JPH11308401A - Editing image printing system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the time and labor of the user of a client computer in the case of printing the editing images of plural frames in an image server. SOLUTION: In the client computer, images are edited (steps 51 and 52), and when all of the editing of the plural frames is ended (YES in step 52), an order information file including order contents is transmitted to the image server (step 53). The image server calculates a charge (step 61) and data for indicating the charge are transmitted to the client computer. When the charge is confirmed by the user of the client computer, ordering is performed (step 56) and the order information file, an editing information file and a user image file for constituting the editing images of the plural frames are transmitted altogether (step 57). By batch transmission, the order of the editing images of the plural frames is made possible.

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
It consists of a client computer and an image server.
Edited image printing system and method, and edited image stamp
Client computers and
And its operation control method, image server and its operation
Control method and operation of client computer
Related to a recording medium storing a program for controlling
You. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Client computers
Generate an edited image by synthesizing the image on the template image,
Editing information such as the position of the image to generate the edited image
Displays the target image to be synthesized on the report and the template image.
The image data to be synthesized and the client computer
To the image server, and the image server edits the image
Is being realized. Printed
Edited images are mailed to client computer users
Is done. [0003] A plurality of frames of edited images are played by an image server.
When printing, edit information and image data
From the client computer for each frame of edited image
If you have to send it to the image server,
It becomes troublesome. In addition, editing information and
When transmitting image data to be combined and
Do you control whether the data was sent from the computer
There must be. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [0004] The present invention provides a method for editing edited images of a plurality of frames.
When printing at the client
An object of the present invention is to reduce the trouble of a computer user. [0005] The present invention also provides a plurality of client cores.
The computer sends editing information and image data to be synthesized.
To be relatively accurate in managing trust
The purpose is to do. [0006] An edited image printing system according to the first invention.
Are client computers that can communicate with each other.
Edited image printing system consisting of data and image server
It is. [0007] The client computer includes
Template image to be combined with the template image
The target image determination means and the synthesis target image determination means
Position to determine the layout position of the image to be synthesized determined by
Means for determining an image to be synthesized by the image to be synthesized determining means.
And the position determination processing by the position determination
Editing means to obtain multiple frames of edited images by returning
Composing the edited image obtained by the editing means
Compositing target image data representing the target image and the compositing target image
In association with the arrangement position data representing the above arrangement position,
The above-mentioned image data to be composed, which constitutes an edited image of a plurality of frames, and
Transmission for transmitting the arrangement position data to the image server
Means are provided. [0008] The image server includes the client
The combining pair transmitted from the transmitting means of the computer;
A receiver that receives the elephant image data and the above-mentioned arrangement position data
Stage, and the synthesis object received by the receiving means
From the image data and the arrangement position data,
An editing image generating means for generating an editing image is provided.
You. A first invention is a method suitable for the above system.
Also offers. That is, data communication is possible with each other
It consists of a client computer and an image server.
In the edited image printing system, the client
・ Computers should be combined with template images.
Determine the images to be combined and their placement positions, and
Repeat the image determination process and the position determination process
The edited image of the piece is obtained, and the
Compositing target image data representing the composing target image and the compositing target image
Associating with the arrangement position data indicating the above arrangement position of the image
The image data to be synthesized, which constitutes the edited image of a plurality of frames.
Data and the above-mentioned placement position data
From the computer to the image server and the client
・ The image data to be synthesized transmitted from the computer
And the arrangement position data are received by the image server.
And the received composition target image data and the
Editing of the multiple frames on the image server from the location data
This is an edited image printing method for generating an image. According to the first aspect, the client
A computer generates a plurality of frames of edited images.
The synthesis pair representing the synthesis target image constituting the edited image
Represents the above arrangement position of the elephant image data and the image to be synthesized
The above-mentioned client
The image is transmitted from the computer to the image server. these
The above-mentioned image data to be synthesized and the above-mentioned arrangement position data are duplicated.
A few frames of the edited image above the client compilation
Transmitted from the computer to the image server. All for composing an edited image of a plurality of frames
Of the image data to be combined and the arrangement position data of
When received by the image server, the edited image of a plurality of frames
Is generated and printed. An image server is sent from a client computer.
Printed images of multiple frames can be printed just by sending them to the
Wear. To print multiple frames of edited images,
Client computer because there is no need to send
Time for the user is reduced. According to the second invention, data communication is possible with each other.
From multiple client computers and image servers
It is an edited image printing system configured. The client computer has a text
Template image to be combined with the template image
The target image determination means and the synthesis target image determination means
Position to determine the layout position of the image to be synthesized determined by
Means, a synthesis pair determined by the synthesis target image determination means.
