CN101201729A - print information distribution device - Google Patents

Abstract

The print service system 100 includes a portal site computer 2 connected to a portable terminal 3 and a print station 6 via a network. The portal site computer 2 transmits the content that has been reserved for printing by the portable terminal 3 to the printing station 6 via the network, and prints out the content. The entry site computer 3 establishes a print reservation site for reserving printing of contents via the network, and stores reservation information on the contents, wherein the portable terminal 3 accesses the print reservation site to make a print reservation corresponding to the user identification information on the portable terminal 3 . When the portal site computer 2 receives the user identification information transmitted from the printing station 6, it reads out the reservation information corresponding to the contents of the received user identification information. Then, the entrance site computer 2 transmits to the printing station 6 the contents corresponding to the read-out reservation information. Therefore, the place where the content is requested and the place where the reserved content is printed out are not limited.

Description

print information distribution device

This application is a divisional application filed on October 23, 2000 with the application number 00802479.0 and the name "Content Distributor".

technical field

The present invention relates to a content distributor which is connected to an information processing terminal and an output device via a network, and transmits and prints out content whose printing has been reserved through the information processing terminal to the output device via the network.

Background technique

Recently, with the spread of digital cameras, print services for printing data obtained by the digital cameras are becoming popular. In addition, a service environment in which contents are provided to an information processing end user by employing a communication network is also becoming popular, and a printing service via such a communication network is provided. This general printing service is divided into the following types:

(1) Print data is brought into a print shop and receives print services;

(2) Printing contents through network search for multimedia terminals installed in stores etc.;

(3) Print the specified information from the fax information service through the fax machine;

(4) Receiving print services from the user's personal computer via the Internet; and

(5) Image data and the like brought by the user are printed on the spot by a dedicated print service machine installed in a shop or the like.

In the above-mentioned print service types (1) to (5), any one of information search places, print places, print contents, print media, fees, etc. is restricted.

In addition, there is proposed a conventional printing and/or accounting system applicable to a printing service using a network. In this printing and/or billing system, it is assumed that billing is done by a department or division in a company, and printing data such as the number of prints, the number of printing surfaces, the interval of printing, or the toner or font required for printing as the target of this accounting.

However, in the above-mentioned print service types (1) to (5), any one of the information search place, print place, print content, print medium, or fee is restricted, and the following problems (1) to ( 5).

(1) Printing services where information search locations are restricted

In printing services such as multimedia terminals, information search places are limited. Therefore, in many cases the user goes to the place where the print service is provided only when a specific print request has been made. Therefore, service providers who provide print services need to advertise the contents of print services to users. There is thus an advertising spend associated with the advertising campaign. As a result, the type or amount of services that can be provided is limited.

In addition, for service providers who provide print services, if information search places are limited, there are many cases where only information searches are performed and print services are not performed at the end. As a result, the profitability of printing services has been greatly impacted due to the increased search latency at the expense of opportunities for other users.

(2) Printing services with limited printing locations

An Internet information search service using a portable information processing terminal such as a cellular phone does not limit places where information is searched while a person moves. However, if a person carries a printer, its size and weight are limited.

Further, there is no print service provider for a portable information processing terminal such as a cellular phone. Therefore, a person cannot receive a print service of searched information by holding a cellular phone or the like nearby while moving.

(3) Printing service with limited printing content

Mobile contents with highly real-time characteristics are provided to a portable information terminal such as a cellular mobile phone. However, due to limited terminal display screen size or communication infrastructure capabilities, images with large amounts of information and high visual characteristics are unacceptable and only limited content can be provided.

In addition, in a print service dedicated machine that does not have an information search function via a network, printing is provided only within a range of predetermined contents, and only limited types of contents can be provided.

(4) Printing services with limited print media

In a print service that prints content distributed over a network, a print medium is determined according to the content or a print device, and there is no print service provided according to a print medium arbitrarily selected by a user.

Examples of printing media include plain paper, refill paper for notebooks, printed stickers, greeting cards, postcards, posters, etc., which vary according to printing size, material, format, etc. Furthermore, there are no printing services for printing out website content on media such as stickers, cards, or the refill surface of notebooks where both sides of a single page are to be printed.

(5) Printing service with limited printing service fee

The fee for a print service that prints content distributed from the network is not compatible with the flat fee system at print shops and the like.

The cost of printing services depends largely on the cost of the content provided, and the cost of printing media and toner costs for color printing also vary greatly depending on the content. Further, in response to the case of printing a plurality of contents on a single print medium, it is necessary to establish a system for calculating a fee in a print service for printing contents distributed through a network.

On the other hand, the printing and/or billing system via network assumes a system for billing and counting the number of prints, the number of printing surfaces, the interval of printing, the amount of used toner, or the font used according to the print data, but has the following The problem:

(1) Expenses for content with a high ratio in the cost of using printing services are not targeted for billing;

(2) does not provide a system for calculating and billing the printing cost of each printed material;

(3) does not provide a system for causing billing when printing of each printed material is completed; and

(4) Since billing is based on print data, the amount of data transmitted to the print service terminal increases.

Contents of the invention

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a content distribution type print service via a network in which there are no restrictions on places requesting content and places receiving printouts of the content.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a print information distribution device is provided, which is connected to multiple printers and multiple information terminals located in different locations through a network, and the device includes:

user information storage means for storing user information about information terminals that are allowed to access the print information distribution device;

A reservation information storage device, used for storing printing reservation information;

an information terminal verification device, configured to obtain identification information indicating a user of any information terminal when any information terminal accesses the print information distribution device, and perform a verification process to determine whether the user is registered in the user information storage device Inside;

The print reservation means, when said information terminal verification means has authenticated said any one of the information terminals, sends a print reservation screen image for reserving printing desired information to said any one of the information terminals, wherein the image is generated by said any one of the information terminals. making by a user of one information terminal, and receiving a reservation for printing the desired information made by the user operation from any one of the information terminals, and storing the printing reservation information indicating the desired information in relation to each other in the user information storage means and the identification information indicating the user of any one of the information terminals, wherein the identification information is obtained by the information terminal verification device,

printer authentication means for authenticating any one of the printers when any one of the printers accesses the print information distribution device;

identification information obtaining means, configured to obtain identification information transmitted from any one of the printers through the network when the printer verification device verifies the any one of the printers;

print information generation means for searching in the print reservation information storage device based on the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means, reading the print reservation information related to the identification information from the print reservation information storage device, and based on the The read print reservation information generates print information; and

The print information sending means is used to send the print information generated by the print information generating means to any one of the printers that transmit the identification information through the network, and make the any one of the printers to print out the print information.

Preferably, the printing information sending means sends charging information indicating printing charging of the printing information to any one of the printers, and when the printing charging is paid to the any printer, the printing information is sent to the any printer.

Preferably, wherein each of said printers includes money debiting means for accepting money of each predetermined kind, and when money is debited into the money debiting means to pay the fee indicated by said charging information , any one of the printers prints out the print information sent by the print information sending device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a content distributor which is connected to an information processing terminal and an output device via a network, and transmits and prints to the output device via the network the contents which have been made through the information processing terminal. Print the contents of the reservation.

Content distributors include:

storage means for storing reservation information on content for which the information processing terminal has provided access to a print reservation site of the network and has reserved printing, the reservation information being associated with user identification information on the information processing terminal; and

Communication means for receiving user identification information sent from the output device, reading reservation information on content corresponding to the received user identification information from the storage device, and transmitting content corresponding to the read reservation information to the output device.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printing service in which access to a print reservation site of the network has been provided and printing has been reserved with respect to an information processing terminal including a communication function, such as a cellular mobile phone or a PHS (Personal Handyphone System) terminal The reservation information of the content can be stored as being linked with the user identification information; and, the content corresponding to the user identification information can be sent and printed out to the output device, so that the place where the reserved content is printed is separated from the place where the printout content is printed.

In addition, a site device for opening a print reservation site for reserving content printing is provided in the network so that printing can be reserved smoothly.

Further, in the case where the balance related to the content printout is stored corresponding to the user identification information on the information processing terminal, and the content whose printing has been reserved is printed out, the printout according to the content printout is subtracted from the balance. cost. In this way, the user can easily settle the payment related to the printout of the content, so that the usage of the content can be promoted.

In addition, there are provided an input device for inputting user identification information; a cash feeding device for feeding in cash; a communication means for transmitting the input user identification information and receiving transmitted content and a printing fee; A printing device that prints the received content with the cash-feeding device inputting the received printing fee. Therefore, the user can easily settle the payment related to the printout of the content, so that the usage of the content can be promoted.

Further, in the case where a user registration site for a newly registered user is set at the print reservation site, the information processing terminal accesses the user registration site, and a user is newly registered, the amount of the corresponding bonus (bonus) is stored in the newly registered In the user identification information of the information processing terminal. Therefore, such a newly registered user as a member is provided with a privilege so that use of the print service can be promoted.

In the case where an expected user input item for inputting another user who has introduced a new user is set at the print reservation site, and the information processing terminal accesses the print reservation site, and enters another user who has introduced a new user, the corresponding bonus The amount is stored in the user identification information of such another user. Therefore, a privilege is provided to the user who has introduced such another user, so that the use of the print service can be facilitated.

In the case where a questionnaire item for inputting an answer to a question is set at the print reservation site, and the answer to the question is input at the print reservation site through the information processing terminal, the amount of the corresponding bonus is stored in the place where such an answer has been entered. The answer to the question is included in the user identification information of the information processing terminal. Therefore, a privilege is provided to the user who has answered such a question, so that the use of the print service can be facilitated.

In the case where a designation item for designating the printing of advertisement content is set at the print reservation site, the information processing terminal accesses the print reservation site, and designates the printing of such advertisement content, the amount of the corresponding bonus is stored in the user of the information processing terminal identification information. Therefore, a privilege is provided to the user who has printed the advertisement content, so that the use of the printing service can be promoted.

Further, in the case where user attribute information corresponding to user identification information is stored, restriction information for restricting print reservation by content according to the user attribute information is stored, and the information processing terminal accesses the print reservation site to reserve printing of the content, according to the The print reservation is restricted by user attribute information of the user identification information of the information processing terminal and restriction information corresponding to the content. Therefore, it is possible to provide a print service that can restrict print reservations according to user attributes such as user age or gender.

In the case of storing distribution restriction information on content corresponding to an output device and transmitting the content to the output device, distribution of the content to the output device is restricted based on the distribution restriction information. Therefore, it is possible to provide a distribution restriction service of content reflecting the preference of the party on which the output device is installed.

Further, in the case where user attribute information corresponding to user identification information is stored, advertisement conditions based on the user attribute information are stored corresponding to advertisement content placed in content, and the information processing terminal accesses a print reservation site, thereby reserving printing of the content Next, the advertisement content placed in the content is determined according to user attribute information and advertisement conditions. Therefore, it is possible to provide an advertisement service that can make appropriate advertisements according to user attributes.

