JP2005062248A - Network print station - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively use the space of a photograph storage apparatus by partitioning the photographs stored in the photograph storage apparatus by movable partition members by each of the print orders from customers. <P>SOLUTION: The net print station has a printer 11 which prints the photographs, the photograph storage apparatus which stores the photographs, and the movable partition members for partitioning the photographs. The photographs are stacked in the photograph storage apparatus in the state that the photographs are partitioned by the partition members by each of the print orders. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a net print station.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a net print system, image data of an image taken by a digital camera or an image created by a personal computer is transmitted from a terminal such as the personal computer to a host computer of a photo company via a network such as the Internet. When the print order is made by uploading, the photo company prints the image on a medium such as photographic paper, and the customer is provided with a net service that can receive the printed photo at the photo shop. Yes.
[0003]
In this case, the customer selects a store that receives the photo from among a plurality of stores of the photo store that handles the net service, which is posted on the homepage of the photo company by the terminal. Then, the customer selects image data to be printed, and places a print order by uploading the image data from the terminal via the Internet to the host computer of the photo company network.
[0004]
Next, the customer sets the size of the photo and the number of orders on the order setting screen displayed on the display screen of the terminal. Then, an order number or the like as an order receipt is transmitted to the customer terminal by e-mail. Then, the customer prints an image taken by the digital camera on a medium such as photographic paper, goes to a net print station where the printed photograph can be received, inputs the order number, and inputs the price. Can receive a printed photograph (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3).
[0005]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conventional net print station, and FIG. 3 is a front longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the conventional net print station.
[0006]
2 and 3, 100 is a print terminal as a net print station, 101 is a printer for printing a photo on a medium such as paper, and 102 is a stacker for storing the photo printed by the printer 101 for each order number. A cassette storage shelf for storing a plurality of cassettes 102a, 103 is a cassette carrier as a cassette moving device for holding and moving the cassette 102a, and 104 is a photo transferred from the cassette 102a in which a photo is stored. A customer service unit 108 serving as a delivery unit for delivering the product to the customer is a roll paper storage shelf for storing a plurality of roll papers 108a as media for printing photographs.
[0007]
Here, the printer 101, the cassette storage shelf 102, the cassette carrier 103, the customer service unit 104, and the roll paper storage shelf 108 are disposed in the print terminal 100. 2C is a front view of the print terminal 100, FIG. 2A is a plan sectional view of the print terminal 100, FIGS. 2B and 2D are left and right side sectional views of the print terminal 100, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG.
[0008]
Reference numerals 105 and 106 denote a coin insertion slot of a coin deposit unit and a bill insertion slot of a bill deposit unit for depositing coins and bills as payments when a customer receives a photograph. It is arranged.
[0009]
Reference numeral 107 denotes a display / input device as an input means, which is disposed in front of the print terminal 100. The display / input device 107 has, for example, a touch panel type screen composed of a liquid crystal display, on which various information such as guidance for the customer is displayed, and a customer displays a button or the like displayed on the screen. Necessary items can be entered by touching. Then, the display / input device 107 is operated to input information such as an order number and a password as identification information of the customer's print order. When the customer inputs an order number, a password, etc., information such as a photo fee is displayed on the display / input device 107. The customer may be able to input a print order by operating the display / input device 107. Further, the display / input device 107 can be separated into a display device and an input device.
[0010]
In the net print system, a customer inputs image data of an image taken by a digital camera to a terminal, and accesses the host computer of the photo company from the terminal via the network. Then, the print order and the image data are transmitted from the terminal to the host computer. Thereby, the image data is uploaded to the host computer.
[0011]
Subsequently, the host computer accesses the print terminal 100 desired by the customer to acquire the status, and whether or not the cassette 102a provided in the print terminal 100 is empty, that is, a photo is set. It is confirmed whether or not there is a cassette 102a that has not been processed. If there is a vacancy, the print terminal 100 sends a message to the terminal indicating that the photo can be delivered and displays it on the display means of the terminal.
[0012]
Subsequently, the customer sets items such as the size of the photograph and the number of orders by operating the input means of the terminal. When the host computer receives the input item, the host computer returns an order number and a password as print order identification information to the terminal by e-mail.
[0013]
Subsequently, the image data is transmitted from the host computer to the print terminal 100, and an image is printed on the roll paper 108a by the printer 101 to create a photograph. The photograph is set in an empty cassette 102 a stored in the cassette storage shelf 102.
[0014]
Subsequently, when the customer comes to the print terminal 100 to receive the photograph, the customer operates the display / input device 107 and inputs an order number and a password as identification information of the customer's print order. Then, a control device (not shown) of the print terminal 100 checks whether or not the inputted order number and password are correct, and if it is confirmed that they are correct, displays the charge amount of the photograph on the display / input device 107. . Then, the customer deposits the displayed amount from the banknote insertion slot 106 of the banknote depositing unit or the coin insertion slot 105 of the coin depositing unit, and pays the photo fee. When there is change, the change is withdrawn from the bill insertion slot 106 or the coin insertion slot 105.