The elephant image and the position determined by the position determining means
Editing means for obtaining an edited image from the same, and comprising the edited image
Image data representing the image to be synthesized and its synthesis
Classification data is added to the placement position data that represents the placement position of the target image.
Associating unique identification data with client computers
Transmission means for transmitting the image data to the image server.
You. The image server includes the client
The combination pair transmitted from the transmission means of the computer;
Image data, the arrangement position data, and the identification data.
Receiving means for receiving the data received by the receiving means.
The synthesized image data and the arrangement position data,
The client computer identified by the above identification data
Storage means for storing data separately for each computer, and
The client computer stored in the storage means;
The above-mentioned image data to be synthesized divided for each
From the location data and from each client computer
And an edit image generating means for generating the edit image is provided.
ing. A second invention is a method suitable for the above system.
Also offers. That is, data communication is possible with each other
From multiple client computers and image servers
In the configured edited image printing system, the client
The Ant computer matches the template image.
Compositing target image to be formed and arrangement position of the compositing target image
Is determined, and editing is performed based on the determined synthesis target image and the layout position.
Obtain a collection of images, and combine the image data to be synthesized with the image to be synthesized.
The client adds the position data indicating the position of the image
Associate the unique identification data with the
Sent from client computer to the above image server
In the image server, the client
The image data to be synthesized transmitted from the computer,
Receiving the arrangement position data and the identification data,
And the arrangement position data
To the client identified by the above identification data.
Stored separately for each computer,
The image data to be synthesized divided by computer
And the above location data
Generating the edited image in the image server for each data
It is a method. According to the second invention, the image to be synthesized and the
And the above arrangement positions are determined, and an edited image is obtained.
Then, the synthesis target representing the synthesis target image that constitutes the edited image
An arrangement indicating the above arrangement position of the image data and the image to be synthesized.
The location data contains unique information of the client computer.
Another data is linked to the above client
Transmitted from the computer to the image server. In the image server, the identification data
The image data to be combined and the distribution
When the location data is received, the identification data
The above composition for each identified client computer
The target image data and the arrangement position data are stored.
The above composition divided for each client computer
From the target image data and the above arrangement position data, the client
Edited images are generated for each computer and printed
Is done. In the image server, the client
For each computer, the image data to be combined and the arrangement position
Data will be managed. In the above-mentioned editing image printing system,
The client computer and the image server
Each of them can be configured alone. In addition, the client
Contains programs that control the operation of the
The recording medium that has been stored may be configured. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (1) Outline of Edited Image Printing System FIG. 1 shows an outline of an edited image printing system according to this embodiment.
FIG. The edited image printing system includes a client
The computer 1 and the image server 30 connect to the Internet
It is configured by being connected via a PC. Claire
The computer 1 and the image server 30 are connected to the Internet.
Data communication with each other is possible via the network. In such a system, the client
User of the remote computer 1
Edit the image using the computer 1 and edit
Collection information, image data, order information for ordering, etc.
The image is transmitted to the image server 30. In the image server 30,
Editing information sent from client computer 1
Generate an edited image and print the generated edited image
I do. The printed edited image is transferred to the operation of the image server 30.
Data to the user of the client computer 1
Will be mailed. Of course, the client computer 1
Laboratory in the user's neighborhood without mailing to the user's home
(Photo shop) and the user goes to the laboratory
You may go. In FIG. 1, three client cores
The computer 1 and one image server 30 are illustrated.
But one, two or four or more client cores
Computer 1 or two or more image servers 30
Needless to say, this may be done. FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the client computer 1.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration. Overall operation of the client computer 1
The work is controlled by the CPU 11. The client computer 1 has an image server.
Modem 2 and FD (flow) for performing data communication with the
Record data on the FD
FD drive for reading recorded data
3, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-O
To read the data recorded in the memory
CD-ROM drive 4, mouse 5 and keyboard
6 are connected. Obtained from these modems 2 etc.
Data is transmitted to the client via the system I / O controller 7.
It is taken into the ant computer 1. An image editing program is stored on the CD-ROM.
Has been delivered. Programs stored on CD-ROM
Is read by the CD-ROM drive 4 and the
The program is installed on the client computer 1.
Is controlled. Further, the client computer 1
Is a bus controller 8 for temporarily storing data.
RAM 9 and programs and other necessary data
ROM 10 is included. In addition, hard disk
Drive 13 is connected via external I / O controller 12
Have been. Hard by hard disk drive 13
Writing data to disk (not shown) and hardware
The data stored on the disk is read.