In the case where advertisement conditions specified for the output device are stored corresponding to the advertisement content placed in the content, and the content is transmitted to the output device, the advertisement content placed in the content is determined according to the advertisement condition. Therefore, it is possible to provide an advertisement service in which an advertisement reflecting the preference of the party who installed the output device can be placed in the content.

Further, the advertisement restriction information specified for the output device is stored corresponding to the advertisement content placed in the content, and the content is sent to the output device, and the advertisement content placed in the content is restricted according to the advertisement restriction information. Therefore, it is possible to provide an advertisement service in which an advertisement reflecting the preference of the party who installed the output device can be placed in the content.

In the case of storing advertisement restriction information specified for the content provider corresponding to the advertisement content placed in the content, and transmitting the content to the output device, the advertisement content placed in the content is restricted based on the advertisement restriction information. Therefore, it is possible to provide an advertisement service that can place an advertisement reflecting a content provider's preference in content.

Further, when user attribute information corresponding to user identification information is stored, advertisement restriction information based on the user attribute information is stored corresponding to advertisement content placed in content, and the information processing terminal accesses a print reservation site, thereby reserving printing of the content In this case, the advertisement content placed in the content is restricted according to the user attribute information and the advertisement restriction information. Accordingly, an advertisement restriction service that can restrict advertisements placed in content according to user attributes such as user age or gender can be provided.

In a case where advertisement period information is stored corresponding to advertisement content placed in the content and the content is transmitted to the output device, advertisements related to the content of the advertisement content exceeding the advertisement period are restricted according to the advertisement period information. Therefore, it is possible to provide a more effective advertisement service that can prevent the same advertisement from being advertised to the same user in a short period of time.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

The objects and advantages of the invention can be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.

Description of drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the presently preferred embodiment of the invention and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention , in the attached image:

FIG. 1 is a view showing a system configuration of a printing service system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view showing a schematic configuration of each control system of the portable terminal 3 and the information provider computer 4 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view showing a schematic configuration of each control system of the advertisement site proprietor computer 5 and the printing station 6 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the portal site computer 2 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of key parts of the portal site computer 2 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of key parts of the portable terminal 3 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of key parts of the printing station 6 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a view showing a specific example of the usage member file 2B stored in the storage device shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9A is a view showing a specific example of the use reservation information file 2F stored in the storage device shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9B is a view showing a specific example of the print service unit price file G stored in the storage device 26 shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10A is a view showing a specific example of the print form file 2H stored in the storage device 26 shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10B is a view showing a specific example of the content history file 21 stored in the storage device 26 shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a view showing a specific example of user history files 2K stored in the storage device shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 is a view showing a specific example of the content user history file 2L stored in the storage device 26 shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 13 is a view showing a specific example of the advertisement history file 2M stored in the storage device 26 shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 14 is a view showing a specific example of the advertisement content file 20 stored in the storage device 26 shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 15A is a view showing a portable site menu screen displayed on the portable terminal 3 shown in FIG. 6;

15B to 15D are views showing transition states of member registration screens, respectively;

16A to 16E are views showing a plurality of screens displayed on the portable terminal 3, wherein, FIG. 16A is a view showing an information search screen, FIG. 16B is a view showing a use reservation check screen, and FIG. 16C is a view showing a print form Views of the selection screen, FIG. 16D is a view showing a print reservation check screen, and FIG. 16E is a view showing a fee guide mailing screen;

17A and 17B are views showing transition states of menu screens displayed at the printing station 6 shown in FIG. 7, respectively;

FIG. 17C is a view showing a screen for displaying a purchase amount;

FIG. 18A is a view showing a content printing screen displayed at the printing station 6 shown in FIG. 7;

Fig. 18B is a view showing an advertisement coupon guide screen;

FIG. 19 is a view showing a specific example of conversion processing of a content printing medium performed during the usage reservation information printing processing of the printing station 6 shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing member registration processing performed by the portable terminal 3 shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a part of member registration processing performed by the portal site computer 2 shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing member registration processing after the processing shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing a part of the use reservation registration process performed by the portable terminal 3 shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing usage reservation registration processing after the processing shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing user authentication processing performed by the portal site computer 2 shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing content usage guide processing executed by the information provider computer 4 shown in FIG. 1;

Fig. 27 is a flow chart showing a part of the use reservation information acceptance process executed by the portal site computer shown in Fig. 5;

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing usage reservation information acceptance processing after the processing shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing print content generation processing executed by the portal site computer 2 shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a part of the usage reservation information printing process executed at the printing station 6 shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing usage reservation information printing processing after the processing shown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a part of the use reservation information printing process executed by the portal site computer 2 shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing usage reservation information printing processing after the processing shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing advertisement content distribution processing performed by the portal site computer 2 shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing advertisement content update processing performed by the advertisement site proprietor computer 5 shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing advertisement content update processing performed by the portal site computer 2 shown in FIG. 5 .

Detailed ways

A preferred embodiment of the content distributor according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 to 36 are views showing one embodiment of a print service system employing a content distributor according to the present invention, respectively. First, its configuration is explained here.

FIG. 1 is a view showing the system configuration of the print service system according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, a print service system 100 includes a communication provider computer 1 for controlling communications with a plurality of portable terminals (information processing terminals) 3 via a wireless communication network N and for connecting the portable terminals 3 to the Internet S; A portal site computer (content distributor) 2 connected to the Internet S; a portable terminal (information processing terminal) 3 connected to the communication network N and having a communication function, such as a cellular mobile phone and a PHS terminal; a plurality of connected to the Internet An information provider computer of S; an advertisement site owner computer 5; and, a printing station (output device) 6 installed at the entrance site.

In FIG. 1, a case where three portable terminals 3, two information provider computers 4, and printing stations 6 installed at three sites are connected is shown. The number of these computers or stations or the number of stations to be installed is not specifically limited. In addition, a plurality of advertising site owner computers 5 can be connected.

Communication provider computer 1 provides a communication environment of printing service between portable terminal 3 connected to communication network N and portal site computer 2 connected to Internet S, information provider computer 4, advertisement site proprietor computer 5 and printing station 6 . This communication provider computer 1 controls the data communication process in accordance with communication requests therebetween.

An outline of control functions of the portal site computer 2, portable terminal 3, information provider computer 4, advertisement site owner computer 5, and print station 6 constituting the print service system 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of control functions that the portable terminal 3 and the information provider computer 4 have.

In FIG. 2, the portable terminal 3 includes: a member registration processing section 3A for performing member registration processing described later (refer to FIG. 20) and for providing access to the portal site computer 2, thereby performing printing services for member registration processing; an E-mail function section 3B for receiving a coupon guide or a fee guide from the entry site computer 2 when using the printing service; and, a use reservation processing section 3C for performing the following (refer to FIG. FIG. 24 ) describes the use reservation registration process to reserve the use of the print service via the portal site computer 2 or directly via the information provider computer 4 .

In FIG. 2, the information provider computer 4 includes: a content usage guide processing section 4A for performing the content usage guide processing described later (refer to FIG. The user of the portable terminal 3 transmits a link parameter associated with such use reservation when reserving ID, thereby performing user authentication; and, a contents file 4B for storing contents data on the print service.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of control functions possessed by the printing station 6 and the advertisement site owner computer 5. As shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, the printing station 6 includes: a use reservation information print processing section 6A for performing a use reservation information print process described later (refer to FIGS. 30 and 31) to provide access to the portal site computer 2, and Execute authentication processing for users who have reserved use, use reservation information acquisition processing, processing for obtaining content history files and print format files, content and advertisement printing processing, and processing for calculating the amount of coupons; a A print format file 6B used by the print processing section 6A; a content file 6C, an advertisement content file 6D, and a usage reservation information file 6E.

The advertisement site proprietor computer 5 includes: an advertisement content registration processing section 5A for performing advertisement content registration processing described later (refer to FIG. 35 ), creating advertisement contents in which various usage conditions are set, and registering them in the advertisement contents in the file 5B; and, the advertisement content file 5B used by the advertisement content registration processing section 5A.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline of control functions that the portal site computer 2 has.

In FIG. 4, the portal site computer 2 includes: a member registration processing section 2A for performing member registration processing described later (refer to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22), thereby performing registration of member information in accordance with a member registration request from the portable terminal 3. Registration processing; a member file 2B used by the member registration processing section 2A (refer to FIG. 8 ); a user authentication processing section 2C for executing from the portable terminal 3 by performing user authentication processing described later (refer to FIG. 25 ), the user Reservation processing caused by transmission of the reservation ID to the information provider computer 4 and content introduction processing, reception of link parameters from the information provider computer 4, use reservation processing, etc.; and, a use reservation information acceptance processing section 2D for passing Link parameter acquisition from the user authentication processing section 2C is performed by performing use reservation information acceptance processing, setting processing of distribution content and advertisement use content based on link parameters, and update processing of use reservation information and the like described later (FIG. 27 and FIG. 28). deal with.

Further, the portal site computer 2 includes: a print content generation processing section 2E for performing print content generation processing and content download processing described later (refer to FIG. 29 ), based on the distribution set by the use reservation information acceptance processing section 2D Correlation of content and print content generation processing of content using advertisement, and fee notification processing for portable terminal 3 etc. to perform content history from information provider computer 4; use reservation information used by use reservation information acceptance processing section 2G File 2F (refer to FIG. 9A ) and print service unit price file 2G (refer to FIG. 9B ); and, print format file 2H (refer to FIG. 10A ) and content history file 2I (refer to FIG. 10B ) used by the print content generation processing section 2E .

In addition, the entrance site computer 2 includes: a use reservation information print processing section 2J for processing the use reservation information by executing the use reservation information print processing described later (refer to FIG. 32 and FIG. 33 ) and user The update processing of historical content use history and advertisement history is performed using reservation information transmission processing; a user history file 2K (refer to FIG. 11); a content use history file 2L (refer to FIG. 12); an advertisement content distribution processing section 2N, with The advertisement content is received by executing the advertisement content distribution process described later (refer to FIG. 34 ) in accordance with the advertisement distribution request from the advertisement site owner computer 5, and the distribution area or advertisement condition, etc. are discriminated based on the use condition set in the advertisement content. , in order to execute advertisement content distribution; and, an advertisement content file 2O (refer to FIG. 14 ) used by the advertisement content distribution processing section 2N.

The internal configuration of each of the portal site computer 2, portable terminal 3, information provider computer 4, and advertisement site owner computer 5 constituting the print service system 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below.

As shown in the block diagram in Fig. 5, the entrance site computer 2 includes a CPU 21, a display section 22, an input section 23, an Internet transmission control section 24, a RAM 25, a storage device 26, a storage medium 27, and a leased line transmission control section 28, except Every part other than the storage medium 27 is connected to the bus 29 .

This portal computer 2 includes portal functionality associated with printing services. This portal site function sets, for example, a portal site page in a menu format to indicate to the portable terminal 3 the contents of print services provided by the information provider computer 4 and the advertisement site owner computer 5 connected to the Internet S; A portal site page for print service is displayed on the accessed portable terminal 3; in response to the content of the print service request from the portable terminal 3, a one-time password for print reservation check is issued.

