Information processing apparatus, information processing method, information processing program product

Abstract

The present application provides an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program product that solve the problem of desiring to improve convenience in a print service that utilizes a chat service. The present application is an information processing device that is capable of communicating with a terminal device via a chat server that provides a chat service, and includes: an acquisition section that acquires image data from the terminal device via the chat server; a processing section that processes the acquired image data by applying decoration image data that decorates the image data to the image data; and a transmission section that transmits an instruction to print the processed image data to a print device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program product. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, chat services provided in SNS (Social Network Service) and similar services were known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an example of a multifunction printer printing images through a conversation with a chatbot.

[0003] Users can add decorations to images using their own devices, submit the decorated images to chat rooms with chatbots, and have the decorated images printed. However, since decorating images is time-consuming, there is a desire to improve convenience.

[0004] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-050519. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The information processing apparatus for solving the above-mentioned problems is an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a terminal device via a chat server that provides chat services, and includes: an acquisition unit that acquires image data from the terminal device via the chat server; a processing unit that processes the image data by assigning decorative image data to the acquired image data to decorate the image data; and a sending unit that sends an instruction to print the processed image data to a printing device.

[0006] The information processing method for solving the above-mentioned problems includes the following: In an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a terminal device via a chat server that provides chat services, an acquisition unit acquires image data from the terminal device via the chat server, a processing unit processes the image data by assigning decorative image data to the acquired image data to decorate the image data, and a sending unit sends an instruction to a printing apparatus to print the processed image data.

[0007] The information processing program for solving the above-mentioned problems enables the computer of the information processing device, which is capable of communicating with the terminal device via a chat server that provides chat services, to function as an acquisition unit, a processing unit, and a transmission unit. The acquisition unit acquires image data from the terminal device via the chat server, the processing unit processes the image data by assigning decorative image data to the acquired image data to decorate the image data, and the transmission unit sends an instruction to a printing device to print the processed image data. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the printing system.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a chat room display.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of image data processing.

[0011] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating an example of associated information that is linked to and stored in image data.

[0012] Figure 5 A diagram illustrating an example of decorative image recognition information that is associated with and stored by a chatbot account.

[0013] Figure 6 A diagram illustrating an example of printed information.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a chat room display.

[0015] Figure 8 A sequence diagram to show the printing order.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a chat room display.

[0017] Figure 10 A sequence diagram showing the order in which processed image data was acquired.

[0018] Figure 11 A diagram showing an example of a view of the processed image data.

[0019] Figure 12 A diagram illustrating an example of image data resizing and configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order.

[0021] (1) Overall structure: (1-1) Structure of the information processing device: (2) Sequence: (3) Other implementation methods: (1) Overall structure: Figure 1This is a block diagram illustrating the overall structure of a printing system including the information processing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information processing apparatus 100 is a server providing printing services utilizing a chat service. The information processing apparatus 100 can communicate with a chat server 300 via a network N. The chat server 300 is a server providing a chat service that allows users to interact with each other in a conversational manner. Users of the chat service install an application (chat application) for utilizing the chat service on their own terminal devices and create a user account in the chat service. By executing the chat application, the terminal device communicates with the chat server 300. The information processing apparatus 100 can communicate with the terminal device via the chat server 300. The first terminal device 400 and the second terminal device 500 are terminal devices with the chat application installed. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the first terminal device 400 and the second terminal device 500 are portable terminals such as smartphones owned by guests invited to a wedding banquet. Here, "wedding banquet" in this embodiment is an example of an event. The printing apparatus 700 is a printer installed at the wedding banquet venue.

[0022] In this embodiment, for example, the wedding host pre-creates a chat service account. This account is for a chatbot that works with the information processing device 100. When wedding guests arrive at the venue, they scan a QR code placed on the table in front of their seats, for example, using their own smartphones or other terminal devices. The QR code can also be posted near a printed device placed in the venue. This QR code contains information for launching the chat application on the terminal device and the aforementioned chatbot account.

[0023] When a guest scans the QR code using their smartphone, a chat application launches on that smartphone, prompting them to choose whether to approve the chatbot's account as a chat partner. If the guest chooses to approve, they will be able to use the printing service that utilizes the chatbot's chat functionality. The printing service utilizing the chatbot's chat functionality is as follows.

