JP2003067651A - Digital content providing system, digital content providing method, server device, and digital content providing server program - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a digital content providing system that enables reprinting without charging only within a predetermined number of times and that can ultimately charge in any case.
provide. After executing printing based on digital content, an image editor transmits a payment confirmation notification request to an editor server when an “Yes” button on a print result confirmation screen is pressed. When the “No” button 84 is pressed, a payment unconfirmed notification request is transmitted to the editor server 36. The editor server 36 executes the billing confirmation process when receiving the payment confirmation request and when receiving the payment non-confirmation request but the accumulated number of times reaches the predetermined number, and receives the payment non-confirmation request. If the accumulated number of times does not reach the predetermined number, a reprint enable notification is transmitted to the image editor 52. Only when the image editor 52 receives the reprintable notice from the editor server 36, the digital content 42
Execute printing based on.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for selling a copyrighted work by transmitting print image data from a server device to a user terminal via a network and outputting it to a printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, along with the spread of computer networks represented by the Internet and the establishment of a legal basis for controlling electronic commerce via computer networks, computers such as paper media such as books and computers such as CD-ROM have been conventionally used. Works that are sold in fixed media such as readable media (language works, music works, art works,
Graphic works, movie works, photo works, etc.)
It has become communicable in the form of digital data and is now sold through computer networks. Such copyrighted works (hereinafter referred to as "digital contents") that have been made communicable in the form of digital data violate their copyrights because of the original characteristic of digital data that it is possible to copy the exact same thing. Easy to be affected. Therefore, when providing such digital contents, it is necessary to prevent duplication beyond the range permitted by the copyright holder, and on the other hand, it is necessary to guarantee the use of the copyrighted work by the user within the range. However, if too much emphasis is placed on protecting authors, it imposes an undue burden on users (forced disclosure of private information, purchase of copyrighted materials that they do not want, etc.), and as a result, digital contents that use a computer network. May be reluctant to buy. On the other hand, if too much emphasis is placed on user protection, unauthorized use of copyrighted material by the user (illegal acquisition while avoiding billing, use more than the permitted number of times, use that is not the authorized usage form, etc.) There is room to leave, and as a result, the sale of copyrighted works using computer networks may be avoided. Therefore, how to balance the protection of the author and the protection of the user is important for promoting the use of such a business model.

[0003]

For example, when the user is provided with image data for printing a photograph, a fine art or a graphic work on the printer as the digital content described above, the printer may have a problem (failure, If the paper type is wrong, the ink runs out, etc.), the print result expected by the user may not be obtained. Even in such a case, if the user is charged every time printing is performed, it is too much for the user.

However, whether or not the print result is satisfactory depends on the subjectivity of the user. Therefore, if the user refrains from charging even if the user is not satisfied with the print result, the quality with a certain commercial value is obtained. It is possible that many prints are printed without being charged. Such printing substantially corresponds to the above-mentioned illegal use.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and when the print result does not meet the purchaser's intention, reprinting can be performed within a predetermined number of times without charging. In any case, a digital content providing system capable of finally charging, a digital content providing method using such a digital content providing system, a server device constituting such a digital content providing system, and It is to provide a digital content providing server program for causing a computer to function as such a server device.

[0006]

The present invention has the following features to attain the object mentioned above.

That is, the digital content providing system according to the present invention comprises a server device and a user terminal that can communicate with each other via a network, and the server device sends the digital content to the user terminal based on a request from the user terminal. In the digital content providing system for transmitting a message, the user terminal includes a processing device that executes a process according to a program, an input device that inputs various instructions to the processing device according to a user operation, and the network via the network. The server device includes a communication device that communicates with the server device, a printer that prints by a processing device, and a storage medium, and the server device performs a process according to a program, and the user terminal via the network. Stores digital devices and communication devices that communicate with A storage medium, the storage medium of the user terminal executing a first process for requesting the digital content to the server device in response to an instruction input from the input device to the processing device. Let
When the digital content is received from the server device, a second process of performing printing using the printer is executed based on the received digital content, and then a print result is displayed according to an instruction input by the input device. If the reprint permission is notified from the server device, the third process for transmitting the information indicating whether or not is correct to the server device is executed, and then the second process and the third process are performed.
A client program for re-executing the processing is stored, and the storage medium of the server device reads the digital content from the storage medium in response to a request transmitted from the user terminal to the processing device. When the information indicating that the print result is correct is notified from the user terminal, and when the information indicating that the print result is negative is notified from the user terminal, the accumulated When the number of times has reached a predetermined number, the user is charged, and the user terminal is notified of information indicating that the print result is negative, but the cumulative number has not reached the predetermined number. Is stored with a server program for notifying the user terminal of reprint permission.

Further, the digital content providing method according to the present invention is capable of communicating with a user terminal having an input device and a printer via a network and storing a digital content and a sample thereof. A digital content providing method, in which the server device transmits digital content to the user terminal based on a request from the user terminal, the server device including: When the user inputs an instruction, the request for the digital content is transmitted to the server device, and when the server device receives the request for the digital content from the user terminal, the server device reads the digital content from the storage medium and outputs the digital content. And transmitting to the user terminal, the user terminal Upon receipt of the digital content,
Printing is performed using the printer based on the received digital content, and then information indicating whether or not the print result input by the user via the input device is correct is transmitted to the server device, The server device is notified from the user terminal of information indicating that the print result is correct, and is notified of information indicating that the print result is not, but the cumulative number of times reaches a predetermined number. Perform a billing process for the user, and the user terminal is notified of information indicating that the print result is negative, but if the cumulative number of times has not reached the predetermined number, reprint to the user terminal. The permission is transmitted, and the user terminal executes the printing and the information transmission only when the reprint permission is received from the server device.

Further, the server device according to the present invention has a processing device for executing processing according to a program, a communication device for communicating with a user terminal via the network, and a storage medium for storing digital contents and a sample thereof. A server device, wherein the storage medium causes the processing device to read the digital content from the storage medium and transmit the digital content to the user terminal in response to a request transmitted from the user terminal. When the terminal notifies the user of the information indicating that the print result is correct, and when the user terminal notifies the information indicating that the print result is not, but the cumulative number of times reaches a predetermined number. , Execute the billing process for the user,
If the user terminal is notified of information indicating that the print result is negative but the cumulative number of times does not reach the predetermined number, a server program for notifying the user terminal of reprint permission is stored. It is characterized by that.

Further, the server program according to the present invention is
The user with respect to the processing device in a server device having a processing device that executes a process according to a program, a communication device that communicates with a user terminal via the network, and a storage medium that stores digital content and a sample thereof When the digital content is read from the storage medium and transmitted to the user terminal in response to a request transmitted from the terminal, and information indicating that the print result is correct is notified from the user terminal, and the user If the terminal notifies the information indicating that the print result is no, but the cumulative number of times reaches the predetermined number,
When the user terminal is executed the billing process and the user terminal is notified of the information indicating that the print result is negative but the accumulated number of times has not reached the predetermined number, reprint permission is given to the user terminal. Notify me.

According to the present invention configured as described above,
When printing is executed on the user terminal, the billing process is not performed immediately, the user waits for input via the input device, and the information indicating that the printing is correct because the user is satisfied with the print result is input. If so, the server device executes a billing process for this user. On the other hand, when the information indicating that the printing is not possible is input because the print result is inadequate, the server device displays the cumulative number of times that the information indicating that the printing is not performed is notified. If the check is performed and the cumulative number does not reach the predetermined number, the reprint permission is notified to the user terminal without performing the charging process. As a result, the user terminal can print again. Then, based on the printing result, the information indicating whether or not the printing is successful is notified to the user terminal again. When the cumulative number of times the information indicating that the printing is prohibited is notified reaches a predetermined number, the server device charges the user regardless of what print result is actually output. Execute the process.
As a result, the user can surely obtain a printed matter of a predetermined quality, while restricting an unauthorized reprint request by a malicious user.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of a digital content providing system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the business model to which the present invention is applied can be constructed on any computer network such as a conventional personal computer communication network, but in the present embodiment, the digital content providing system according to the present invention is implemented on the Internet. This is a built example. In addition, the ActiveX used in the following description is Microsoft Cor.
poration is a trademark in the United States and other countries,
Java is the US Sun Micr in the US and other countries
osystems, Inc. is a trademark.

(Overall Configuration) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration diagram of this digital content providing system. The digital content providing system of this example is one server device 1 and a plurality of user PCs 2 (user terminals) that can communicate with each other via the Internet IN, and a credit connected to the server device 1 via a dedicated line PL. It is composed of the server 3.

The server device 1 has a normal hardware configuration as an internet server device, and is a copyrighted work for which it owns a copyrighted work or a copyrighted work commissioned by another copyright holder (specifically, a copyrighted work). Is a copyrighted work of photographs and paintings)
It is managed and operated by a company that sells (hereinafter referred to as "supplier").

Each user PC 2 has a hardware configuration as an ordinary personal computer capable of accessing the Internet, and a person who intends to purchase a copyrighted work from a supplier (hereinafter referred to as "user"). Operated by.

It should be noted that the copyrighted work sold by the supplier to the user is in a state in which it can be transmitted in advance (specifically, as image data in JPEG format).
It is stored in the server device 1 and transmitted to the user PC 2 of the user who wishes to purchase, and is automatically output to the printer by the user PC 2. The object to be sold by this digital content providing system is, to the last, a printed matter output from a printer, and the image data is used only for transmitting a copyrighted material via the Internet IN and is sold as such. is not. However,
In the following description, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, “digital content” indicating these image data is expressed as “sold” for convenience.

The credit server 3 is managed and operated by a certification body entrusted by a plurality of credit card companies, and correlates the card number of the credit card issued by each credit card company with the name of the holder. It has a database and responds to inquiries from various Internet sales sites (including the server device 1) whether or not the inquired card number and holder's name are associated with the same person.

(Configuration of User Terminal) Each user terminal 2
CPU 20 (processing device), communication adapter 21 (communication device), display 2 which are connected to each other by a bus B
2, input device 23, RAM 24, printer interface (I / F) 26 and hard disk 25 (storage medium)
It is composed of Of these, the CPU 20
It is a central processing unit that controls the entire user terminal 2.
The communication adapter 21 is a modem or the like that interfaces with a line on which the Internet IN is constructed. The display 22 is a display device that displays an image generated by the CPU 20. The input device 23 is
It consists of a keyboard and a mouse. RAM24 is a CPU
20 is a main storage device in which a work area is expanded when various programs are executed. The printer interface 26 is a Centronics port or a USB port, and is connected to the printer 4 via a Centronics cable or a USB cable. The printer 4 is a printer capable of color printing (sublimation printer, laser printer, inkjet printer, etc.).

