JP2000221609A - Printing ordering device and printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform processing with enhanced reliability without troublesome procedure in the case of ordering printing through a network. SOLUTION: This printing system is equipped with the printing ordering device 100 and a printing device 200. The device 100 has a function to generate printing ordering information including at least information on the number of generated prints and the type of print for each image, a function to generate inquiry information on the propriety of printing processing in accordance with the printing ordering information, a function to transmit the printing ordering information, a function to transmit the inquiry information before transmitting the printing ordering information, and a function to receive the printing propriety information returned in accordance with the transmission of the inquiry information. The device 200 has a function to transmit printing propriety information showing the propriety of printing in accordance with the inquiry information and a function to perform printing based on the printing ordering information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a print ordering apparatus and a print system, and more particularly to a print ordering apparatus and a print system suitable for ordering a printout of photographed digital image information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A print service for processing a photographed silver halide film in a laboratory to produce a print has been generally performed.

In recent years, digital image information obtained by photographing with a digital camera or the like or digital image information obtained by reading a silver halide film with a film scanner is easily printed at home with a color printer or the like. ing.

[0004] Further, there has been proposed a service of processing and printing using expensive equipment in a laboratory or the like based on digital image information obtained by photographing to create a high quality print.

In recent years, digital cameras have become popular, but the number of pixels of a CCD as an image receiving means tends to increase in order to achieve high image quality. However, in order to finally obtain a print of a fine and excellent image, it is important to output to a silver halide photographic paper having excellent gradation characteristics.

[0006] In the above high-quality print service, the digital image information is input to a computer or the like and processed in consideration of the time required to prepare the contents to be ordered at the store and the congestion that occurs. It is also proposed to prepare order information in advance and transfer the order information to a removable storage medium (PC card, various memory cards, etc.) and use it for print reception.

Further, a print output service using a network such as the Internet has been proposed in order to save the trouble of going to an agency store.

[0008]

However, a system for placing an order via a network cannot be said to have sufficient reliability in terms of whether or not the order has been confirmed. However, in order to improve this reliability,
The procedure becomes complicated, and the user is no longer in an easy-to-use state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a print ordering apparatus and a print system capable of performing processing with high reliability without performing complicated procedures when ordering prints via a network. It is to realize.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print order information creating means for creating print order information including at least information on the number of prints and the type of print for each image, and print processing. Inquiry information creating means for creating inquiry information about availability in accordance with the print order information, transmitting means for transmitting the inquiry information and the print order information, and sent in response to the transmission of the inquiry information Receiving means for receiving print permission / non-permission information on whether or not print processing is possible, and causing the transmission means to transmit the inquiry information to a desired transmission destination; and Control means for controlling the transmission by the transmission means. It is.

According to the present invention, in the print ordering apparatus, the inquiry information is transmitted prior to the transmission of the print order information, the print permission / inhibition information transmitted in response to the inquiry information is received, and the print apparatus side is transmitted based on the print permission / inhibition information. It is determined whether or not printing is possible. Then, if printing is possible on the printing device side, the print order information is transmitted.

As a result, when ordering a print by transmitting print order information via a network,
Processing can be performed with enhanced reliability without performing complicated procedures.

(2) In the invention described in claim 2, the inquiry information includes a total information amount of the print order information.
The print ordering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: According to the present invention, in the print ordering apparatus, information including the total information amount of the print order information is transmitted as inquiry information.

As a result, the printing apparatus can determine in advance whether the print order information can be accepted, and can return the determination result as print permission information. Therefore, the printing apparatus does not reach the acceptance limit of the printing apparatus during the transmission of the print order information, and it is possible to request a printing process with improved reliability.

(3) The print ordering apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the total information amount of the print order information includes information on a total number of prints.

According to the present invention, in the print ordering apparatus, information including the total information amount of the print order information and information including the total number of prints are transmitted as inquiry information.

As a result, the printing apparatus can determine in advance whether the print order information can be accepted or can be printed in accordance with the print order information, and the result of the determination is used as print permission information. You can send it back. Therefore, after the print order information is transmitted, it is not determined that the print processing cannot be performed on the printing apparatus side, and it is possible to request the print processing with increased reliability.

(4) The print ordering apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the total information amount of the print order information includes information on a total amount of data to be transmitted.

Here, the information on the total amount of data to be transmitted means any of the data to be actually transmitted (print order information (command portion) not including digital image data or print order information including digital image data). ?) Means the total amount.

According to the present invention, in the print ordering apparatus, when the total information amount of the print order information is transmitted as the inquiry information, information including the total data amount to be actually transmitted is transmitted as the print order information.

As a result, the printing apparatus can determine in advance whether the print order information can be accepted, and can send back the determination result as print permission information. Therefore, the printing apparatus does not reach the acceptance limit of the printing apparatus during the transmission of the print order information, and it is possible to request a printing process with improved reliability. Further, since the total amount of data to be actually transmitted is transmitted to the printing apparatus, accurate processing can be performed.

(5) The invention according to claim 5 has a function of receiving print acceptance information sent back in response to the transmission of the print order information. A print ordering apparatus according to any one of the above.