That is, as described above in the outline of the control function in FIG. 4, the portal site computer 2 includes a member registration processing section 2A; a user authentication processing section 2C; a use reservation information acceptance processing section 2D; a print content generation processing section 2E; a use reservation information print processing section 2J; and an advertisement content distribution processing section 2N. These control functions are realized by the following program processing executed mainly in the CPU included in the entrance computer 2 .

CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21 executes member registration processing (refer to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 ) to provide a member registration function for printing service to portable terminal 3 accessed via communication proprietor computer 1 .

In this member registration process, when the member registration menu is selected from the menu screen sent to the access request from the portable terminal 3, the CPU 21 sends a member registration screen. Further, in the case of selecting a new registration from the member registration screen, the CPU 21 executes new registration processing of member information. In the case of choosing to modify the registered information, the CPU 21 reads out the corresponding registered information, and executes the modification according to the relevant instructions.

In addition, the CPU 21 executes user authentication processing described later (refer to FIG. 25 ) for a print service reservation request from the information provider computer 4.

In this user authentication process, the CPU 21 acquires a link parameter from the information provider computer 4. If the user reservation ID and portable user ID are set in the link parameter, the CPU 21 executes authentication processing through a membership file. If such user reservation ID and portable user ID are not set, the CPU 21 acquires a portable user ID from the communication provider computer 1, thereby performing authentication processing. Then, the CPU 21 acquires a user reservation ID from the membership file, sends the link destination menu information on the usage content to the portable terminal 3, and links the user reservation ID to the content site selected by the portable terminal 3 as a parameter.

In addition, the CPU 21 executes use reservation information acceptance processing described later (refer to FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 ) based on the link parameters obtained in the above-mentioned user authentication processing.

In this usage reservation information acceptance processing, the CPU 21 executes setting processing of distribution contents and advertisement usage contents, updating processing of usage reservation information, etc. based on the obtained link parameters.

In addition, the CPU 21 executes print content generation processing described later (refer to FIG. 29 ) based on the usage reservation information updated in the usage reservation information acceptance processing described above.

In this print content generation processing, the CPU 21 executes correlation of content history from the information provider computer 4 and content download processing based on updated usage reservation information; distribution content and advertisement usage based on user usage reservation information acceptance processing print content generation processing of content; and fee notification processing for the portable terminal 3 and the like.

In addition, the CPU 21 executes a use reservation information printing process described later (refer to FIGS. 32 and 33 ) in accordance with a use reservation information request from the printing station 6.

In this usage reservation information printing processing, the CPU 21 executes usage reservation information transmission processing and updating processing of user history, content usage history, advertisement history, etc. in accordance with a usage reservation information request from the printing station 6.

In addition, the CPU 21 executes advertisement content distribution processing described later (refer to FIG. 34 ) in accordance with an advertisement distribution request from the advertisement site proprietor computer 5 .

In this advertisement content distribution process, the CPU 21 receives the advertisement content according to the advertisement distribution request from the advertisement site owner computer 5, and determines the distribution area or the advertisement condition according to the use condition set in the advertisement content, thereby distributing the advertisement content.

Further, the CPU 21 executes an advertisement content registration process described later (refer to FIG. 36 ) based on the advertisement content transmitted from the advertisement site proprietor computer 5.

In this advertisement content registration process, the CPU 21 executes registration check processing and update processing based on the advertisement content received from the advertisement site proprietor computer 5, and sets the amount of money of the advertisement coupon, the classification of the user content in relation to the advertisement content to be updated. , advertising restrictions, etc.

The display section 22 includes a CRT (cathode ray tube) display device, a liquid crystal display device, etc., and displays a screen according to display data input by the CPU 21.

The input section 23 includes a keyboard including cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like; and a mouse as a pointing device. The input section outputs a signal that a key is pressed from the keyboard to the CPU 21, and outputs an operation signal to the CPU 21 from the mouse.

The Internet transmission control section 24 includes a modem (modulator/demodulator), a terminal adapter or a router, or the like. This control section 24 performs communication control so as to communicate with each of a plurality of information provider computers 4 connected to the Internet S, an information provider computer 5 and a plurality of printing stations 6 .

The RAM 25 (Random Access Memory) includes a program storage area for storing programs executed by the CPU 21 or various application programs and a work area for temporarily storing input commands, input data, processing results, and the like.

The storage device 26 includes a storage medium 27 for storing programs, data, and the like in advance. This storage medium 27 includes a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory. This storage medium 27 is fixedly provided in the storage device 26 or mounted movably thereon. This storage medium 27 stores various application programs corresponding to the portal site computer 2, member registration processing program, user authentication processing program, use reservation information acceptance processing program, print content generation processing program, use reservation information print processing program, advertisement content distribution handlers and the data handled by each of those handlers, etc.

In addition, it may be arranged so that all or part of the programs, data, etc. stored in the storage medium 27 may be stored as transmitted from the Internet transmission control section 24 via another device such as a server or a client device via a transmission medium such as a network line. take over. Further, the storage medium 27 may be a storage medium of a server constructed on a network. Furthermore, it may be arranged that the program is transmitted to a server via a transmission medium such as a network line, and installed in these devices.

In addition, the storage medium 26 includes various storage areas associated with print services. As shown in FIG. 4 , storage device 26 includes member file 2B, use reservation information file 2F, print service unit price file 2G, user history file 2K, content use history file 2L, advertisement history file 2M, and advertisement content file 2O.

The membership file 2B stores membership information of each user of the portable terminal 3 using the print service. As shown in Figure 8, the storage items include membership code, user subscription ID, portable user ID, user ID (cellular phone number), password, name, gender, date of birth, zip code, address, E-mail address, occupation Classification, registration reason classification, introducer's cellular phone number, registration date of registration, registration coupon amount, introduction coupon amount, advertising coupon amount, survey coupon amount, usage coupon balance, service fee for scheduled printing , the service fee for reservation information, the amount of coin deposits during use, and the amount of coupons for the next transmission.

Here, the registration coupon amount is automatically set as a service (bonus amount) provided to a new user registration member through the portal site computer 2 during registration. The referral coupon amount is a coupon amount that is automatically increased as a service (bonus amount) provided from the portal site computer 2 to the member who has introduced another member when a member has introduced another member.

In addition, the advertisement coupon amount is a coupon amount that is automatically increased as a service (bonus amount) provided from the portal site computer 2 to members when the advertisement content is printed on the content receiving the printing service. The survey coupon amount is a coupon amount that is automatically increased as a service (bonus amount) provided to members from the portal site computer 2 when one person participates in the questionnaire survey.

In addition, using the coupon balance indicates the total amount of the above-mentioned registration coupons, introduction coupons, advertisement coupons, and survey coupons as the coupon amount (balance) usable in the print service.

The reserved printing service fee indicates the printing cost of the usage fee calculated from the contents of the printing service accepted by the member. The reservation information fee indicates an information provision cost which is a usage fee calculated from the contents of the print service received by the member. These charges are displayed after being sent to the member's portable terminal 3 during the print service reservation.

The coin deposit amount during use is calculated in units of 100 yen by subtracting the usage bonus from the usage fee (reserved print service fee + reserved information service fee) calculated based on the contents of the print service received by the member. The shortfall amount obtained from the coupon balance. The coin-in amount during this use is displayed after being sent to the member's portable terminal 3 during the print service reservation.

The use reservation information file 2F stores print service reservation information (content print reservation information). As shown in Figure 9A, the storage items include membership code, information company ID, content URL, content type classification, content name, information service fee, print service fee, print medium (form) type, print surface number, print number, copy number , continuous printing instructions, advertising printing instructions, and dates and times for appointments and registrations.

The print service unit price file 2G stores information on the print service unit price during the print service. As shown in FIG. 9B, the storage items include printing medium code, printing medium (form) type, number of printable surfaces, printing service unit price per form, date and time when the service unit price was changed, service unit price after the change and the date and time the unit price was registered.

The print form file 2H stores print form information during print service. As shown in FIG. 10A, the storage items include member code, print medium code, print medium (form) type, print number, print surface number, last surface number on the current page, and date and time when printing was completed.

The content history file 2I stores history information on content provided by the print service. As shown in FIG. 10B , the storage items include content history URL, classification of content type, content name, information service fee, description of standard media code, standard print surface number, age limit on content use, age limit for store placed at station Usage restrictions, dates and times when the content was updated, and dates and times when the content became effective.

The user history file 2K stores usage history information of each user of the portable terminal 3 who has used the print service. As shown in Figure 11, the storage items include user membership code, date and time of use, registration coupon fee, introduction coupon fee, advertising coupon fee, survey coupon fee, use coupon balance, reservation printing service fee, reservation Fees for information services, coin deposits during use, and station codes for use.

The content usage history file 2L stores usage history information of each information provider computer 4 that provides content for the print service. As shown in Figure 12, storage items include information company ID, year, month and day of use, date and time of use, content URL, classification of content type, content name, information service fee, print service fee, print medium (form) type , print surface number, print number, print copy number, continuous print description, advertisement print description, use station code, and user membership code.

The advertisement history file 2M stores usage history information of each advertisement site proprietor's computer 5 that provides advertisement contents for printing services. As shown in Figure 13, the storage item includes the advertising company ID, the year, month, and day of the advertisement, the date and time of putting the advertisement, the URL of the advertisement content, the classification of the advertisement content type, the title of the advertisement content, the advertisement service fee, the amount of the advertisement coupon, and the advertisement content. Printing medium (form) type, number of advertisement surfaces, number of advertisement copies, code of using station, and user membership code.

The advertisement content file 20 stores information on advertisement contents of printing services. As shown in Figure 14, storage item comprises the classification of advertisement company ID, advertisement content URL, advertisement content type, advertisement content title, advertisement service fee, advertisement coupon amount, advertisement printing medium (form) type, advertisement surface number, for The limited number of copies for advertising, the remaining number of advertising releases, the start date and time of advertising, the end date and time of advertising, the classification of advertising areas 1, the classification of advertising areas 2, the gender of the advertiser, the lower limit of the age of the advertiser, Advertiser's upper age limit, advertiser's birthday, advertiser occupation classification 1, advertiser occupation classification 2, advertiser content 1, advertiser content 2, advertising restricted area classification 1, advertising restricted area classification 2, advertising restricted store classification 1 , ad-restricted store category 2, ad-restricted content type 1, ad-restricted content type 2, ad-restricted content company 1, and ad-restricted content company 2.

The configuration of the portable terminal 3 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. 6 . In FIG. 6, the portable terminal 3 includes a CPU 31, a display section 32, an input section 33, a wireless communication control section 34, a RAM 35, a storage device 36, and a storage medium 37. Every part except the storage medium 37 is connected to the bus 38 .

This portable terminal 3 incorporates a cellular mobile phone function in which a printing service is made available by providing access to the portal site computer 2 through the communication network N via the communication provider computer 1 .