[0024] During the wedding ceremony or reception, guests will use their personal devices to take photos of the event. Guests may choose to take home any photos they wish to print as souvenirs. Figure 2 As shown, guests can submit images in a chat room with the chatbot. Guests can then use the service that allows a printing device 700, prepared at the wedding venue, to print images by sending them to the chatbot, and the printed photos to be collected by the guests.

[0025] A chat room is a screen displayed through a chat application, showing messages exchanged or files sent and received in chronological order. The chatbot account and chat room for interaction prepared by the wedding organizer are created for each guest's user account. For example, the chat room between the user of the first terminal device 400 and the chatbot can be viewed within the chat application of the first terminal device 400, but not within the chat application of the user of the second terminal device 500. Conversely, the chat room between the user of the second terminal device 500 and the chatbot can be viewed within the chat application of the second terminal device 500, but not within the chat application of the user of the first terminal device 400.

[0026] The printing apparatus 700 is a printer capable of printing photographs. The printing apparatus 700 communicates with the information processing device 100 and the like via a network N. Upon receiving printing data from the information processing device 100, the printing apparatus 700 performs printing on a printing medium such as photo paper based on the printing data. While printing is being performed by the printing apparatus 700, guests can submit images to the chat room to receive the printed materials produced by the printing apparatus 700.

[0027] (1-1) Structure of the information processing device: The information processing device 100 is a server with the following printing control function: obtaining image data D1 sent from a guest's terminal device via a chat server 300, processing the image data D1 by assigning decorative image data D2 to it, and causing the printing device 700 to perform a printing function based on the processed image data.

[0028] Decorative image data D2 is data used to decorate an image submitted by a user of the terminal device. For example, it may be data representing a border to frame the image, a stamp overlapping the image, or various graphics containing text. In this embodiment, the image represented by decorative image data D2 is printed in a manner that overlaps with the image represented by image data D1. Figure 3 In this context, image data d11 is an example of image data D1 submitted by the user, and decorative image data d21 is an example of decorative image data D2 that is pre-stored in storage medium 120. Figure 3 Image data i100 represents an image generated by overlaying decorative image data d21 onto image data d11. The image data to which decorative image data D2 is assigned to image data D1 will be referred to as the processed image data.

[0029] Furthermore, the decorative image data D2 contains activity information associated with the activity that has established a correspondence with the chatbot's account. For example, the decorative image data may include the activity name, the date and time of the activity, the venue name, and the organizer's name. In this embodiment, it is also conceivable that the wedding date, hall name, and the names of the bride and groom may be included in the decorative image data. By assigning the decorative image data D2 containing such activity information to the image data D1 and printing it, the information processing apparatus 100 enables the printing apparatus 700 to print the image to which the activity information has been assigned.

[0030] The information processing device 100 includes a processor 110, a storage medium 120, and a communication unit 130. The processor 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and is capable of executing various programs stored in the ROM or storage medium 120. The communication unit 130 is an interface for communicating with other devices. The information processing device 100 can communicate with other devices connected to the network N via the communication unit 130. The storage medium 120 stores image data D1 sent from a terminal device, i.e., image data D1 submitted to the chat room of the chatbot. Furthermore, the storage medium 120 pre-stores decorative image data D2. Additionally, the storage medium 120 pre-stores printing information D3.

[0031] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates an example of association information that establishes a correspondence between the image ID and image data D1 and is stored in storage medium 120. For example... Figure 4 As shown, each image data is stored by mapping it to an image ID used for identifying the image data, along with the user account of the user who submitted the image data and the chatbot account of the chat room to which the user submitted it. Alternatively, information representing the submission date and time or the shooting date and time of the image data can be mapped to the image ID and stored.

[0032] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates an example of decorative image recognition information representing decorative image data D2, which is associated with a chatbot account and stored in storage medium 120. Figure 5As shown, in the chatbot account of the chat service, decorative image recognition information (decorative image ID) representing the decorative image data corresponding to that chatbot account is stored in storage medium 120 in a way that establishes a correspondence. Chatbot accounts are created for each event. That is, different chatbot accounts are assigned to events with different dates or venues.