According to the present invention, the print ordering apparatus receives print acceptance information from the printing apparatus that has received the print order information. As a result,
The print ordering apparatus can know whether the transmitted print order information has reached the printing apparatus and has been accepted. Therefore, it is possible to request a print process with high reliability.

(6) The print ordering apparatus according to the fifth aspect, further comprising display means for displaying the print acceptance information. According to the present invention, the print ordering apparatus receives and displays print reception information from the printing apparatus that has received the print order information.

As a result, the print ordering device can clearly know whether the transmitted print order information has reached the printing device and has been accepted. Therefore, it is possible to request a print process with high reliability.

(7) The print order according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the invention according to claim 7 is provided with an imaging means for creating digital image information by imaging. Device.

According to the present invention, the print ordering apparatus is provided with an image pickup means and usually operates as a digital camera or a digital video camera. Digital image data obtained by photographing is transmitted as print order information to request a print process. can do.

Therefore, it is possible to request a printing process in a state where the reliability of an image obtained by photographing is enhanced. (8) The print ordering apparatus according to the above (7), further comprising recording means for recording digital image information on a recording medium, and recording the print acceptance information on the recording medium. It is.

According to the present invention, in the print ordering apparatus provided with the imaging means, the print reception information is also recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card for recording digital image information. This makes it possible to confirm whether the print order information has reached the printing apparatus without fail.

Therefore, it is possible to request a printing process in a state where the reliability of an image obtained by photographing is enhanced. (9) The print system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is a print system comprising: a print ordering device for creating print order information; and a printing device for printing in accordance with the print order information from the print ordering device. An ordering device, for each image, a function of creating print order information including at least information on the number of prints to be made and a print type; a function of creating inquiry information on whether or not print processing is possible according to the print order information; A function of transmitting print order information, a function of transmitting the inquiry information prior to the transmission of the print order information, and a function of receiving printability information returned in response to the transmission of the inquiry information. The printing device receives the inquiry information transmitted from the print ordering device. A printing system characterized by having a function of transmitting the print availability information indicating whether or not printing according, and a function of performing printing based on the print order information transmitted from the print order devices.

According to the present invention, prior to the transmission of the print order information from the print ordering apparatus, the inquiry information is transmitted to the printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus transmits the print permission information to the print ordering apparatus in response to the inquiry information. . Then, the print ordering device determines whether or not printing is possible on the printing device side based on the printability information. Then, when printing is possible on the printing device side, the print ordering device transmits the print order information to the printing device.

As a result, when ordering a print by transmitting print order information via a network,
Processing can be performed with enhanced reliability without performing complicated procedures.

(10) The invention according to claim 10, wherein the printing apparatus has display means for displaying print reception information indicating that the print order information has been received.
10. The print system according to claim 9, wherein:

According to the present invention, in the printing apparatus, when print order information is received from the print ordering apparatus, print acceptance information is displayed. As a result, the printing apparatus can clearly know whether or not the print order information has been reliably received. Therefore, it is possible to proceed with the printing process in a state where the reliability is improved.

(11) The invention according to claim 11, wherein the printing apparatus transmits print reception information indicating that the print order information has been received, based on the print order information transmitted from the print order apparatus. The printing system according to claim 9, further comprising a function.

In the present invention, the print receiving information is transmitted from the printing apparatus that has received the print order information to the print ordering apparatus. As a result, the print ordering apparatus can know whether the transmitted print order information has reached the printing apparatus and has been accepted. Therefore, it is possible to proceed with the printing process in a state where the reliability is improved.

(12) In the twelfth aspect of the invention, the print acceptance information is information including digital image information or print order information corresponding to an image to be printed. 12. A print system according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

According to the present invention, print accepting information is transmitted from the printing apparatus which has received the print order information to the print ordering apparatus. The print accepting information includes digital image information or print order information. I have.

As a result, the print ordering apparatus can accurately know, for example, by verifying whether the transmitted print order information has reached the printing apparatus and has been accepted. Therefore, it is possible to proceed with the printing process in a state where the reliability is improved.

(13) The print system according to claim 11, wherein the printing apparatus transmits the print acceptance information to the print ordering apparatus via a communication line. is there.

According to the present invention, the print receiving information is transmitted from the printing apparatus which has received the print order information to the print ordering apparatus via the communication line.
As a result, the print ordering apparatus can know whether the transmitted print order information has reached the printing apparatus and has been accepted. Therefore, it is possible to proceed with the printing process in a state where the reliability is improved.

(14) The printing system according to the ninth aspect, wherein the printing device transmits the print acceptance information to the print ordering device by facsimile communication.

According to the present invention, print acceptance information is transmitted from the printing apparatus which has received the print order information to the orderer by facsimile communication.
As a result, the print orderer can know whether the transmitted print order information has reliably reached the printing apparatus and has been accepted. Therefore, it is possible to proceed with the printing process in a state where the reliability is improved.

(15) The invention according to claim 15, wherein the printing apparatus forms an image using a silver halide photosensitive material. It is a printing system.

According to the present invention, since an image is formed using a printing paper of a silver halide photosensitive material in a printing apparatus, a high quality print can be formed according to print order information.

(16) The printing system according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the printing apparatus forms an image by an ink jet printer.