That is, as described above in the outline of control functions with reference to FIG. 1 , the portable terminal 3 includes a member registration processing section 3A and a reservation processing section 3C. These control functions are realized by the following program processing mainly executed in the CPU 31 included in the portable terminal 3.

The CPU 31 expands a system program stored in the storage device 36 and an application program specified from among various application programs corresponding to the system into a program storage area (not shown) provided in the RAM 35. The CPU 31 temporarily stores various commands or data input from the input section 33 in the RAM 35, and executes various processes according to application programs stored in the storage device 36 in response to these input commands and input data. Then, the CPU 31 stores the processing result in the RAM 35 and displays it on the display section 32. Then, the CPU 31 saves the processing result stored in the RAM 35 in a save destination provided in the storage device 36 that receives the input from the input section 33.

In addition, when the print service is made available by providing access to the portal site computer 2 on the Internet S via the communication provider computer 1 through the communication network N wirelessly connected with the wireless communication control section 34, the CPU 31 executes the following (refer to FIG. 20) The member registration process described.

In this membership registration process, the CPU 31 connects to a print service site set up by the portal site computer 2 on the Internet S, receives a menu screen from the portal site computer 2, and displays it on the display section 32. When a person makes a menu selection from the menu screen, the CPU sends the content of the selected command to the portal station computer 2 . Then, the CPU 31 receives a member registration screen from the portal site computer 2.

In the case of selecting "modification method" from the member registration screen, the CPU 31 checks user authentication by sending the input user ID and password to the portal site computer 2. Then, the CPU 31 receives a member information registration screen including the registered member information, and prompts the user to modify and input the registered member information.

Also, in the case of selecting "new registration method" from the member registration screen, the CPU 31 executes new user registration by sending the input user ID (cellular phone number) to the portal site computer 2. Then, the CPU 31 receives a member information registration screen, and prompts the user to input member information.

Further, in the case of reserving a print service after membership registration has been completed, the CPU 31 executes reservation registration processing described later (refer to FIGS. 23 and 24 ).

In this reservation registration process, the CPU 31 provides the portal site of the portal site computer 2 on the Internet S, the official site of the information provider computer 4 via the communication provider computer 1 through the communication network N wirelessly connected with the wireless communication control section 34. Or access to the general site of the information provider computer 4 to reserve the use of printing services.

In the case of providing access to the portal site of the portal site computer 2, the CPU 31 receives a reservation information menu from the portal site computer 2, and displays the menu. Then, the CPU 31 performs user authentication, and prompts the user to select content. Then, the CPU 31 receives and displays the content using the print service, and checks the print command. The CPU 31 receives and displays a reservation check screen for further selected contents, and prompts the user to reserve and input the contents of the print reservation (print copy number, print medium (form), continuous printing, advertisement insertion printing, etc.). Then, the CPU 31 displays the print reservation content reserved and input by the user.

In the case of providing access to an official site of the information provider computer 4, a specific user ID assigned to the portable terminal 3 at such an official site is automatically authenticated. Therefore, the CPU 31 receives and displays the contents of the official site information menu from the information provider computer 4 . After selecting the desired printing information, the CPU 31 receives and displays the content using the printing service, and checks the printing order. Then, the CPU 31 receives a user authentication screen from the entrance site computer 2, displays the screen, and performs a member registration check. When such membership registration is checked acceptably, the CPU 31 performs content reservation processing in a manner similar to the above. If the membership registration is checked unacceptably, since a new membership registration is required, the CPU 31 performs the above membership registration processing.

Also, in the case of providing access to the general site of the information provider computer 4, the CPU 31 receives a general site information menu from the information provider computer 4, and displays the menu. After the desired printing information is selected, the CPU 31 receives and displays the content using the printing service, and checks the printing order. Then, the CPU 31 receives a user authentication screen from the entrance site computer 2, displays the screen, and performs a member registration check. When such membership registration is checked acceptably, the CPU 31 performs content reservation processing in a manner similar to the above. If the membership registration is checked unacceptably, since a new membership registration is required, the CPU 31 performs the above membership registration processing.

The display section 32 includes a liquid crystal screen and the like. This display section 32 displays a screen based on display data input from the CPU 31.

The input section 33 includes a keyboard including cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, etc.; and a mouse as a pointing device. This input section 33 outputs a key pressed signal from the keyboard to the CPU 31, and outputs an operation signal to the CPU 31 from the mouse.

The wireless communication control section 34 includes a wireless modem and the like. This communication control section 34 performs communication control so as to perform wireless communication with the communication provider computer 1 connected to the communication network N.

The RAM 35 includes a program storage area for storing programs executed by the CPU 31 or various application programs and a work area for temporarily storing input data, processing results, and the like.

The storage device 36 includes a storage medium 37 for storing programs, data, and the like in advance. This storage medium 37 includes a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory. This storage medium 37 is fixedly provided in the storage device 36 or mounted movably thereon. This storage medium 37 stores various application programs corresponding to the portable terminal 3, a member registration processing program, a usage reservation registration processing program, data processed by each of these processing programs, and the like.

In addition, it may be arranged so that all or part of the programs, data, etc. stored in the storage medium 37 may be stored as transmitted from the Internet transmission control section 34 via another device such as a server or client device via a transmission medium such as a network line. take over. Further, the storage medium 37 may be a storage medium of a server constructed on a network. Furthermore, it may be arranged that the program is transmitted to a server or a client via a transmission medium such as a network line, and installed in these devices.

The configuration of the printing station (output device) 6 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. 7 . This printing station is placed at a store or the like, and provides printing services to users of the portable terminal 3 . The printing station includes a function for issuing a prepaid slip for the printing service and a function for providing service coupons generated by advertisement printing or the like.

In FIG. 7, the printing station 6 includes a CPU 61, a display portion 62, an input portion 63, an Internet transmission control portion 64, a RAM 65, a storage device 66, a storage medium 67, a printing device 68, and a coin feeding device 69. Every part except the storage device 67 is connected to the bus 70 .

The CPU 61 executes the usage reservation information printing process described later (refer to FIGS. 30 and 31 ) to provide a printing service to the user of the portable terminal 3 who has reserved printing of the above-mentioned printing service.

In this use reservation information print processing, the CPU 61 displays a print service menu. When a person makes a selection to use the reserved print menu, the CPU 61 prompts the user to input the user ID (cellular phone number) and password. The CPU transmits the input user ID (cellular phone number) and password to the portal site computer 2, and executes authentication processing of the user who uses the subscription.

When the usage reservation user is discriminated, the CPU 61 obtains the usage reservation information from the portal site computer 2, and displays the information. In the case where the balance of coupons for the printing service is insufficient, the CPU 61 displays the purchase amount required for use, and waits for coins to be fed.

When the CPU 61 checks that coins corresponding to the purchase amount are fed into the coin feeding device 69, the CPU 61 obtains a content history file and a print format file for use reservation information from the entrance site computer 2, and checks whether the specified up the ad. When the above-mentioned advertisement is specified, the CPU 61 further receives advertisement content from the portal site computer 2. Then, CPU 61 generates content and advertisement content print data according to the print format file, and prints the data on its specified form by printing device 68. Then, the CPU 61 displays the total amount of advertising coupons that have been printed when the end of printing is checked.

The display section 62 includes a CRT display device, a liquid crystal display device, and the like. This display section displays a screen based on display data input from the CPU 61.

The input section 63 includes a touch screen integrally constructed with the display screen of the display section 62; and a keyboard including numeric input keys and various function keys, and the like. The input section 63 outputs a signal that a key is pressed from the keyboard to the CPU 61, and outputs an operation signal to the CPU 61 from the mouse.

The Internet transmission control section 64 includes a modem, a terminal adapter, or a router or the like. This control section 64 performs communication control so as to communicate with each of the portal site computer 2 connected to the Internet S, the information provider computer 4 and the advertisement site owner computer 5.

The RAM 65 includes a program storage area for storing programs executed by the CPU 61 or various application programs and a work area for temporarily storing input commands, input data, processing results, and the like.

The storage device 66 includes a storage medium 67 for storing programs, data, and the like in advance. This storage medium 67 includes a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory. This storage medium 67 is either fixedly provided in the storage device 66 or removably mounted thereon. This storage medium 67 stores various usage reservation information print processing programs corresponding to the printing station 6, data processed by each of these processing programs, and the like.

In addition, the storage medium 66 includes various storage areas associated with print services. As shown in FIG. 4, the storage device 66 includes a print format file 6B, a content file 6C, an advertisement content file 6D, and a use reservation information file 6E.

In addition, it may be arranged so that all or part of programs, data, etc. stored in the storage medium 67 may be stored as transmitted from the Internet transmission control section 64 via another device such as a server or a client device via a transmission medium such as a network line. take over. Further, the storage medium 67 may be a storage medium of a server constructed on a network. Furthermore, it may be arranged that the program is transmitted to a server or a client via a transmission medium such as a network line, and installed in these devices.

Printing device 68 includes color printing mode and monochrome printing mode, wherein a variety of printing forms are available (plain paper (A4 and A3), notebook refill paper (B6), extension paper, self-adhesive stickers (2×4) , collection cards, postcards, prepaid receipt forms, etc.). During the use reservation information printing process performed by the CPU 61, the printing device 68 prints the print data input from the CPU 61 to the printing medium, and ejects the printing medium.

In addition, the printing device 68 prints the advertisement printing data input from the CPU 61 in a blank space of the printing medium by the usage reservation information printing process executed by the CPU 61.

When displaying the purchase amount (fee-adjusted amount) required to use the print service, the coin feeding device 69 includes a function of recognizing and counting coins input by the user (such as , 100 yen coin), and then notifies the CPU 61 of the count value.

The configuration and function of each of the information provider computer 4 and the advertisement site owner computer 5 have been described in the schematic configurations shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . The display and description of its internal configuration will be omitted here.

The operation according to the present invention is described here below.

First, the member registration process (FIG. 21) executed in the portable terminal 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

At the portable terminal 3, when the user instructs to visit the portal site, the CPU 31 starts the membership registration process (FIG. 21) shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the entry site computer 2. Then, the CPU receives a portal site menu screen from the portal site computer 2, and displays the menu on the display section 32, in which a selection is made by a printing service site existing on the portal site menu.

In FIG. 20, the CPU 31 first connects to a print service site, where an entry site computer 2 is established on the Internet S (step P1). Then, the CPU 31 receives a print service menu from the portal site computer 2, and displays the print service menu as shown in FIG. 15A (step P2).

Next, the CPU 31 judges whether or not a menu item "1. member registration" is selected on the displayed print service menu (step S3). In the case where another print service menu is selected, it performs the selected other processing. When "1. member registration" is selected, the selected content is sent to the portal site computer 2 (step P4).

The CPU 31 receives, for example, a member registration screen as shown in FIG. 15B (step P5). In this case, "1. Member registration" or "2. Modify registration information" can be selected as a menu item.

The CPU 31 sends the menu item number 1 or 2 selected on the member registration screen to the portal site computer 2 (step P6). Then, the CPU 31 judges whether "2. modify registration information" has been selected (step P7).

