Photo studio management methods, management systems, and management programs

Abstract

This provides a management method for photo studios that enables the provision of printed photographs in a way that is less burdensome for both users and the studio. [Solution] In a computer-based method for managing multiple photo studios, the computer records photo data taken by a user at one of the multiple photo studios, and when it receives a request from the user's terminal to print the photo data in a predetermined format and a method for receiving the printed photo (S305), it records printable data generated in a predetermined format using the photo data (S316), and causes a printing terminal located at a location corresponding to the receiving method to access the printable data (S315).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management method, a management system, and a management program for a photo studio.

Background Art

[0002] Since the quality of photos when the subject is a human is important, the demand for photo shooting in photo studios is still high. With the recent digitization, the opportunity to use printed photos has decreased, and some photo studios only provide photo data and may provide printed photos upon request. Such photo data can, for example, be stored by the user on the cloud and printed using a multifunction device installed in a convenience store (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Although the opportunity to use printed photos has decreased, printed photos may be required for applications for official certificates such as resumes and passports. In multifunction devices, there are cases where printing is not done on high-quality dedicated paper or the color reproduction rate varies depending on the device, so there is a certain number of users who do not prefer printing using the multifunction devices in convenience stores as described in Patent Document 1. Also, when printed photos are only required for the final selection in job hunting activities, users may hope to receive the printed photos at the store early. Therefore, it is necessary to meet the demands for various receiving methods such as receiving printed photos by mail and receiving them at the store.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of these problems, and aims to provide a photo studio management method, management system, and management program that enable the provision of printed photographs in a manner that is less burdensome for both users and stores. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a method for managing multiple photo studios, which is performed by a computer. The method records photographic data taken by a user in one of the multiple photo studios. When a user terminal operated by the user requests printing of the photographic data in a predetermined format and a method for receiving the printed photographs obtained by printing, the method records printable data generated in a predetermined format using the photographic data and causes a printing terminal, located at a location corresponding to the receiving method, to access the printable data.

[0007] The photo studio management system of the present invention includes a management device for managing photo studios in which a user can take photographs as the subject, a user terminal operated by the user, and a printing terminal provided at a location corresponding to the method of receiving the printed photographs. The management device records the photographic data taken by the user in one of the photo studios, and when it receives a request from the user terminal for printing the photographic data in a predetermined format and a method for receiving the printed photographs obtained by printing, it records the printable data generated in a predetermined format using the photographic data and causes the printing terminal to refer to the printable data.

[0008] The photo studio management program of the present invention is a program to be executed by a management device that manages multiple photo studios, and instructs the management device to record photo data taken by a user in one of the multiple photo studios, and when it receives a request from a user terminal operated by the user to print the photo data in a predetermined format and a method for receiving the printed photo obtained by printing, it records printable data generated in a predetermined format using the photo data, and causes a printing terminal provided at a location corresponding to the receiving method to refer to the printable data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the photo studio management device, management method, management system, and management program of the present invention, users can receive printed photographs at a different store than the one where they were taken, or receive them by mail. Furthermore, the format of the printed photographs is entered by the user terminal and directly referenced by the printing terminal that creates the print data, thereby reducing errors in the creation of print data caused by miscommunication of the format. In this way, the provision of printed photographs can be realized in a manner that is less burdensome for both the user and the store. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the management system for a photo studio according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the process of photography and acquiring photographic data in a photo studio. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the process when print data is created at a store terminal and the user picks up the printed photos at the store. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of the process for determining whether or not print data can be created. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the process in the first modified example where the creation of print data is performed by a management device and the user receives the printed photos at the store. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the processing when printed photographs are delivered to the user in the second modified example. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the process for additionally downloading photo data in the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for identical components, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the management system for a photo studio according to the first embodiment. The management system 1 includes a management device 2, a head office terminal 3, a user terminal 4, two store terminals 5 installed in store A and store B, and a shipping terminal 6. The management device 2, head office terminal 3, user terminal 4, the two store terminals 5, and the shipping terminal 6 are configured to communicate with each other via a network.