According to the present invention, since an image is formed using an ink jet printer in the printing apparatus, a high quality print can be formed according to the print order information.

[0048]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail. In the present embodiment, a digital camera as a print ordering device that can easily create order information and includes an imaging unit, and a printing device that accepts print ordering information from the digital camera and performs printing. This will be described using a specific print system as a specific example.

<Configuration of Print System> Here, FIG.
, The print ordering device 100 and the printing device 20
The relationship with 0 will be described. Here, the printing apparatus 200 is shown as a specific example, but more printing apparatuses may be connected via a network.

In FIG. 1, a print ordering device 10
0 is connected to the printing apparatus 200 via the communication line 300. The communication line 300 may use a general public line, or may use various LANs and WANs.
Or a network line such as this. In addition, it includes not only those connected by wire but also those connected by infrared rays, radio waves, or the like.

Here, the print ordering apparatus 100 has an operation unit composed of several operation keys so as to be able to create print order information including at least information on the number of prints of each image and the type of print. 110
And display unit 1 capable of displaying graphics such as characters and images
20. Also, a function of creating inquiry information according to the print order information and transmitting the inquiry information before transmitting the print order information, and a function of receiving the print permission information returned from the printing apparatus 200 in response to the inquiry information are provided. It is provided with.

A digital camera having an image pickup device as described later may be used, or a device dedicated to print order that does not include the image pickup device and creates and transmits print order information may be used.

Further, the print ordering apparatus 100 includes a print ordering information creating means for creating print ordering information including at least information on the number of prints of each image and a print type, and inquires about print processing availability as to the print ordering. Inquiry information creating means for creating in accordance with information, sending means for sending the inquiry information and the print order information, and print availability information on availability of print processing sent in response to the sending of the inquiry information Receiving means for receiving the inquiry information from the transmission means to a desired transmission destination, and controlling the transmission means to transmit the print order information based on the print permission / inhibition information from the transmission destination. And control means for performing the control. Therefore, hardware for transmission / reception, processing and display, and software for creating print order information and inquiry information and processing / analyzing print permission / prohibition information and print acceptance information are provided.

The printing apparatus provided with the image pickup means
It can be used by photographers to place orders from home or on the go. The print ordering apparatus not provided with the imaging means includes a dedicated print ordering apparatus terminal, a computer or a small electronic terminal provided with a print ordering information creation program, and the like. It should be noted that the print ordering apparatus that does not include such an imaging unit may be at hand of the user or may be placed at a print agency that requests printing.

The printing apparatus 200 receives the print order information from the print ordering apparatus 100 and prints it. The printing apparatus 200 receives inquiry information from the print ordering apparatus 100 and indicates whether printing or data can be accepted. Means for sending back printability information,
Means for transmitting print reception information indicating that print order information has been received to the print ordering apparatus 100.

Next, the configuration of a digital camera 101 as an example of the print ordering apparatus 100 used in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an overall electrical schematic configuration of a digital camera 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the digital camera 101 constitutes a print ordering apparatus 100 provided with an imaging unit.

In the digital camera 101 shown in FIG. 2, a light image obtained through an optical system including a lens 1, an aperture stop 2, and the like is formed on a light receiving surface of an image pickup device 3 such as a CCD. . At this time, the lens 1 and the aperture stop 2 are driven by a focus drive circuit 16 and an aperture drive circuit 15, respectively.

Here, the image pickup device 3 photoelectrically converts the light image formed on the light receiving surface into a charge amount, and outputs an analog image signal by a transfer pulse from the CCD drive circuit 19.
Note that the CCD drive circuit 19 can control the shutter speed while driving the image sensor 3.

The analog image signal output from the image pickup device 3 is reduced in noise by CDS (correlated double sampling) processing in the pre-processing circuit 4, and the gain is adjusted by AGC to expand the dynamic range. Is performed.

After being converted into a digital image signal by the A / D converter 5, the signal processing circuit 6 performs luminance processing and color processing on the digital video signal (for example, a luminance signal (Y) and a color difference signal ( The data is converted to digital data composed of Cr, Cb) and output to the memory controller 7.

A digital video signal is output from the signal processing circuit 6 to the image display unit 18, and an image picked up by the image pickup device 3 and a reproduced image from a storage unit to be described later are displayed on the image display unit 18. It is configured to be able to display an image.

The image display unit 18 displays, in addition to the image,
Various information can be displayed. In this embodiment, the display of the print order information creation menu and the printing
Display of print permission information from 0 and print accept information are performed.

The function switching is performed by exchanging data with the main microcomputer 8, and the exposure information, the focus signal, and the white balance information of the image sensor signal can be output to the main microcomputer 8 as needed.

The main microcomputer 8 is mainly used for photographing,
The sequence of recording and reproduction is controlled, and further, as necessary, compression and reproduction of the photographed image and serial port transmission with an external device are performed.

Here, a description will be given assuming that CCITT (currently ITU-T at that time) and the JPEG system (or JBIG system) standardized by ISO are used as image compression in the image recording mode.

The memory controller 7 stores the digital image data input from the signal processing circuit 6 in the frame memory 9 or outputs the image data in the frame memory 9 to the signal processing circuit 6.

