(12) Japanese Patent Laid-
`Open Application Publication
`(A)
`
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`(19) Japan
`Patent Office (JP)
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`
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`(51) Int.Cl.7
`
`G06F 13/00
`G06F 3/12
`G06F 17/60
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`
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`Identification
`Symbol
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`(11) Japanese Patent Laid-
`Open Application
`
`No. 2004-102810
`(P2004-102810A)
`(43) Laid-Open Date:
`April 2, 2004 (2004.4.2)
`Theme Code
`(reference)
`5B021
`5B089
`
`
`FI
`
`G06F 13/00 351N
`G06F 3/12 K
`G06F 17/60 124
`G06F 17/60 138
`G06F 17/60 318G
`Number of Claims: 16
`Request for Examination: Unrequested
`OL (22 pages in all)
`(71) Applicant: 000001007
`CANON INC.
`30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku,
`Tokyo
`(74) Agent: 100090538
`Patent Attorney
`Keizo Nishiyama
`
`(74) Agent: 100096965
`Patent Attorney
`Hirokazu Uchio
`Inventor: Tomonobu Hiraishi
`c/o CANON INC.
`30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku,
`Tokyo
`
`(21) Patent Application No. 2002-265649
`(P2002-265649)
`(22) Filing Date: September 11, 2002
`(2002.9.11)
`
`
`
`
`(72)
`
`
`
`
`F-term(reference):
`
`5B021 AA01 BB01 BB10 NN22
`
`5B089 GB02 KA01
`INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM,
`Invention]
`the
`[Title of
`(54)
`INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, INFORMATION PROVIDING DEVICE,
`PROGRAMS FOR IMPLEMENTING THESE DEVICES, AND STORAGE
`MEDIUM STORING THESE PROGRAMS IN COMPUTER-READABLE MANNER
`
`(57) [Abstract]
`[Problem to be Solved]
`
`- 1 -
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`EX. 1010, Page 001
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`To enable an information providing device that manages data without the
`
`need for engaging a special manager, and receives orders for data processing to
`grasp a shutdown status of an information processing device that executes data
`processing and act according to the shutdown status.
`[Solution]
`
`An information providing device determines a shutdown status of an
`information processing device on a regular basis, and presents a screen according to
`the determined shutdown status on a user terminal that places an order for data
`processing.
`[Selected Drawing] Figure 1
`
`
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`[Claims for the Patent]
`[Claim 1]
`
`An information providing device comprising:
`
`a determination means for determining an operating status of an information
`processing device capable of communicating via a network;
`
`a storage medium that stores operation management information based on
`the operating status determined by the determination means; and
`
`a
`transmission means
`for
`transmitting
`the operation management
`information stored in the storage medium to a second information processing device
`different from the information processing device.
`[Claim 2]
`
`The information providing device according to claim 1, comprising a retention
`means for retaining data,
`
`wherein the determination means performs the determination about an
`information processing device capable of communicating with a printing device that
`prints the data retained by the retention means.
`[Claim 3]
`
`The information providing device according to claim 1, comprising a second
`storage medium that stores a table for managing the operating status of the
`information processing device,
`
`wherein the determination means determines the operating status of the
`information processing device based on the table stored in the storage medium.
`[Claim 4]
`
`The information providing device according to claim 3, wherein the table
`stored in the storage medium is set based on information showing an operation
`schedule notified by the information processing device.
`[Claim 5]
`
`The information providing device according to claim 1, comprising:
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`a transmission means for transmitting a request to the information
`
`processing device; and
`
`a detection means for detecting a response from the information processing
`device to the request transmitted by the transmission means,
`
`wherein the determination means determines the operating status of the
`information processing device according to whether the response has been detected
`by the detection means.
`[Claim 6]
`
`The information providing device according to claim 5, comprising a counting
`means for counting a number of times no response has been detected by the
`detection means consecutively,
`
`wherein, when the number of times counted by the counting means reaches a
`predetermined number of times, the determination means determines that the
`information processing device is shut down.
`[Claim 7]
`
`The information providing device according to claim 1,
`
`wherein the determination means performs the determination for a plurality
`of the information processing devices, and
`
`the storage medium stores the operation management information for
`displaying, on a browser, such a selection screen that allows the information
`processing device to be selected according to the operating status determined by the
`determination means.