[0013] Management device 2 is a device that controls the entire management system 1. Management device 2 sends and receives data between the head office terminal 3, user terminal 4, store terminal 5, and shipping terminal 6, and performs various processes such as photo shoot reservations, photo data uploads, photo data delivery, print data creation (data for printing), and print photo creation by printing the print data.

[0014] The head office terminal 3 can obtain information regarding photography at each store from the management system 1, and performs necessary processing for users at each store in response to operations by the operator of the head office terminal 3. For example, the head office terminal 3 can handle customer complaints, and specifically, it can instruct the management system 1 to process things like refunding the photography fee or providing information about reshoots for users who have made complaints. In addition, the head office terminal 3 can create print data.

[0015] User terminal 4 is a device operated by the user who will be photographed, and in most cases, it is the user's own smartphone. User terminal 4 accesses management device 2 in response to user operations and reserves a photo shoot at a store of the user's choice by specifying the date and time. At the time of reservation, the photo shoot plan (e.g., resume, passport, promotional photos, etc.) is specified. After the photo shoot is completed, the user is provided with the photo data via user terminal 4. Furthermore, the user can access management device 2 from user terminal 4 and request a print of the photo data.

[0016] The store terminal 5 is a terminal arranged in each photo studio. By accessing the management device 2, the store terminal 5 can obtain reservation details, upload shooting data, and provide the uploaded photo data to the user terminal 4. Furthermore, the store terminal 5 creates print data using the photo data for providing to the user, and prints the printed photos.

[0017] The shipping terminal 6 is a terminal provided at the shipping base for printed photos when the user wishes to send them by mail, and is used for printing the print data and preparing for shipping such as printing the destination address.

[0018] Note that the head office terminal 3, the user terminal 4, the store terminal 5, and the shipping terminal 6 perform operations according to the operations of the operators of their respective terminals. Hereinafter, for readability, the description of the operations of the operators according to the operations may be omitted, and it may be described as operations performed by accessing the management device 2 mainly with the head office terminal 3, the user terminal 4, the store terminal 5, and the shipping terminal 6. Also, the screens displayed on the head office terminal 3, the user terminal 4, the store terminal 5, and the shipping terminal 6 are generated by the management device 2. Hereinafter, for readability, it may be described that a predetermined screen is displayed on the display screens of other terminals mainly with the management device 2.

[0019] The management device 2, the head office terminal 3, the user terminal 4, the store terminal 5, and the shipping terminal 6 may be general computers or servers, and these devices include a control unit composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) that controls the whole, a storage unit composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and / or a hard disk, etc., that stores programs and various data, etc., a communication unit that communicates with the outside, a display unit that performs display according to data for an information display device such as a touch panel, and an input unit that receives input from devices such as a touch panel.

[0020] The control unit, memory unit, communication unit, display unit, and input unit are configured to be able to communicate with each other. Note that the management device 2, head office terminal 3, user terminal 4, store terminal 5, and shipping terminal 6 are configured to be able to execute predetermined processing by executing the programs recorded in the memory unit. Also, the hardware configurations of the management device 2, head office terminal 3, user terminal 4, store terminal 5, and shipping terminal 6 are examples, and it is sufficient that they are configured to be able to execute predetermined processing by operating the stored programs.

[0021] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the photographing and acquisition process of photo data by the management system 1.

[0022] In step S201, the user terminal 4 accesses the management device 2, selects one from a plurality of stores, and makes a reservation. In this process, reservation information is transmitted to the management device 2. The reservation information indicates, in addition to the user ID (identifier) automatically assigned during the reservation process, the user's name, email address, phone number, reservation date and time, reserved store, shooting plan, memo, and registration date and time input from the user terminal 4. In addition to these pieces of information, shooting conditions requested by the user and delivery criteria for the delivered photo data may be included.

[0023] In step S202, the management device 2 receives the reservation information received in step S202 and updates the reservation database.