The frame memory 9 is an image memory capable of storing image data of at least one screen. For example, a VRAM, an SRAM, a DRAM or the like is generally used. Here, a VRAM which can operate independently of a CPU bus is used. It shall be.

The light emission timing of the strobe 12 is obtained by the main microcomputer 8 which controls the photographing sequence. The transmission / reception unit 13 performs transmission and reception for information transmission between the camera body and the external device via a communication line. The transmitting / receiving unit 13 is a modular connector 13
With c, it is configured to be connected to a communication line such as a public line or a LAN. Note that the optical connector for an optical fiber may be used instead of the modular connector 13c according to the usage environment.

The sub-microcomputer 14 controls a man-machine interface such as a switch for recording, reproduction, frame advance, etc., and transmits information to the main microcomputer 8 as necessary.

The aperture drive circuit 15 is constituted by, for example, an auto iris, and changes the aperture value of the optical aperture 2 under the control of the main microcomputer 8. The focus drive circuit 16 is configured by, for example, a stepping motor, and changes the lens position under the control of the main microcomputer 8 so that the optical focus surface of the subject is appropriately adjusted on the image sensor 3.

The state display section 17 is a display means for displaying various states of the camera by numbers and pictograms (icons), and the image display section 18 is a display means for displaying images and various information graphically.

The image storage section 21 constitutes storage means, and is subjected to image compression processing and the like by the main microcomputer 8 and digital data in JPEG format via the frame memory 9 is recorded.

The image storage unit 21 includes a recording / reproducing apparatus using a semiconductor memory detachable from the main body,
A hard disk device that can be attached to and detached from the main unit corresponds to this. When data is exchanged with an external computer, the storage medium of the still image storage unit 21 is preferably various semiconductor memories compatible with a PC card or the like. The image storage section 21 is configured to be detachable by a memory socket 50.

A release switch 31 is a release switch for instructing image recording. The selection is supplied to the sub-microcomputer 14. The print order information input unit 32 includes print order information (print designation information for designating an image to be printed, print size information for setting a print size, print quantity information for setting the number of prints, and print finish information for print finish). , Etc.), and print processing condition setting means for setting print processing conditions (conditions such as delivery date, amount, time and distance required for receiving) related to print processing, Is composed.

Reference numeral 40 denotes an IR transmission / reception unit which transmits / receives data by infrared rays or radio waves, and transmits print order information and digital image information to the outside by the above-mentioned transmission start signal, and receives various kinds of information from the outside. .

FIG. 3 shows the print ordering apparatus 1 described above.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a digital camera 101 constituting the camera 00, particularly showing a rear surface and an upper surface. A release switch 31 is disposed on the right side of the upper surface. An image display unit 18 such as an LCD is arranged on the rear surface, and is configured to be able to display images and various information (a print order information creation menu and the like).

Further, beside the image display section 18, a menu button 32 as a print order information input section 32 is provided.
a, a select button 32b, a cancel button 32c, an enter button 32d, and the like. Also, the image display unit 1
A monitor power switch SW is also arranged near the monitor power switch 8.

Further, on the side surface, the modular connector 13c is provided.
And a memory socket 50 are arranged. Front (Fig. 3
(Not shown), a transmission / reception unit of the IR transmission / reception unit 40 is arranged.

FIG. 3 shows the digital camera 10.
1 is an example of the external configuration, and the shape and arrangement of various members are not limited to those shown here. Next, referring to FIG. 4, a print order terminal 1 as an example of the print order apparatus 100 used in the present embodiment will be described.
02 will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an overall electrical schematic configuration of the print order terminal 102 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Note that the print order terminal 102 constitutes the print ordering apparatus 100 having no imaging means.

In the print order terminal 102 shown in FIG. 4, digital data photographed by a digital camera (not shown) or the like and stored in a memory card is subjected to luminance processing and color processing by a signal processing circuit 106 to obtain a digital video signal. Signals (for example, a luminance signal (Y) and a color difference signal (Cr, C
b) and output to the memory controller 107.

A digital video signal is output from the signal processing circuit 106 to the image display unit 118 so that an image can be displayed on the image display unit 118. The image display unit 118 can display various information in addition to the image. In this embodiment,
The display of a print order information creation menu, the display of print permission information from the printing apparatus 200, and the display of print acceptance information are performed.

The frame memory 109 is an image memory capable of storing image data of at least one screen. For example, a VRAM, an SRAM, a DRAM or the like is generally used. Here, a VRAM which can operate independently of a CPU bus is used.
Shall be used.

The transmission / reception unit 113 performs transmission and reception for information transmission between a print ordering apparatus and an external device via a communication line. The transmission / reception unit 113 is connected to a communication line such as a public line or a LAN by a modular connector 113c. Note that an optical fiber optical connector may be used instead of the modular connector 113c according to the usage environment.

The sub-microcomputer 114 controls a man-machine interface such as an operation switch, and transmits information to the main microcomputer 108 as necessary. The print order terminal 102 is configured so that a semiconductor memory or a hard disk device that can be attached to and detached from the main body can be detachably attached via a memory socket 150.