`[Claim 8]
`
`The information providing device according to claim 7, comprising:
`
`a reception means for receiving input information related to the selected
`information processing device that is input according to the selection screen; and
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`a transfer means for transferring the input information to the selected
`
`information processing device according to the operating status of the selected
`information processing device determined by the determination means,
`
`wherein, when the reception means receives the input information, the
`determination means determines the operating status of the selected information
`processing device.
`[Claim 9]
`
`The information providing device according to claim 1, comprising a second
`storage medium that stores data,
`
`wherein the storage medium stores request information for requesting the
`information processing device to process the data stored in the second storage
`medium, and
`
`the transmission means transmits the request information to the second
`information processing device.
`[Claim 10]
`
`The information providing device according to claim 1, wherein the
`determination means performs the determination on a regular basis.
`[Claim 11]
`
`An information providing device comprising:
`information
`
`a reception means
`for receiving operation management
`transmitted via a network from a first information providing device that monitors
`an operating status of a second information processing device;
`
`a display means for displaying a screen showing the operating status of the
`second information processing device based on the operation management
`information received by the reception means; and
`indicating a
`
`an
`indicating operation means that
`is operated when
`predetermined position in the operation management information to select the
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`second information processing device according to the operating status of the second
`information processing device displayed by the display means.
`[Claim 12]
`
`An information processing system in which an information providing device
`and a first information processing device are capable of communicating with each
`other via a network,
`
`wherein the information providing device includes:
`
` a determination means for determining an operating status of a second
`information processing device capable of communicating via a network; and
`
` a
`transmission means
`for
`transmitting, upon request, operation
`management information for displaying a screen based on the operating status
`determined by the determination means to the first information processing device,
`and
`the first information processing device includes:
`
` a display means for displaying a screen based on the operation
`
`management information transmitted by the transmission means; and
`
` an indicating operation means that is operated when indicating a
`predetermined position in the operation management information to select the
`second information processing device according to the operating status of the second
`information processing device displayed by the display means.
`[Claim 13]
`
`An information processing system in which an information providing device, a
`first information processing device, and a second information processing device
`communicate with one another via a network to provide a service,
`
`wherein the information providing device includes:
`
` a retention means for retaining data transferred from the first information
`processing device;
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` a determination means for determining an operating status of the second
`
`information processing device; and
`
` a control means for exerting control so as to disable communication
`between the first information processing device and the second information
`processing device according to the operating status determined by the
`determination means, and
`
`the second information processing device includes an output means for
`performing a process of outputting the data retained by the retention means
`according to a request from the first information processing device.
`[Claim 14]
`
`An information processing method comprising:
`
`a determination step of determining an operating status of an information
`processing device capable of communicating via a network;
`
`a step of generating operation management information based on the
`determined operating status; and
`
`a step of transmitting, upon request, the generated operation management
`information to a second
`information processing device different from the
`information processing device.
`[Claim 15]
`
`A program that causes a computer to implement the information processing
`method according to claim 14.
`[Claim 16]
`
`A storage medium that stores the program according to claim 15 in a
`computer-readable manner.
`[Detailed Description of the Invention]
`[0001]
`[Field of the Invention]
`
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`The present invention relates to an information processing system in which a
`
`plurality of information processing devices and an information providing device are
`connected to one another via a network, and in which the information processing
`devices and the information providing provide services, such as retaining data and
`processing retained data, and further relates to an information processing device,
`an information providing device, an information processing method, programs that
`cause a computer to implement these devices and method, and a storage medium
`that stores these programs.
`[0002]
`[Conventional Art]
`
`In recent years, the establishment of communication infrastructure and the
`development of
`information communication technology have made possible
`Internet-based information providing services and information utilization services.
`In particular, it has become possible to share and provide information in a
`multimedia environment in which all data including text data, image data, and
`voice data are digitalized, giving birth to many information providing services using
`the Internet. For example, an application service provider that keeps image data,
`acquired by customers using a digital camera, in a storage area of a server on the
`Internet, and that lets the customers view the image data again when they want to
`(hereinafter referred to as a photo site), and a printing service provider that prints
`out image data transferred via the Internet and offers products, such as New Year's
`greeting cards (hereinafter referred to as a print site), have appeared.