[0033] Furthermore, since the images submitted by users have both vertical and horizontal dimensions, decorative image data for the vertical and horizontal dimensions are prepared in advance and stored in storage medium 120. The vertical and horizontal decorative image IDs corresponding to each chatbot account are stored in storage medium 120 in a way that establishes a correspondence between the two accounts. A vertical image is defined as an image where the number of pixels in the height direction is greater than the number of pixels in the width direction, and a horizontal image is defined as an image where the number of pixels in the width direction is greater than the number of pixels in the height direction. The height direction of the image is vertical, and the width direction is horizontal.

[0034] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates an example of print information D3. Print information D3 includes print equipment information and print settings information that are associated with the chatbot's account. The print equipment information identifies the printing apparatus used to print images submitted to the chatbot's chatroom associated with the corresponding account. For example, the print equipment information may be identification information of a printer located in the venue of an event associated with the chatbot account. The print settings information indicates various print parameters for printing images submitted to the chatbot's chatroom associated with the corresponding account.

[0035] The processor 110 executes a printing control program (not shown) to implement the aforementioned printing control functions. By executing the printing control program, the processor 110 functions as an acquisition unit 111, a processing unit 112, and a delivery unit 113.

[0036] In this embodiment, when a user of a terminal device reads a QR code placed on a table at a wedding banquet and approves the chatbot's account as a chat partner, the information processing device 100 retrieves the user's account and the chatbot's account from the chat server 300. The processor 110 of the information processing device 100 establishes a correspondence between the user account and the chatbot account and stores it. When a user sends image data D1 to the chat room with the chatbot, the user's terminal device sends image data D1 to the chat server 300. The processor 110 of the information processing device 100 receives image data D1 from the chat server 300. That is, the processor 110 of the information processing device 100, through the function of the acquisition unit 111, retrieves image data D1 from the terminal device via the chat server 300, and establishes a correspondence between the user's account that submitted image data D1 to the chat room and the chatbot account by establishing a correspondence with the ID of image data D1, and stores it. That is, as... Figure 4 As shown, the processor 110 establishes a correspondence between user accounts, chatbot accounts, and image data and saves them in the storage medium 120.

[0037] Through the function of the processing unit 112, the processor 110 processes the acquired image data by assigning decorative image data to the image data. Specifically, the processor 110 assigns decorative image data represented by a decorative image ID corresponding to the chatbot account associated with the acquired image data. More specifically, the processor 110 assigns decorative image data for vertical dimensions when the acquired image data is vertically oriented, and decorative image data for horizontal dimensions when the acquired image data is horizontally oriented. The processor 110 can obtain the number of pixels in the width or height direction of the image data D1 by referring to its file header, and can determine whether the image data D1 is a vertical or horizontal image.

[0038] In reference Figure 3 Simultaneously, the processing performed by the processing unit 112 is described. The processor 110 refers to the printed information D3 regarding the chatbot account corresponding to the image data d11 (see reference). Figure 6 The processor 110 obtains the printing equipment information and printing settings information of the printing device corresponding to the chatbot account, and then obtains the size of the printing medium used in printing. The processor 110 determines the size of the printing area based on the size of the printing medium, the setting value of marginless or margined, the printing resolution, etc. Figure 3 m100 indicates the printing area. Figure 3 In the example, since the image data d11 is a horizontally elongated image, it represents a virtual setting of a horizontally elongated printing area.

[0039] The processor 110 resizes the image data while maintaining the aspect ratio of the image data, by connecting at least two opposite sides of the printing area m100. Here, the aspect ratio is specifically described using the value of the length of the longer side divided by the length of the shorter side. Let the length of the longer side of the printing area m100 be La, the length of the shorter side be Sa, the length of the longer side of the image data d11 be Lb, and the length of the shorter side be Sb. When the value of La / Sa is greater than the value of Lb / Sb, the processor 110 enlarges or reduces the image data d11 by connecting the two opposite longer sides of the image data d11 to the two opposite longer sides of the printing area m100, i.e., by making the length of the shorter side of the image data d11 equal to the length of the shorter side of the printing area m100, while maintaining the aspect ratio. When the value of La / Sa is less than the value of Lb / Sb, the processor 110 enlarges or reduces the image data d11 by connecting the two opposite short sides of the image data d11 to the two opposite short sides of the printing area m100, i.e., by making the length of the long side of the image data d11 equal to the length of the long side of the printing area m100, while maintaining the aspect ratio. When the value of La / Sa is the same as the value of Lb / Sb and La≠Lb, the processor 110 enlarges or reduces the image data d11 by making the length of the long side of the image data d11 equal to the length of the long side of the printing area m100, and also by making the length of the short side of the image data d11 equal to the length of the short side of the printing area m100. When both the printing area m100 and the image data d11 are squares, and the lengths of one side of each side are different, the image data is sized by connecting the four sides of the image data d11 to the four sides of the printing area m100, thereby maintaining the aspect ratio of the image data.