The print order information input unit 132 includes print order information (print designation information for designating an image to be printed, print size information for setting a print size, print number information for setting the number of prints, and print finishing). Print order information creating means for setting and inputting print finish information, etc., and print processing condition setting for setting print processing conditions (conditions such as delivery date, amount, time and distance required for receiving) related to print processing. Means.

Reference numeral 140 denotes an IR transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving data using infrared rays, radio waves, or the like. The IR transmission / reception unit 140 transmits print order information and digital image information to the outside by the above-described transmission start signal, and receives information from the outside. Is configured to be possible.

FIG. 5 shows the print ordering apparatus 1 described above.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a print order terminal 102 constituting the print order 00, particularly showing a back surface and an upper surface. An image display unit 118 such as an LCD that can display a graphic is arranged on the upper surface, and is configured to be able to display an image and various information (a print order information creation menu and the like).

Further, beside the image display section 118, a menu button 1 as a print order information input section 132
32a, select button 132b, cancel button 132
c, a decision button 132d and the like are arranged.

Further, on the side surface, the modular connector 113 is provided.
c, memory socket 150, and IR transmitting / receiving unit 140
Are arranged. Note that FIG. 5 described above is an example of the external configuration of the print order terminal 102, and the arrangement and shape of various members are not limited to those shown here.

The internal configuration of the printing apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the internal configuration of the printing apparatus 200 is shown, but it is assumed that other printing apparatuses (not shown) connected to a network have the same configuration.

The printing apparatus 200 executes printing in accordance with order information, and has a main microcomputer 222 for controlling the entire apparatus. Then, the main microcomputer 222 receives and receives the inquiry information and the print order information, receives the inquiry information, and determines whether or not the print permission / inhibition information indicating whether print or data can be received and the print order information have been received. And processing for creating and transmitting print acceptance information shown in FIG.

Under the control of the main microcomputer 222, a printer 223 for outputting a print and a display unit 224 for displaying various messages are provided. The message displayed on the display unit 224 includes received inquiry information, received print order information, print permission / inhibition information to be transmitted, print acceptance information to be transmitted, and the like.

A tone generator 225 for generating a tone corresponding to a character when transmitting the print acceptance information to a user's mobile phone or pager as a text message.
And a voice synthesizing unit 226 that generates a message sound when a user is called by a subscriber telephone, a mobile telephone, or the like.

Then, via the communication line 300, reception of inquiry information and print order information, transmission of print permission / non-permission information and transmission of print acceptance information, dialing of a user's subscribed telephone, mobile telephone or pager, and the tone Network control device (NC
U) 227.

<Operation of Print System> The operation of the print ordering apparatus and the order receiving operation of the print system will now be described. In this embodiment, the case where print order information is created by the digital camera 101 or the print order terminal 102 will be described as an example with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7 and the explanatory diagrams of FIGS.

Photographed by the digital camera 101 (FIG. 7)
The user who wants to request the printing device 200 to perform the printing in S1) first receives the digital camera 101.
The print order information is created by the print order information input unit 32 provided on the back of the printer and the print order information input unit 132 provided on the operation surface of the print order terminal 102 (S2, S3 in FIG. 7).

If the user has a dedicated print order terminal 102 separate from the digital camera, the image data is transferred from the digital camera 101 to the print order terminal 102 by a memory card or infrared transmission. The print order information and print processing conditions are created by the print order information input unit 132 of the print order terminal 102.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, after pressing the menu button 132a, the user operates the select button 132b and the enter button 132d to display the print order information creation menu on the image display section 118.

Note that, on the initial screen of the print order information creation menu, a list of images that can be ordered for print is displayed. When a desired image to be ordered for printing is determined by the select button 132b and the determination button 132d (the image surrounded by a thick frame in FIG. 8), a screen for inputting a print size and the number of prints of the image is displayed. appear. As described above, print order information for obtaining a desired print is created using the print order information creation menu. In this case, the select button 32b is used to select an item, and the enter button 32d is pressed to determine each item. On the screen shown in FIG. 8, the print types are “postcard”, “T-shirt”, “L version”,
There is a "2L version" and check the desired one. Also check whether the delivery method is direct or mail. In addition, what was shown in FIG.
This shows the state of print order information creation in which a request for direct receipt of sheets has been input.

After the above operation has been performed for all the images to be ordered for printing, “YE
By moving the cursor to the position of the "S" icon and pressing the enter button 132d, the creation of the print order information is completed (YES in S3 in FIG. 7).

The print order information includes image data to be printed, information on the number of prints, information on the number of prints, information on print size, information on designation of a receiving method, etc., information on image quality, and a color tone such as color or monotone. Selection information, ・ Template information, ・ File format information, ・ Negative or positive selection information, ・ Copy protection information, ・ Date / non-date information, ・ Trimming information, ・ Recording media (photographic paper / inkjet paper) Designation information, • Media (CD-R / MO disk) designation information to be stored when returning data from the printing device to the user can be included.

When the print order information is created in this manner, the main microcomputer 8 of the digital camera 101 or the print order terminal 102 creates inquiry information corresponding to the print order information, and sends the inquiry information to the printing apparatus 200. (S4 in FIG. 7).