`[0003]
`
`Some photo sites have a printing infrastructure and provide printing services
`independently, while other photo sites collaborate with a print site having a
`printing infrastructure in providing printing services.
`[0004]
`[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]
`
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`In a system in which a photo site and a print site collaborate with each other
`
`to provide a printing service, once the photo site has received a printing order from
`a customer and requested the print site for printing out, a series of processes
`including setting the detailed printing information, an estimation process, and a
`settlement process is left under the control of the print site.
`[0005]
`
`One problem in this case is that, when the server of the print site suddenly
`shuts down due to some failure, the photo site, unable to grasp the shutdown
`information, receives a printing order from a user, but the print site cannot perform
`the subsequent processes and cannot provide the printing service to the user.
`[0006]
`
`Another problem is that, when the server of the print site suddenly shuts
`down, a manager of the photo site and a manager of the print site have to stay in
`close contact with each other to cope with the situation, which requires the
`continuous presence of each manager and thus involves considerable personnel
`costs.
`[0007]
`
`Yet another problem is that, even when the server of the print site shuts
`down for maintenance etc., as scheduled, the manager of the photo site and the
`manager of the print site have to hold a prior meeting, which involves personnel
`costs.
`[0008]
`
`The present invention has been contrived to solve these problems, and an
`object thereof is to provide an information processing system that minimizes burden
`on managers of a photo site and a print site in the event of shutdown of a server of
`the print site, and that also allows the photo site to act according to a shutdown
`status of the server of the print site, for example, to notify a user that the print site
`is shut down, and to further provide an information processing device, an
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`information providing device, programs that implement these devices, and a storage
`medium that stores these programs in a computer-readable manner.
`[0009]
`[Means for Solving the Problems]
`
`To achieve the above object, the invention of the present application provides
`an information providing device including: a determination means for determining,
`on a regular basis, a shutdown status of an information processing device capable of
`communicating via a network; a storage medium that stores shutdown management
`information written in a language that allows a screen based on the shutdown
`status determined by the determination means to be displayed on a browser; and a
`transmission means for transmitting, upon request, the shutdown management
`information stored in the storage medium.
`[0010]
`
`The invention of the present application further provides an information
`processing device that receives and processes shutdown management information
`written in a language that allows a browser to display a predetermined screen.
`This information providing device includes: a reception means for receiving the
`shutdown management information transmitted via a network from a first
`information providing device that provides the shutdown management information;
`a display means for displaying a screen showing a shutdown status of a second
`information processing device based on the shutdown management information
`received by the reception means; and an indicating operation means that is
`operated when indicating a predetermined position in the shutdown management
`information to select the second information processing device according to the
`shutdown status of the second information processing device displayed by the
`display means.
`[0011]
`
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`The invention of the present application further provides an information
`
`processing device that receives and processes shutdown management information
`written in a language that allows a predetermined screen to be displayed on a
`browser. This information providing device includes: a reception means for
`receiving the shutdown management information transmitted via a network from a
`first information providing device that provides the shutdown management
`information; a display means for displaying a screen showing a shutdown status of
`a second information processing device based on the shutdown management
`information received by the reception means; and an indicating operation means
`that is operated when indicating a predetermined position in the shutdown
`management information to select the second information processing device
`according to the shutdown status of the second information processing device
`displayed by the display means.
`[0012]
`
`The invention of the present application further provides an information
`processing system in which a user terminal, a first information processing device,
`and a second information processing device communicate with one another via a
`network to provide a service. The first information processing device includes: a
`retention means for retaining data transferred from the user terminal; a
`determination means for determining a shutdown status of the second information
`processing device on a regular basis; and a control means for exerting control so as
`to disable communication between the user terminal and the second information
`processing device according to the shutdown status determined by the
`determination means. The second information processing device includes an
`output means for performing a process of outputting the data retained by the
`retention means according to a request from the user terminal.
`[0013]
`[Embodiment of the Invention]
`
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`A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with
`
`reference to the accompanying drawings.