The hard disk 25 stores various programs read and executed by the CPU 20. The programs stored in the hard disk 25 in advance include an operating system 26, a Web browser 27 (browser program), a Java virtual machine 28, and a printer driver 29. The operating system 26 causes the CPU 20 to realize a function of performing communication according to TCP / IP with the server device 1 via the communication adapter 21, a function of controlling each hardware configuring the user terminal 2, and the like. .
The web browser 27 uses the communication function of the operating system 26 to search the WWW site (server device 1
(Including the Web server 35 described later in
Send TTP request message and HTT
Interpret the response message sent by the WWW site in response to the P request message, display the Web content (hypertext, screen data such as JPEG or GIF) included in the content, and the ActiveX control included in the content (Image editor C described later
Image editor startup ActiveX5 in AB file 50
The CPU 20 is made to realize the function of activating (including 1). The Java virtual machine 28 also includes a Java class file (image editor CAB file 50 described later) included in the response message received from the website by the function of the web browser 27.
The CPU 20 is caused to execute processing according to the image editor Java application 52 therein). Also,
The printer driver 29 includes various application programs (image editor Java application 52).
The print image data is received from the Java virtual machine 28 for executing the above), the print image data is converted into the print data, and the CPU 20 is caused to execute the function of causing the printer 4 to execute the printing. It is sufficient for the printer driver 29 to store only one corresponding to the printer 4 connected to the printer interface 26, but when there are a plurality of connected printers 4 or a plurality of printers 4 are connected. If a plurality of items are planned to be exchanged and used, a plurality of items are stored. Among these, the Web browser 27, the image editor start ActiveX 51, and the image editor Java
The details of the processing performed by the application 52 will be described later in detail using a flowchart.

Further, the hard disk 25 further has a C
Various data is stored (cached) as the PU 20 executes the above-described application. For example,
The image editor ActiveX 51 and the image editor Java in the image editor CAB file 50 described later.
Application 52, decryption DLL 53, and print O
The CX 54, various HTML files 40, various image data 41, various main image containers 42 that contain digital contents in an encrypted state, a spooler 55 with a copy protection function, and the like. These various data will be described in detail later.

(Structure of Server Device) The server device 1 includes a CPU 10 (processing device), a RAM 11, a communication adapter 15 (communication device) and a hard disk 12 (storage medium) which are connected to each other via a bus B as main hardware. It has as a component. Of these, CPU1
A central processing unit 0 controls the entire server device 1. In addition, the communication adapter 11 is the Internet I
N is a communication device that serves as an interface with a built line or a dedicated line PL.

The hard disk 12 stores various programs and various data read and executed by the CPU 10. The data stored in the hard disk 12 includes various HTML files 40 defining the configuration of the screen displayed on the Web browser 27, and various image data (JPEG) in which links are set in any of the HTML files 40. Data, GIF data) file 41, image editor CAB file 5 described above
0, the main image container 42, the spooler 55 with a copy prevention function, the content database 43, the member database 44, the reprint reason table 45, the payment status management table 46, and the printer driver database 47.
It is included.

Of these, the main image container 42 is prepared for each main image data (digital content) for transmitting an image sold by using the server device 1. Then, in each main image container 42, JPEG
Image data compressed in the
In the state encrypted according to the encryption algorithm such as
It is housed. In the hard disk 12, each main image container 42 has a key (container key) for decrypting the image data stored therein.
Are associated with each other.

The image editor CAB file 5
0 (corresponding to the file of the client program) includes the image editor activation ActiveX 51, the image editor Java application 52, the decryption DLL 53, and the print OCX 54, as described above. The decoding process DLL 53 is a shared library including a process for decoding the main image data in the main image container 42. Further, the print OCX 54 is the R of the print image.
It is a custom control that performs drawing to the AM 24 and transfer to the printer driver 29.

A spooler 55 with a copy protection function
Is prepared for each printer driver 29, and the copy function of the print data can be removed from the spooler normally possessed by these printer drivers 29 by the control of the application.

As shown in FIG. 2, the content database 43 is a database in which an entry is prepared for each image to be sold, and each entry has a content ID, which is identification information of the image to be sold, and a sale. Each image size ID (size01: A3, size02: A) corresponding to the image size of each main image data for transmitting the target image
4, size03: Postcard amount (including when it is free), main image attribute information indicating the attributes of each main image data (editing constraint conditions, free layout availability, main image data height direction pixels) Number, the number of pixels in the width direction of the main image data, etc.), the storage position (path name) of the main image container 42, and the layout image file (the image data file 40 in which the image to be sold is converted into data with a resolution lower than the main image data). That is, the storage location (path name) of a sample of digital content is registered.

As shown in FIG. 3, the member database 44 (user database) is a user, which is identification information uniquely assigned to each member registered in advance for the service provided by the digital content providing system. Information such as an ID, a password, an address, a name, an age, an electronic mail address, login information indicating whether or not the user is logged in is registered. Of this information,
The login information is registered by the database server 38, which will be described later, but since the other information is registered based on a prior application from the member, its authenticity is not guaranteed. Absent.

The printer driver database 47, as shown in FIG. 4, can be recognized by the author as not violating the right to maintain the identity of each printer (that is, the image to be sold) supported by the digital content providing system. A printer ID and a driver name as identification information for each printer driver 29 for a printer capable of performing printing based on digital contents with a certain quality), an OSID representing an operating system 26 corresponding to the printer driver 29, Capability information of the printer driver 29 (supported paper size, supported paper type, supported left margin, supported right margin, supported top margin, supported bottom margin, maximum input resolution, paper feed method, etc.)
Have been registered.

Regarding the reprint reason table 45 (see FIG. 8) and the payment status management table 46 (see FIG. 7), no data is stored in the initial state, and the data is accumulated by the CPU 10 executing the processing. Since it will be done, it will be described in detail later along with the processing content.

Further, the hard disk 12 stores various programs. The program stored in the hard disk 12 is transmitted to each user terminal 2 and the credit server 3 via the communication adapter 15 by TCP / I.
In addition to an operating system (not shown) including a function of performing communication according to P, a file server 37, a database server 38, a Web server 35, and an editor server 3
6 is included. Hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as a server program.

The file server 37 is the Web server 35.
And the above-mentioned HTML file 40, image data file 41, main image container 42, and image editor CAB file 50 in response to a request from the editor server 36.
Also, the CPU 10 is caused to execute a process of reading the spooler 55 with the copy protection function.

The database server 38 is a Web server.
In response to requests from the server 35 and the editor server 36, access to the above-mentioned content database 43, member database 44, reprint reason table 45, payment status management table 46 and printer driver database 47 (data storage, data read, data update). )
Is executed by the CPU 10.

The Web server 35 is the user PC 2
According to the content of the HTTP request message transmitted from (Web browser 27), the file server 3
7 or a process of receiving corresponding data from the database server 38 and responding to the requesting user PC 2 (Web browser 27), or processing the data included in the message to each database 43, 44, 47 or table 45, 46. A request is made to the database server 38 for registration, and the processing result is sent to the requesting user PC 2 (Web
The CPU 10 is caused to execute the process of responding to the browser 27).

The editor server 36 is a user PC.
The Java virtual machine 28 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “image editor 5”) being executed by the CPU 20 of the second embodiment according to the image editor Java application 52.
2 ”), receives the corresponding data from the file server 37 or the database server 38 in response to the request from the image editor 52, and requests the user PC 2 (Web browser 27).
Process for responding to, each database 43, 44, 47 or table 45, 4 of the data included in the message
The CPU 10 is caused to execute the process of requesting the database server 38 to register the data in the No. 6 database.

The processing contents of the Web server 35 and the editor server 36 will be described later in detail with reference to the flowchart.

The RAM 11 is a main storage device in which a work area is expanded when the CPU 10 executes various processes. The session ID management table 48 (see FIG. 5) and the print layout information file 49 (see FIG. 6) are temporarily generated in the RAM 11 by the CPU 10 executing the Web server 35 and the editor server 36. It These session ID management table 4
8 and the print layout information file 49, W
A detailed description will be given later together with the processing contents by the eb server 35 and the editor server 36.

(Contents of Program) Below, the above-mentioned We
The processing contents of the b browser 27, the image editor 52 (Java virtual machine 28 and the image editor Java application 52), the web server 35, and the editor server 36 will be described with reference to the flowchart.

<Web Browser> FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the CPU 20 by the Web browser 27. However, this Web browser 27 is a generally commercially available browser program (Java compatible.
It is a browser program that supports ActiveX) itself, and does not add any new functions.

The Web browser 27 is the first S0 after starting.
In 01, after displaying the window including the menu and the URL input field on the display 22, S002 to S002
The loop processing of 010 is executed.

In the first step S002 after entering this loop processing, the Web browser 27 waits for the occurrence of various events. Here, various events are input by the user via the input device 23 (pressing a click button while moving the cursor to various controls using a mouse [hereinafter, simply "pressing control"). And inputting characters by operating the keyboard), receiving a response from the Web server, and the like. Then, when any event occurs, the web browser 27 executes a process corresponding to the type of event that has occurred.

Specifically, when it is determined that the URL has been input, that is, when the character string corresponding to the URL is displayed in the URL input field on the toolbar of the window, an input meaning "execute" (keyboard If the execution key is pressed), or if a previously registered URL is selected from the menu on the frame, the Web browser 27 sends an HTTP request message including the input URL in S004. Send to the server corresponding to the URL. After completion of S004, the web browser 27 advances the process to S008.

On the other hand, when the hyperlink operation is performed in S002, that is, in the screen displayed in the window, the object hyperlinked to any URL in the HTML for displaying the screen. When (button, URL, character string, etc.) is pressed,
Alternatively, when the execution key is pressed while the object hyperlinked to any URL has the focus, the Web browser 27 displays S0
In 05, the HTTP request message including the URL hyperlinked to the object,
Send to the server corresponding to the URL. After completion of S005, the web browser 27 advances the process to S008.

In S008, the Web browser 27 waits for reception of a response message to the HTTP request message transmitted to any Web server immediately before. If the response message cannot be received within the predetermined time limit, the Web browser 27
Displays a screen indicating that the page is not available in the window in S010, and then executes the processing in S010.
Return to 002. On the other hand, when the response message can be received within the time limit, the Web browser 27
Advances the process to S009.

In S009, the Web browser 27 executes the process for the file included in the received response message according to the subroutine shown in FIG. That is, the web browser 27
The text portion of the HTML document in the HTML file is displayed in the window as specified by the attached tag.