Here, the inquiry information is communication for inquiring whether or not print processing is possible on the printing apparatus 200 side. Upon receiving such inquiry information, the main microcomputer 222 of the printing apparatus 200 determines whether the print state specified by the storage state of the reception buffer (not shown), the operation state of the printer 223, and the print order information is possible. For example, it is determined whether or not print processing can be accepted, and print permission information is created. That is, if the printing apparatus 200 is in a state where the printing process is possible, the printing permission / non-permission information indicating that printing is possible, and if the printing apparatus 200 is in a state where the printing processing is not possible, the printing permission / prohibition information indicating the printing is / are printed. Reply to order device 100 side.

As a result, the status of the printing apparatus 200 can be grasped by the printing order apparatus 100, and complicated procedures can be performed when ordering printing by transmitting print order information via a network. And it is possible to proceed with the process with improved reliability.

The main microcomputer 8 can create inquiry information including the total information amount of the print order information or inquiry information including the information on the total amount of data to be transmitted.

As a result, the printing apparatus 200 can determine in advance whether the print buffer can accept the print order information, and can return the determination result as the print permission information. Therefore, the printing apparatus does not reach the acceptance limit of the printing apparatus during the transmission of the print order information, and it is possible to request a printing process with improved reliability.

The main microcomputer 8 can create inquiry information including information on the total number of prints. As a result, the printing apparatus can determine in advance whether the printer 223 can perform printing in accordance with the print order information, and can return the determination result as print availability information. Therefore, after the print order information is transmitted, it is not determined that the print processing cannot be performed on the printing apparatus side, and it is possible to request the print processing with increased reliability.

Information that can be included as inquiry information includes: image quality information, color tone selection information such as color or monotone, template information, file format information, negative or positive selection information, Information on the presence or absence of copy protection, ・ Information with / without date, ・ Trimming information, ・ Specification information on recording medium (photographic paper / inkjet paper), ・ Specification information on receiving method, ・ Store when returning data from printing device to user Media (CD-R / MO disk) specification information. By including these in your inquiry information,
Whether the printing apparatus 200 can or cannot respond can be returned as printability information. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which after transmitting the actual print order information having a large capacity, it is determined that the printing apparatus 200 cannot handle the print order information, and the transmission of the print order information is wasted. Become.

Then, the print ordering apparatus 100 having received the print permission information displays the print permission information on the display unit 120.
(S5 in FIG. 7). As a result, the print ordering apparatus 100 can clearly know whether or not the print ordering information to be transmitted is acceptable to the printing apparatus 200. Therefore, it is possible to request a print process with high reliability.

Then, the main microcomputer 8 of the print ordering apparatus 100 analyzes the printability information (FIG. 7S
6) If the print processing cannot be performed by the printing apparatus 200, the print order processing is terminated. If the print processing can be performed by the printing apparatus 200, print order information is transmitted (S7 in FIG. 7).

That is, by transmitting the inquiry information before the print order information and receiving and analyzing the print permission / prohibition information, it is possible to avoid a situation in which unnecessary print order information is transmitted.

FIG. 10 (a) shows the state of the print ordering apparatus 100 displaying the print permission / prohibition information when print processing is possible, and FIG. 10 (b) shows print permission / prohibition information when print processing is not possible. Is displayed on the print ordering apparatus 100. When the print processing is possible, the display is continued until the operator clicks the “OK” icon, whereby a reliable notification can be made. Similarly,
If print processing is not possible, the display is continued until the operator clicks the “reorder” or “cancel” icon, so that a reliable notification can be made.

The printing apparatus 200 that has received the print order information from the print order apparatus 100 creates print reception information serving as a receipt indicating that the print order information has been received, and uses this print reception information as the print order apparatus. Send to 100.

Further, the print reception information is transmitted to the printing apparatus 2.
The print order receiving apparatus 100 received this print reception information from the display unit 120 displays this print reception information on the display unit 120 (FIG. 7S
8). As a result, the print ordering apparatus 100 can clearly know that the transmitted print order information has reached the printing apparatus 200 side. Therefore, it is possible to request a print process with high reliability. Note that the print ordering apparatus 100 that does not receive the print reception information or that receives the print reception information indicating that a reception error has occurred performs retransmission of the print order information as necessary.

In the print ordering apparatus 100,
By storing the print reception information in the frame memory 109 or other memory for storing image data in a state where the print reception information is associated with the print order information, it is possible to check whether the print order information has reliably reached the printing apparatus. You can check. Therefore, it is possible to request a print process for an image obtained by photographing while enhancing the reliability.

The print reception information includes: a notification by voice (including a synthesized voice) via a telephone line; a notification by a pager; a notification by facsimile communication; and an e-mail (text on a display unit of a mobile phone device). (Including notification), a notification by e-mail with an image as an attached file, and a notification by text or image to the print ordering device (see FIG. 11).

Note that the print reception information described above may be only reception notification information indicating that print order information has been received, or may include digital image information or print order information. In this case, the format of the print reception information may be determined based on what the print apparatus 200 transmits the print reception information to. When transmitting print acceptance information from the printing apparatus 200 to the print ordering apparatus 100, facsimile apparatus, or computer, digital image information including expected finish may be transmitted. As a result, the order can be easily confirmed.