You. Also, the client computer 1
Interrupt controller 14, timer 15, memory control
Image data for displaying images on the
Is temporarily included in the VRAM 17. VR
The image data stored in AM17 is
The analog video is provided to the log converter 18
It is converted into an image signal. Analog video signal is sent to display device 19.
The image is displayed on the display screen of the display device 19 by being given.
Is displayed. Connected to the client computer 1
Client printer 21 is a printer control circuit
Controlled by 20. The configuration of the image server 30 is also a client
The configuration is almost the same as that of the computer 1. Most image server
The printer connected to server 30 is
Of higher resolution than the printer connected to
Needless to say. (2) Performed by the user of the image editing client computer 1
The image editing process will be described. FIG. 3 shows the client computer 1
The screen transition displayed on the display device 19 is shown. In this embodiment, postcard printing (post
Card service), obtained by digital camera
Printing of the image represented by the image data
Tal camera print service) and calendar
Or photo frame printing (calendar, photo frame
Service) is performed in the image server 30. Display device of client computer 1
19, first, a service menu screen is displayed.
On the service menu screen,
The service used by the computer 1 user is a postcard
Services, digital camera print services
Is selected from Depending on the service selected,
The service screen is displayed on the client computer 1
It is displayed on the display screen of the device 19. Image editing is performed on each service screen.
Also displays an order screen (not shown) at the same time as the service screen
Is done. Personal information such as the user's name using the order screen
Is entered. But the order screen is an image
It may be displayed after editing. (I) Image in postcard service
Edit Figure 4 shows the client when receiving postcard services.
The image displayed on the display device 19 of the ant computer 1
FIG. 5 shows an example of a postcard service.
Procedure for ordering postcards
FIG. On the postcard service screen, the main
Display area AM and first sub-display area AS1 and
A second sub display area AS2 is included. The following areas are included in the main display area AM.
include. Directory area A11;
User image (the image that the user has
Stored on the hard disk of client computer 1.
Have been. When you select the directory of the image to be synthesized)
Area that is clicked by the user at the time. Order list registration area A12;
The area clicked by the user when the decision is made
You. Postcard type display area A13;
Type of postcard to use (government postcard, year with new year ball)
This is the area for displaying postcards and private postcards. Territory
Postcard type list by pulling down area A13
Is displayed. Ordering area A14;
Area that is clicked. Delete area A15: Delete an order from the order list
Area that is clicked by the user when performing the operation. Image file list area A16;
User images represented by directory image files
Is a list display area. Print number display area A17: Number of prints
Is an area for displaying. Edited image display area A18;
And an area for displaying the edited image. Order list area A19; Order name and order
Area where thumbnail images of edited images
You. Order end area A31; when order is finished
The area clicked by the user. Cancellation area A32;
The area that is clicked by the user. The first sub area AS1 is a template image
Is an area for selecting. In the first sub-region AS1
Is the category selection area to select the template category
A20 and templates that list templates
The list area A21 is included. [0053] The second sub-region AS2 contains clip art.
This is an area for selection. In the second sub-region AS2
Clip art selection area A2 for selecting clip art
2 and A23. As described above, the service menu screen is displayed.
And the postcard service is selected
Display screen of display device 19 of client computer 1
At the top, the postcard service screen shown in Fig. 4 is displayed
Is performed (step 41). The user selects a category selection area A20.
Click on the template image in the desired category
A list of images is displayed in the template list area A21.
Select the desired template from the displayed template list.
The image is clicked by the user. template
Is selected (step 42). chosen
The template image is displayed in the edited image display area A18.
You. The directory selection area A1 is selected by the user.
1 is clicked and the desired directory is selected
The user image in the selected directory
Is displayed in the file list area A16. Users are listed
Click the desired image from the user images
A user image is selected (step 44). In the edit image area
User image on the displayed template image
Specify where to place the. Selected at the specified position
The combined user images are combined. Here, the user image I1
And I2 are selected, and the user
The user I1 is located, and the user
The image is located. Next, the clip art is displayed by the user.
The category selection area A22 is clicked, and a desired category is
List of clip arts in the clip art list
It is displayed in the area A23. Clip art displayed
Click the desired clip art from the
Is locked. Clip art will be selected
(Step 45). Selected clip art template
The position on the rate image is specified by the user.
(For example, placed on the edited image area A18)
Specified by clicking on the position). Position of user image, position of clip art
Etc. are adjusted. If necessary, place text on the edited image.
The text is inserted (postcard editing, step 4
6). In the example shown in FIG. 4, "Happy new year
You. Is inserted at the bottom left of the edited image.
ing. Text is input from the keyboard 6 and the mouse
5 will specify its insertion position. When the image editing is completed, the user
The order list registration area A12 is clicked, and the edited image
A thumbnail image is created. Edit image thumbnail image
Is displayed in the order list area A19 together with the order name.