In the case where "2. modify registration information" is selected, the CPU 31 prompts the user to input the user ID (cellular phone number) and password, and sends the input ID and password to the entry site computer 2 (step P8). Then, the CPU 31 waits for a user authentication check from the entrance site computer 2 (step P9). In the case that the user authentication check is NG, the CPU 31 displays an error (step P10). Then, the CPU 31 returns to step P3. In case the user authentication check is OK, it proceeds to step P14.

In a case where "1. member registration" is selected, the CPU 31 prompts the user to input a user ID (cellular phone number), and transmits the input ID to the portal site computer 2 (step P11). Then, the CPU 31 waits until the presence or absence of "registered" has been received from the entrance site computer 2 (step P12). If "registered" is received, the CPU 31 displays an error (step P13), and ends this processing.

If new registration is received instead of this "registered", the CPU 31 receives a member information registration screen from the portal site computer 2, and displays, for example, the member registration screen shown in FIGS. 15C and 15D (step P14). Then, the CPU 31 displays and inputs the cellular phone number, password, E-mail address, name, address and date of birth (steps P15 to P17). Then, the CPU 31 inputs and selects the zip code, address and occupation classification (step P18). The CPU 31 further inputs and selects the classification of reasons registered in the print service (step P19).

As shown in FIG. 15C, during password input, "****" is displayed for security.

When the input on member information in the above-mentioned steps P15 to P19 has ended, the CPU 31 sends various input information to the portal site computer 2 (step P20). Then, the CPU 31 checks to see if the selected category of reasons for registering into the print service is "introduction from an existing member" (step P21).

If the classification of the reason for this registration is not "an introduction from an existing member", the CPU 31 proceeds to step P26. When the above classification is "introduction from an existing member", the CPU 31 prompts the existing member to input his or her user ID (telephone number) (step P22). Then, the CPU 31 sends the user ID thus input to the portal site computer 2 (step P23), and waits until the check result related to the existing member has been received from the portal site computer 2 (step P24).

When the check result of the existing member has been received from the portal site computer 2, the CPU 31 judges whether the check result is OK or NG (step P25). If it is NG, the CPU returns to step P19, where the classification of the reason for registration is selected. When OK, the CPU proceeds to step P26. Then, the CPU 31 lists the input member registration information, sends the contents of the member registration information to the portal site computer 2, and ends the member registration processing (FIG. 21).

The member registration process (FIG. 21) performed by the CPU 21 included in the portal site computer 2 is explained below with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

In FIG. 21, when the portable terminal 3 accesses a print service site, the CPU 21 included in the portal site computer 2 sends a print service menu screen (see FIG. 15A) to the portable terminal 3, and obtains a print service menu screen from the portable terminal 3. The menu selection number sent (step S1). Then, the CPU 21 judges whether the selection number is of the member registration menu or another menu (step S2).

If the discrimination result is "another menu", the CPU 21 performs another process. When the discrimination result is "member registration menu", the CPU 21 sends the member registration screen to the portable terminal 3, and obtains a menu selection number sent from the portable terminal 3 (step S3). Then, the CPU 21 judges whether the selection is a modification method or a new member registration method (step S4).

In the case of the modification mode, the CPU 21 obtains input values of each user ID (cellular phone number) and password sent from the portable terminal 3 (step S5). Then, the CPU 21 performs user authentication check by referring to the member data stored in the member file 2B (see FIG. 8 ) according to each input value (step S6). If the user identification result is NG (step S7), CPU 21 sends the content of error display to portable terminal 3 (step S8), and returns to step S2, distinguishes a menu selection number.

When the user authentication result is OK (step S7), the CPU 21 proceeds to step S13.

In step S4, in the case that the new member registration method is selected, CPU 21 obtains the user ID (cellular phone number) sent from portable terminal 3 (step S9). Then, the CPU 21 performs a user ID registration check on the member file 2B (see FIG. 8) (step S10), and determines whether the user ID has already been registered (step S11).

When the user ID exists (registered), the CPU 21 transmits the contents of the error display to the portable terminal 3 (step S12). If the user ID has not been registered, the CPU 21 determines whether the user of the portable terminal 3 is at an official site (step S13).

In the case where the user of the portable terminal 3 visits somewhere via the official site of the communication provider computer 1, the CPU 21 obtains the portable user ID set by the communication provider with each portable terminal 3 from the communication provider computer 1 (step S14), And proceed to step S15. In a case where the user of the portable terminal 3 visits somewhere via a site that is not an official site, the CPU 21 immediately proceeds to step S15.

In step S15, CPU 21 sends a member information registration screen (referring to Fig. 15C and Fig. 15D) to portable terminal 3, then, obtains the desired password (step S16) of the user sent from portable terminal 3. Then, the CPU 21 obtains an E-mail address (step S17).

Further, the CPU 21 obtains each input value sent from the portable terminal 3, such as user name, sex, date of birth, zip code, address, occupation classification, and classification of reasons for registering as a member (steps S18 to S20 shown in FIG. 22 ).

Then, if the obtained classification of the reason for such registration is "introduction from an existing member", the CPU 21 obtains the user ID (telephone number) of the existing member sent from the portable terminal 3 (step S22). Then, the CPU 21 checks to see if the user ID of an existing member is already registered in the member file 2B (refer to FIG. 8) (step S23), and checks to see if such a person is an existing member (step S24).

If the above-mentioned person is not an existing member, i.e. NG, the CPU 21 sends the fact to the portable terminal 3 (step S25). Then, CPU 21 returns to step 20, obtains registration reason classification here. When the person is an existing member, that is, OK, the CPU 21 sends the fact to the portable terminal 3 (step S26).

Next, the CPU 21 obtains the introducer's mail address from the member file 2B (step S27), adds a relevant coupon (bonus amount) to the introducer's coupon balance (step S28), and proceeds to step S29. In this case, the amount of the relevant coupon is predetermined, for example, 100 yen.

In step S21, in a case where the obtained registration reason category is not "introduction from an existing member", the CPU 21 updates the member file 2B based on the information obtained in steps S16 to S20. The CPU 21 sends the contents of the obtained membership registration information to the portable terminal 3 (step S30), and adds a registration coupon (bonus amount) to the participant's coupon balance (step S31). In this case, the amount of such a registration coupon is predetermined, for example, 100 yen.

Then, CPU 21 sends registration rules and guidelines for such registration coupons to the registrant via E-mail (step S32), sends an acknowledgment of introduction and guidelines for introducing coupons via E-mail (step S33), and ends Member registration processing (Figure 21).

As described above, the user of the portable terminal 3 accesses the portal site computer 2 through the member registration process (FIG. 21) so that member registration for printing service can be easily performed.

At the entrance site computer 2, a registration coupon (bonus amount) is automatically distributed to the registered user of the portable terminal 3 as a registration privilege. In a case where the reason for registration is an introduction from an existing member, an introduction coupon (bonus amount) is added as an introduction privilege to the existing member who is an introducer who has introduced a newly registered user.

According to such a system, in the print service system 100 of the present embodiment, registration of new members, introduction to new members, etc. can be facilitated, and use of print services by members can be facilitated.

Next, the usage reservation registration processing of the print service executed on the portable terminal 3 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 .

The user of the portable terminal 3 can adopt an access method for registering a usage reservation of the print service. The access method described above includes providing direct access to the portal site computer 2 that provides printing services to link, and providing access to official or general sites provided by the communication provider computer 1 on the Internet S to link to printing services.

At the portable terminal 3, when the user instructs to visit a site on the Internet S, the CPU 31 accesses the indicated site via the communication provider computer 1 through the communication network N wirelessly connected with the wireless communication control section 34, and starts the process shown in FIG. Use appointment registration processing.

In FIG. 23, the CPU 31 first determines whether the type of site linked by providing access on the Internet S is "entry site", "official site of communication provider" or "common site of communication provider" (step P31).

In the case of linking to the portal site, the CPU 31 receives a print usage reservation information menu from the portal site computer 2 (step P32), and displays a print usage reservation information menu screen (not shown).

Next, the CPU 31 receives from the portal site computer 2 the user authentication result obtained by the user ID (cellular phone number) sent to the portal site computer 2 during linking, and checks the received result (step P33). If the user authentication result is NG, the CPU displays an error (step P34), and ends this usage reservation registration process.

In a case where the user authentication result is OK, the CPU 31 receives from the portal site computer 2 the content (information) corresponding to the menu item selected from the print usage reservation information menu screen, and displays the content selection screen (step P35).

Fig. 16A shows an example of a content selection screen display. This example of content selection screen display indicates a case where the "part-time job" information search screen is displayed.

Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not print information desired by the user has been selected from the displayed content selection screen (step S36), and continues to display the content selection screen in step S35 until such print information has been selected. When desired printing information is selected, the CPU 31 sends the selected information to the portal site computer 2. After the CPU 31 receives and displays the contents of using the print service from the portal site computer 2, the CPU 31 waits for the user to make a selection operation on the print button (steps P37 and P38). In case a return button is selected instead of the print button, the content selection screen is displayed again at step S35.

In the case where the print button is selected, the CPU 31 sends print order information to the entry station computer 2, receives a user authentication screen from the entry station computer 2, and displays the screen (step P39). Then, the CPU 31 proceeds to step P56 shown in Fig. 24 .

In step P31, under the situation of being linked to "the official site of the communication provider" after accessing on the Internet S, the CPU 31 receives an official site information menu from the communication provider computer 1, displays the menu, and waits for menu item selection (step P40).

At this time, the communication provider computer 1 is linked to the portal site computer 2 that provides printing services via the Internet S. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the content of the official site information menu includes a print service menu item.

When a person makes such a print service menu selection, the CPU 31 sends the selected menu item information to the communication provider computer 1. Then, the CPU 31 receives the contents of the selected official site information menu (the contents of the print service) from the communication provider computer 1, and displays the contents selection screen (refer to FIG. 16A) (step P41).

At this time, the communication provider computer 1 transmits to the portable terminal 3 the content of the official site information menu including the content of the print service received from the linked portal site computer 2 .

Next, the CPU 31 determines whether the user's desired print information has been selected from the displayed content selection screen (step P42), and continues to display the content selection screen at step P41 until such desired print information has been selected. When desired printing information is selected, the CPU 31 sends the selected information to the communication provider computer 1.

After the CPU 31 receives and displays the content of using the print service from the portal site computer 2 linked with the communication provider computer 1, the CPU 31 waits for the user to make a selection operation on the print button (steps P43 and P44). In case a return button is selected instead of the print button, the official site information menu screen is displayed again at step S40, and the CPU 31 waits for menu item selection.

In a case where the print button is selected, the CPU 31 sends print order information to the communication provider computer 1. Then, the CPU 31 receives a user authentication screen from the portal site computer linked with the communication provider computer 1, and displays the screen (step P45). The CPU 31 judges whether the user is an existing member or a new member through the membership check (step P46). When the user is a new member, the CPU 31 performs member registration processing (FIG. 21). When the member is an existing member, the CPU 31 proceeds to step P56 shown in FIG. 24 .