In the next S103, the Web browser 27
Is an image data file (JPE
It is checked whether or not a tag designating a link to a G file or a GIF file is included. Then, when the tag designating the link to the image data file is not included, the Web browser 27 performs the process in S108.
Proceed to.

On the other hand, if the HTML document includes a tag designating a link to the image data file, the Web browser 27 determines in S104 that the tag designating the link to the image data file. Specify one HTTP request to request the image data file linked by the specified tag,
Send to the current web server (response message response source web server).

In the next S105, the Web browser 27
Waits for a response message to be received in response to the HTTP request transmitted in S104, and if a response message cannot be received within a predetermined time limit, the process immediately proceeds to S107. On the other hand, when the response message can be received within the time limit, S10
In 6, the image based on the image data file included in the response message is inserted and displayed in the text displayed in the window, and then the process proceeds to S107.

In S107, it is checked whether or not the processing for the links to all the image data files included in the HTML document has been performed. Then, if the processing for all the links is not yet completed, the processing is S104.
Then, the process for the next link is executed. On the other hand, when the processing for the links to all the image data files has been completed, the processing proceeds to S108.

In S108, the Web browser 27 makes the H
It is checked whether the CAB file definition is detected in the TML document. Then, if the definition of the CAB file is not detected, this subroutine is terminated and the process is returned to the main routine of FIG.

On the other hand, when the definition of the CAB file is detected, it is checked in S109 whether the application having the class ID and the version number in the definition is already installed in the hard disk 25. . Then, if already installed, the process proceeds directly to S114. On the other hand, if the application having the class ID and version number read in S108 is not installed in the hard disk 25, the Web browser 27
In S110, specifies the download URL read in S108, and the CA corresponding to this URL is specified.
An HTTP request message requesting the B file (image editor CAB file 50) is sent to the current Web server.

In the next S111, the Web browser 27
Waits to receive the CAB file requested in S110. When the CAB file is received, We
The browser 27 receives the CAB received in S112.
Unzip the file.

In the next S113, the Web browser 27
Are the files in the archive restored by decompressing the CAB file (in the case of the image editor CAB file 50, the image editor startup ActiveX
51, image editor Java application 5
2, the decoding process DLL 53, the print OCX 54) are installed in a predetermined folder in the hard disk 25.
After the installation is completed, the web browser 27
Proceed to 114.

In S114, the Web browser 27
The ActiveX installed in 113 is started. S1
After completion of 14, the Web browser 27 ends this subroutine and returns the process to the main routine of FIG.

In the main routine of FIG. 9, when S009 is completed, the process is returned to S002.

On the other hand, when the return button is pressed in S002, the Web browser 27 redisplays the screen displayed immediately before the current screen in the window in S007, and then returns the process to S002.

On the other hand, if another operation is performed in S002 (except when a specific button to be described later is pressed), the Web browser 27 executes a process corresponding to the operated content in S006. To execute. For example,
When an operation for moving the focus is performed, that is, when a predetermined control (text box, combo box, etc.) on the screen is clicked, the Web browser 2
The item 7 stores the clicked control as having a new focus, and changes the display form to a form indicating that the control has the focus. For example, when one of the text boxes has the focus, the character input cursor is displayed in the text box. At the same time, the Web browser 27 changes the display form of the control that had the focus until then to the form that shows that the control does not have the focus. When a character is input, the Web browser 27
If any one of the text boxes has the focus at that time, the input character is written (converted by the Kana-Kanji conversion program (not shown)) at the character input cursor position in the text box having the focus. When it is determined that the check box or the radio button is operated, the Web browser 27 switches the display mode (setting value) of the check box or the radio button from on to off or from off to on. After the completion of S006, the Web browser 27 returns the process to S002 and waits for the occurrence of the next event.

On the other hand, in S002, a specific button ("register" button, "send" button, "proceed to print" on the screen)
When a button such as a button, which is defined by the tag to transmit data, is pressed, the Web browser 27 executes the process set for the operated button in S003.

(Processing by Web Server) Next, the Web
The processing content of the server 35 includes a file transmitted to the web browser 27 by the web server 35, a screen displayed by the transmitted file, the processing content of the web browser 27 in S003 defined by a specific button in the screen, The session ID management table 48 and the member database 44 operated by the Web server 35 will be described.

14 to 16 show the Web server 3
6 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of No. 5. This W
The eb server 35 waits for reception of an HTTP request message from the Web browser 27 executed in any of the user terminals 2 in the first S501 after activation. Then, when the HTTP request message is received, the processing according to the content is executed.

Specifically, when the received HTTP request message includes the URL of the service home page, the Web server 35 advances the process from S501 to S502 and executes the server program corresponding to the URL. Then, the HTML file 40 of the service home page is generated on the RAM 11, and the response message storing the HTML file 40 is returned to the request source Web browser 27 in S525, and the process returns to S501. FIG. 32 shows a screen (service home page screen) displayed on the user terminal 2 based on the HTML file 40 of the service home page. Each button ("Person" button 50, "Animal" button 51, "Landscape" included in this homepage screen
Hyperlinks to the corresponding list pages are set in the buttons 52). Therefore, the user terminal 2
When the "landscape" button 52 is pressed in, the Web browser 27 displays H including the URL of the "landscape" list page.
A TTP request message is sent to the web server 35 (S005).

If the received HTTP request message includes the URL of any list page, the Web server 35 advances the process from S501 to S503, and executes the server program corresponding to the URL to execute the server program on the RAM 11. The HTML file 40 of the list page is generated, and in S525, the response message storing the HTML file 40 is responded to the requesting Web browser 27, and the process returns to S501. The screen finally displayed on the user terminal 2 based on the HTML file 40 of this homepage ("Landscape")
A list page screen) is shown in FIG. On each list page, a hyperlink is set as a link to a thumbnail image showing each digital content classified into the genre (person, animal, landscape) of the list page. Therefore, the Web browser 27 of the user terminal 2
Sends an HTTP request message including the URL of each thumbnail image to the Web server 35 (S
104).

When the received HTTP request message includes the URL of the thumbnail image, the Web server 35 advances the process from S501 to S507, and then the UR
Image data file 41 of thumbnail images corresponding to L
From the file server 37, the response message storing the image data file 41 is returned to the requesting Web browser 27 in S525, and the process returns to S501. As a result, in the end,
The list screen is displayed on the user terminal 2 as shown in FIG. Then, when the user selects any image as a purchase target and presses the corresponding thumbnail image in the list screen, the web browser 27 causes the URL of the preview page (this URL) set as a hyperlink to the thumbnail image. The URL includes an HTTP request message including the content ID of the target image indicated by the thumbnail image).
b It is sent to the server 35 (S005).

The Web server 35 determines that the received HTTP request message is the UR of any preview page.
If L is included, the process proceeds from S501 to S504. In S504, the Web server 35 executes the corresponding server program to generate the template of the HTML file 40 of the preview page on the RAM 11. In the next step S505, the Web server 35 extracts the content ID of the purchase target image incorporated in the URL of the preview page, and for each image size ID associated with the content ID in the content database 43. The amount of money is received from the database server 38. In next step S506, the Web server 35 incorporates these data into the template and generates an HTML file of the preview page for the image to be purchased. Specifically, the HTML file 40 received in S504
Open the file name (contents I) of the preview image of the purchase target image (image slightly larger than the thumbnail image).
A tag in which (including D) is set as an anchor is added, and the amount of money for each image size received in S505 is set in each combo box 53. When the Web server 35 completes the HTML file of the completed preview page for the image to be purchased, in S525, the preview page HTML file is requested by the Web browser 27 that made the request.
To S501 and the process returns to S501. The web browser 27 of the user terminal 2 that has received the preview page HTML file requests the image data file 41 of the preview image of the purchase target image from the web server 35 in the same manner as described above (S104, S507), and finally. By the way
A preview page as shown in FIG. 34 is displayed. This preview page includes the “proceed to print” button 55 in addition to the preview image 54 of the purchase target image and the combo box 53 described above.

In this preview page, the user opens the combo box 53, selects any image size, and then presses the "progress to print" button 55. In the HTML file of the preview page, the tag attached to the "proceed to print" button 55 is set to We when the "proceed to print" button 55 is pressed.
In step S003 of FIG. 9, the browser b is set to execute the processing shown in FIG. Here, to explain the processing shown in FIG. 11, first S2
In 01, the Web browser 27 acquires the content ID included in the file name of the preview image and the image size ID corresponding to the image size selected in the combo box 53. In the next step S202, the web browser 27 determines that the user I of its own stored in the RAM 24.
OS ID corresponding to D and operation system 26
To get. In the next S203, the Web browser 27
Is the content ID and image size ID acquired in S201 and the user ID and OSID acquired in S202
The HTTP request message of the image editor acquisition request that specifies and is transmitted to the Web server 35. S
Upon completion of 203, the Web browser 27
The process proceeds to 008, and waits for a response message to the HTTP request message transmitted in S203.

Returning to the description of FIGS. 14 to 16, when the received HTTP request message contains the image editor start page acquisition request, the Web server 35 advances the process from S501 to S508, and executes the corresponding server program. Is executed to extract the user ID specified in the image editor startup page acquisition request, and the database server 38 is requested to check whether or not the user corresponding to the user ID is logged in. The database server 38 that has received this login check request receives the specified user I
The login information in the entry including D is extracted from the member database 44 and returned to the server program. In S509, the server program checks whether the user is logged in based on the returned information. Then, if the user is logged in, the process proceeds to S514. On the contrary,
If the user is not logged in, the server program creates the HTML file 40 of the login screen on the RAM 11 in S510, and sends the response message storing the HTML file 40 in S525 to the requesting Web browser 27. To S501 and the process returns to S501. HTM of this login screen
A login screen displayed on the user terminal 2 based on the L file 40 is shown in FIG. This login screen includes a user ID text box 56, a password text box 57, and a “login” button 58.

On this login screen, the user writes his / her user ID in the user ID text box 56 and his / her password in the password text box 57, and then clicks the "login" button 5
Press 8. For the tag attached to the "login" button 58 in the HTML file of the login screen, when the "login" button 58 is pressed, the Web browser 27 executes the processing shown in FIG. 12 in S003 of FIG. The settings have been made. Here, explaining the processing shown in FIG. 12, in the first step S301, the Web browser 27 writes in the user ID text box 56 and the password text box 57 written in the user ID text box 56. Get password In the next step S302, the Web browser 27 receives the login request HT specifying the user ID and password acquired in step S301.
The TP request message is transmitted to the web server 35. When S302 is completed, the web browser 27
The process proceeds to S008, and the HTTP transmitted in S302
Wait for the response message to the request message.