[0024] In step S203, before the start of shooting at the store, the store terminal 5 accesses the management device 2 and refers to the shooting conditions and delivery criteria included in the reservation information. In step S204, when the shooting based on the shooting conditions is completed, the store terminal 5 creates photo data in a format that satisfies the delivery conditions. Then, in step S205, the store terminal 上传 the created photo data to the management device 2.

[0025] In step S206, the management device 2 determines whether the photo data received in step S203 meets the delivery criteria. As an example, the management device 2 determines whether the data meets the format (file type and size) requirements determined according to the shooting plan in the reservation database. As another example, at the start of shooting, the subject may be given a board displaying information about them (name and ID) and photographed. The management device 2 may then determine the identity of the owner and the subject from the text extracted from the photo data, as well as estimated gender and age. As yet another example, the management device 2 may use previously registered photo data to determine the quality of the photograph and whether it meets the delivery criteria.

[0026] In step S207, the management device 2 creates a download page and login information to provide photo data to the user. Then, in step S208, the management device 2 transmits the download page and login information to the user terminal 4.

[0027] Furthermore, the provision of photo data is not limited to the method of entering a user ID and password on a download page; it may also be sent as an email attachment after obtaining consent to the image data acquisition conditions described below. Various methods of provision are possible, provided that the user's photo data is provided to the user after explicitly obtaining their consent for image data acquisition.

[0028] In step S209, user terminal 4 accesses the download page notified in step S207 using login information and performs consent processing to the image data acquisition conditions through screen operation. Subsequently, in step S210, management device 2 displays the photo data, and in step S211, user terminal 4 downloads the displayed photo data.

[0029] Furthermore, if a consent operation is performed in step S207, the management device 2 records the execution history of that consent operation and may display it on the download screen. Note that this history is not limited to consent operations; it may also include the history of image data display or other processes related to consenting to the download conditions.

[0030] Furthermore, since the user will perform the process of creating printed photographs by printing the photographic data described later, in step S208, the management device 2 may notify the user terminal 4 of the URL of the photographic data management page in addition to the download page. The URL of the photographic data management page may be notified to the user terminal 4 at any time; for example, it may be displayed when the photographic data is downloaded in step S211, or it may be notified to the user terminal 4 from the management device 2 when the download is complete. The photographic data management page may be the same as the download page.

[0031] Figure 3 illustrates the process when a user who has completed the photo taking and photo data download shown in Figure 2 further requests the creation of printed photos from the photo data and receives the printed photos at a store.

[0032] In step S301, the user terminal 4 accesses the photo data management page and enters the user ID and password according to the user's operation. On this photo data management page, it is possible to print photo data and purchase additional shooting data. The user ID and password entered may be the same as those used to access the download page in step S209, or they may be different ones separately notified by the management device 2.

[0033] In step S302, when the management device 2 receives the user ID and password input on the photo data management page, it creates an order page where the photo data can be printed and makes it accessible from the user terminal 4. The user terminal 4 requests to print the photo data by entering the order details on the order page. If the user wishes to print the photo data, they may also enter the method of receiving the printed photos (store pickup / mail) on the photo data management page.

[0034] In step S303, user terminal 4 accesses the order page and enters the order details. In this example, user terminal 4 enters that it wants to print the photo data and pick up the printed photos at the store. Note that the photo data can be picked up at any store, not just the store where the photos were taken.

[0035] In step S304, the management device 2 checks the available stores and dates and times for pickup and displays them on the order page. The management device 2 has registered the reservation status and staff work schedules for each store, and determines whether or not there are personnel available to handle the distribution of printed photos. For example, even on business days, if there are very few staff working, the management device 2 will determine that pickup is not possible at that store at that time. The management device 2 then displays the available stores and dates and times, making them accessible from the user terminal 4.

[0036] In step S305, user terminal 4 enters detailed print photo format as order information on the order page. The order page displays the stores and dates where the print photos can be picked up, as confirmed by the management device 2 in step S304, and user terminal 4 can select the desired store and date. Furthermore, the order page allows input of print photo format details such as whether resizing and background changes are necessary, as well as the intended use of the print photos. If resizing or background color changes are required, the user can enter the intended use, such as a driver's license or passport. In addition, user terminal 4 enters payment information for payment on the order page.