[0040] The processor 110 arranges the resized image data on the printing area m100 and overlays decorative image data d21 thereon. That is, when the non-transparent pixels of the decorative image data and the pixels of the image data are located on the same pixels of the printing area m100, the processor 110 uses the pixel value of the non-transparent pixel of the decorative image data as the pixel value of that pixel in the printing area m100. Furthermore, the decorative image data d21 is pre-created with dimensions corresponding to the size of the printing area m100. The processor 110 sends a printing instruction for the image data i100 generated through the above processing to the printing apparatus via the function of the transmission unit 113. In other words, the processor 110 converts the image data i100 into printing data in a form suitable for printing in the printing apparatus. Figure 6As shown, this printing apparatus is a printing apparatus that has established a correspondence with the chatbot account corresponding to image data d11. Furthermore, the processor 110 sends printing data to this printing apparatus, causing it to perform printing based on the printing data.

[0041] By configuring the information processing device 100 in this way, when a user of the terminal device submits image data to the chat room of the chatbot, the image data is sent to the information processing device 100 via the chat server 300. The image data, which has been automatically enhanced with decorative images in the information processing device 100, can then be printed using a printing device. Therefore, the user only needs to use the camera on their terminal device to capture the event and send the image to the chatbot via the chat application. Since the user does not need to process the image on their own terminal device, the convenience is greatly improved.

[0042] Furthermore, since the user does not use the decorative image data D2 to process image data D1 on their own terminal device, the decorative image data D2 is not stored in the terminal device. Sometimes, the event organizer does not want the decorative image data D2 to be stored in the user's terminal device. For example, sometimes it is desirable to prevent the generation of image data to which decorative image data is assigned to images unrelated to the event. By employing an information processing device 100 to assign decorative image data, as in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the decorative image data D2 from being stored in the user's terminal device.

[0043] Furthermore, since the decorative image data is associated with the chatbot account for which the user submitted image data, the user can automatically print image data with decorative image data corresponding to the chatbot. Moreover, since vertical image data is assigned vertical decorative image data and horizontal image data is assigned horizontal decorative image data, the user can automatically print image data with decorative image data corresponding to the shape (vertical or horizontal) of the submitted image data.

[0044] Furthermore, by adjusting the size while maintaining the aspect ratio by connecting at least the opposite sides of the image data to the opposite sides of the printing area, the processor 110 can automatically adjust the size of the image data within the range where the ends of the image data are not outside the printing area, without troubling the user's hands, so that the area of ​​the image data in the printing area becomes the largest.

[0045] Furthermore, through the function of the sending unit 113, if a printing error occurs in the image data of the printing apparatus, the processor 110 will send an error message to the chat server 300, establishing a correspondence between the user's account and the chatbot's account and indicating the printing error, and display the error message in the chat room between the user and the chatbot. That is, if the processor 110 detects a printing failure after sending printing data to the printing apparatus, the processor 110, through the function of the sending unit 111c, will display the error message in the chat room in a chat application-like manner.

[0046] More specifically, the processor 110 determines the user account of the user who submitted the image data corresponding to the printing data, and sends a message containing error information to the terminal device via the chat server 300 for that user account. Upon receiving the message containing error information, the terminal device displays the error information on its display screen.

[0047] Figure 7 Message c1 represents an example of displaying a message containing error information. Identification information of the printing unit that encountered the error can also be included in the error message. Furthermore, while various factors can contribute to printing failures, situations such as running out of printing media, running out of ink, or inability to communicate with the printing unit can be considered. By configuring it in this way, users can learn from the error message displayed in the chat room that their submitted image was not printed due to a printing error. Alternatively, it can be configured so that a success message indicating successful printing is displayed in the chat room.