Returning to the description of FIGS. 14 to 16, the Web server 35, in the case where the received HTTP request message contains the login request, carries out the processing in S50.
From 1 to S511, the corresponding process is executed to extract the user ID and password included in the HTTP request message, and the database server 38 is requested to log in for the user corresponding to the user ID and password. I do. Upon receiving this login request, the database server 38 searches the member database 44 for an entry containing the specified combination of the user ID and password. Then, if there is an entry in the member database 44 including the combination of the designated user ID and password, the login information in the entry is set to "logged in" and a login OK response is given to the server program. On the other hand, the entry including the combination of the specified user ID and password is the member database 44.
If it is not within the range, a login NG reply is returned to the server program. The server program executes S512
In, the contents of the response from the database server 38 are checked, and if the login is OK, the process proceeds to S514. On the other hand, if the content of the reply is login NG, the server program returns R in S513.
The HTML file 40 of the error screen is generated on the AM 11, and the response message storing the HTML file 40 is sent to the requesting Web in S525.
In response to the browser 27, the process returns to S501.

In S514, the Web server 35 issues a session ID for uniquely identifying the connection with the user terminal. The Web server 35 also uses the user ID, content ID, image size ID, and OSI specified in the image editor startup page acquisition request.
Extract D. Then, the Web server 35 registers the combination of the session ID, the user ID, the content ID, the image size ID, and the OSID in the session ID management table 48 on the RAM 11. As shown in FIG. 5, this session ID management table 48 can register a plurality of these combinations.

At the next step S515, the Web server 35
Image editor startup page HTML file (ASP
File). This image editor startup page HTML file includes a URL (download UR) indicating the storage location of the image editor CAB file 50.
L), the class ID and version number for specifying the image editor activation ActiveX 51 in the image editor CAB file 50, the session ID issued in S514, and the user ID similarly extracted in S514 are written. The web server 35 is S5.
25, the image editor startup page HTM
The response message storing the L file is returned to the requesting Web browser 27, and the processing is performed in S501.
Return to.

This image editor start page HTML
Upon receiving the file, the Web browser 27 takes in the user ID, session ID, class ID, version number, and download URL described in the image editor startup page HTML file. Then, as described above, if the image editor startup ActiveX 51 having the same class ID is installed in the hard disk 25, the image editor startup ActiveX 5 is installed.
1 is activated (S114). On the other hand, if the image editor startup ActiveX 51 having the class ID and the version number described in the image editor startup page HTML file is not installed in the hard disk 25, the image editor startup page HTML is displayed.
HTTP for image editor start CAB file request that specifies download URL described in the file
The request message is sent to the Web server 35 (S110).

Returning to the description of FIGS. 14 to 16, when the received HTTP request message contains the image editor activation CAB file request, the Web server 35 advances the process from S501 to S516, and
The image editor activation CAB file 50 corresponding to the URL included in the TTP request message is received from the file server 37, and the response message storing the image editor activation CAB file 50 is sent to the requesting Web browser 2 in S525.
In response to 7, the process returns to S501.

The Web browser 27 having received the image editor activation CAB file 50 decompresses the image editor activation CAB file 50 as described above (S112), and the image editor activation ActiveX 51, image included in the archive. Editor Java application 52, decoding process DLL 53, and print OC
X54 is installed in a predetermined position in the hard disk 25 (S113), and the user ID and session ID,
The content ID, image size ID, and OSID are specified, and the image editor start ActiveX 51 is started.

On the other hand, the Web server 35 receives the received HT
The TP request message is the UR of the payment Web page
If L is included, the process proceeds from S501 to S518.
And execute the corresponding server program to RA the HTML file 40 of the payment Web page.
A response message generated on the M11 and storing the HTML file 40 in S525 is returned to the requesting Web browser 27, and the processing is performed in S501.
Return to. HTML file 4 of this payment Web page
38 shows a screen (Web page for payment) displayed on the user terminal 2 based on 0. As shown in FIG. 38, on this payment Web page screen, an option button 59 for selecting a credit card type (issuer credit card company name), a card number text box 60 for entering a card number, A holder text box 61 for inputting a holder, a term combo box 62 for inputting an expiration date, and a send button 63 are included.

On this payment Web page, the user has the option button 5 corresponding to the type of credit card owned by the user (issuer credit card company name).
9. Click 9, write the card number of the credit card in the card number text box 60, write your name in the holder text box 61, set the expiration date of the credit card in the expiration date combo box 62, The “Send” button 63 is pressed. For the tag attached to the "send" button 63 in the HTML file of the payment web page, when the "send" button 63 is pressed, the web browser 27 displays the S button in FIG.
In 003, the setting for executing the processing shown in FIG. 13 is made. Here, the processing shown in FIG. 13 will be described. In S401, the card type (issuer credit card company name) selected by the option button 59 on the payment Web page screen and the card number text box 60 are displayed. The written card number, the holder name written in the holder name text box 61,
The expiration date (information for credit confirmation) set in the expiration date combo box 62 is acquired. In the next S402, We
The b-browser 27 acquires its own user ID stored in the RAM 24, the OSID corresponding to the operation system 26, and the layout ID described below stored in the RAM 24. In the next S403, We
The b-browser 27 designates the card type (issuer credit card company name), the card number, the holder name and the expiration date acquired in S401, and the user ID, session ID, and layout ID acquired in S402. The HTTP request message for the card credit request is transmitted to the Web server 35. When S403 is completed, the Web browser 27 advances the process to S008, and waits for a response message to the HTTP request message transmitted in S403.

Returning to the description of FIGS. 14 to 16, the Web server 35, when the received HTTP request message contains the credit card credit request,
The process advances from S501 to 519, and the print layout information file 49 stored in the RAM 11 is read by executing the corresponding server program. This print layout information file 49, as will be described later,
This is the data stored in the RAM 11 by the editor server 36 in S918 of FIG. 28, and as shown in FIG. 6, the purchase details (layout ID, layout information [print [Purchasing target image or character string layout information], user ID, session ID, main image container storage position). The layout ID is identification information for uniquely identifying each print purchase in the print layout information file 49. The server program extracts an entry including the layout ID designated in the credit card credit request from the read print layout information file 49, and determines the amount of money corresponding to the combination of the content ID and the image size ID in the entry. , From the database server 38.

At the next step S520, the server program makes a credit request to the credit server 3 by designating the card number and holder name designated in the credit card credit request and the amount of money obtained at step S519. That is, the credit card indicated by the card number is valid, the holder of the credit card indicated by the card number is the user, and a request is made to confirm that the amount of money is within the usage limit (credit card Processing for credit confirmation as to whether or not is valid).

In next step S521, the server program checks the credit result from the credit server 3. If the credit result is NG, the HTML file 40 of the credit confirmation screen showing that the credit result is NG is generated on the RAM 11 in S524, and in S525,
A response message storing the HTML file 40 is returned to the requesting Web browser 27,
The process returns to S501.

On the other hand, if the credit result is OK,
The server program receives the user information (address, name, age, electronic mail address) corresponding to the user ID specified in the credit card credit request from the database server 38 in S522. In the next S523, the server program instructs the database server 38 to specify the user ID, layout ID, card type, card number, expiration date, amount of money acquired in S519, and S522 in the credit card credit request. Request to register the combination of the user information, the date of processing (issue date), the sales confirmation flag = "0", and the print status for billing "1", which are acquired in the empty entry of the payment status management table 46. To do.
Then, the server program, in S524,
HTML of the credit confirmation screen showing that the credit result is OK
The file 40 is generated on the RAM 11, and in S525, the response message storing the HTML file 40 is responded to the requesting Web browser 27, and the process is returned to S501.

If the received HTTP request message contains other requests, the Web server 35 advances the process from S501 to S517, and proceeds to HTTP.
The server program according to the request content of the request message is executed, and the process returns to S501.

(Processing by Image Editor Activation ActiveX) Next, the image editor activation Active activated by the Web browser 27 that has read the image editor CAB file 50 and executes S114 of FIG.
The processing content of X will be described with reference to FIG.

The image editor startup ActiveX 51 stores the J file on the hard disk 25 in the first step S601 after startup.
Check if the ava virtual machine 28 is installed. Then, if the Java virtual machine 28 is not installed, an error message is displayed on the display 22 in S608, and then the process ends.

On the other hand, if the Java virtual machine 28 is installed in the hard disk 25, the image editor start-up ActiveX 51 causes the Java virtual machine 28 to perform processing according to the image editor Java application 52 (client program) in S602. To start. After that, according to the image editor Java application 52, Java
The function that the virtual machine 28 causes the CPU 20 to execute is referred to as an "image editor 52". The image editor 52 has an image editor activation Active.
The user ID and session ID are inherited from X51.

(Processing by Image Editor and Editor Server) Hereinafter, the processing contents by the image editor 52 started by the image editor starting ActiveX 51 and the editor server 36 executed in synchronization by communicating with the image editor 52 will be described. The processing content will be described in chronological order. 18 to 24,
27 is a flowchart showing a main routine of processing by the image editor 52, and FIGS. 27 to 30 are flowcharts showing processing by the editor server 36.

The started image editor 52 is shown in FIG.
In step S <b> 701, the user ID and the session ID are specified, and the HTTP request message of the activation parameter acquisition request is transmitted to the editor server 36.

The editor server 36 executes the first S9 after starting.
In 01 (FIG. 27), the start parameter acquisition request from the image editor 52 is awaited. When the activation parameter acquisition request is received, the editor server 36
Advances the processing from S901 to S902 and executes the corresponding server program to inquire of the database server 38 whether or not the user ID specified in the activation parameter acquisition request is currently logged in. The database server 38 that received this inquiry searches the member database 44 based on the user ID, and returns the login information in the entry including the user ID to the server program. The server program checks the reply content from the database server 38 in S903. And
If not logged in, the server program executes S9.
At 04, the error code is returned to the image editor 52, and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the user is logged in, the editor server 36 sends the R
Session ID management table 48 on AM 11 (FIG. 5)
From, the content ID and image size ID corresponding to the user ID and session ID are read. And
A response message in which these content IDs and image size IDs are combined with other control parameters (such as the main image container storage location associated with the content IDs in the content database 43) as startup parameters, and these startup parameters are stored. To the image editor 52. After that, the editor server 36 waits for an edit resource acquisition request from the image editor 52 in S906.

The image editor 52 returns to H at S701.
After sending the TTP request message, the next S70
In 2, a response message to the transmitted HTTP request message is awaited. Specifically, the image editor 52, in S702,
The response reception check first subroutine ("response reception check 1") shown in FIG. 25 is executed.