`[0014]
`
`<System Configuration>
`
`Figure 1 is a view showing the configuration of a system for implementing a
`service in the embodiment.
`[0015]
`
`Reference numeral 101 denotes an image input device. Examples include a
`digital still camera that can take a still image and record the still image as image
`data, and a digital video camera that can take a video and record the video as
`moving image data. The image input device 101 converts an optical image that is
`image information into an electrical signal and performs predetermined image
`processing, and then records and reproduces the image information as digital
`information.
`[0016]
`
`Reference numeral 102 denotes an information processing device. The
`description of this embodiment assumes that the information processing device 102
`is a personal computer (PC).
`[0017]
`
`Reference numeral 116 denotes a data transfer interface for transferring
`image data acquired by the image input device 101 and stored in the image input
`device 101 to a storage device, represented by an HDD, of the PC 102. The data
`transfer interface 116 may be whichever of a wired interface, represented by
`universal serial bus (USB) and IEEE1394, and a wireless interface, represented by
`IrDA and Bluetooth. Upon receiving a command from an OS or dedicated software
`installed in the PC 102, the image input device 101 collectively transfers the pieces
`of image data stored in an information storage device of the image input device 101.
`In other cases, the image input device 101 transmits a transfer command to cause
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`the OS or the dedicated software of the PC 102 to secure an image data storage area
`in the storage device of the PC 102, and then transfers the image data.
`[0018]
`
`Reference numeral 105 denotes a photo site that provides services, such as
`retaining image data received from the PC 102, letting a user view the retained
`image data, and transferring the retained image data to a print site 109, to be
`described later, to offer a printed matter. The photo site 105 includes: an image
`database (DB) 117 that stores image data received from a user PC 102A; an
`information database (DB) 118 that stores attribute information on the user
`registered as a user of the photo site 105, attribute information on stored image
`data, attribute information on the print site 109 to be described later, etc.; and a
`photo sharing module 106 that exerts control to let the user etc., view the image
`data of the user stored in the image DB 117. Reference numeral 109 denotes a
`print site that offers a printed matter 112 by performing a process of printing the
`image data transferred from the photo site 105. The print site 109 includes a
`module (not shown) that receives image data and printing orders of users from the
`photo site 105, and is connected to a printer 111 that performs a process of printing
`the image data. The printed matter 112 obtained by processing the image data is
`delivered to the user or an address designated by the user. The print site 109
`calculates an estimated fee for printing the image data by a charging module 110.
`While Figure 1 shows three print sites 109A, B, C as the print sites 109, the number
`of the print sites 109 needs not be limited to this example.
`[0019]
`
`The photo site 105 and the print site 109 are composed of a plurality of server
`devices, and these server devices each execute functions required to provide services.
`[0020]
`
`Reference numeral 104 denotes the Internet. The PC 102, the photo site 105,
`and the print site 109 can communicate with one another via the Internet 104 and a
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`public communication line or a dedicated line. Here, in the PC 102, a web browser
`is activated and accesses the photo site 105 using a standard protocol, such as
`HTTP, to receive and display information linked to multimedia information, such as
`images and voices, created in a description language, such as HTML or XML, and
`managed by a server PC constituting a part of the photo site 105. Thus, the PC
`102 can receive a service provided by the photo site 105 via the Internet 104.
`[0021]
`
`The description of this embodiment assumes that reference numeral 102
`denotes a personal computer, but a mobile phone, personal digital assistance (PDA),
`digital still camera, digital video camera, scanner, copying machine, and the like
`having a web browsing function, communication function, display function, etc.,
`may also be used.
`[0022]
`
`<Uploading of Image Data from PC to Photo Site>
`
`A procedure by which image data acquired by the image input device 101 is
`uploaded from the PC 102 to the photo site 105 and stored in the image DB 117 in
`this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figure 2.
`[0023]
`
`Step S201:
`
`The photo sharing module 106 of the photo site 105 transmits, to the PC 102,
`information linked to multimedia information, such as images and voices, created in
`a description language, such as HTML or XML, and managed by the server PC (not
`shown).
`
`Here, the PC 102A, having activated a browser, connects to the photo site 105
`using a standard protocol, such as HTTP, that allows information transfer via the
`Internet 104, and displays information received from the photo site 105 on the
`browser.
