When the digital image data becomes accessible, the user only needs to confirm his/her own image. In other words, he/she is not willing to let others see his/her image. Therefore, by using the password for authentication, each user can only have limited access to the data that he/she can see. When he/she orders the first print, the password is determined by the user. In addition, by designating an appropriate one, the retail station determines the password.

Regarding access to the central server, if it is on the Internet, the above services are provided in the form of a web page, and users can use a browser such as Netscape Navigator to access the central server. In addition, if a service is provided as another original communication service, then dedicated software can be distributed to each user. In this case, the user 1 can go to the retail station 3 and just confirm his/her image sketch stored in the central server by performing a predetermined input on the command screen in his/her home or office. It is possible to request a printing service by selecting a template via the network, or by generating a command message in a predetermined format and transmitting the message via e-mail.

In this case, the command information sent by the user to the central server 12 is the same as that shown in FIG. 2

02140324.4 The first child is the same. The command information contains information such as the number of images, the size, the number of additional prints, and how to receive the additional prints of the last print. In addition, in the command for controlled printing, the number of templates, etc. are also included in the command information. In addition, the service content that can be provided via the network includes not only the service accompanying the print output, but also all services related to the print service. For example, when the storage period of digital image data in the station is about to expire after a few days but the user has not decided to attach the image of the print, the request for attempting to extend the storage in this case can be considered as Part of the service related to the printing.

Command information of various data structures is also possible. For example, Microsoft Corporation proposes a structured storage technology by which a series of various data with different characteristics are stored in a file on a station. When using this technology, the command information of the command file as shown in Figure 3 can be generated.

The format of the command information can be specified according to the services that need to be provided, and the formats shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 are just examples.

When the central server 12 receives such order data, it designates the station for outputting the ordered print. For example, FIG. 4 shows an example of processing for designating a station for outputting an ordered print when the order information shown in FIG. 2 is used. In this example, it is judged whether the requested processing requires special equipment by referring to the data representing the processing quantity. If the processing requires special equipment, the special station 4 is selected as the station that outputs the print, the instruction information in a predetermined format is generated and the information is transmitted to the station server 8 in the special station 4. In this case, the special station 4 does not have the digital image data to be printed. Therefore, the instruction information includes information indicating a station having the digital image data.

When processing that does not require special equipment such as an ordinary additional print is requested, check whether the user wishes to receive the print at the counter or by mail or transmission by referring to the order information data indicating how to receive the print . In the case of mailing or transmission, if it is not very convenient for the user, the print ordered by him/her will not be output. Therefore, the station that is most effective for the system, that is, the station that stores the high-resolution image data for outputting the ordered printing, is selected.

When the user wants to receive the print on the counter, the command information indicating the station that receives the print is referred to, and the station is selected as the station for outputting the print. When no station is specified in the command information, the station that stores high-resolution image data is selected. When the station specified by the user does not have the high-resolution image data, as in the case of selecting the special station 4, information indicating where the high-resolution image data is stored is included in the command information.

02140324.4 First, when the central server 12 transmits command information to the station selected as described above, it records the content of the command and calculates the data storage fee by periodically summing the amount of data to be transmitted. Communication fees, etc., need to be paid to each The cost of the station. In this way, things between the central server 12 and each station or between each station are managed. Since each station can add an appropriate branch structure by printing or by storing its user's digital image data, this management can be performed in this way. This data is obviously used in the user's billing system.

The station server 8 receiving the order information executes processing such as inputting an additional print, and delivering the print to the user or arranging mailing, etc., based on the contents of the order included in the order information. In this case, as in the traditional execution, the hand delivery or mailing arrangement to the user should be executed by hand. However, the station server 8 can perform processes such as automatically printing an address label by referring to the command data indicating the reception and by automatically sending him/her an email to notify the final reception of the print output to assist this operation.

An example of such a service from a data flow perspective is shown in Figure 5. Considering the controlled printing service using the template, except for the flow of the data, each data managed by the user personal computer 6, the central server 12 and the station server 8 are shown in FIG. 5.

As described above, the station server 8 stores the high-resolution image data 21 of the user's image and its high-resolution template 23. Since whenever a new template is generated in the station, the low-resolution template corresponding to the new template is also registered in the central server. Therefore, the central server 12 stores the high-resolution template 23 corresponding to the new template. Low resolution template 24. At the same time, the low-resolution data 22 corresponding to the high-resolution image data 21 is also registered in the central server according to a request from the user.

The user refers to (and downloads as needed) the low-resolution image data 22 and the low-resolution template 24 disclosed on the central server 12 and uses the personal computer 6 to synthesize them. However, processing performed at this level such as synthesis results in the generation of the command information, and the processed image obtained through this processing is only used for confirmation. The processing procedure executed by the user is recorded using the function of the dedicated software inserted in the personal computer 6. When the command information is generated, this process is used as a part of the command information 20. The command information 20 also includes information indicating the image 22a and the template 24a specified and used by the user.

The central server 12 receives the command information 20, and the central server 12 transmits the command information 25 to the station selected by referring to the command information 20. At this time, the instruction information 25 includes a display image

02140324.4 p.

22a, template 24a and processing information. The station server 8 receiving the instruction information including such information searches for the hard disks related to the high-resolution template 23a corresponding to the template 24a and the high-resolution image data 21a corresponding to the image 22a based on the information, and performs the processing The print is output after processing after the procedure.