First step S801 after entering this subroutine
Then, the image editor 52 checks whether the communication line between the user PC 2 and the server device 1 remains connected or disconnected. Then, if the connection state remains, the process proceeds to S805. On the other hand, when the communication line is disconnected, the image editor 52
4 interrupts other processing in S802 and then
The warning screen shown in 1 is displayed on the display. As shown in FIG. 41, this warning screen includes "OK" button 89 and "Cancel" button 90 as operable items. After displaying the warning screen, the image editor 52 waits for the user to press the "OK" button 89 or the "stop" button 90 in next step S803.
When the user presses the “OK” button 89, S
After closing the warning screen in step 804, the process proceeds to step S801.
Return to. Here, if the user presses the "OK" button 89 without taking any action to restore the communication line, it is determined again in S801 that the communication line is disconnected, and the warning screen is displayed again in S802. Is displayed. On the other hand, if the user has pressed the "OK" button 89 in the state where the process of recovering the communication line is taken, it is determined in S801 that the communication line is in the connected state, and the process proceeds to S805. , Other processing is restarted.

In S805, the image editor 52
It is checked whether a response message has been received from the editor server 36. Then, the editor server 36
If the response message has not been received from (including the case where an error code has been received), the image editor 52 determines in S806 whether the elapsed time from the transmission of the HTTP request message exceeds a predetermined time limit. Check whether or not. Then, the image editor 52 advances the processing to S808 if the elapsed time exceeds the time limit, and advances the processing to S807 if it does not exceed the time limit. In S807, the image editor 52 checks whether an error code has been received from the editor server 36. If the error code is not received, the process returns to S801. On the other hand, if the error code is received, the process proceeds to S808. In S808, the image editor 52 determines that some trouble has occurred on the editor server 36 side, displays an error message on the display 22, and then ends the process.

On the other hand, in S803, the "Cancel" button 9
When it is determined that 0 is pressed, the image editor 52 ends the process as it is.

When the response message is received from the editor server 36 while the above processing loop of S801 to S807 is repeated, the image editor 52
The process loop is exited from S805, the response reception check first subroutine is terminated, and the process is returned to the main routine of FIG.

In the main routine of FIG. 18, the image editor 52 transmits an HTTP request message of an edit resource acquisition request designating the user ID and the session ID to the editor server 36 in S703 subsequent to S702. Here, the editing resource is a layout image file indicating the contents of the image to be purchased (a file of image data having a higher resolution than the preview image but lower than the actual image actually used for printing, that is, a digital image file). It is a sample of content) and the above-mentioned main image attribute information (FIG. 2). Image editor 5
After transmitting the HTTP request message in S703, the second waits for the response message to the HTTP request message by executing the response reception check first subroutine in S704.

Upon receipt of the edit resource acquisition request from the image editor 52, the editor server 36 advances the process from S906 to S907, and executes the corresponding server program, so that the user ID specified in the edit resource acquisition request is received. And the content ID and image size ID corresponding to the session ID in the RAM 11
It is read from the above session ID management table 48. Then, the server program uses these content IDs.
And the storage location of the main image attribute information and the layout image data file associated in the content database 43 with the combination of the image size ID and the image size ID are received from the database server 38. Further, the server program has a layout image data file 41 stored in the layout image data file storage location.
Is received from the file server 37. At the next step 908, the server program causes the main image attribute information and layout image data file 41 received at S907.
Is edited as an editing resource, and a response message storing the compressed editing resource is returned to the image editor 52. After that, the editor server 36 proceeds to S9.
In 09, the printer capability information request from the image editor 52 is awaited.

Upon receiving the editing resource from the editor server 36, the image editor 52 executes the processing in S704.
To SS705, all the printer drivers 29 installed in the hard disk 25 are detected. Then, in step S706, it is checked whether the detected printer driver 29 includes a printer driver for using the specific printer (printer supported by this digital content providing service) as a local printer. .. Then, if such a printer driver is not included, the image editor 52 determines in step S <b> 707 that the display 2
After displaying the error message on 2, the process ends. On the other hand, when such a printer driver is included, the image editor 52 returns to S708.
In step 1, a list of printer driver names (printer driver identification information) of these printer drivers (that is, printer drivers installed for using the specific printer as a local printer) is generated. In the next step S709, the editor server 36 attaches the printer driver name list generated in step S708, and at the same time sends the HTT of the printer capability information acquisition request in which the user ID, session ID, and OSID are specified.
The P request message is transmitted to the editor server 36. The image editor 52 displays the above HT in S709.
After transmitting the TP request message, the response message to the HTTP request message is waited for by executing the response reception check first subroutine in S710.

Upon receiving the printer capability information acquisition request from the image editor 52, the editor server 36 advances the process from S909 to S910, and executes the corresponding server program, whereby the database server 3
To the printer capability information acquisition request, the combination of the OSID specified in the printer capability information acquisition request and each printer driver name in the printer driver name list is presented, and the printer capability information from the printer driver database 47 of the printer capability information corresponding to these combinations is presented. Request a search. Of the received combinations, the database server 38 searches the printer driver database 47 for corresponding printer capability information for those registered as available in the printer driver database 47, and returns the information to the server program. To do. In S911, the server program responds to the image editor 52 with a response message containing the printer capability information of the available printers returned from the database server 38. After that, the editor server 36
In step S912, the process waits for any request from the image editor 52 (a spooler acquisition request with a copy protection function or a print image registration request).

When the image editor 52 receives the printer capability information from the editor server 36, the process proceeds to S7.
In step S711, the printer selection setting screen as shown in FIG. 36 is displayed on the display 22 according to the received printer capability information. This printer selection setting screen displays a printer selection area 65 listing the icons indicating the printer drivers corresponding to the received printer capability information, and the printer driver selected by clicking the corresponding icon in the printer selection area 65. A paper size combo box 66 that enumerates printable paper sizes included in the printer capability information, a print direction option button 67 that also selects a printable direction, a paper type combo box 68 that also lists printable paper types, and the same. Paper feed method combo box 69 listing available paper feeders,
It includes a "Next" button 70 and an "End" button 71.

Subsequently, the image editor 52 causes the S71
At 2, the printer waits for input on the printer selection setting screen. Then, the image editor 52 ends the process when the “end” button 71 is pressed. Also, "end"
When an input other than the pressing of the button 71 and the pressing of the “next” button 70 is performed, the processing corresponding to the input is executed in S713. Specifically, the printer selection area 6
When any one of the icons listed in 5 is pressed, the printer driver corresponding to the icon is selected, and the printable paper size corresponding to the printer driver is selected in the paper size combo box 66. The printable direction corresponding to the printer driver can be selected with the print direction option button 67, and the printable paper type corresponding to the printer driver becomes an option of the paper type combo box 68, and the available paper supply corresponding to the printer driver is selected. The paper device is an option of the paper feeding method combo box 69. When any of the radio buttons constituting the print direction option button 67 is clicked, the print direction corresponding to the clicked radio button is set. Also, one of the combo boxes 6
When any of the listed options 6, 68, 69 is opened and clicked, the clicked option is set.

On the other hand, if the "Next" button 70 is pressed in S712, the image editor 52
Selects the printer driver at that time, and
The setting of each combo box 66, 68, 69 and the setting of the option button 67 are confirmed, and it is checked in S714 whether the spooler of the selected printer driver 29 has the copy protection function. If the spooler has a copy protection function, the image editor 52 advances the process to S718. On the other hand, if the spooler does not have the copy protection function, the image editor 52 acquires the spooler with the copy protection function that specifies the user ID, the session ID, the OSID, and the selected printer driver name in S715. The request HTTP request message is sent to the editor server 36. The image editor 52 uses S71
After transmitting the HTTP request message in step S5, in step S716, by executing the response reception check first subroutine, the HTTP
Wait for a response message to the TP request message.

When the editor server 36 receives the spooler-equipped spooler acquisition request from the image editor 52, the process proceeds from step S912 to step S913, and the corresponding server program is executed to make the copy-prevented spooler acquisition request. Spooler 5 with copy protection function that corresponds to the specified OSID and printer driver name
5 is received from the file server 37. Then, in the next S914, the server program causes the S913
The response message storing the spooler 55 with copy protection function received in step S9 is transmitted to the image editor 52, and the process returns to step S912.

Upon receiving the spooler 55 with copy protection function from the server program, the image editor 52 advances the process from S716 to S717, and replaces the spooler of the selected printer driver with the received spooler 55 with copy protection function. After that, the processing is S718
Proceed to.

In S718, the image editor 52
Based on the layout image data file 41 included in the editing resource received in S704, the editor window shown in FIG. 37 is displayed on the display 22. In this editor window, along its top edge, "Rotate", "Stack order", "Group by", "Center", "Delete", "Zoom", "Grid", "Cancel", "Help" A menu bar 72 listing each menu of “” is arranged. In addition, along the left side edge, a "print sample" button 73, a "print book" button 74,
Tool button panel 76 including "character input" button 75
However, it is arranged. Furthermore, a toolbar 79 including a "return" button 77 and an "end" button 78 is arranged along the lower edge thereof. The other area in the editor window is the editing area 80. In the center of the editing area 80, an editor page 81 representing the paper of the paper size selected in the paper size combo box 66 of the printer selection setting screen (FIG. 36) is printed by the printing direction option button 67. It is displayed in the direction. Inside the outer edge of this editor page 81,
The printable range of the printer 4 is indicated by a broken line. Then, in the initial state, the image to be purchased is displayed based on the layout image data in the full printable range.

Then, the image editor 52 causes the S71
At 9, wait for input to the editor window.
Then, when the “end” button 78 is pressed, the image editor 52 ends the process. When an input other than pressing the "Return" button 77, the "End" button 78, or the "Main print" button 74 is performed, the image editor 52 responds to the input editing instruction in S722. The layout editing of the print image is executed within the editor page 81. For example, menu bar 7
When "Rotation" in 2 is clicked, a submenu (not shown) for selecting the rotation angle is displayed, and when any of the rotation angles listed in the submenu is clicked To rotate, the image to be purchased is rotated in the editor page 81 so as to face the direction corresponding to the selected rotation angle. When "centering" in the menu bar 72 is clicked, "center of printable area"
And a sub-menu (not shown) for selecting either "center of paper" is displayed, and when any of the options listed in the sub-menu is clicked,
The purchase target image is displayed in maximum size in accordance with the condition and within the limit that the aspect ratio of the purchase target image is not changed. In addition, when "zoom" in the menu bar 72 is clicked, a sub menu (not shown) for selecting the magnification
When any of the magnifications displayed in the submenu is clicked, the purchase target image is enlarged or reduced in accordance with the magnification and within the limit of not changing the aspect ratio of the purchase image. Also, menu bar 7
When "Grid" in 2 is clicked and then any position in the printable area in the editor page 81 is clicked, the grid is set based on that position. After that, when the character input button 75 is pressed and a character is input by the input device 23, the input character is displayed in the grid. In addition, such an editing instruction,
It is not always possible to input, but is limited to the range recognized by the main image attribute information included in the editing resource.
That is, it is limited to the range in which the right to maintain the identity of the author of the image to be purchased is not infringed. The image editor 52 returns the process to S719 each time the editing of S722 is completed for each edit instruction input. In addition, "Return" button 77
When is pressed, the image editor 52 discards the layout currently being edited in S720, and the process proceeds to S7.
Returning to 11, the printer selection and setting screen (FIG. 36) is displayed again.