`[0024]
`
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`This operation allows the photo site 105 to provide various services to the
`
`user of the PC 102 via the Internet 104.
`[0025]
`
`Step S202:
`
`The photo sharing module 106 receives the image data transferred from the
`PC 102.
`[0026]
`
`The PC 102 selects image data to be transferred according to the information
`from the photo site 105 displayed on the browser. Then, when an action requesting
`image transfer is made on the PC 102, the selected image data is transferred to the
`photo site 105 in conjunction with this action. Or the PC 102 selects image data to
`be transferred by using dedicated image uploading software etc. Then, the selected
`image data is automatically transferred by the dedicated image uploading software.
`In either case, transfer is executed based on a protocol available on the Internet 104,
`such as HTTP or FTP.
`[0027]
`
`Step S203:
`
`The photo sharing module 106 checks whether the image data received in
`step S202 is data of a format that is usable in the photo site 105.
`[0028]
`
`Step S204:
`
`When it is determined in step S203 that the image data is usable, the photo
`sharing module 106 stores the image data received in step S202 in the image DB
`117. Then, the photo sharing module 106 stores image data attribute information
`on this image data, such as an image data ID, user attribute information on the
`user who has transferred this image data, such as a user ID, etc., in the information
`DB 118.
`[0029]
`
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`Image data may be managed as individual pieces of image data, or as an
`
`album that is an archive of a plurality of pieces of image data.
`[0030]
`
`Step S205:
`
`The photo sharing module 106 notifies the PC 102 that the image data has
`been normally uploaded.
`[0031]
`
`Then, the user of the PC 102 can view the image data uploaded to the photo
`site 105 by activating the browser on the PC 102.
`[0032]
`
`Step S206:
`
`When it is determined in step S203 that the image data is not of a usable
`format, the photo sharing module 106 notifies the user PC 102A that the image
`data cannot be uploaded.
`[0033]
`
`<Printing Image Data Uploaded to Photo Site>
`
`A procedure by which a service of printing image data of a user uploaded to
`the photo site 105 is implemented in this embodiment will be described in detail
`with reference to Figure 3.
`[0034]
`
`Step S301:
`
`Upon the user's operation, the PC 102 activates the browser, accesses the
`photo site 105, transmits the user ID input on the browser, and requests viewing of
`the uploaded image data from the image DB 117.
`[0035]
`
`Step S302:
`
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`With reference to the information DB 118 and the image DB 117, the photo
`
`site 105 transmits display data for displaying the image data on the browser of the
`PC 102.
`[0036]
`
`Step S303:
`
`Based on the display data transmitted from the photo site 105 in step S302,
`the PC 102 displays the image data on the browser. Here, as the image data to be
`displayed on the browser, in some cases single pieces of image data are successively
`displayed, while in other cases a plurality of pieces of image data are collectively
`displayed as an album that is an archive of the pieces of image data.
`[0037]
`
`Step S304:
`
`Upon the user's operation of an input device, such as a keyboard or a pointing
`device, the PC 102 selects image data to be printed from among the pieces of image
`data displayed on the browser. Here, in some cases the image data to be selected
`is selected in the unit of a single piece of image data, while in other cases it is
`selected in the unit of an album that is an archive of a plurality of pieces of image
`data.
`[0038]
`
`Step S305:
`
`When the user presses a printing order button etc., displayed on the browser
`by operating the input device, such as a pointing device, the PC 102 notifies the
`photo site 105 of a printing order for the imaging data.
`[0039]
`
`Step S306:
`
`The photo site 105 transmits display data for displaying attribute information
`related to the print sites 109A, 109B, 109C collaborating with the photo site 105,
`etc., on the browser of the user PC 102A. The attribute information on the print
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`sites 109 is information stored in the information DB 118 and related to printing
`media (a New Year's greeting card, T-shirt, mug, etc.,) of printed matters that can
`be offered by the print sites 109, fees, delivery date, etc.
`[0040]
`
`Step S307:
`
`Based on the display data transmitted from the photo site 105 in step S306,
`the PC 102 displays the attribute information related to the print sites 109 on the
`browser. The user can take the displayed attribute information on the print sites
`109 into consideration to select which print site 109 to place a printing order with.