Step 47). Order end area A if there is no other order
14 is clicked, and the order is completed (step 48).
If there are other orders, steps 42 to 47 are repeated
returned. (Ii) Digital camera print server
Figure 6 shows the digital camera print service.
To edit images on the client computer
An example of a screen displayed on the display screen of the first display device 19
Is shown. In this figure, the same functions as those shown in FIG.
The same reference numerals are given to regions having the same function, and description thereof will be omitted.
FIG. 7 shows the processing of the digital camera print service.
6 is a flowchart showing a management procedure. Also in this figure
The same processes as those shown in FIG.
Description is omitted. Referring to FIG. 6, a digital camera
Display print size on lint service screen
An area A24 is included. Pull down area A24
Display different print sizes
The user can select a desired print size from among the specified print sizes.
Select the font size. Also, a digital camera print server
Service screen compared to the postcard service screen
Sub-area AS1 for selecting a background image is included
Absent. In the service menu screen, the digital
・ When the camera print service is selected,
The display screen of the display device 19 of the ant computer 1
Digital camera print service screen shown in 6
Is displayed (step 41A). Digital Camera Print Service
After the screen is displayed, select the user image, clip
Print images are edited by selecting art, etc.
(Step 46A). Editing of the image to be printed ends.
, The area A31 is clicked by the user and the order is completed
(Step 48). (Iii) Calendar, photo frame service
Figure 8 shows one of the calendar and photo frame service screens.
An example is shown. In this figure, the function of the area shown in FIG.
Areas with the same functions as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.
Is omitted. Figure 9 shows a calendar, photo frame and server.
It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of a screw. In this figure
Here, the same processing as the processing shown in FIG.
The description is omitted here. In the service menu screen,
When the photo frame service is selected,
Display image on the display device 19 of the client computer 1
Calendar, photo frame and service image shown in Fig. 8
The plane is displayed (step 41B). Calendar, photo frame service screen
Includes a print size display area A25.
ing. Various by pulling down area A25
Print size is displayed. The user is displayed
Select the desired print size from the
select. Selection of template image, selection of user image
Print image editing such as selection and clip art selection.
(Step 46A). Area A31 is clicked
This completes the order (step 48). Calendar
When ordering, indicate the dates that make up the calendar
Needless to say, dates are inserted using data
Absent. Part of order information obtained in image editing
(Number of prints, print size) is the order information file
(See FIG. 13). (3) Printing Image Ordering Method 1 First, when ordering printing of a plurality of edited images, a
Send files and other files necessary to compose an image collection
(Batch transmission) will be described. FIG. 10 shows a processing procedure at the time of batch transmission.
It is a flowchart. Figure 11 shows the client
Order information file transmitted from the computer 1 to the image server 30.
FIG. 12 shows the client computer 1
The editing information file transmitted to the image server 30 is shown.
You. As described above, orders for various services are made.
(Step 51). Order end area A31 is clicked
When the order is completed (step 52), the order information shown in FIG.
The file is transferred from the client computer 1 to the image server.
It is transmitted to the server 30 (step 53). At this time,
The file contains the order quantity, email address and order information.
Information is stored. Individuals except e-mail addresses
No human information is stored. But personal information is already
It may be stored. In the image server 30, the order information file is
When received, based on the received order information file
The order fee is calculated (step 61). Calculated
Data representing the order fee is sent from the image server 30 to the client.
Transmitted to the computer 1 (step 61). At the client computer 1
When data representing the statement fee is received, the client
The order fee is displayed on the display device 19 of the computer 1 (the
Step 54). Next, the user's name, telephone number, and fax
Number, postal code and personal information of address by user
Entered and added to the order information file (Step 5
Five). The order area A14 is clicked by the user.
(Step 56), the step order information shown in FIG.
File, editing information file and image editing shown in FIG.
User images used for
From the computer 1 to the image server 30 (step 5
7). The edit information file is edited in the order processing described above.
Needless to say, it is created each time a collection is performed. In the image server 30, the client
Edit order information file sent from computer 1
An information file and a user image are received. Received
Order information file, edit information file and user
The image is edited according to the order quantity using the image (step
62). The edited image is stored in the high-resolution
It is printed by the printer (step 63). Pudding
The edited image is sent by the operator of the image server 30.
Mail to the home of the client computer 1 user
Let's do it. [0077] Ordering of multiple edited images is possible with one transmission
Becomes (4) Print Image Ordering Method 2 Next, when ordering printing of a plurality of edited images,
Edit the files and other files necessary to compose the image collection.