On the other hand, when the "main print" button 74 is pressed (corresponding to the input of the print instruction), the image editor 52 causes the user ID, session ID, content ID, image size ID, and , Layout information defining the current layout in the editor page 81 (position of the image in the print image,
An HTTP request message of a print image registration request specifying the magnification, the image inclination in the print image, the character string arranged in the print image and its position) is transmitted to the editor server 36. The image editor 52
After the HTTP request message is transmitted in S723, the response reception check first subroutine is executed in S724 to wait for the response message to the HTTP request message.

When the editor server 36 receives the print image registration request from the image editor 52, the process proceeds to S9.
The layout ID is issued by proceeding from 12 to S915 and executing the corresponding server program. In the next step S916, the server program requests the database server 38 to search the content database 43 using the combination of the content ID and the image size ID specified in the print image registration request as the search condition. The database server 38 determines, from the content database 43, the amount of money (a specific amount or no charge) associated with the content ID and the image size ID, which are search conditions, in the content database 43 and the storage position of the main image container 42. Extract and pass to the server program. In step S917, the server program that has received these pieces of information displays the user ID, session ID, layout information, the layout ID issued in step S915, and the main image container storage location in FIG. As shown in, a single print layout information file 4 according to a predetermined format.
Filed as 9. When this file is created, a syntax error is caused for layout information that exceeds the range recognized in advance by the editing restrictions in the main image attribute information, so such layout information is not created as a file. In the next step S918, the editor server 36 temporarily saves the print layout information file 49 generated in step S917 on the RAM 11.
In the next step S919, the layout ID is provided with payment necessary / unnecessary information (a value “F” is taken when the amount of money acquired in S916 is free, and a value “C” is taken when the amount is paid), and a response is given. Store it in a message and respond to the image editor 52. In the next step S920, the editor server 36 checks whether the amount of money acquired in step S916 is free. And if the amount is free,
The editor server 36 immediately advances the processing to S926, and waits for a request from the image editor 52 (a request to download the main image, a request to download the print layout). On the other hand, if the amount is not free, the editor server 36 waits for a container download request from the image editor 52 in S921.

Upon receiving the layout ID and the payment necessity / unnecessity information from the editor server 36, the image editor 52 advances the process from S724 to S725, and stores the received layout ID in the RAM 24. In the next S726, the image editor 52 checks whether the value of the payment required / unnecessary information is “F (free)” or “C (paid)”. Then, the image editor 52 displays "F
If it is “(free)”, the process immediately proceeds to S732. On the other hand, if it is “C (pay)”,
The image editor 52, in S727, S718
Hide the editor window that was displayed in.
In the next step S728, the image editor 52 sends the information for credit confirmation to the web browser 27.
HTT including the Web page URL for payment
Instruct to send P request message. The Web browser 27 activated by this and the We that responds to it
The processing content of the b server 35 is as described above with reference to FIGS. 9, 13, and 16.
By executing 523, as described above, the payment status management table 46 is stored in the hard disk 12. The image editor 52, in the next S729,
An HTTP request message (request for digital content) of a container download request specifying the user ID, session ID, and layout ID is transmitted to the editor server 36 (corresponding to the first process for requesting digital content). The image editor 52, after transmitting the HTTP request message in S729,
In S730, the response reception check second subroutine ("response reception check 2") shown in FIG.
To wait for a response message to the HTTP request message.

The response reception check second subroutine shown in FIG. 26 is compared with the response reception check first subroutine shown in FIG. 25 when the elapsed time from the transmission of the HTTP request message exceeds the time limit. The difference is that after an error message is displayed when (timeout) or an error code is received (S808), the process is not ended immediately, but an end notification is sent to the editor server 36. That is, in the response reception check second subroutine, the image editor 5
2 displays the error message in S808 and then S
In 809, the HTTP request message of the notification of the end of the actual printing process in which the user ID and the session ID are designated is transmitted to the editor server 36. Then, in step S810, the image editor 52 waits for a response message to the HTTP request message transmitted in step S809. When the editor server 36 receives the end notification of this print processing, the editor server 36 executes the corresponding server program to interrupt start the end notification processing shown in FIG. 31, and in the first S1001,
All resources associated with the user ID and session ID specified in the notification of the end of this printing process (specifically, the payment status management table 46 in the hard disk 12 and the session ID management table 48 in the RAM 11).
And the print layout information file 49) is discarded, and in the next step S1002, a response message storing a processing completion notification is transmitted to the image editor 52. When the image editor 52 receives this processing completion notification,
All processing ends. In this response reception check second subroutine, S809 and S810 are executed because the above-mentioned resources are accumulated in the server device 1 at the time when this response reception check second subroutine is executed. This is because these must be deleted.

On the other hand, when the editor server 36 receives the download request for the main image container from the image editor 52, the process proceeds from S921 to S922, and the corresponding server program is executed to cause the database server 38 to store the container. The request for retrieval of the accounting print status associated in the payment status management table 46 with the user ID, session ID, and layout ID specified in the download request of FIG. In the next S923, the editor server 36 causes the S92
The search result of the database server 38 for the search request in 2 is analyzed, and the billing print status with a value of “1” or more for the combination of the user ID, the session ID, and the layout ID is registered in the payment status management table 46. If so, it is determined that the credit has been confirmed, and the processing is S
925, and in other cases (when the combination of the user ID, the session ID, and the layout ID itself is not registered, or the value of the charging print status associated with the combination is “0”) ), The process proceeds to S924. In S924, the server program responds to the image editor 52 with a response message storing a standby instruction.
Then, the server program, after the completion of S924,
The process returns to S921 and waits for the image editor 52 to send the container download request again.
On the other hand, in S925, the editor server 36
The image editor 52 is responded with a response message that stores the notification of start possibility. After completion of S925, the editor server 36 advances the process to S926, and waits for a request from the image editor 52 (a request to download the main image, a request to download the print layout).

When the image editor 52 receives the standby instruction or the notification of start possibility from the server program, the process proceeds from step S730 to step S731. In step S731, the image editor 52 checks whether the received instruction is a standby instruction or a startable notification. And
If it is determined that the standby instruction has been received, the image editor 52 returns the process to S729, and again transmits the HTTP request message of the container download request. On the other hand, when it is determined that the start possibility notification is received, the image editor 52 performs the process in S73.
Proceed to 2.

In step S732, the image editor 52 checks whether or not the main image container 42 corresponding to the content ID and the image size ID has been cached in the hard disk 25. If cached, the image editor 52 immediately executes the process.
Proceed to 736. On the other hand, if not cached, the image editor 52 advances the process to S733 and displays the container download screen shown in FIG. 39 on the display 22. In the next step S734, the image editor 52 sends the HTT request for downloading the main image in which the user ID, session ID, and layout ID are designated.
The P request message is transmitted to the editor server 36. The image editor 52 displays the HT in S734.
After transmitting the TP request message, in step S735, the response reception check second routine is executed to wait for the response message to the HTTP request message.

When the editor server 36 receives the download request for the main image from the image editor 52, the process proceeds from S926 to S927, and the corresponding server program is executed to specify the download request for the main image. Print layout information file 49 including user ID, session ID, and layout ID
The main print image container storage position is read from, and the main image container file 42 copied from the storage position is received from the file server 37. In the next step S928, the server program stores the copied main image container file 42 in the temporary directory for its own work in the hard disk 12 for transmission. In the next step S929, the server program responds to the image editor 52 with a response message storing the main image container file 42. Next S930
Then, the server program uses the temporary image file to store the main image container file 42 stored in S928.
To delete. When S930 is completed, the editor server 3
The process returns to S926 and waits for a print layout download request from the image editor 52.

Upon receiving the main image container file 42 from the editor server 36, the image editor 52 advances the process from S735 to S736.

At S736, the image editor 52
An HTTP request message of a print layout download request specifying the user ID, session ID, and layout ID is transmitted to the editor server 36.
After transmitting the HTTP request message in S736, the image editor 52 waits for the response message to the HTTP request message by executing the response reception check second subroutine in S737.

Upon receiving the print layout download request from the image editor 52, the editor server 36 advances the process from S926 to S931 and executes the corresponding server program to notify the database server 38 of the print layout. A request is made to retrieve the accounting print status associated with the user ID, session ID, and layout ID specified in the download request in the payment status management table 46. In the next S932, the server program executes S9.
The search result of the database server 38 for the search request in 31 is analyzed, and the billing print status of a value of “1” or more for the combination of the user ID, the session ID, and the layout ID is registered in the payment status management table 46. If so, it is determined that the credit has been confirmed, and the process proceeds to S934. In other cases (when the combination of the user ID, session ID, and layout ID itself is not registered, or the combination is associated with the combination). If the value of the obtained accounting print status is “0”), the process proceeds to S933. In S933, the server program responds to the image editor 52 with a response message containing an error code. Then, as described above, the image editor 52 executing the response reception check second subroutine of FIG. 26 in S737 transmits a notice of the end of the printing process to the editor server 36 (S809), and in response to this, the editor server 36 executes the corresponding program to interrupt and execute the end notification process of FIG. 31, so that all resources associated with the user ID and session ID (payment status management table 46, session ID management table 48, and print layout information) File 49)
After is deleted (S1001), all processing by the editor server 36 is completed.

On the other hand, in S934, the editor server 36 randomly generates a user key based on a random number or the like. In the next step S935, the corresponding container key is received from the file server 37 by using the storage position of the main image container 42 registered in the print layout information file 49 corresponding to the combination of the user ID, the session ID and the layout ID as a clue. . Then, the container key is encrypted using the user key generated in S934. In the next S936, the image editor 52 deletes the main image container storage position from the print layout information file 49 corresponding to the combination of the user ID, session ID and layout ID, and the user key generated in S934 and S93.
Embed the container key encrypted in 5. Then, the response message storing the print layout information file 44 is returned to the image editor 52. S
When 936 is completed, the editor server 36 executes the process S
The process proceeds to 937, and waits for a request (payment confirmation notification or payment unconfirmation notification) from the image editor 52.