For example, using the system structure shown in FIG. 6 can perform the services described above.

The following first explains the personal computer 6 of the user that executes the command generation process.

The WWW browser 30 is inserted into the personal computer 6. A program for executing command generation processing is provided for use as a plug-in of the browser. In addition, a function of executing only part of the command generation processing is provided as the plug-in, and other functions can be inserted as the plug-in. Application software independent of the browser.

The example of FIG. 6 shows a situation where the functions of browsing and downloading low-resolution image data and templates and the function of uploading command files are provided as a plug-in, and are used to process the image data and files that have been loaded. The template processing software 31 and the command file generating module 32 are provided as application software.

In this example, in the processing software 31, if the size and quantity of a print are specified as ordinary prints (printed by a printer connected to a personal computer), the function of the command file generating module 32 can be used to automatically Generate a command file.

If low-resolution image data is provided through the medium 11, the WWW browser 30 is used to browse the data stored in the medium 11 and to copy the data from the medium 11 to the hard disk of the personal computer 6.

The structure of the central server 12 is explained below. As described above, the central server 12 is a computer composed of a large-capacity hard disk and various communication devices. The central server 12 is used to provide a command receiving service in the form of a web page.

The WWW application server 36 communicating with the WWW browser 30 of the personal computer 6 accesses the low-resolution image database 33 and the low-resolution template database 34 in response to the user's request, and then transmits the data to the personal computer 6. Access to the databases 33 and 34 can be performed by an original protocol. However, by using the protocol 35 common to each company, databases in other company systems can be used in the same manner as the database of its own company's central server. In other words, it is preferable to perform access to the database by specifying a common image access protocol 35 for template and image search, transmission, and access right management.

02140324.4 The mth application server 36 receives the command file 20 loaded by the user, selects the station server 8 that is most suitable for processing the command and transmits the command file 20 itself or the command file 20 after adding necessary command information. In other words, the command file used for the transmission and reception protocol 37 in FIG. 6 is a protocol that specifies the station for printing in response to the content of the command. Preferably, a common command file is used to transfer the receiving protocol.

A program 42 for analyzing the command file 20 transmitted from the central server 12 and a program 41 for executing processing and printing according to instructions in the command file 20 are inserted in the station server 8. After analyzing the command file 20, if the image access rights specified in the command file 20 are denied (if the password required for access is not included in the command file), no processing and printing are performed. If the access right is confirmed, the above-mentioned program obtains the required data from the high-resolution image database 40 and the high-resolution template database 38, and outputs the controlled printing.

The structure and function of the network camera service system of the present invention are described above. Hereinafter, an example of how to conveniently use the system will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

For example, suppose that the user records an image of his/her friend from overseas and then performs the first print from the nearest retail station 3a (101). The retail station 3a immediately processes the first print and when the print When finished, the film is returned to the user (102). Suppose that the user records other images with the same friend at his friend's home overseas. Usually, after a trip, the first impression of the image recorded in the trip has been made. However, since every operation except for film development can be performed through the network camera service system of the present invention, this is particularly similar to that this system has multiple overseas substations. Therefore, even if the first impression is made by the retail station 3a close to his/her friend's house (103) and the impression (104) received there, the user can do it after returning to his/her home Additional impressions.

After the user returns, he/she accesses the central server 12 of the personal computer 6 at home and orders additional printing of these images (105). At this time, for example, the first printing has been performed by the retail station 3a. Among the images, the additional printing of image a is performed for the user, and the additional printing of image b is performed for his friends, and the first printing has been performed by the retail station 3b Among the images, additional printing of image c is performed for the user.

Regarding the image related to the user, the retail station 3a is specified as a station for receiving a print. Regarding the images used for their friends, mailing can be specified as the party used to receive the prints.

02140324.4 Article law. However, in the case of air mail, it takes more than a day for the print to reach his friend. On the other hand, if this command is executed with his friend specified as the recipient and the station 3b specified as the station to receive the print, the seal can arrive at his friend at the earliest when the angel is instructed.

When such a command can be executed, the central server 12 instructs the image server in the retail station 3a to output the prints of the images a and c, and at the same time notifies the network address of the station server located in the retail station 3b for storing the images. Image server (106) οUsing this method, by transmitting the data from the station server of the retail station 3b, the station server in the retail station 3b can obtain the digital image data of the image c (107) οSimilarly, the central The server 12 instructs the retail station 3b to print the image b and informs the station 3b of the network address of the station server located in the retail station 3a for storing the image b (108) _oIn this way, by transmitting data from the station server of the retail station 3a, the station server in the retail station 3b can obtain the digital image data of the image b (109). Using this transmission processing of digital image data, images a and c are printed at the retail station 3a and provided to the user (110), and image b is printed at the retail station 3b and provided to the user's friend (111) )₀In this way, if the user informs the user's friend of the password, the friend can directly order the image he/she needs.

As shown in the above example, according to the network camera service system of the present invention, printing services can be received at desired places and in a shorter time than before, regardless of the location of the station where the first printing has been performed. . This is extremely convenient not only for the example shown in FIG. 5, but also for occasions where the image is suddenly needed in commercial activities from one place to another.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the central server 12 stores a sketch for access via the network, and the station server 8 stores high-resolution image data for printing. However, the central server 12 may also store high-resolution image data for printing that is also used as an image for access, and the station server 8 is not used to store high-resolution image data but only for execution. impression.

02140324.4