Transmit (sequentially transmit) to the image server 30 sequentially each time it is collected
The processing at the time will be described. The client computer 1 and the image server
The transmission is sequentially performed while maintaining the connection with the server 30.
And the client computer 1 and the image server
30 and the connection state is cut off as necessary, and transmission is performed sequentially.
There are cases. First, of these two sequential transmissions, the client
The ant computer 1 and the image server 30 are connected.
Explanation of the case of transmitting sequentially while maintaining the state
I do. FIG. 13 shows a file in the image server 30.
1 shows the configuration of the device. FIG. 14 shows the image server 30
FIG. 1 shows the structure of an order number file generated in FIG.
5 is an order management file generated in the image server 30.
16 shows the configuration of the order information file.
FIG. 17 shows the structure of the editing information file. In the sequential transmission, the client
When an order is received from the computer 1, the image server 30
The order number unique to the client computer 1
Is issued. The issued order number is the order number file
Managed by The order number is included in the order number file.
In addition to the data to be displayed, whether processing is in progress, processing is completed, processing is stopped
Data indicating the order status, indicating the order reception date
Data, data indicating order start reception time, order end reception
Time data, order processing end time data
And mail address of the user of the client computer 1
Data representing the dress is stored as information for each order
You. The user of the new client computer 1
Order management folder is new when accepting order from user
Is created. The order management folder is located in the client
It is created for each computer 1. Whether the user is the client computer 1
When a new order is accepted,
Person information file, order management file and order data number
No. folder is generated. These personal information files,
Order management file and order data number folder are ordered
Stored in the management folder. The personal information file is stored in the client
Personal information about the user of computer 1 (user name
Previous, telephone number, fax number, postal code, address and electronic
Email address). [0086] The order management file contains the number of order data.
And the order data reception date are stored. Order management file
The order data number and the order data reception time.
The data that represents the order data (order information file, edit information
Information file and user image file)
ing. The order data number folder contains an order information file.
Files, editing information files, user image files and
Thumb in which thumbnail image data of the edited image is stored
A nail image file is stored. An order information file, an edit information file,
And user image files (data) are stored in the client
This is the file transmitted from the computer 1. FIG. 18 shows a client for sequential transmission.
-It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the computer 1.
You. FIGS. 19 to 22 show the image server 3 for sequential transmission.
6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of No. 0. In the sequential transmission, first, the client
From the computer 1 to the image server 30
The personal information of the computer 1 user is transmitted (step
31). Before sending, client computer
Needless to say that personal information is input by one user
Nor. In the image server 30, the client
Upon receiving personal information from the computer 1, the image server
30 judges that an order start request has been received (step 8)
1). An order number is issued based on the personal information received.
(Step 82). Already that client compilation
If there is an order number for computer 1, the order number will be issued.
Not. The order number (identification data) is added to the order number file.
Ta), order status, order reception date, order start reception time
And the data representing the user email address is the order number
It is recorded in a file (step 83). An order management folder corresponding to the order number is created.
And the personal information file is managed (step 8).
4). Next, an order management file is generated and the order is accepted.
The date is written (step 85). Issued note
The statement number is sent from the image server 30 to the client computer.
(Step 86). At the client computer 1
When the statement number is received, the order processing is executed as described above.
(Step 72). Each time one order is processed
Configure the order number, edit information file, and edit image
User image data representing the user image
Sent from the computer 1 to the image server 30
(Step 73). Orders until all orders are completed
Order number, editorial information file and user image data
Data from the client computer 1 to the image server 3
0 (steps 72 to 74). Before cutting (NO in step 87), the
Order information file from client computer 1
Collection information file and user image file order data
Is received (step 90), the received order data
According to the order number described in the order information file in
Refers to the order management folder specified by
91). Order data recorded in the order management file
New order unique to each order data
A data number is issued (step 92). The order data recorded in the order management file
Data quantity is incremented and newly issued order
Data number and order data reception time are written
(Step 93). The order data is issued for each issued order data number.
A data number folder is generated (step 94). Receiving
Order information file, edit information file and user
Image file is generated and the corresponding order data number folder
(Step 95). In addition,
Sentence information file, edit information file and user image file
A thumbnail image of the edited image is generated based on the file.
It is. File representing generated thumbnail image is supported
(Step 9)
6). When the order end area A31 is clicked, all
When all the orders are completed (YES in step 74), the
Order number from client computer 1 to image server 30
No. and data indicating the end of the order are transmitted (step
75). In the image server 30, the client
Data indicating the end of the order sent from the computer 1
When the data is received (step 97), the received order number
Applicable personal information file, order management file and note
The sentence data number folder is referenced (step 99).