In step P31, in the case of linking to "the general site of the communication provider" after accessing on the Internet S, the CPU 31 receives the site information menu from the communication provider computer 1, displays the menu, and waits for menu item selection (step P47) .

At this time, the communication provider computer 1 is linked to the portal site computer 2 that provides printing services via the Internet S. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the content of the official site information menu includes a print service menu item.

When a person makes such a print service menu selection, the CPU 31 sends the selected menu information to the communication provider computer 1. Then, the CPU 31 receives the contents of the selected official site information menu (the contents of the print service) from the communication provider computer 1, and displays the contents selection screen (refer to FIG. 16A) (step P48).

At this time, the communication provider computer 1 transmits to the portable terminal 3 the content of the official site information menu including the content of the print service received from the linked portal site computer 2 .

Next, the CPU 31 determines whether the user's desired print information has been selected from the displayed content selection screen (step P49), and continues to display the content selection screen at step P48 until such desired print information has been selected. When desired printing information is selected, the CPU 31 sends the selected information to the communication provider computer 1.

After the CPU 31 receives and displays the contents of using the print service from the portal site computer 2 linked with the communication provider computer 1, the CPU 31 waits for the user to make a selection operation on the print button (steps P50 and P51). In case a return button is selected instead of the print button, the general site information menu screen is displayed again in step S47.

In a case where the print button is selected, the CPU 31 sends print order information to the communication provider computer 1. Then, the CPU 31 receives a user authentication screen from the portal site computer linked with the communication provider computer 1, and displays the screen (step P52). Then, the CPU 31 judges whether the user is an existing member or a new member by member checking (step P53).

When the user is a new member, the CPU 31 performs member registration processing (FIG. 21). When the member is an existing member, the CPU 31 further receives the user authentication result from the portal site computer 2, and checks the result (step S54). If the user authentication result is NG, the CPU displays an error (step P55). Then, the CPU 31 ends the member registration processing (FIG. 21). When the user authentication result is OK, the CPU 31 proceeds to step P56 shown in FIG. 24 .

In Step P56, the CPU 31 displays the usage reservation check screen of the selected content sent from the portal site computer 2, and waits for a checking operation on the usage reservation check screen.

An example of using the reservation screen is shown in FIG. 16B. The usage appointment check screen is shown below.

Content name: Part-time job information

Information service fee: 200 yen

Printing service fee: 60 yen

Standard printing media: plain paper A4 (double-sided)

Number of scheduled prints: 3

A "Use" button is displayed as an operation button for checking such a use reservation, and a "Cancel" button is displayed as an operation button for canceling such use and reservation.

Then, the CPU 31 judges whether the operation button is a "use" button or a "cancel" button (step P57). In the case of operating the "Cancel" button, the CPU 31 ends this usage reservation registration process. In the case of operating the "use" button, the CPU 31 sends the use check information to the portal site computer 2.

Next, the CPU 31 receives a print format selection screen (refer to FIG. 16C) from the portal site computer 2, and displays the screen (step P58). The print format selection screen shown in FIG. 16C displays input items and selection items such as copy number, print medium (form), multiple-sided medium printing system, advertisement printing, and the like.

Further, the print format selection screen shown in FIG. 16C displays a "reserve button" for confirming the contents of the print format selection and a "cancel" button for canceling the contents of the print format selection.

The CPU 31 causes the number of copies to be input in accordance with the display positions of the input items and selection items on the print format selection screen (step P59). CPU 31 selects the print medium (form) type, including plain paper A4 (two-sided), plain paper A4 (single-sided), Bible version refill paper (three sides) and miniature version refill paper (four sides) etc. (step P60 ). Then, the CPU 31 makes selections for continuous printing of multi-sided media, including, for example, "continuous printing and pagination by content" (step P61). The CPU 31 makes a selection as to whether to execute the advertisement insertion printing of the multi-sided medium (step P62).

When all the contents of the above-mentioned print format selection are input and selected, the CPU 31 checks a button operation for checking the contents of the print format selection (step P63). In the case of operating the "cancel button", the CPU 31 returns to the use reservation checking process at step P57. In the case of operating the "reservation button", the CPU 31 displays the contents of the print reservation on the print reservation check screen (refer to FIG. 16D). Then, the CPU 31 sends the print reservation information to the portal site computer 2 (step P64), and ends the use reservation registration process.

Next, the user authentication process performed by the CPU 21 of the portal site computer 2 based on the use reservation registration process performed at the portable terminal 3 will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 25.

In FIG. 25, the CPU 21 first waits for a link with the user authentication site from the portable terminal 3 (step S41). When the CPU 21 receives a link parameter from the linked portable terminal 3 (step S42), the CPU 21 checks to see if the user reservation ID and the portable user ID are set in the link parameter (steps S43 and S44).

When the user reservation ID and the portable user ID are set, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S55, and performs user authentication processing by the member file 2B. If the result of the user authentication check is "new", the CPU proceeds to member registration processing (FIG. 21). Upon registration of the corresponding member information, the CPU 21 proceeds to use reservation information acceptance processing (FIGS. 32 and 33).

If the user reservation ID and the portable user ID are not set in the link parameters, the CPU 21 requests the communication provider computer 1 to acquire the portable user ID, and obtains the portable user ID sent from the communication provider computer 1 (step S45). Then, the CPU 21 checks to see if the portable user ID can be obtained (step S46).

When the portable user ID can be successfully obtained, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S49. Then, the CPU 21 executes user authentication processing on the portable user ID by referring to the member file 2B (refer to FIG. 8). If the portable user ID cannot be obtained, the CPU 21 requests the portable terminal 3 to perform user authentication processing (step S47), and obtains the portable user ID and password (step P48). Then, the CPU 21 executes user authentication processing by referring to the member file 2B (refer to FIG. 8) (step S49).

Next, the CPU 21 checks the user authentication result (step S50). If the user authentication result is NG, the CPU 21 sends the fact to the portable terminal 3 (step S51). Then, the CPU 21 ends the user authentication processing. When the user authentication result is OK, the CPU 21 obtains the user reservation ID from the member file (step S52).

Next, the CPU 21 transmits link destination menu information on print service usage content (step S53), and receives content selection information from the portable terminal 3. Then, the CPU 21 sets the user reservation ID as a parameter to link with the selected content site (information provider computer 4) (step S54), and ends the user authentication process.

The following explains the content usage guide processing executed by the information provider computer 4 linked to the user authentication processing of the portal site computer 2 with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 26 .

In FIG. 26, when the information provider computer 4 waits for a link to a content site from the portal site computer 2 or portable terminal 3 (step C1), and receives a link parameter from the linked portal site computer 2 or portable terminal 3 (step C1), C2), the computer checks to see if the user subscription ID is set in the link parameter (step C3).

When the user reservation ID is set, the information provider computer 4 proceeds to step C6. If the user subscription ID is not set, the computer 4 requests the communication provider computer 1 to obtain the portable user ID (step C4), and checks to see if the portable user ID exists (step C5).

If the portable user ID cannot be obtained, the information provider computer 4 proceeds to step C11, linking to the user authentication process of the portal site computer 2. The computer 4 transmits a content site information menu to the portable terminal 3 when the portable user ID is available.

When receiving content selection information from the portable terminal 3, the information provider computer 4 transmits information on the selected content site (step C7), and waits until the print use reservation information has been transmitted from the portable terminal 3 (step C8) . If the print usage reservation information has not been received, the computer 4 ends the content usage guide processing. If the print usage reservation information has been received, the computer 4 generates a content file that has been used and reserved (step C9).

Then, the information provider computer 4 sets link parameters (user subscription ID, portable user ID, content URL, information service fee, standard medium description, content type classification, content name, number of prints, etc.) in the content file (step C10 ). Then, the computer 4 links to the user authentication processing of the portal site computer 2 (step C11), and ends the content usage guide processing.

The use reservation information accepting process executed after the user authentication process of the CPU 21 of the entrance site computer 2 will be described below with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 .

In FIG. 27, when the CPU 21 obtains link parameters (user reservation ID, portable user ID, content URL, information service fee, standard medium description, content type classification, content name, number of prints, etc.) through user authentication processing (step S61), the CPU 21 checks to see whether certain restrictions (for example, age-based use restrictions) apply to such use based on content type and user attribute (age) (steps S62 and S63).

If the content usage restriction is NG, the CPU 21 sends a usage restriction sentence to the portable terminal 3 (step S64), and ends the usage reservation information acceptance process. When the content use restriction is OK, the CPU 21 checks to see whether the restriction (restriction based on the store) applies to such use classified based on the content type (steps S65 and S66).

If this store-based use restriction is NG, CPU 21 sends an available store guide sentence to portable terminal 3 (step S67), and proceeds to step S68. When the store-based usage restriction is OK, the CPU 21 immediately proceeds to step S68 shown in FIG. 28 .

In step S68, the CPU 21 transmits the print service content (content name, information service fee, print service fee, standard medium, number of prints, etc.) of the selected content to the portable terminal 3.

Next, the CPU 21 obtains a selection (use or cancellation) of the use reservation sent from the portable terminal 3 based on the sent print service content (step S69), and performs a use reservation check based on this selection (step S70). When "Cancel" is selected, the CPU 21 ends the use reservation information acceptance process. In a case where "use" is selected, the CPU 21 transmits a print format selection screen (refer to FIG. 16C) to the portable terminal 3 (step S71).

Then, the CPU 21 obtains the input copy number sent from the portable terminal 3 according to the sent print format selection screen, and further obtains the selection of the print medium type (form) (plain paper A4 (double-sided), plain paper A4 (single-sided) side), Bible edition refill (three sides) or micro version refill (four sides), etc.) (step S73).

Further, the CPU 21 obtains a selection of continuous printing on multi-sided media sent from the portable terminal 3 (step S74). Then, the CPU 21 obtains a selection of advertisement insertion printing on the multi-sided medium (advertisement printing: yes or no) (step S75), obtains a print format selection (reserve or cancel), and checks the print format (step S76).

In a case where "cancel" is selected, the CPU 21 returns to step S68, where the content of the print service is sent. In the case where "Reservation" is selected, the CPU 21 transmits the content of the use reservation accepted in steps S72 to S75 to the portable terminal 3 (step S77). Then, the CPU 21 updates the content of the use reservation information in the user file contained in the use reservation information file 2F (refer to FIG. 9A) (step S78), and performs print content generation processing.

The print content generation processing executed by the CPU 21 of the portal site computer 2 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 29 .

In Fig. 29, CPU 21 obtains the date and time (step S81) of content site renewal from the content URL that information provider computer 4 provides; and the date and time are compared (step S82); and, a check is made to see if a content update has been performed (step S83).

If such content updating has not been performed, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S85. When the content update is performed, the CPU 21 obtains the updated content from the content URL, and updates the content history file 21 (step S84).