[0048] (2) Sequence: Figure 8 A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the process from image submission to printing. Figure 8 The sequence is as follows: wedding guests scan the QR code placed on their seats at the banquet hall and complete the chatbot account verification. Once the user on the terminal device has verified the chatbot account, the terminal device sends the user's chat application account and chatbot account to the information processing device 100 via the chat server 300. Upon receiving this information, the processor 110 of the information processing device 100 establishes a mapping between the user's chat application account and the chatbot account and stores it in the storage medium 120.

[0049] For example, when a user of the first terminal device 400 launches a chat application and opens a chat room with the chatbot, such as Figure 2As shown, the chat section a1 and menu section a2, which demonstrate the exchange of messages with the chatbot, are displayed. Menu section a2 includes a button b1 for activating the camera, a button b2 for selecting images already taken using the terminal device, and a button b4 for viewing the photo album. In the chat room, only the chatbot's account and the user's own account are registered. Although other guests attending the wedding or reception also recognize the same chatbot as potential chat partners, in their chat applications, only the chatbot's account and their own account are registered in the chat room with the chatbot. In this way, only the chatbot and the user's own account are displayed as participants in the chat room; other users registered with the same chatbot are not displayed as participants in the chat room they are in.

[0050] Users can submit images taken by the camera (activated by selecting button b1) of a wedding or banquet to the chat room, or select images to print and submit them to the chat room.

[0051] When a user submits an image to the chat room using any of the methods described above, the first terminal device 400 sends image data D1 representing the image to the chat server 300 (step S100). Upon receiving image data D1, the chat server 300 sends image data to the information processing device 100 (step S105). Specifically, the chat server 300 notifies the information processing device 100 that an image has been submitted, the information processing device 100 accepts the notification, and sends an image retrieval request to the chat server 300. The chat server 300 sends image data D1 to the information processing device 100 according to the image retrieval request. More specifically, the chat server 300 sends image data D1, the user account of the user who submitted the image, and the chatbot's account to the information processing device 100. When the processor 110 retrieves this information through the function of the retrieval unit 111a, it stores image data D1 in the storage medium 120. Furthermore, the processor 110 will... Figure 4 The user accounts of the users who submitted image data D1 and the chatbot accounts are stored in storage medium 120 in a manner that establishes a correspondence with image data D1, as shown.

[0052] Next, the processor 110 obtains the aspect ratio of the image data D1 through the function of the processing unit 111b (step S110). For example, the processor 110 obtains the height and width of the image by referring to the header of the image data D1. The processor 110 determines whether the image data D1 is an elongated image or a horizontally elongated image based on the height (vertical length) and the width (horizontal length).

[0053] Processor 110 acquires decorative image data D2 (step S115) through the function of processing unit 111b. That is, processor 110 refers to... Figure 4 The processor 110 determines the chatbot account associated with image data D1 by establishing a correspondence between the image data shown and the chatbot account. The processor 110 retrieves the decorative image data that corresponds to the chatbot account and is stored in storage medium 120, specifically the decorative image data whose length or width is consistent with the length determined in step S110. That is, the processor 110 refers to... Figure 5 The correspondence between chatbot accounts and decorative image data is shown to determine the decorative image data that has established a correspondence with the chatbot account. If it is determined in step S115 that image data D1 is vertical, decorative image data for vertical length is obtained in step S115; if it is determined that image data D1 is horizontal, decorative image data for horizontal length is obtained.

[0054] Next, the processor 110, through the function of the processing unit 111b, assigns decorative image data D2 to the image data D1 (step S120). That is, as... Figure 3 As shown, the processor 110 sets the printing area m100, adjusts the size of the image data by connecting the opposite sides of the image data to the opposite sides of the printing area m100, and superimposes decorative image data on the adjusted image data to generate the processed image data.

[0055] Next, the processor 110 obtains printing equipment information and printing setting information through the function of the sending unit 111c (step S125). That is, the processor 110 obtains the printing equipment information and printing setting information that are associated with the chatbot account and stored by referring to the printing information D3.