[0037] In step S306, the management device 2 determines whether or not to create print data to be used to create printed photographs, based on the input content from step S305. Note that the print data will contain one or more (for example, four) photographic images depending on the size of the printing paper, and the management device 2 determines whether or not the photographic images to be placed are appropriate. In principle, the management device 2 determines that it is possible to create print data if there are no changes in size or background color. However, the management device 2 determines whether or not to create print data if there are changes in background color or if the purpose is for official certification.

[0038] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for determining whether or not print data can be created from photographic data. This determination process is assumed to involve steps S3061 to S3063.

[0039] In step S3061, the control device 2 determines whether or not a background color change is necessary. If a background color change is necessary (S3061: Yes), the control device 2 determines that print data cannot be created and reshooting is required. If a background color change is not necessary (S3061: No), the control device 2 then performs the process in step S3062. This is because changing the background color requires cropping the outline of the subject, including the hair, and performing such cropping is likely to result in an unsuitable photograph for use as an illumination photograph.

[0040] In step S3062, the management device 2 determines whether the intended use of the printed photograph is one in which wearing glasses is recommended or required. The management device 2 stores information on uses in which wearing glasses is not permitted or is recommended (e.g., visa applications, passport applications), and determines whether wearing glasses is recommended or required for the intended use of the printed photograph received from the user terminal 4.

[0041] If the use is one in which wearing glasses is not recommended / specified (S3062: Yes), the control device 2 then performs the process in step S3063. If the use is not one in which wearing glasses is not recommended / specified (S3062: No), it determines that print data can be created and reshooting is not necessary.

[0042] In step S3063, the management device 2 uses image recognition or other technologies to determine whether the subject is wearing glasses in the captured photographic data. If the subject is wearing glasses (S3063: Yes), the management device 2 determines that print data cannot be created and reshooting is necessary. If the subject is not wearing glasses (S3063: No), the management device 2 determines that print data can be created and reshooting is unnecessary.

[0043] These judgment processes are merely examples. For instance, even if a background color change is necessary, if the user does not wish to retake the photo and acknowledges that cropping may result in an unsuitable image, the background color change may be accepted. Furthermore, in S3063, various criteria may be considered, such as whether the subject's face is facing forward, whether they are wearing colored contact lenses, and whether their ears or forehead are obscured by their hair.

[0044] After going through steps S3061 to S3063, the management device 2 determines whether or not print data can be created from the captured photographic data.

[0045] Referring again to Figure 3, steps S306 onward describe cases where print data can be created (steps S311-S320) and cases where print data cannot be created (steps S321-S322), and one of these processes is selected according to the result of the determination in step S306.

[0046] In the case where print data can be created, in step S311, the management device 2 confirms the appointment to pick up the printed photos and processes the payment. The appointment information may be entered into each store's schedule. Then, in step S312, the management device 2 notifies the customer that payment is complete and the store and date and time of pickup. In addition, in step S313, the management device 2 determines the person in charge at the pickup store and notifies the store terminal 5 installed at that store that a print order has been placed.

[0047] In step S314, the store terminal 5 accepts input from the print order staff member regarding whether or not print data can be created. This is because, although the decision on whether or not print data can be created is made in step S306, having the staff member make the decision again reduces the likelihood of errors in the automated judgment.

[0048] In step S315, the store terminal 5 creates print data. Specifically, the size of the image data is changed according to the size of the printing paper and the desired size, and print data is generated that includes multiple (for example, four) resized image data. If the aspect ratio differs before and after resizing, the size of the top of the image is extracted and appropriately enlarged / reductiond, and then the unnecessary parts at the top / bottom or left / right edges are cropped to achieve the desired size.

[0049] In step S316, the store terminal 5 uploads the created print data to the management device 2.

[0050] In step S317, the management device 2 determines the validity of the received print data. If the management device 2 determines that the print data conforms to the format entered by the user, it records the uploaded print data. On the other hand, if the management device 2 determines that the print data does not conform to the prescribed format, it does not record the print data.