Place the order in the corresponding order number file in the order number file.
Is written (step 10).
0). All order data number files in the order management folder
For all orders, refer to the order information stored in the
A charge is calculated (step 101). The calculated fee and the thumbnail image of the edited image
The image server 3 stores data representing the image, the order size, and the order quantity.
0 to the client computer 1 (the
Step 102). In the client computer 1,
Based on the data representing the fee transmitted from the image server 30,
The display device 19 of the client computer 1
Is displayed on the display screen (step 76). K
Price displayed by the user of Client Computer 1
Is checked and the order area A14 or the stop area A32 is cleared.
Is locked. The data that represents order placement or cancellation is
Transmitted from the client computer 1 to the image server 30.
(Step 77). The image data is sent from the client computer 1.
When data representing an order is transmitted to the server 30 (step
103 (YES), the counter i is set to 1 (S
Step 104). In the image server 30, the order data number
Recorded in the edit information file stored in the folder.
The image is edited according to the editing information
105). When editing images, the client
The user image file sent from the computer 1 is used.
Needless to say. Also, order data number folder
Note recorded in the order information file stored in
The image edited according to the sentence information is transmitted to the image server 30.
Is printed by the printer connected to the
106). Step 10 until the number of order data reaches
5 and 106 are repeated (steps 107 and 1).
08). When the order data quantity is reached, the order number file
The number of pending orders recorded in the
(Step 109). Next, the order number file
The order processing end time is written in the order number information recorded in
(Step 110). Processing ends with image server
30 to the client computer 1
(Step 111). [0105] The client computer 1 sends an image
When data indicating the suspension is transmitted from the server 30 (step
NO in step 103), recorded in the order number file
The number of orders being processed is decremented (step 11)
2). In addition, the order information recorded in the order number file
The notification is stopped (step 113). Stop processing
The data to be represented is transmitted from the image server 30 to the client computer.
Transmitted to the computer 1 (step 114). The above-described processing is performed between the image server 30 and the client.
In a state where it is connected to the ant computer 1
Was accepted, but the image server 30 and
The client computer 1 is disconnected, and then
Accept orders from client computer 1 users
In addition, multiple orders can be accepted. FIG. 23, FIG. 24 and FIG.
Server 30 and client computer 1 are once disconnected.
It shows the processing procedure when multiple orders are accepted even if
You. In these figures, the processing shown in FIGS.
The same processes are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
You. [0108] The client computer 1 sends an image
When the server 30 receives an order start request, the order start request
A new request or a request to resume once an order has been placed
Is determined (step 120). If it is a new order request, the processing shown in FIG.
Issue order number and order to order number file
Write numbers, create order management folders, manage orders
A file is generated (steps 81 to 85). Subsequently, the timer is reset (step
126). In addition, the issued order number is
30 to the client computer 1
(Step 86). When the timer is constant before receiving the order data
When the time expires after measuring the time (step 128)
NO), order from client computer 1
It is considered finished. For this reason, the order number file
The processing of the corresponding order number is stopped (step 13).
0). After that, the order management folder of the corresponding order number is deleted.
(Step 131). Before the timeout expires, the client
When the order data is received from the computer 1 (step
NO at step 128, YES at step 129), and FIG.
The processing shifts from the step 91 shown in FIG.
Is [0113] Image data is sent from the client computer 1.
When the order resumption request is transmitted to the server 30 (step 14)
1. Step 120)
The personal information of the user of the Ant Computer 1 is also
Personal information from the order information file.
The order number corresponding to (email address) is searched
(Step 162). When the corresponding order number is found (step
163), whether the status of the corresponding order number is being processed
Is determined. If processing is in progress (step 164
NO), manage in the order number folder of the corresponding order number
Thumbnail image data of the edited image,
Whether the number, print size and order number are on the image server 30
Sent to the client computer 1 (step
165). There is no corresponding order number (step 163)
NO), or the status of the corresponding order number is in process
If there is no corresponding order data (NO in step 164)
Is transmitted from the image server 30 to the client
It is transmitted to the computer 1 (step 166). Data indicating that there is no corresponding order data is displayed.
When received by the image server 30 (step 14
2) The user of the client computer 1 has a new
I will start ordering. [0117] From the image server 30 to the client
Order data and data representing the order number are sent to
When received, the display device of the client computer 1
Image and order number represented by order data at 19
Is displayed. This allows the client computer
The first user confirms the order so far (step 14)
3). When the order is confirmed, the client
The order processing is performed by the user of the computer 1
(Step 144). Order information file for each order processing
Files, editing information files and user image files
Transmitted from the client computer 1 to the image server 30.