[0056] Next, the processor 110 sends a printing instruction for the processed image data via the function of the sending unit 111c (step S130). That is, the processor 110 generates printing data for printing the processed image data using the printing apparatus indicated by the printing setting information, based on the printing settings indicated by the printing setting information, and sends the printing data to the printing apparatus indicated by the printing apparatus information. If the printing apparatus indicated by the printing apparatus information is the printing apparatus 700, the processor 110 sends the printing data to the printing apparatus 700. Upon receiving the printing data, the printing apparatus 700 performs printing based on the printing data (step S135).

[0057] Next, the processor 110 sends a status acquisition request to the printing apparatus 700 (step S140) and acquires the status information sent from the printing apparatus 700 (step S145). If the status information acquired in step S145 includes an error message indicating that printing has failed in the printing apparatus 700, the processor 110 sends the error message to the chat server 300 via the function of the sending unit 111c (step S150). That is, the processor 110 determines the user account of the user who submitted the image data corresponding to the printing data sent in step S130, and sends a message containing the error message from the chat application to the chat server 300 for that user account. Then, the chat server 300 sends the error message to the terminal device represented by the user account (step S155). That is, the message containing the error message is sent from the chat server 300 to the terminal device. When the terminal device receives the message containing the error message, it displays the message on the display of the terminal device.

[0058] In addition, even though this embodiment does not display a message indicating success when printing is successful, it is possible to configure the system to display a message indicating success in the chat room.

[0059] (3) Other implementation methods: The above-described embodiments are examples for implementing the present invention, and various other embodiments can also be adopted. For example, the information processing apparatus may be composed of multiple servers. The distribution of processing content among the servers can also be appropriately designed. For example, the processing of image data may be performed by a first server, and the processing of printing the processed image data in a printing apparatus may be performed by a second server.

[0060] In addition to the weddings or banquets listed in the above embodiments, the printing system can be used in various other events. For example, it can also be used in concerts or live broadcasts, parties, exhibitions, local festivals, municipal events, and events for children.

[0061] Although only one printing device is illustrated in the above embodiment, multiple printing devices can be set up at the venue and used for registration in a manner that allows them to cooperate with the information processing device 100. Furthermore, for example, it can be configured such that if the primary printing device becomes unusable due to an error, the information processing device 100 switches the output destination to another backup printer for printing. Alternatively, to improve printing efficiency, multiple printing devices can be operated simultaneously.

[0062] The processing unit only needs to process the image data by assigning decorative image data to the acquired image data to decorate the image data. Although the above embodiment describes an example of overlapping decorative image data on top of image data, it is not limited to this example. For example, as an example of processing performed by the processing unit, it may also include an example of overlapping decorative image data below image data. As another example, as an example of processing performed by the processing unit, it may also include an example of placing decorative image data outside the image data without overlapping the image data and decorative image data. In addition, in the case of overlapping decorative image data on top of image data, although the decorative image data can be completely opaque to the image data as in the above embodiment, the transmittance of the decorative image data may be greater than 0 and less than 100%.

[0063] Alternatively, the processing unit can be configured to display the option of whether to assign decorative image data in the chat room between the user of the terminal device and the chatbot, and to display the selection result made by the user in the chat room. Furthermore, it can also be configured to display the option of decorative image data in the chat room between the user of the terminal device and the chatbot, and to display the selection result made by the user in the chat room.

[0064] Figure 9 This is an example of a chat room after a user submits an image to a chatbot. After executing... Figure 8 After step S115, the processor 110 of the information processing device 100 sends a message c2 to the chat server 300 asking whether to assign decorative image data, and an instruction to submit options bb1, bb2, and bb3 to the chat room with the user. Options bb1, bb2, and bb3 are buttons for the user to select whether to assign decorative image data and, if so, which decorative image data to assign. The result is as follows: Figure 9 As shown, on the user's terminal device, message c2 and options bb1, bb2, and bb3 are displayed in the chat room with the chatbot.

[0065] When the user clicks any option, the terminal device displays a message c3 indicating the user's selection result in the chat section a1. Figure 9 In the example, message c3 is displayed indicating that decorative image data such as "horizontal B" has been selected for printing. If option bb1, which indicates that decorative image data is not assigned, is selected, a message indicating this meaning will be displayed as the selection result.