Next, the CPU 21 extends the validity period of the content in the content history file 2I by a predetermined period of time (step S85); obtains the used and/or reserved print form from the user print form included in the print form file 2H (refer to FIG. 10A ). The number of prints and the number of print surfaces of the print medium; and, a check is made to see if continuous printing is specified (step S87).

When continuous printing is designated, the CPU 21 first obtains the number of reserved printing surfaces. Then, the CPU 21 develops the content according to the format of the printing medium (table) specified by the content history file 21, and obtains the number of prints (step S88).

If continuous printing is not specified, the CPU 21 develops the content according to the format of the printing medium (table) specified by the content history file 21, and obtains the number of prints (step S89).

Next, the CPU 21 calculates the print service fee from the number of prints obtained in step S88 or step S89 and the print service unit price of each print medium (table) contained in the print service unit price file 2G (refer to FIG. 9B ) (step S90).

Then, the CPU 21 updates data for the usage reservation information in the usage reservation information file 2F (refer to FIG. 9A ), such as information service fee, print service fee, and number of prints, etc. (step S91). The CPU 21 updates the member's reserved print service fee, reserved information service fee, coin-in amount during use, and next transmission coupon amount contained in the member file 2B (refer to FIG. 8 ) (step S92).

Further, the CPU 21 updates the number of prints of the print medium (form) for the member included in the print form file 2H (refer to FIG. 10A) (step S93). Then, the CPU 21 notifies the user of the portable terminal 3 by E-mail of the guidance of the usage fee and the completion of the preparation for the print service, and ends the print content generation process.

FIG. 16E shows a display example of the user's usage charge guide and preparation for printing service from the portal site computer 2 to the portable terminal 3. FIG.

The use reservation information printing process executed by the CPU 61 of the printing station 6 will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 30 and 31.

In FIG. 30, the CPU 61 first displays a print service menu (refer to FIG. 17A) by accessing from the user of the portable terminal 3 who has reserved the print service (step T1), and checks the selected menu item (step T2) .

If a person selects a menu item other than "use scheduled printing", the CPU 61 performs another process corresponding to the selected item. If a person selects the menu item "use scheduled printing", the CPU 61 displays the upper menu screen of using the scheduled printing service as shown in FIG. 17B. Then, the CPU 61 prompts the user to input the user ID and password, and obtains the input user ID and password (step T3). In this case, the user ID and password are input by keyboard operation at the input section 63 of the printing station 6 or by touch panel operation or the like.

When the user inputs the user ID and password, the CPU 61 sends the input data to the entry site computer 2 (step T4), and waits for the user authentication result to be received (step T5).

When the CPU 61 receives the fact that the user authentication result is NG from the entrance computer 2 (step T6), the CPU displays an error (step T7). When the CPU 61 receives the fact that the user authentication result is OK, the CPU 61 requests to send a use reservation information file of the user authenticated for the portal site computer 2 (step T8), and waits until the use reservation information file is received.

In the case where the CPU 61 has received a notification showing that there is no use reservation information file from the entrance site computer 2 (step T9), the CPU 61 displays an error (step T10), and ends the use reservation information printing process. In the case where the CPU 61 has received a notification showing that there is a use reservation information file (step T9), the CPU 61 obtains the use reservation information file and member file corresponding to the authenticated user from the portal site computer 2 (step T11).

Next, the CPU 61 displays a usage reservation information item generated based on the obtained member file and usage reservation information file on the screen for displaying the purchase amount, as shown in FIG. 17C (step T12). Then, the CPU 61 determines from the sum of the print service charge and the information service charge whether or not the coin-in amount is required for the coupon balance as a display item (step T13).

In the case of the screen for displaying the purchase amount shown in FIG. 17C, the user's coupon balance is 250 yen, the print service charge is 180 yen, and the information service charge is 200 yen. Therefore, the balance of the coupon is short of 130 yen, and two 100 yen coins need to be sent.

Therefore, if coin feeding is unnecessary, the CPU 61 proceeds to step T18. In step T13, if additional coin feeding is required as above, the CPU 61 displays the amount of coin feeding required for the current printing service, as shown in FIG. 17C, and waits for the user to feed in coins (step T14).

Then, the CPU 61 checks to see whether there is coin-in information from the coin-in device 69 and whether a "cancel" button has been operated on the display screen, so as to respond to the user regarding the displayed coin-in amount (step T15) . In the case where the "cancel" button is operated, the CPU 61 displays an error (step T16), sends a "cancel" command to the portal site computer 2 (step T17), and ends this usage reservation information printing process. In case the CPU 61 checks that the coin-in amount is correct, it proceeds to step T18 shown in FIG. 31 .

Next, the CPU 61 requests transmission of the content history file and print format file corresponding to the usage reservation information to the portal site computer 2 (step T18). Then, the CPU 61 obtains a content history file and a print form file transmitted from the portal site computer 2 (step T19).

The CPU 61 checks to see whether advertisement printing is specified in the usage reservation information file (step T20). If such advertisement printing is not specified, the CPU 61 proceeds to step T22. When designating advertisement printing, the CPU 61 requests transmission of advertisement contents to the portal site computer 2 (step T21).

Next, the CPU 61 generates print data according to a print format in which contents and advertisement contents are obtained from each specified print medium (form) (step T22). Then, the CPU 61 outputs the print data to the printing device 68, and waits until the printing is completed (step T23).

At this time, the CPU 61 displays a screen for displaying the purchase amount as shown in FIG. 17C, and then displays a content printing screen as shown in FIG. 18A.

Then, the CPU 61 checks that the printing completion has been notified from the printing device 68 (step T24). When the notification of printing completion is OK, the CPU 61 notifies the entrance site computer 2 that the use reservation information file has been printed (step T25). Then, the CPU 61 displays the total amount of printed advertisement coupons on the screen (step T26), and ends the usage reservation information printing process.

At this time, the CPU 61 displays a content printing screen as shown in FIG. 18A, and then, after completion of content printing, displays an advertisement coupon guide screen as shown in FIG. 18B. This indicates that the advertisement printing is not specified, the amount of the advertisement coupon is 0 yen, and the amount of the next transmission coupon is 70 yen.

In the case of transmitting the coupon amount described above, when the coin deposit amount is 200 yen, the fee is not returned in cash, and the balance of 70 yen is transmitted as the coupon balance (balance) available in the next printing service.

Thus, managing the balance as a coupon simplifies the cashing function of the printing station 6, eliminates change (10 yen coins, etc.), and reduces equipment costs.

In addition, in the case of receiving a misprinted content after the NG has been notified from the printing apparatus 68, the CPU 61 displays an error recovery command corresponding to such a misprinted content, instructs the user to adjust the store for error recovery, and The result of print error recovery is checked (step T27).

When the print error recovery result is OK, the CPU 61 returns to step T23, where the CPU 61 outputs the print data, and waits for the completion of printing. If the print error recovery result is NG, the CPU 61 sends a notification of the print error to the portal site computer 2 (step T28). Then, the CPU 61 displays an error message (for example, "A printing error has occurred.") on the display section 62 (step T29), and ends the usage reservation information printing process.

Fig. 19 shows a modified example of a printing medium in the case where the printing format has been changed in the above-mentioned use reservation information printing process. In FIG. 19 , an example is shown when the content for A4 size plain paper has changed to the content for notebook refill paper ( B6 ). At the printing station 6, content printing medium switching processing is performed in accordance with a command to change the printing method.

The use reservation information printing process executed by the CPU 21 of the portal site computer 2 in accordance with the use reservation information printing process at the printing station 6 will be described below with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. 32 and 33 .

In FIG. 32, the CPU 21 first waits for a user authentication request from the printing station 6 (step S101). When the CPU 21 receives the user authentication request from the printing station 6, the CPU 21 executes terminal authentication processing of the printing station 6 (step S102). That is, it is checked whether the printing station 6 is registered as a printing service terminal.

Next, the CPU 21 acquires the user ID and password of the user of the portable terminal 3 sent from the printing station 6 (step S103). Then, the CPU 21 executes user authentication processing by referring to the member file 2B (refer to FIG. 8) (step S104).

Next, the CPU 21 checks the user authentication result (step S105). If the user authentication result is NG, the CPU 21 sends this fact to the printing station 6 (step S106), and ends the usage reservation information printing process. If the user authentication result is OK, the CPU 21 sends this fact to the printing station 6, and waits until a request for sending the use reservation information is received (step S107).

When the CPU 21 receives a request for sending usage reservation information from the printing station 6, the CPU 21 checks by referring to the usage reservation information file 2F (refer to FIG. 9A ) to see if the usage and/reservation information file of the authenticated user exists. (Steps S108 and S109).

If the use reservation file of the identified user does not exist, the CPU 21 sends use error information to the printing station 6 (step S112), and ends the use reservation information printing process. When the use reservation information file of the identified user exists, the CPU 21 checks by referring to the content history file 21 (refer to "station store use restriction" shown in FIG. Whether or not the use terminal restriction information included in the reservation information file exists (steps S110 and S111).

If the use terminal restriction has been set, and if the check result is NG, the CPU 21 sends a use error message to the printing station (step S112), and ends the use reservation information printing process. Or, if the use terminal restriction is not set, and if the check result is OK, the CPU 21 sends the use reservation information file and membership file of the authenticated user to the printing station 6 (step S113).

Next, the CPU 21 waits until the CPU 21 has received a request to be sent from the printing station 6 for sending the content history file and the print format file (step S114). When the CPU 21 receives the transmission request, it judges whether the content of the request is "OK" or "Cancel" (step S115).

Then, when the request content is "OK", the CPU 21 sends the content history file and the print format file to the printing station 6 (step S116 shown in FIG. 33 ). If it is "cancel", the CPU 21 ends the usage reservation information printing process.

Then, the CPU 21 judges whether or not advertisement printing is specified for the usage reservation information file (step S117). If such advertisement printing is not designated, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S120, and requests advertisement content distribution processing (refer to FIG. 34 ) with the number of advertisement prints, user attributes, distribution area or content classification as advertisement content (refer to FIG. 34) (step S118).

The CPU 21 calculates the coupon amount of the advertisement content received from the advertisement site proprietor's computer 5 through the advertisement content distribution process, and sends this coupon amount and the advertisement content to the printing station 6 (step S119).

Next, the CPU 21 waits until the CPU 21 has received the notification of the completion of printing sent from the printing station 6. When the CPU 21 receives the notification of the completion of printing, it determines whether the completion of printing is OK or NG (step S121). If the notification of printing completion is NG, the CPU 21 ends the usage reservation information printing process. When the notification is OK, the CPU 21 adds the amount of the advertising coupon to the member's coupon balance contained in the member file 2B (refer to FIG. 8 ), and updates the use reservation information file (step S122).

The CPU 21 updates the user history information of the members in the user history 2K (refer to FIG. 11) (step S123). Then, the CPU 21 updates the use history information of the content contained in the content use history file 2L (refer to FIG. 12 ) (step S124). Further, the CPU 21 updates the advertisement history information of the advertisement contents contained in the advertisement history file 2M (refer to FIG. 12 ) (step S125), and ends the usage reservation information printing process.