(Step 145). Order information file for each order processing
Files, editing information files and user image files
When transmitted to the image server 30, the image server 30
The print processing of the edited image is executed (step in FIG. 20).
91-96). In the client computer 1,
Steps 144 and 14 until all orders are completed
5 is repeated (step 146). All
When the order processing is completed, the order completion data is
Transmitted from the ant computer 1 to the image server 30.
(Step 147). This allows the image server 30
The processing from step 99 to step 111 in FIG.
Be executed. [0120] Image data is sent from the client computer 1.
Even if the order data is sequentially transmitted to the server 30, the image data
Server 30 for each client computer 1
Manage order data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows an outline of a print image editing system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the client computer 1. FIG. 3 shows a transition of a display screen of a display device of the client computer 1. FIG. 4 shows a postcard service screen. FIG. 5 shows a procedure for ordering a postcard. FIG. 6 shows a digital camera print service screen. FIG. 7 shows a process for ordering a digital camera print. FIG. 8 shows a calendar and photo frame service screen. FIG. 9 shows a process of ordering a calendar and a photo frame. FIG. 10 shows a processing procedure of batch transmission. FIG. 11 shows an order information file. FIG. 12 shows an editing information file. FIG. 13 shows a configuration of folders and the like stored in the image server. FIG. 14 shows an order number file. FIG. 15 shows an order management file. FIG. 16 shows an order information file. FIG. 17 shows an editing information file. FIG. 18 shows a processing procedure of sequential transmission. FIG. 19 shows a processing procedure of sequential transmission. FIG. 20 shows a processing procedure for sequential transmission. FIG. 21 shows a processing procedure of sequential transmission. FIG. 22 shows a processing procedure of sequential transmission. FIG. 23 shows a processing procedure of sequential transmission. FIG. 24 shows a processing procedure of sequential transmission. FIG. 25 shows a processing procedure of sequential transmission. [Description of Signs] 1 Client computer 2 Modem 4 CD-ROM drive 5 Mouse 6 Keyboard 11 CPU 13 HD drive 19 Display device 30 Image server

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. An edited image printing system comprising a client computer and an image server capable of performing data communication with each other, wherein the client computer transmits an image to be synthesized to a template image. A synthesis target image determining unit to be determined; a position determining unit for determining an arrangement position of the synthesis target image determined by the synthesis target image determining unit; a synthesis target image determining process by the synthesis target image determining unit; and a position determination by the position determining unit. Editing means for obtaining a plurality of frames of the edited image by repeating the processing, and synthesis target image data representing the synthesis target image constituting the edited image obtained by the editing means, and arrangement position data indicating the arrangement position of the synthesis target image; And composes the edited image of multiple frames Transmitting means for transmitting the image data and the arrangement position data to the image server, wherein the image server transmits the combination target image data and the arrangement position data transmitted from the transmission means of the client computer. An edited image printing system comprising: receiving means for receiving; and edited image generating means for generating the edited image of the plurality of frames from the composition target image data and the arrangement position data received by the receiving means. 2. A client computer capable of data communication with an image server, a combining target image determining means for determining a combining target image to be combined with a template image, and the combining target image determined by the combining target image determining means. A position determining means for determining an arrangement position in the template image, an editing means for repeating the combining target image determining processing by the combining target image determining means and the position determining processing by the position determining means to obtain an edited image of a plurality of frames, and the editing means Associating the composition target image data representing the composition target image constituting the edited image with the arrangement position data representing the arrangement position of the composition target image, and the composition target image data constituting the edited image of a plurality of frames and the above Transmitting means for transmitting the arrangement position data to the image server, A client computer that has 3. An edited image printing system comprising a plurality of client computers and an image server capable of performing data communication with each other, wherein the client computer determines a synthesis target image to be synthesized with a template image. Image determination means, position determination means for determining the arrangement position of the synthesis target image determined by the synthesis target image determination means, and from the synthesis target image determined by the synthesis target image determination means and the arrangement position determined by the position determination means Editing means for obtaining an edited image, associating identification data unique to the client computer with synthesis target image data representing the synthesis target image constituting the edited image and arrangement position data indicating the arrangement position of the synthesis target image Transmitting means for transmitting to the image server; An image server, receiving means for receiving the composition target image data, the arrangement position data, and the identification data transmitted from the transmission means of the client computer; the composition target image data received by the receiving means; The arrangement position data, storage means for storing separately for each client computer identified by the identification data, and stored in the storage means, the synthesis target image data divided for each client computer and An edited image printing system comprising: an edited image generating unit configured to generate the edited image for each client computer from the arrangement position data. 4. A client computer capable of data communication with an image server, wherein: a synthesis target image determining means for determining a synthesis target image to be synthesized with a template image; A position determining unit for determining an arrangement position in the template image; an editing unit for obtaining an edited image from the combining target image determined by the combining target image determining unit and the arrangement position determined by the position determining unit; and the editing image. Transmitting means for transmitting to the image server the image data to be synthesized representing the image to be synthesized and the arrangement position data representing the arrangement position of the image to be merged in association with the identification data unique to the client computer. ·Computer. 