[0066] In addition, the selection result can be either... Figure 9 The text can be displayed as shown, or it can be displayed as a print preview image. A print preview image displayed as a selection result is, for example, when decorative image data is selected, such as... Figure 3 As shown in i100, this is a thumbnail image of an image with decorative image data superimposed on top of the image data, reduced in size. Additionally, options bb1, bb2, and bb3 can also be displayed as a print preview image pre-loaded with each option selected. The selection result in this case can be as follows... Figure 9 That can be done in a text format, or as a print preview image format.

[0067] By constructing it in this way, it is possible to retain information about whether a user selected to add a decorative image and print it as history within the chat room. Furthermore, it is possible to retain the user's selected decorative image as history within the chat room. Additionally, although... Figure 9 An example is a structure that selects the presence or absence of decorative image data and the type of decorative image data through one stage, but it can also be configured to separate the former and the latter and select them through two stages.

[0068] Alternatively, the processing unit can store the processed image data in a storage medium and send the image data to the terminal device upon request from a user on the terminal device. When a user submits image data from the terminal device, the processor 110 processes the image data by adding decorative image data, and establishes a correspondence between the processed image data and the chatbot's account, storing it in the storage medium 120. That is, after executing... Figure 8 After step S120, the processed image data is stored in storage medium 120. Alternatively, both the image data before and after processing can be stored. For example, when a user clicks button b4 (see reference) in the chat room of the chatbot account on their terminal device... Figure 2 When, such as Figure 10As shown, the terminal device sends the album display request along with the chatbot account registered in the chat room and the user's account to the information processing device 100 (step S200). Upon receiving the display request, the processor 110 of the information processing device 100 replies to the terminal device with a summary display of the processed image data that has been associated with and stored in relation to the chatbot account (step S205).

[0069] Figure 11 This is an example of a list display displayed on a terminal device based on list display data. The list display can include not only image data submitted by the user of the terminal device who sent the display request in step S200, but also image data submitted by other users who have established a correspondence with the chatbot account and are stored therein. That is, the user can also view images submitted by other users who participated in the same activity to the chat room associated with the chatbot account. When the user of the terminal device selects an image to download from the list, the terminal device sends a request to the information processing device 100 to obtain the selected image, i.e., the processed image data (step S210). The processor 110 of the information processing device 100 sends the image with the request executed, i.e., the processed image data, to the terminal device (step S215). By configuring it in this way, the user of the terminal device can download the processed image data to the terminal device. Alternatively, it can be configured to download the image data before processing. It can be configured so that the user can choose to download either the image data before processing or the processed image data, or it can be configured so that the event organizer pre-determines which image data can be downloaded, either before or after processing.

[0070] Alternatively, the processing unit can acquire decorative image data created by a user of the terminal device and process the image data by assigning the acquired image data to the decorative image data created by the user of the terminal device. While the above embodiment describes a structure where decorative image data is pre-created by organizers or event staff and stored in the storage medium 120 of the information processing device 100, it can also be configured so that users of the terminal device can create decorative image data and store it in the storage medium 120 of the information processing device 100. For example, a user can create preferred decorative image data using a server that assists in creating decorative images overlapping with photographic images and register it in the information processing device 100. Since the user of the terminal device can process the image data by assigning the decorative image data registered in this manner, the user can then have the printing device print an image with any decorative image assigned to it. The decorative image data can be created by the user arbitrarily combining multiple decorative image elements or borders prepared by the organizer, or it can be newly created by the user.

[0071] The registration of decorative image data can also be done in the following manner, for example. Figure 2 The menu section a2 includes a button for registering decorative image data. When the user clicks this button, the site of the decorative image creation auxiliary server is displayed on the terminal device. When the user creates decorative image data and registers it on this site, the created decorative image data is sent to the information processing device 100 along with the chatbot account. The information processing device 100 saves the decorative image data in a way that establishes a correspondence with the chatbot account. For example, the user... Figure 9 As shown, by selecting the decorative image data created by oneself from the decorative image data that is associated with and saved by the chatbot account, the decorative image data created by oneself can be assigned to the image data submitted by oneself and printed.

[0072] Alternatively, the processing unit may adjust the arrangement or size of the image data relative to the printing area m100 according to the pattern of the decorative image. That is, the position or size of the image data in the printing area m100 may be changed in a way that reduces the portion of the image data hidden by the decorative image. For example, it may be as follows... Figure 12As shown in image data i200, when decorative image data d22 is located at the lower part of printing area m100, the size of image data d11 is adjusted such that image data d11 is arranged within a region p100 with height Sa-h1 and width La that is connected to the upper edge of printing area m100. More specifically, for example, the image data d11 may be configured such that the two opposite sides of image data d11 are connected to the two opposite sides of region p100, and the image data d11 is sized and arranged within region p100.