Upon receiving the print layout information file 49, the image editor 52 expands the received print layout information file 44 on the RAM 24 without storing it in the hard disk 25, and executes the processing from S737 to S7.
In step 38, the print processing screen shown in FIG. 40 is displayed on the display 22. The print processing screen includes a progress bar 82 that indicates the achievement rate of the processing until the printing is completed. At this point, the progress bar 82 is 0.
It is in a state showing%. In the next S739, the image editor 52 instructs the decoding process DLL 53 to decode the main image container 42 downloaded in S735 or the cached main image container 42. Upon receiving this instruction, the decryption processing DLL 53 first decrypts the content key using the user key embedded in the layout information file, and further decrypts the main image container 42 using the decrypted content key. The image data (JPEG data) of the main image is restored by, and the image data (JPEG data) of the main image is further expanded as bitmap data. On the other hand, the image editor 52, after giving the instruction in S739,
The loop processing of S740 and S741 is executed. That is,
In step S740, the image editor 52 checks the processing progress status of the decoding processing DLL 53 at that time, and changes the display form of the progress bar 82 according to the progress status. Then, the image editor 52 displays the next S74.
In 1, it is checked whether or not the process of the decoding process DLL 53 is completed, and if the process is not yet completed, the process is returned to S740. As a result of repeating the loop processing of S740 and S741, when it is determined that the processing of the decoding processing DLL 53 is completed, the image editor 52
Advances the process to S742.

In S742, the image editor 52
The print OCX 54 is instructed to expand the print image, layout the print image, and transfer the print image to the printer driver 29 (corresponding to a second process for performing printing using the printer). Upon receiving this instruction, the print OCX 54 expands the print image data by arranging the bitmap data and the character string of the main image in the area corresponding to the editor page 81 in the editor window according to the print layout information. Then, the completed print image data is transferred to S712.
Transfer to the printer driver 29 selected in. The printer driver 29 to which the print image data is transferred is
The printer 4 is controlled so that the print image data is converted into print data suitable for printing by the printer 4 and printing is performed based on the print data. On the other hand, the image editor 52 executes S7 after performing the instruction in S742.
The loop processing of S43 and S744 is executed. That is, in step S743, the image editor 52 checks the processing progress status of the print OCX 54 and the printer driver 29 at that time, and according to the progress status, the progress bar 8
Change the display form of 2. And the image editor 5
In step S744, the second process checks whether or not the processing of the print OCX 54 and the printer driver 29 is completed. If the processing is not yet completed, the processing returns to step S743. As a result of repeating the loop processing of S743 and S744, the print OCX 54 and the printer driver 29
If the image editor 52 determines that the process of step 1 is completed, the image editor 52 advances the process to step S745.

In S745, the image editor 52
The print result confirmation screen shown in FIG. 42 is displayed on the display 22. On this print result confirmation screen, there are a "Yes" button 83 and a "No" button 84 corresponding to the answer to the question "Did you print properly?"
include. The user looks at the printed matter output from the printer 4, and if there is no problem such as blurring or blurring due to the malfunction of the printer 4, the user presses the “Yes” button 83, while
If the printed matter cannot be obtained due to the above problems or paper jam, the “No” button 84 is pressed. The image editor 52 waits for any one of the buttons 83 and 84 to be pressed in S746, and “Yes”.
If the button 83 is pressed, the process proceeds to S747, and if the “No” button 84 is pressed, the process proceeds to S750. In S747, the image editor 5
2 is user ID, session ID and layout ID
The HTTP request message of the payment confirmation notification (information indicating that the print result is correct) is transmitted to the editor server 36 (corresponding to the third process of transmitting information indicating whether the print result is correct). . Image editor 52
Waits for a response message to the HTTP request message by executing the response reception check second subroutine described above in S748 after transmitting the HTTP request message in S747.

Upon receiving the payment confirmation notice from the image editor 52, the editor server 36 advances the process from S937 to S938, and executes the corresponding process to display the response message storing the answer "OK" in the image editor. Reply to 52. Subsequently, in S939, the server program associates the combination of the user ID, the session ID, and the layout ID specified in the payment confirmation notification with the database server 38 in the payment status management table 46. A request is made to change the value of the printing status for billing that is present to "5" indicating the settlement of billing and set the sales confirmation flag (corresponding to billing processing). At the next step S940, the server program causes the user ID, session ID, and layout ID specified in the payment confirmation notification.
Print layout information file 4 corresponding to the combination of
9 is deleted from the RAM 11. When S940 is completed, the editor server 36 returns the process to S912, and waits for the image editor 52 to send a print image registration request for another edit.

When the image editor 52 receives the answer of "OK" from the server program, the process proceeds to S74.
Then, the process proceeds from step S749 to step S749, and the main print end process is executed. That is, all resources (print image data, print layout information file 49, layout ID) relating to the layout ID remaining in the user PC 2 are discarded except for the main image container file 42 cached in the hard disk 25. When S749 is completed, the image editor 52 returns the processing to S718 and redisplays the editor window, thereby making it possible to re-edit the purchase target screen or press the “end” button 78.

On the other hand, in S750 executed when the "No" button 84 is pressed on the above-mentioned print result confirmation screen, the image editor 52 displays the user ID,
HTT of unconfirmed payment notification (information indicating that the print result is no) with the session ID and layout ID specified
The P request message is transmitted to the editor server 36 (corresponding to the third process of transmitting information indicating whether or not the print result is correct). The image editor 52 transmits the HTTP request message in S750 and then executes S7.
At 51, the above-described response reception check second subroutine is executed to wait for a response message to the HTTP request message.

When the editor server 36 receives the payment unconfirmed notification from the image editor 52, the processing is performed in S937.
From S941 to S941, by executing the corresponding process, in the payment status management table 46 for the combination of the user ID, session ID and layout ID specified in the payment unconfirmed notification to the database server 38. Request that the value of the associated billing print status be incremented by one. Next S9
At 42, the server program checks whether or not the value of the charging print status after increment has reached "4" indicating "print processing end". Then, if the value of the charging print status has not reached “4” yet, the editor server 36 sends to the image editor 52 a response message storing a “reprintable” response (reprint permission) in S944. Reply, S945
At, the transfer of the reason for reprinting from the image editor 52 is awaited.

When the image editor 52 receives the reply "reprintable" from the server program, the process proceeds from step S751 to step S752, and further to step S753.
In step S753, the image editor 52 displays the reprint processing screen shown in FIG. 43 on the display 22. This reprint processing screen includes a combo box 85 for selecting a typical reprint reason, a text box 86 in which a specific reprint reason can be written, a “print again” button 87, and a check box 88. And are included.
Then, the image editor 52, in S754,
Waiting for an operation on this reprint processing screen, and if an operation other than pressing the "print again" button 87 is performed,
In S755, the reason for reprinting is set according to the content of the operation, and then the process returns to S754. For example, when an operation for opening the combo box 85 is performed, a list of typical reprint reasons listed in advance is displayed, and if any of the typical reprint reasons is clicked from the list. Sets the reason for the clicked reprint. When the check box 88 is checked, the content to be subsequently input in the text box 86 is set. On the other hand, when the "print again" button 87 is pressed, the image editor 52 specifies the reprint reason, the user ID, the session ID, and the layout ID set at that time in S756. HTTP for transfer of reprint reason
The request message is transmitted to the editor server 36. The image editor 52 displays the HTT in S756.
After the P request message is transmitted, the response message to the HTTP request message is waited for by executing the response reception check second subroutine in S757.

When the editor server 36 receives the reprint reason transfer from the image editor 52, the process proceeds to step S945.
From S946 to S946, by executing the corresponding server program, to the database server 38,
It requests the reprint reason specified in the reprint reason transfer to be registered in the reprint reason table 45. As shown in FIG. 8, in the reprint reason table 45, the content of the reprint reason and the layout ID are associated with each other for each reprint reason ID for identifying each reprint reason. be registered. Subsequently, the server program executes S94.
7, the response message storing the answer of “OK” is returned to the image editor 52, and the process is executed in S93.
7, the process waits for a request (payment confirmation notification or payment unconfirmation notification) from the image editor 52.

When the image editor 52 receives the answer of "OK" from the server program, the process proceeds to S75.
The process returns from S7 to S738, and printing is tried again.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S942 that the value of the accounting print status has reached "4", the server program returns a response in which the answer "reprint impossible" is stored in S943. Send the message to the image editor 52. Then, in the same manner as when the payment confirmation notification is received, the user ID, session ID, and layout I specified in the payment unconfirmed notification are sent to the database server 38 in S939.
The value of the charging print status associated in the payment status management table 46 with respect to the combination of D is changed to "5" indicating the confirmation of charging, and a request is made to set the sales confirmation flag. User ID and session ID specified in the payment unconfirmed notification in S940
And the print layout information file 49 corresponding to the combination of the layout ID and the layout ID are deleted from the RAM 11, and the process returns to S912.

When the image editor 52 receives from the editor server 36 an answer of "non-reprintable", the process is terminated.
From 751 to S752, the process further proceeds to S758. S
In 758, the image editor 52 executes the same main print end processing as in S749. After completing S758, the image editor 52 returns the process to S718.

When the user wants to purchase another image (purchase of a printed matter), the user performs an operation for displaying any list screen on the Web browser 27, and then performs any operation. Display the preview screen for the image. Then, the "proceed to print" button 55 is pressed on the preview screen. by this,
Separate session ID is issued and image editor C
The AB file 50 is downloaded from the server device 1 to the user PC 2, and the image editor 52 is re-executed in the user PC 2.

By repeating the above processing, each session ID is stored in the payment status management table 4.
Each layout ID (corresponding to the image to be purchased)
Record of purchase (date, amount,
(Personal information, credit card information, sales confirmation flag)
Is left. After that, for example, on a closing day of each month, a totaling program (not shown) is executed, and the payment status management table 4
The records of purchases left over are aggregated for each user, and the aggregated amount is charged to the credit card company registered for each user. The credit card company that has made the bill pays the billed amount in advance and performs processing for withdrawing the billed amount from the bank account of each user registered in advance.

(Effects of the Embodiment) According to the present embodiment, the user makes an H
Even if the TTP request message is transmitted to the server device 1, the Web server 35 does not respond to the image editor startup page HTML unless the user is logged in, and as a result, the image editor CAB including the image editor Java application 52. File 50
Is not downloaded to the user PC 2. Therefore, no information regarding the purchase of the main image data is transmitted to the user who has not disclosed personal information such as name, address, credit card number and the like.