`[0041]
`
`Step S308:
`
`Upon the user's operation of the input device, the PC 102 selects the print site
`109.
`[0042]
`
`In the case where the photo site 105 collaborates with only one print site 109,
`the procedure from step S306 to step S308 may be omitted.
`[0043]
`
`The following description assumes that the user has selected the print site
`109A, but the same description applies to the case where the user has selected the
`print site 109B or the print site 109C.
`[0044]
`
`Step S309:
`
`The PC 102 transmits, to the photo site 105, a printing order filling request
`for the print site 109A selected according to the user's operation.
`[0045]
`
`Step S310:
`
`The photo site notifies the print site 109A that the printing order filling
`request has been received from the user. Information notified here includes a URL
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`to the image to be displayed on the browser, which has been transmitted by the
`photo site 105 to the PC 102 in step S302, for the image data selected by the user in
`step S304. By using this URL, it is possible to use a browser cache of the PC 102
`and eliminate an image data transfer time for the image to be displayed on the
`browser in step S312.
`[0046]
`
`Step S311:
`
`The print site 109A transmits, to the PC 102, information that allows the
`user to select from services that can be provided to the user, including the size and
`quantity of printed matters desired by the user.
`[0047]
`
`Step S312:
`
`Based on the information transmitted from the print site 109A, the PC 102
`displays a printing order screen. The printing order screen displays thumbnail
`images of the image data selected in step S304, and is configured such that the
`desired size, quantity, etc., of printed matters can be input.
`[0048]
`
`Step S313:
`
`Upon the user's operation of the input device, the PC 102 determines the type
`of printing service for each image of which printing is ordered (determines contents
`of a preliminary order).
`[0049]
`
`Step S314:
`
`Upon the user's operation of the input device, the PC 102 transmits the
`contents of the preliminary order determined in step S313 to the print site 109A,
`and requests the print site 109A to make an estimate.
`[0050]
`
`Step S315:
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`EX. 1010, Page 019
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`In the print site 109A, a charging module 110A calculates an estimated
`
`printing fee based on the contents of the preliminary order transmitted from the PC
`102.
`[0051]
`
`Step S316:
`
`The print site 109A notifies the photo site 105 of the preliminary order
`information received in step S314 and the estimated sum calculated in step S315.
`[0052]
`
`Step S317:
`
`The photo site 105 calculates an estimated fee again by applying its own
`discount or additional fee to the estimated fee received in step S316. However, this
`process is omitted when the photo site 105 does not apply its own discount or
`additional fee.
`[0053]
`
`Step S318:
`
`The photo site 105 transmits the estimated fee calculated in step S317 to the
`PC 102.
`[0054]
`
`Step S319:
`
`By using the browser, the PC 102 displays the estimated fee notified by the
`photo site 105 in step S318.
`[0055]
`
`Step S320:
`
`Based on the estimated fee notified in step S312, the user determines
`whether to place a formal printing order for the image data.
`[0056]
`
`Step S321:
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`Based on the user's determination in step S321, the PC 102 transmits the
`
`determination result of whether to place an order to the photo site 105.
`Specifically, when the user determines to request, the PC 102 notifies the photo site
`105 of the printing request for the image data, and when the user determines not to
`request, the PC 102 notifies the photo site 105 to cancel the printing of the image
`data. Although this is not shown, when the user does not request, the photo site
`105 notifies the print site 109A that the printing order has been canceled and ends
`the process.
`[0057]
`
`Step S322:
`
`When the photo site 105 receives a formal request to place a printing order
`from the user PC 102A in step S313, a charging unit 108 performs charging and
`settlement processes.
` Specifically, the charging and settlement processes
`performed here are processes in which the photo site 105 requests an external
`financial institution, such as a bank or a credit card company, to make settlement
`through communication via a network or communication via a telephone line.
`[0058]
`
`Alternatively, the processes in step S322 may be processes in which the photo
`site 105 makes settlement by an internal settlement module 107, instead of
`requesting an external institution to make settlement.
`[0059]
`
`Or in step S322, the print site 109 instead of the photo site 105 may execute
`the charging process. In this case,