[0051] Specifically, the management device 2 determines whether the received print data will be the size desired by the user when printed. The management device 2 may also determine the background color and whether or not the user is wearing glasses in the received print data, and whether the result of this determination matches the user's wishes. Furthermore, the management device 2 may determine the identity of the subject by comparing the received print data with registered image data. For example, the management device 2 may use facial recognition to determine the identity of the image data and the print data. If the store terminal 5 determines that there are doubts about the legitimacy of the received print data, it may notify the store terminal 5 to that effect and have the store staff verify it.

[0052] In step S318, the store terminal 5 refers to the received pickup date and time, and retrieves the print data uploaded in step S316 from the management device 2. Then, in step S319, the store terminal 5 prints the retrieved print data. The store staff can also prepare to provide the printed photos at the referenced pickup date and time.

[0053] Furthermore, the print data used for printing is preferably the data obtained in step S318 rather than the data created in step S315. This is because the validity of the print data is verified in step S317. Additionally, the store terminal 5 may be configured to automatically download and print the uploaded print data after its validity has been verified.

[0054] In step S320, the user picks up the printed photos at the designated store at the reserved pickup date and time. Note that this process is not performed by user terminal 4 and is therefore shown with a dashed line.

[0055] In this way, if print data can be created, the print data is created at the store terminal 5 and the printed photograph is printed. The user goes to the store at the entered pickup date and time to receive the printed photograph. Once the receipt of the printed photograph is complete, this fact is recorded in the management device 2.

[0056] Next, we will explain how to handle cases where it is not possible to create print data.

[0057] In step S321, if the management device 2 determines that it is impossible to create print data, it does not perform payment processing and generates a reshoot reservation screen because reshooting is necessary. Then, in step S322, the user terminal 4 makes a reservation for reshooting. After the reshoot is completed at the reserved store, a print photograph is created using the reshoot data. If the user does not wish to have a reshoot, the user terminal 4 sends a cancellation request to the management device 2, and the management device 2 cancels the payment processing.

[0058] Furthermore, the management device 2 may have multiple logically distinct theoretical blocks within its control unit that perform the aforementioned processing. That is, the management device 2 may include functional blocks such as a photo data recording unit that records photo data taken by the user, a print data recording unit that records print data generated in a predetermined format using the photo data, and a print instruction unit that prints the printed photographs.

[0059] According to the management system 1 of this embodiment, the management device 2 records photographic data taken by the user at one of the multiple photo studios (S206), receives a request from the user terminal 4 for printing the photographic data in a predetermined format and a method for receiving the printed photograph (S305), records printable data generated in a predetermined format using the photographic data (S316), and causes the store terminal 5 installed at the store where the printing takes place to refer to the printable data and print the printed photograph (S319).

[0060] In this way, users can obtain printed photos at stores other than the one where they took the original photo. Furthermore, the format of the printed photo is directly entered from the user terminal 4 and directly referenced by the store terminal 5 that creates the print data, thereby reducing errors in creating print data caused by communication mistakes.

[0061] According to the management system 1 of this embodiment, the management device 2 determines whether the print data conforms to a predetermined format before recording the print data (S316), and if it determines that the print data does not conform to the predetermined format, it stops recording the print data. In this way, errors in the print data created by the store terminal 5 can be detected.

[0062] According to the management system 1 of this embodiment, the management device 2 receives a print request from the user terminal 4, along with the store and date and time for receiving the printed photos (S303), and sends the store terminal 5 installed at the designated store to refer to the date and time for receiving the prints along with the print data (S318). In this way, the date and time for receiving the prints are recorded in advance in the management device 2, making it easier for the store to plan the receiving process and enabling efficient store operations.

[0063] (Variation 1) Figure 3 illustrates an example where print data is generated at the store, but this is not the only example. Figure 5 illustrates a modified example where print data is generated at the management device 2. Figure 5 only shows cases where print data can be created; the process for cases where print data cannot be created is omitted. Also, the process in steps S301 to S306 is the same as in Figure 3, so the explanation is omitted.