The advertisement content distribution processing executed by the CPU 21 of the portal site computer 2 when a request for the advertisement content distribution processing is made during the usage reservation information printing processing will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 34 .

In FIG. 34, the CPU 21 first waits until a request for distribution of an advertisement content file has been made by the use reserved printing process (step S201). Then, the CPU 21 checks to see if such an allocation request exists (step S202). When a distribution request exists, the CPU 21 obtains advertisement content conditions, such as the number of pieces of advertisement content, user attributes, and distribution area content classification, from the received information (step S203).

Next, the CPU 21 obtains a corresponding advertisement content candidate from the advertisement content file 20 (refer to FIG. 14 ) according to the obtained advertisement content condition (step S204). Then, the CPU 21 checks the remaining number of advertisement issuance and the validity period of the advertisement (step S205) and checks to see whether the advertisement is valid or invalid (step S206).

The advertisement issuance number represents a value obtained by subtracting the actual issuance number from the advertisement issuance number of the print content preset during the registration of the advertisement content. The advertisement validity period means a period preset during the registration of advertisement contents.

If the advertisement is invalid, the CPU 21 returns to step S204, and obtains another advertisement content candidate from the advertisement content file 20. When the advertisement was effective, the CPU 21 checks the restricted area, store, content classification and company (step S207) to be placed on the advertisement, and checks to see if the advertisement is restricted to put on the advertisement (step S208).

If the advertisement is restricted by putting advertisements, the CPU 21 returns to step S204, and obtains another advertisement content candidate from the advertisement content file 20. If it is not restricted by placing advertisements, the CPU 21 obtains the previous date and time of the advertisements related to the user from the advertisement history file 2M (refer to FIG. 13 ). Then, the CPU 21 checks to see if a predetermined period has elapsed from the previous advertisement (step S209), and checks to see if the predetermined period is within the advertisement history limit (step S210).

When the predetermined period has not elapsed from the previous advertisement and the predetermined period is within the range of the advertisement history limit, the CPU 21 returns to step S204, and obtains another advertisement content candidate from the advertisement content file 20. If the predetermined period has passed and the predetermined period is within the limit of the advertisement history, the CPU 21 checks the advertisement content advertiser contained in the advertisement content file 20 from the user attribute (step S211), and checks to see whether the user is from the advertisement target (step S211) S212).

If the user is from the advertisement target, the CPU 21 returns to step S204, and obtains another advertisement content candidate from the advertisement content file 20. Otherwise, the CPU 21 checks the area for advertising the advertisement content contained in the advertisement content file 20 from the type of the assigned area content (step S213), and checks to see if the area is from the advertisement target (step S214).

When the area is from the above-mentioned area for advertisement, the CPU 21 returns to step S204, and obtains another advertisement content candidate from the advertisement content file 20. Otherwise, the CPU 21 sends content file information such as advertisement content URL or advertisement coupon amount (FIGS. 32 and 33) to the use reservation information print process (step S215).

Next, the CPU 21 decrements the advertisement issuance of the advertisement content contained in the advertisement content file 20 by 1 (step S216). Then, the CPU 21 adds 1 to the number of advertisement content candidates (the number of advertisements issued) (step S217), and checks according to the number of advertisement contents to see if it exceeds the required number of advertisements (step S218).

If the required advertisement number is not exceeded, the CPU 21 returns to step S204, and obtains another advertisement content candidate from the advertisement content file 20. Otherwise, the CPU 21 ends the advertisement content distribution processing.

This completes the description of a series of processing for realizing the print service in the embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. 20 to 34 .

Therefore, in the print service system 100, the user of the portable terminal 3 can reserve the contents of the print service by linking to the portal site computer 2 on the Internet S. Further, the user can obtain the contents of the reserved print service on the print medium specified by the print station 6 placed at the nearest store.

Next, the advertisement content updating process from the advertisement site owner computer 5 to the portal site computer 2 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 35 and 36 .

First, the advertisement content updating process at the advertisement site proprietor computer 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 35 .

In Fig. 35, the advertising site owner's computer 5 first generates an HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) file (step D1) for the advertising content to be updated, and enters the advertising company ID, advertising content URL, advertising content type classification and advertising content name (step D2).

Next, the advertisement site proprietor's computer 5 inputs an advertisement print medium (form), the number of advertisement surfaces, the limited number of advertisement copies, the start date and time of the advertisement, and the end date and time (step D3). Then, the computer 5 inputs the classification of the advertisement area, user's gender, upper and lower limits of user's age, user's date of birth, and user's occupation (step D4). Further, the computer 5 updates the advertisement content file according to the input value (step D5), transmits the updated advertisement content file to the portal computer 2 (step D6), and ends the advertisement content updating process.

The advertisement content updating process performed by the CPU 21 of the portal site computer 2 according to the advertisement content updating process at the advertisement site proprietor computer 5 is explained below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 36 .

In FIG. 36, the CPU 21 first waits to receive an advertisement content file to be sent from the advertisement site proprietor's computer 5 (step S301). When the CPU 21 receives the advertisement content file to be updated, the CPU 21 checks to see whether the advertisement content is registered by referring to the advertisement content file 20 (step S302).

If the advertisement content is not registered, the CPU 21 returns to step S301. When the advertisement content is registered, the CPU 21 updates the advertisement content file 20 by employing the received advertisement content file (step S303).

Then, CPU 21 downloads advertisement content (step S304) from advertisement content URL; Input advertisement service charge and advertisement coupon amount (step S305), and the content classification (step S306) of the advertiser of advertisement content is set.

Further, the CPU 21 inputs the restricted area classification, store classification, content type and content company as the advertiser's competitor (step S307). Then, the CPU 21 updates the advertisement content file 20 according to the input value (step S308), and ends the advertisement content update process.

As described above, in the print service system 100 according to the present embodiment, a payment system for a coupon-based print service is employed. Therefore, electronic use coupons can be easily provided to members in order to promote the use of printing services. For example, usage coupons can be easily provided for questionnaires or usage strategies for advertisements and the like.

In addition, the printing station 6 employs a function for adjusting the use coupon balance and fee based on 100 yen coins. For example, there is provided a method for adjusting the fee of 10 to 90 yen included in the usage coupon of member registration to the next coupon balance. Therefore, the change function can be eliminated, and service deterioration due to lack of change can be prevented.

Further, in the print service system 100 according to the present embodiment, the print service usage reservation restriction function can be set by the content history file 2I (refer to FIG. 10B ) during content distribution. Therefore, the following use reservation restriction function reflecting the preference of the information provider or the preference of the store where the printing station 6 is placed can be provided.

(1) As a function for restricting use reservation according to content user attributes, for example, a function for restricting use and reservation of age-restricted content according to member's date of birth may be provided.

(2) As a function for restricting the use reservation according to the preference of the shop where the printing station is placed, for example, a function for restricting the use reservation according to the preference of the fast food shop that is not suitable for guests such as information on horse racing predictions can be provided Function.

In addition, in the print service system 100 according to the present embodiment, a function of advertisement print service based on content distribution can be provided. Accordingly, the following advertisement services may be provided.

(1) As a function for advertising an advertisement selected for the advertiser's target based on user attributes or locations, for example, it is possible to provide a function for placing advertisements mainly targeted at such high school girls only when the user is a high school girl The function of advertising of daily necessities.

(2) As a function for appropriately changing the contents of advertisements according to user attributes or locations or time intervals of printing services, for example, a function for placing daily necessities according to user gender by providing advertisements for men or for women can be provided Advertisement or Coupon Feature.

(3) As a function for instantiating a need from the classification of the print service content by an advertisement that satisfies the next hypothetical latent need, for example, a function for placing a house according to the attribute of the user receiving the rental information print service can be provided Or the function of advertisement of transportation company etc.

Further, in the print service system 100 according to the present embodiment, a function for restricting advertisements for print services may be set by the advertisement content file 20 (refer to FIG. 14) during content distribution. Therefore, the following functions for restricting advertisement placement can be provided.

(1) As a function for placing restrictions on the content of advertisements with respect to a store where a printing station is placed, for example, a function for placing advertisements in the case of placing a printing station in a fast food restaurant, such as an association or a teahouse, can be provided Functionality to be restricted.

(2) As a function for restricting the content of advertising with respect to the preferences of the content provider, for example, an advertisement for placing an advertisement of a competitor of the content provider or an advertisement content whose content competes with each other can be provided Functionality to be restricted.

(3) As a function for restricting the contents of advertisements according to user attributes, for example, a function for restricting advertisements placed in tobacco shops, liquor shops, or pachinko shops where purchase or use is legally restricted can be provided. Restricted functionality.

(4) A function for restricting the placement of the same advertisement content to the same user for a predetermined period may be provided.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broadest sense is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, if the printing station 6 provides means for obtaining the cellular phone number defined at the portable terminal 3 by using wireless communication or infrared communication, such as IrDA, the user of the portable terminal 3 can eliminate the input of the cellular phone number .

In addition, the system configuration of the print service system 100 shown in this embodiment is provided as an example only, and the type and number of portable terminals, the number of printing stations, or the installation locations can be changed arbitrarily.

According to the present invention, there is provided a print service of a content distribution type via a network in which there is no restriction on a place to request content and a place to receive a printout of the content.

Claims (3)

1. A print information distribution device connected to multiple printers and multiple information terminals located in different locations through a network, the device comprising: user information storage means for storing user information about information terminals that are allowed to access the print information distribution device; A reservation information storage device, used for storing printing reservation information; an information terminal verification device, configured to obtain identification information indicating a user of any information terminal when any information terminal accesses the print information distribution device, and perform a verification process to determine whether the user is registered in the user information storage device Inside; The print reservation means, when said information terminal verification means has authenticated said any one of the information terminals, sends a print reservation screen image for reserving printing desired information to said any one of the information terminals, wherein the image is generated by said any one of the information terminals. making by a user of one information terminal, and receiving a reservation for printing the desired information made by the user operation from any one of the information terminals, and storing the printing reservation information indicating the desired information in relation to each other in the user information storage means and the identification information indicating the user of any one of the information terminals, wherein the identification information is obtained by the information terminal verification device, printer authentication means for authenticating any one of the printers when any one of the printers accesses the print information distribution device; identification information obtaining means, configured to obtain identification information transmitted from any one of the printers through the network when the printer verification device verifies the any one of the printers; print information generation means for searching in the print reservation information storage device based on the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means, reading the print reservation information related to the identification information from the print reservation information storage device, and based on the The read print reservation information generates print information; and The print information sending means is used to send the print information generated by the print information generating means to any one of the printers that transmit the identification information through the network, and make the any one of the printers to print out the print information. 2. The printing information distributing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said printing information sending means sends charging information indicating a printing fee of said printing information to said any one printer, and after paying the said any one printer The printing information is sent to any one of the printers when printing is charged. 3. The print information distributing apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of said printers includes money account means for accepting money of each predetermined type, and when money is deposited into the money account means When paying the fee indicated by the charge information, any one of the printers prints out the print information sent by the print information sending means.

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