Also, by including the original digital image information or print order information in the print reception information,
The print ordering apparatus can accurately confirm whether the transmitted print order information has reliably reached the printing apparatus and has been accepted, for example, by verifying. Therefore, it is possible to proceed with the printing process in a state where the reliability is improved.

The print reception information may include information on the price and information indicating the finish date and time.
Then, the printing apparatus 200 executes the print processing according to the request content of the print order information in parallel with transmitting the print reception information to the print order apparatus 100. This print processing may be any of the following: image formation using a photographic paper of a silver halide photosensitive material; image formation using an ink jet printer; image formation using a sublimation printer. Further, the printing apparatus 200 may be adapted to both, and one of them may be selected according to the print order information. As a result, high-quality prints can be formed according to the print order information.

Note that the print ordering apparatus 100 of the above embodiment may be the digital camera 101 or the print ordering terminal 102, but in the case of the digital camera 101 having the image pickup means, Since a series of operations from photographing to print order can be performed, an effect of improving operability can be obtained.

[0121]

As described above in detail with the embodiments, according to the inventions described in this specification, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) According to the first aspect of the invention, the print ordering apparatus transmits inquiry information prior to transmission of print order information, and receives print permission / inhibition information transmitted in response to the inquiry information. It is determined whether or not printing is possible on the printing apparatus based on the print permission information. Then, the print order information is transmitted when printing is possible on the printing device side. As a result, when ordering a print by transmitting the print order information via the network, it is possible to proceed with the process with high reliability without performing complicated procedures.

(2) According to the second aspect of the present invention, the print ordering device transmits information including the total amount of print order information as inquiry information. As a result, the printing apparatus can determine in advance whether the print order information can be accepted, and can return the determination result as print permission information. Therefore, the printing apparatus does not reach the acceptance limit of the printing apparatus during the transmission of the print order information, and it is possible to request a printing process with improved reliability.

(3) According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the print ordering apparatus, information including the total amount of print order information and information including the total number of prints are transmitted as inquiry information. I have to. As a result, the printing apparatus can determine in advance whether the print order information can be accepted or whether printing in accordance with the print order information is possible, and the determination result can be sent back as the print availability information. it can. Therefore, after the print order information is transmitted, it is not determined that the print processing cannot be performed on the printing apparatus side, and it is possible to request the print processing with increased reliability.

(4) According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the print ordering apparatus, when transmitting the total information amount of the print order information as inquiry information, information including the total data amount to be actually transmitted is transmitted as the print order information. I am trying to do it. As a result, the printing apparatus can determine in advance whether the print order information can be accepted, and can return the determination result as print permission information. Therefore, the print order information does not reach the acceptance limit of the printing apparatus while the print order information is being transmitted, and it is possible to request the print processing with improved reliability.

(5) According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the print ordering apparatus receives the print acceptance information from the printing apparatus that has received the print order information. As a result, the print ordering apparatus can know whether the transmitted print order information has reached the printing apparatus and has been accepted. Therefore,
It is possible to request a print process with high reliability.

(6) In the invention described in claim 6, the print ordering apparatus receives and displays the print reception information from the printing apparatus that has received the print order information. As a result, the print ordering apparatus can clearly know whether the transmitted print order information has reached the printing apparatus and has been accepted. Therefore, it is possible to request a print process with high reliability.

(7) According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the print ordering apparatus is provided with an image pickup means, and usually operates as a digital camera or a digital video camera. And print processing can be requested. Therefore, it is possible to request a print process for an image obtained by photographing while enhancing the reliability.

(8) In the print ordering apparatus having the image pickup means, the print accepting information is also recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card for recording digital image information. This makes it possible to confirm whether the print order information has reached the printing apparatus without fail. Therefore, it is possible to request a print process for an image obtained by photographing while enhancing the reliability.

(9) According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, prior to the transmission of the print order information from the print ordering device, the inquiry information is transmitted to the printing device, and the printing device responds to the inquiry information to determine whether or not the printing is possible. To the print ordering device. Then, the print ordering device determines whether or not printing is possible on the printing device side based on the printability information. Then, when printing is possible on the printing device side, the print ordering device transmits the print order information to the printing device. As a result, when ordering a print by transmitting the print order information via the network, it is possible to proceed with the process with high reliability without performing complicated procedures.

(10) According to the tenth aspect of the invention, in the printing apparatus, when print order information is received from the print ordering apparatus, the print accepting information is displayed. As a result, the printing apparatus can clearly know whether or not the print order information has been reliably received. Therefore, it is possible to proceed with the printing process in a state where the reliability is improved.

(11) According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the print receiving information is transmitted from the printing apparatus which has received the print order information to the print ordering apparatus. As a result, the print ordering apparatus can know whether the transmitted print order information has reached the printing apparatus and has been accepted. Therefore,
It is possible to proceed with the printing process with increased reliability.

(12) According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, print accepting information is transmitted from the printing apparatus which has received the print order information to the print ordering apparatus, and the print accepting information includes digital image information or Contains print order information. As a result, the print ordering apparatus can accurately know, for example, by verifying whether the transmitted print order information has reached the printing apparatus and has been accepted. Therefore, it is possible to proceed with the printing process in a state where the reliability is improved.