[0064] In this modified example 1, the process when print data can be created is as follows, compared to the process in Figure 3, with S311 replaced by S311A and S314 to S317 omitted. These changes will be explained below, and the explanation of the same process with the same reference numerals will be omitted.

[0065] In step S311A, similar to step S311, after confirming the store reservation and performing the settlement process, print data is created. The creation of the print data is the same as the process performed by the store terminal 5 in step S315 in the first embodiment (FIG. 3), but in this first modification example 1 (FIG. 5), it is performed by the management device 2 in step S311A. Also, in step S311A, the validity of the print data may be judged in the same manner as in step S317.

[0066] Thereafter, similar to the process of FIG. 3, in step S318, the store terminal 5 acquires the print data from the management device 2 and refers to the receipt date and time. Then, in step S319, by printing the print data acquired by the store terminal 5, a printed photo is generated. Note that in step S318, by making the same judgment as in step S314, the staff may judge whether the print data meets the predetermined requirements.

[0067] As described above, in the first embodiment, the print data was created by the store terminal 5 (S315 in FIG. 3), but in the first modification example, the print data is generated by the management device 2 (S311A). The print data may be generated at any location, as long as it can be downloaded by a terminal provided at the location where printing is to be performed. By doing so, the degree of freedom in operating the management system 1 is increased, so that print data can be generated according to the operations of the head office and each store.

[0068] (Second Modification Example) In the first embodiment (FIG. 3) and the first modification example (FIG. 5), an example where the user receives a printed photo at the store has been described, but it is not limited to this. In the second modification example (FIG. 6), an example where the printed photo is mailed to the user will be described.

[0069] In the process shown in Figure 6, comparing it to the process in Figure 3, first, the shipping terminal 6 takes over the role of the store terminal 5. Then, instead of processes S303-S305, S311, S312, S318, and S319, processes S303B-S305B, S311B, S312B, S318B, and S319B are performed, respectively.

[0070] In S303B, delivery by mail is specified, in S304B the number of days required for delivery is confirmed, and in S305B the shipping address is specified as the delivery method, and the shipping information is finalized. In S311B, the store visit reservation is not finalized, and only the payment process is carried out, in S312B the payment completion and the scheduled shipping date and time are notified to the user terminal 4.

[0071] Furthermore, in step S318B, the dispatch terminal 6 accesses the management device 2 to obtain print data and refer to the shipping destination information. Then, in step S319B, in addition to printing the printed photograph using the print data, the dispatch terminal 6 prepares for dispatch. Specifically, the dispatch terminal 6 prepares a shipping slip indicating the shipping destination address registered by the user, and may record that the preparation is complete when it is finished. Subsequently, in step S320B, the dispatch terminal 6 dispatches the printed photograph to the user using the slip prepared in step S319B. Note that this process is not performed by the dispatch terminal 6 and is therefore shown with a dashed line.

[0072] According to this second modified management system 1, the management device 2 receives a print request along with shipping information for the printed photos from the user terminal 4 (S305B). The shipping terminal 6 located at the shipping source then refers to the print data and shipping information (S318B) and can begin preparing for shipping. In this way, the shipping source can directly refer to the entered shipping information and begin shipping, providing users with a method of receiving the prints other than visiting a store, and reducing the time and effort required to prepare for shipping.

[0073] (Second implementation form) In some cases, users may want to download other photographic data obtained during shooting, in addition to the photo data downloaded after shooting. Figure 7 shows a second embodiment that handles such cases. The process shown in the second embodiment may be performed separately from the first embodiment (Figure 3), the first modification (Figure 5), and the second modification (Figure 6), or it may be performed integrally with them.

[0074] First, the processes in steps S301 and S302 are the same as in Figure 3, so we will omit their explanation. Subsequently, the processes in steps S701 to S706 are performed.