5. An image server capable of data communication with a client computer, comprising: synthesis target image data representing a synthesis target image that constitutes an edited image; and an arrangement position of the synthesis target image. Receiving means for receiving the arrangement position data and identification data unique to the client computer; a client computer which identifies the image data to be combined and the arrangement position data received by the reception means with the identification data Storage means for storing the edited image separately for each client computer, and generating the edited image for each client computer from the composition target image data and the arrangement position data stored for each client computer. Edit image generating means, Server. 6. An edited image printing system comprising a client computer and an image server capable of performing data communication with each other, wherein the client computer determines an image to be combined with a template image and an arrangement position thereof. The composition target image determination process and the position determination process are repeated to obtain an edited image of a plurality of frames, and the composition target image data representing the composition target image constituting the obtained edited image and the arrangement position of the composition target image are represented. The composition position image data and the composition position image data that constitute the edited image of a plurality of frames are transmitted from the client computer to the image server in association with the arrangement position data, and the composition target transmitted from the client computer is transmitted. The image data and the arrangement position data are Received in the image server generates the edited image of the plurality of frames in the compositing target image data and the image server from the position data received, the edited image printing method. 7. A client computer capable of data communication with an image server, determines a compositing target image to be composed with a template image, determines an arrangement position of the decided compositing target image, and The position determination process is repeated to obtain a plurality of frames of the edited image. The obtained combined image data representing the composed image constituting the edited image is associated with the arrangement position data representing the arrangement position of the composed image. Transmitting the image data to be combined and the arrangement position data to the image server. 8. An edited image printing system comprising a plurality of client computers and an image server capable of performing data communication with each other, wherein the client computer has a composition target image to be composed with a template image and the composition target image. An arrangement image is determined from the determined combination target image and the arrangement position, and an identification unique to the client computer is provided to the combination target image data and the arrangement position data indicating the arrangement position of the combination target image. Transmitting the image data from the client computer to the image server in association with the image data, receiving, in the image server, the image data to be synthesized, the arrangement position data, and the identification data transmitted from the client computer; The image data to be synthesized The arrangement position data is stored separately for each client computer identified by the identification data, and the combination target image data and the arrangement position data divided for each client computer are stored for each client computer. An edited image printing method, wherein the edited image is generated in the image server. 9. A client computer capable of data communication with an image server, determines an image to be synthesized to be synthesized with a template image, determines an arrangement position of the determined image to be synthesized in the template image, and determines the determined synthesis. An edit image is obtained from the target image and the determined arrangement position, and the combination target image data representing the composite target image constituting the edit image and the arrangement position data representing the arrangement position of the composite target image are unique to the client computer. And transmitting the identification data to the image server in association with the image data. 10. An image server capable of data communication with a client computer, comprising: synthesis image data representing a synthesis image constituting an edited image, which are associated with each other, and indicating the arrangement position of the synthesis image. Receiving the arrangement position data and identification data unique to the client computer, storing the received composition target image data and the arrangement position data separately for each client computer identified by the identification data, An operation control method for an image server, wherein the edited image is generated for each client computer from the composition target image data and the layout position data divided for each client computer. 11. A program for controlling an operation of a client computer capable of performing data communication with an image server, wherein a program determines a composition target image to be combined with a template image, and determines an arrangement position of the determined composition target image. By repeating the synthesis target image determination processing and the position determination processing, an edited image of a plurality of frames is obtained.Synthesis target image data representing a synthesis target image constituting the obtained edited image and the arrangement position of the synthesis target image A storage medium storing a program for controlling the operation of a client computer such that the image data to be combined and the arrangement position data are transmitted to the image server by associating the arrangement position data with the arrangement position data. 12. A program for controlling the operation of a client computer capable of performing data communication with an image server, comprising: determining a synthesis target image to be synthesized with a template image; and determining the template image of the determined synthesis target image. An edited image is obtained from the determined synthesis target image and the determined layout position, and the synthesis target image data representing the synthesis target image constituting the edited image and the layout position representing the layout position of the synthesis target image A recording medium storing a program for controlling operation of the client computer so that the data is associated with identification data unique to the client computer and transmitted to the image server.