(13) According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the print receiving information is transmitted from the printing apparatus which has received the print order information to the print ordering apparatus via the communication line. As a result, the print ordering apparatus can know whether the transmitted print order information has reached the printing apparatus and has been accepted. Therefore, it is possible to proceed with the printing process in a state where the reliability is improved.

(14) According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, print acceptance information is transmitted to the orderer by facsimile communication from the printing apparatus that has received the print order information. As a result, the print orderer can know whether the transmitted print order information has reliably reached the printing apparatus and has been accepted. Therefore, it is possible to proceed with the printing process in a state where the reliability is improved.

(15) In the invention according to the fifteenth aspect, since an image is formed by using a photographic paper of a silver halide photosensitive material in a printing apparatus, a high quality print is formed in accordance with print order information. can do.

(16) According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, since an image is formed using an ink jet printer in the printing apparatus, a high quality print can be formed according to the print order information.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration and a connection state of a print system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera as a print ordering apparatus used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a digital camera as a print ordering apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a print order terminal as a print order device used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a print order terminal as a print order apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a laboratory that is a printing apparatus of the print system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the print ordering apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an order screen of the print ordering apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an order screen of the print ordering apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen on which print permission information is received by the print ordering apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen on which print acceptance information is received by the print ordering apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Lens 2 Aperture stop 3 Image sensor 4 Pre-processing circuit 5 A / D converter 6 Signal processing circuit 7 Memory controller 8 Main microcomputer 9 Frame memory 12 Strobe 13 Transmitter / receiver 13c Modular connector 14 Sub-microcomputer 15 Aperture drive circuit 16 Focus drive circuit Reference Signs List 18 image display unit 19 CCD drive circuit 21 image storage unit 31 release SW 32 print order information input unit 33 order button 40 IR transmission / reception unit 100 print ordering device 101 digital camera 102 print ordering terminal 200 printing device 201 lab 222 main microcomputer 223 printer 224 Display unit 225 Tone generation unit 226 Voice synthesis unit 227 Network control unit (NCU)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Shunsuke Shibusawa Konica Corporation, 591-7 Kamihirose, Oaza, Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture (72) Inventor Masaaki Takasaki 1 Sakuracho, Hino City, Tokyo Konica Corporation F-term (reference) 2H106 BA21 BA42 BA55 BA58 BA91 BA95 BH00

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A print order information creating means for creating print order information including at least information on the number of prints and a print type of each image, and an inquiry for creating inquiry information on whether or not print processing is possible in accordance with the print order information. Information creating means, transmitting means for transmitting the inquiry information and the print order information, and receiving means for receiving print permission information on whether or not print processing is transmitted in response to the transmission of the inquiry information, Control means for causing the transmission means to transmit the inquiry information to a desired transmission destination, and controlling the transmission means to transmit the print order information based on the print permission / inhibition information from the transmission destination. A print ordering device. 2. The print ordering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inquiry information includes a total information amount of the print order information. 3. The print ordering apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the total information amount of the print order information includes information on a total number of prints. 4. The print ordering apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the total information amount of the print order information includes information on a total amount of data to be transmitted. 5. The print ordering apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a function of receiving print acceptance information returned in response to the transmission of the print order information. 6. The print ordering apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising display means for displaying the print reception information. 7. The print ordering apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image pickup means for generating digital image information by picking up an image. 8. The print ordering apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising recording means for recording digital image information on a recording medium, wherein said print reception information is recorded on said recording medium. 9. A print system comprising: a print ordering device for creating print ordering information; and a printing device for printing in accordance with the print ordering information from the print ordering device, wherein the print ordering device includes In response to this, a function of creating print order information including at least information on the number of prints to be made and a print type, a function of creating inquiry information on whether or not print processing is possible according to the print order information, and transmitting the print order information A function of transmitting the inquiry information prior to the transmission of the print order information, and a function of receiving printability information returned in response to the transmission of the inquiry information. In response to receiving the inquiry information transmitted from the print ordering device, Printing system and having a function of transmitting the print availability information indicating the bets propriety, and a function of performing printing based on the print order information transmitted from the print order system. 10. The printing system according to claim 9, wherein said printing apparatus has display means for displaying print reception information indicating that said print order information has been received. 11. The printing apparatus has a function of transmitting print reception information indicating that the print order information has been received, based on print order information transmitted from the print order apparatus. The printing system according to claim 9, wherein the printing system performs the printing. 12. The print acceptance information according to claim 1, wherein the print acceptance information is information including digital image information or print order information corresponding to an image to be printed.
A printing system according to claim 11. 13. The printing system according to claim 11, wherein the printing device transmits the print acceptance information to the print ordering device via a communication line. 14. The printing system according to claim 9, wherein the printing device transmits the print acceptance information to the print ordering device by facsimile communication. 15. The printing system according to claim 9, wherein said printing apparatus forms an image using a silver halide photosensitive material. 16. The printing system according to claim 9, wherein said printing apparatus forms an image by an ink jet printer.