[0073] Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied as an information processing program or method executed by a computer. Moreover, the systems, programs, and methods described above can be implemented as standalone devices or using components from multiple devices, encompassing a wide variety of approaches. Furthermore, modifications can be made appropriately, such as making some parts software and others hardware. Furthermore, the invention can also serve as a recording medium for a program that controls a system. Of course, the recording medium for this program can be a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor memory, and this can be considered equally in all recording media developed in the future.

[0074] Symbol Explanation 100…Information processing device, 110…Processor, 111…Acquisition unit, 111a…Acquisition unit, 111b…Processing unit, 111c…Transmission unit, 112…Processing unit, 113…Transmission unit, 120…Storage medium, 130…Communication unit, 300…Chat server, 400, 500…Terminal device, 700…Printing device, D1…Image data, D2…Decorative image data, D3…Printing information, N…Network, a1…Chat unit, a2…Menu unit, b1, b2, b4…Buttons, bb1, bb2, bb3…Options, c1, c2, c3…Messages, d11…Image data, d21…Decorative image data, d22…Decorative image data, i100…Image data, i200…Image data, m100…Printing area, p100…Area.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus for communicating with a terminal device via a chat server providing chat services, comprising: The acquisition unit acquires image data from the terminal device via the chat server; The processing unit processes the acquired image data by assigning decorative image data to the image data to decorate the image data. The sending unit sends instructions to the printing apparatus to print the processed image data.

2. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The system includes a storage medium that stores a correspondence between the chatbot's account in the chat service and decorative image recognition information representing the decorative image data. The acquisition unit acquires the image data that has been associated with the chatbot's account. The processing unit assigns the decorative image data, represented by the decorative image recognition information corresponding to the chatbot's account which has been associated with the acquired image data, to the image data.

3. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein, The storage medium stores the decorative image data for the vertical dimension and the decorative image data for the horizontal dimension. The processing unit assigns decorative image data for vertical length when the acquired image data is vertical, and assigns decorative image data for horizontal length when the acquired image data is horizontal.

4. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The processing unit adjusts the size of the image data while maintaining the aspect ratio of the image data, by contacting at least two opposite sides of the printing area of ​​the printing medium used by the printing device in printing the image data.

5. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The decorative image data includes activity information related to activities corresponding to the accounts of chatbots in the chat service.

6. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The processing unit displays the option of whether to assign the decorative image data in the chat room between the user and the chatbot on the terminal device, and displays the selection result chosen by the user in the chat room.

7. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The processing unit displays the options of the decorative image data in the chat room between the user and the chatbot on the terminal device, and displays the selection result chosen by the user in the chat room.

8. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The acquisition unit acquires the image data in which the user's chat service account on the terminal device and the chatbot's chat service account have been established to correspond. In the event that a printing error occurs in the image data in the printing device, the sending unit sends an error message to the chat server that establishes a correspondence between the user's account and the chatbot's account and indicates the printing error, and displays the error message in the chat room between the user and the chatbot.

9. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The processing unit stores the processed image data in a storage medium and sends the image data to the terminal device according to a request from a user of the terminal device.

10. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The processing unit acquires the decorative image data created by the user of the terminal device, and processes the image data by assigning the acquired image data to the decorative image data created by the user of the terminal device.

11. An information processing method, comprising: In an information processing device that can communicate with a terminal device via a chat server that provides chat services The acquisition unit obtains image data from the terminal device via the chat server. The processing unit processes the acquired image data by assigning decorative image data to the image data to decorate it. The sending unit sends an instruction to the printing apparatus to print the processed image data.

12. An information processing product comprising an information processing program that enables a computer of an information processing device capable of communicating with a terminal device via a chat server providing chat services to function as an acquisition unit, a processing unit, and a transmission unit, wherein, The acquisition unit obtains image data from the terminal device via the chat server. The processing unit processes the acquired image data by assigning decorative image data to the image data to decorate the image data, and The sending unit sends an instruction to the printing device to print the processed image data.

Images