Further, according to this embodiment, every time the user decides the image to be purchased and sends the HTTP request message of the image editor start page acquisition request to the server device 1, the connection for purchasing the image to be purchased is established. After the session ID for uniquely identifying the session ID is issued, only the user PC 2 holding the session ID thereafter
The transaction of the image to be purchased can be continued. Therefore, not only is it possible to prevent another person from impersonating the user and continuing the procedure, but also the user himself cannot continue the procedure using another terminal.
As a result, the entire purchasing procedure must be completed in the same user PC 2, so that various data will not be scattered and become unmanageable.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the combination of the content ID and the image size ID for specifying the image to be purchased is notified from the Web browser 27 to the Web server 35 and from the editor server 36 as a start parameter. . That is, since these parameters are automatically set in the image editor 52, it is not necessary for the user to see these parameters, so that high security is maintained.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the printer capability information of all the printers supported by this digital content providing system is not notified to the image editor 52, but the printer 4 locally connected to the user PC 2 is notified. Only the printer capability information is notified to the image editor 52. This reduces the amount of information transferred from the server device 1 to the user PC 2,
Communication load is low.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the layout information designating the layout edited in the editor window is not converted into a file in the user PC 2 and is transferred to the editor server 36 and then printed in the server device 1. The layout information file 49 is filed.
Then, after the credit confirmation to the user is made and the main image container 42 is downloaded to the user PC 2, immediately before the printing based on the main image container 42 is executed,
It is downloaded from the server device 1 to the user PC 2.
Therefore, since the layout when finally printed is managed by the editor server 36, the layout exceeding the range permitted in advance is excluded. That is, user PC
Even if the user edits by any means within the range beyond the range permitted by the main image attribute information, the content of such edit causes a syntax error when being transmitted to the editor server 36 and made into a file. However, it will not be reflected in the print result. As a result, it is possible to prevent infringement of the identity retention right of the author of the image to be printed.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the main image container 42 is provided only after the credit confirmation to the user is made.
Is not downloaded from the server device 1 to the user PC 2.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the server device 1
In the main image container 42, which is copied to the temporary directory in the user PC 2 for download.
Is deleted immediately after the main image container 42 is downloaded to the user PC 2. Therefore, the possibility that the main image container 42 is illegally accessed from outside the server device 1 is reduced.

Further, according to this embodiment, when the layout information is downloaded from the server device 1 to the user PC 2 immediately before printing, the credit confirmation for the user of the user PC 2 is made. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user who cannot collect the fee from performing printing.

Further, according to the present embodiment, even if the printed matter is not normally printed due to the malfunction of the printer 4, the reprinting can be performed up to twice. By attempting reprinting in this way, the user can obtain a printed matter corresponding to the amount of money to be charged. As an author, if a printed matter with print quality that is too poor is output and viewed by the user, his / her own right to maintain identity is not guaranteed. On the other hand, printer 4
If is defective, no matter how many times reprinting is performed, a satisfactory printed matter cannot be finally obtained. There is also a possibility that a malicious user may request reprinting even though normal printing has been performed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the reprintable number of times is divided into two, and the billing confirmation process is performed when the reprinting is performed twice.

[0137]

According to the present invention configured as described above, when the print result does not meet the purchaser's intention, reprinting can be performed only within a predetermined number of times without charging. Even in the case of, the final charge can be made.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital content providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the content database shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of the member database shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a structure of a printer driver database shown in FIG.

5 is a diagram showing the structure of a session ID management table shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a structure of a print layout information file shown in FIG.

7 is a diagram showing the structure of a payment status management table shown in FIG.

8 is a diagram showing the structure of the reprinting hot water table shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing contents by the Web browser.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine executed in S009 of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing executed in S003 of FIG. 9 when the “go to print” button on the preview page is pressed.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing executed in S003 of FIG. 9 when the “login” button on the login page is pressed.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing executed in S003 of FIG. 9 when the “send” button on the payment page is pressed.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing by the Web server.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing processing by the Web server.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing processing by the Web server.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing processing by ActiveX.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing processing by the image editor.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing processing by the image editor.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing processing by the image editor.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing processing by the image editor.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing processing by the image editor.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing processing by the image editor.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the processing by the image editor.

FIG. 25: S702, S704, S710, S71
6, a flow chart showing a response reception check first subroutine executed in S724

FIG. 26: S730, S735, S737, S74
8, a flowchart showing the response reception check second subroutine executed in S751, S757

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing processing by the editor server.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing processing by the editor server.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing processing by the editor server.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing processing by the editor server.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an end notification process executed by the editor server by interruption when the end notification of the print process is received.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a service home page

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of a list page

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a preview page

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a login page

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a printer selection and setting screen.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an editor window.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a payment Web page.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a container download screen.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a print processing screen.

FIG. 41 shows a warning screen

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a print result confirmation screen.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a reprint processing screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 server device 2 User PC 10 CPU 11 RAM 12 hard disk 15 Communication adapter 20 CPU 21 Communication adapter 22 Display 23 Input device 24 RAM 25 hard disk 27 Web browser 28 Java Virtual Machine 29 Printer driver 35 Web server 36 Editor Server 37 File Server 38 Database Server 42 images container 43 content database 44 Member Database 46 Payment status management table 47 Printer driver database 48 Session ID management table 49 Print layout information file 50 Image Editor CAB file 52 Image Editor Java Application 55 Spooler with copy protection

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G06F 3/12 G06F 3/12 K 13/00 547 13/00 547V

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A digital content providing system comprising a server device and a user terminal capable of communicating with each other via a network, wherein the server device transmits digital content to the user terminal based on a request from the user terminal. The user terminal includes a processing device that executes a process according to a program, an input device that inputs various instructions to the processing device according to a user operation, and a communication device that communicates with the server device via the network. A printer that prints by the processing device, and a storage medium, the server device performs a processing according to a program, a communication device that communicates with the user terminal via the network, And a storage medium for storing digital content, the storage medium of the user terminal , To the processing unit, in response to the instruction inputted by the input device, the first requesting the digital content to the server device
When the process is executed and the digital content is received from the server device, a second process for performing printing using the printer based on the received digital content is executed, and then an instruction input by the input device is executed. Accordingly, a third process of transmitting information indicating whether or not the print result is correct to the server device is executed, and thereafter, when reprint permission is notified from the server device, the second process and the second process are performed. 3 stores a client program for re-executing processing, and stores the digital content from the storage medium in the storage medium of the server device in response to a request transmitted from the user terminal to the processing device. When the information is read and transmitted to the user terminal, and information indicating that the print result is correct is notified from the user terminal, and When the user terminal is notified of information indicating that the print result is negative, but the cumulative number of times reaches a predetermined number,
When the user terminal is executed the billing process and the user terminal is notified of the information indicating that the print result is negative but the accumulated number of times has not reached the predetermined number, reprint permission is given to the user terminal. A digital content providing system characterized in that a server program for notifying is stored. 2. The user terminal further includes a display on which a screen is displayed by the processing device, and the client program provides the processing device with a communication line between the user terminal and the server device. Check, and if the communication line is disconnected,
After interrupting other processing, a warning is displayed on the display, and when an instruction is input by the input device, the communication line is rechecked, and if the communication line is still disconnected, The digital content providing system according to claim 1, wherein the warning is displayed again, and other processing is restarted only when the communication line is restored. 3. The storage medium of the server device further stores capability information of a printer driver of a printer capable of guaranteeing a print result, and the client program instructs the processing device to perform the first operation. Prior to the processing, the user terminal is caused to acquire the identification information of the printer driver for controlling the printer locally connected, and the identification information of the printer driver is transmitted to the server device. When the processing device receives the identification information of the printer from the user terminal, of the capability information of all the printer drivers stored in the storage medium, the printer driver identified by the received identification information 2. The capability information only is extracted and transmitted to the user terminal. Digital content providing system. 4. A user terminal having an input device and a printer, and a server device capable of communicating with the user terminal via a network and having a storage medium storing digital contents and a sample thereof, A method for providing digital content, wherein the server device transmits digital content to the user terminal based on a request from the user terminal, wherein the user terminal includes the server when the user inputs an instruction via the input device. A request for the digital content to a device, the server device, when receiving the request for the digital content from the user terminal, reads the digital content from the storage medium and transmits the digital content to the user terminal, When the digital content is received, the Printing is performed using the printer based on the content, and then information indicating whether or not the print result input by the user via the input device is correct is transmitted to the server device, When the user terminal notifies the user of the information indicating that the print result is correct, or when the user terminal is notified of the information indicating that the print result is no, and the cumulative number of times reaches a predetermined number, If the user terminal is notified of the information indicating that the print result is negative but the accumulated number of times has not reached the predetermined number, the reprint permission is transmitted to the user terminal. The digital content providing method, wherein the user terminal executes the printing and the information transmission only when the reprint permission is received from the server device. 5. A server device comprising: a processing device that executes a process in accordance with a program; a communication device that communicates with a user terminal through the network; and a storage medium that stores digital content and a sample thereof. In the storage medium, the processing apparatus reads the digital content from the storage medium in response to a request transmitted from the user terminal and causes the digital content to be transmitted to the user terminal. If the information indicating that there is a notification is sent, or if the information indicating that the print result is no is sent from the user terminal but the cumulative number of times reaches a predetermined number, the charging process for the user is performed. The user terminal is notified of the information indicating that the print result is negative, but the cumulative number of times has not reached the predetermined number. In this case, the server device stores a server program for notifying the user terminal of reprint permission. 6. The storage medium further requests the server device for the digital content in response to an instruction input by the input device to a processing device of a user terminal having an input device and a printer. When the first process is executed and the digital content is received from the server device, the second process of performing printing using the printer based on the received digital content is executed,
After that, in response to an instruction input by the input device, a third process of transmitting information indicating whether or not the print result is correct is executed to the server device, and then the reprint permission is notified from the server device. In this case, a file of a client program for re-executing the second process and the third process is stored, and the server program further causes the processing device to execute the client program from the user terminal. 6. The server device according to claim 5, wherein when a file is requested, the file of the client program is transmitted to the user terminal in response to the request. 7. A processing device in a server device, comprising: a processing device that executes a process according to a program; a communication device that communicates with a user terminal through the network; and a storage medium that stores digital content and a sample thereof. On the other hand, in response to the request transmitted from the user terminal, the digital content is read from the storage medium and transmitted to the user terminal, and the user terminal is notified of information indicating that the print result is correct. In the case, and when the information indicating that the print result is not provided is notified from the user terminal but the cumulative number of times reaches a predetermined number, the user is charged, and the print result is output from the user terminal. If the cumulative number of times has not been reached a predetermined number of times, the user is notified of A server program that notifies the terminal of reprint permission.