[0075] In step S701, user terminal 4 accesses the order page and selects an order. In this example, it is assumed that an order to purchase additional photographic data has been entered. In step S702, the management device 2 processes the payment and creates a download page to provide the additional photographic data to the user. Then, in step S703, the management device 2 sends the download page to user terminal 4. The login information used to access the download page may be the same as, or different from, the ID and password notified in step S208 of Figure 3.

[0076] In step S704, the user terminal 4 accesses the download page notified in step S703 and performs a consent process for acquiring additional image data through screen operation. Subsequently, in step S705, the management device 2 displays the photo data, and in step S706, the user terminal 4 downloads the displayed additional photo data. By performing this process, the user terminal 4 can acquire shooting data other than the photo data acquired during the shooting process shown in Figure 2.

[0077] According to the management system 1 of the second embodiment, multiple photo data taken by the user at one of multiple photo studios is recorded (S206). When a request to acquire any of the multiple photo data is received from the user terminal 4 (S701), the system allows the user terminal 4 to access the selected photo data (S705). In this way, it is possible to provide the user with a wide range of ordering options, including the purchase of additional data in addition to the purchase of printed photos.

[0078] This invention allows for various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention. In other words, the scope of the invention is indicated not by the embodiments, but by the claims. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the equivalent scope of the invention are considered to be within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1: Management system, 2: Management device, 3: Head office terminal, 4: User terminal, 5: Store terminal, 6: Shipping terminal

Claims

1. A method for managing multiple photo studios, performed by computer, The photo data taken by the user at one of the aforementioned photo studios is recorded. When a request for printing the aforementioned photographic data in a predetermined format and a method for receiving the printed photograph obtained by the printing are received from the user terminal operated by the user, the print data generated in the predetermined format using the aforementioned photographic data is recorded. The printing data is made accessible to a printing terminal located at a location corresponding to the aforementioned receiving method. How to manage a photo studio.

2. The method for managing a photo studio according to claim 1, wherein the print data is generated by the printing terminal or the computer.

3. A method for managing a photo studio according to claim 1, wherein, before recording the print data, it is determined whether the print data satisfies the predetermined format, and if it is determined that the print data does not satisfy the predetermined format, the recording of the print data is stopped.

4. The user terminal receives the print request and the store and date / time for receiving the printed photographs. The method for managing a photo studio according to claim 1, wherein the printing terminal installed at the receiving store is made to refer to the printing data and the date and time of pickup.

5. Furthermore, depending on the staff's availability, it is determined whether the receiving store can handle the receiving process at the aforementioned receiving date and time. The photo studio management method according to claim 4, wherein the pickup date and time of a pickup store that is determined to be unable to handle the pickup operation is not accepted from the user terminal.

6. The user terminal receives the print request and the shipping address information for the printed photographs. A method for managing a photo studio according to claim 1, wherein the printing terminal installed at the shipping source is made to refer to the printing data and the shipping destination information.

7. The system records multiple photographic data taken by the user at one of the aforementioned photo studios. A method for managing a photo studio according to claim 1, wherein when a request to acquire any of the multiple photo data is received from the user terminal, the user terminal is instructed to refer to the arbitrary photo data.

8. A management system comprising: a management device for managing photo studios in which a user can be the subject of a photograph, among multiple photo studios; a user terminal operated by the user; and a printing terminal installed in a location corresponding to the method of receiving the photograph, The aforementioned control device is The photo data taken by the user at one of the aforementioned photo studios is recorded. When the user terminal receives a request to print the photographic data in a predetermined format and a method for receiving the printed photograph obtained by the printing, the system records the print data generated in the predetermined format using the photographic data. The printing terminal is made to refer to the print data. A management system for a photo studio.

9. A management program to be executed by a management device that manages multiple photo studios, With respect to the aforementioned control device, The photo data taken by the user at one of the aforementioned photo studios is recorded. When a request for printing the aforementioned photographic data in a predetermined format and a method for receiving the printed photograph obtained by the printing are received from the user terminal operated by the user, the print data generated in the predetermined format using the aforementioned photographic data is recorded. A management program that causes a printing terminal, located at a location corresponding to the aforementioned receiving method, to access and process the print data.

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