[0015]
Subsequently, the control device specifies the cassette 102a corresponding to the order number. Then, a driving device (not shown) is operated, the cassette carrier 103 is moved in the vertical direction, and reaches a position corresponding to the specified cassette 102a. Then, a cassette pickup member (not shown) of the cassette carrier 103 is operated to take out the cassette 102a from the cassette storage shelf 102.
[0016]
Subsequently, the driving device is operated, and the cassette carrier 103 reaches a position corresponding to the customer service section 104. Then, the cassette pickup member of the cassette carrier 103 is activated to insert the cassette 102a into the customer service section 104.
And since the photograph accommodated in the said cassette 102a is transferred in the customer service part 104, a customer takes out the photograph in the said customer service part 104. FIG. Thereby, delivery of a photograph is performed.
[0017]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-15198
[0018]
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2000-347301 A
[0019]
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2000-287060 A
[0020]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the conventional net print station stores in the cassette 102a having a fixed capacity in units of orders regardless of the number of photographs, the storage capacity of each cassette 102a can store the maximum number of sheets. It needs to be large. Therefore, when there are only a few photos that are actually ordered, the storage capacity of the cassette 102a is vacant, so that an empty space is also generated in the cassette storage shelf 102 that accommodates the cassette 102a. Will be wasted.
[0021]
The present invention solves the problems of the conventional net print station, and partitions the photograph stored in the photo storage device by a movable partition member for each print order from the customer. An object of the present invention is to provide a net print station that can use space effectively.
[0022]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Therefore, in the net print station of the present invention, the printer has a printer that prints a photo, a photo storage device that stores the photo, and a movable partition member that partitions the photo. Stacked in the photo storage device in a state of being partitioned for each print order by the partition member.
[0023]
In another net print station of the present invention, the photo storage device further includes a plurality of storage compartments, and the photographs are stacked so as to sequentially fill the storage compartments.
[0024]
In yet another net print station of the present invention, the photo is further stacked in a storage compartment selected based on an empty space.
[0025]
In still another net print station of the present invention, the partition member further includes identification data, and the position of the photograph stacked in the photo storage device is specified by the identification data.
[0026]
In still another net printing station of the present invention, the partition member is stored on the upper part of the photo storage device and is placed on the stacked photo by being dropped.
[0027]
In still another net print station of the present invention, the partition member is further moved, and the photograph is delivered from the nearest door to the customer.
[0028]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0029]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the net print system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0030]
In the figure, 30 is a net print system in the present embodiment, and 31 is a print station system in the net print system 30. The print station system 31 is connected to a Web album server 23a and a Web album server 23b. Here, the web album server 23a and the web album server 23b are respectively input from arithmetic means such as CPU and MPU, storage means such as semiconductor memory and magnetic disk, display means such as CRT and liquid crystal display, keyboard and mouse, etc. A web server as a computer including means, an input / output interface, a communication interface, and the like. The web album server 23a is connected to a database 34 comprising storage means for storing a web album as an electronic album for managing image data of images taken by a digital camera. The database 34 can be omitted. Furthermore, a database similar to the database 34 can be connected to the Web album server 23b. The web album server 23a and the web album server 23b are connected to each other. The web album server 23a and the web album server 23b may be the same. In the present embodiment, when the Web album server 23a and the Web album server 23b are described in an integrated manner, the Web album server 23 will be described.
[0031]
An operation terminal 24a and an operation terminal 24b as terminals operated by a customer are communicably connected to the web album server 23a via a network 26a. Here, the customer is usually an individual, but may be a company, an organization, or the like. The operation terminal 24a and the operation terminal 24b are disposed in the customer's home, workplace, etc. for operation by the customer, and are communicably connected to the network 26a. In this case, the operation terminal 24a and the operation terminal 24b include a calculation means such as a CPU and an MPU, a storage means such as a semiconductor memory and a magnetic disk, a display means such as a CRT and a liquid crystal display, an input means such as a keyboard and a mouse, and an input / output. An interface, a communication interface, etc. are provided. The operation terminal 24a and the operation terminal 24b are, for example, personal computers, but may be in any form such as a game machine or a digital television. Further, the operation terminal 24a and the operation terminal 24b may be singular, three or more, or any number. In this embodiment, when the operation terminal 24a and the operation terminal 24b are described in an integrated manner, the operation terminal 24 will be described.
[0032]
A digital camera (not shown) is connected to the operation terminal 24a and the operation terminal 24b, and image data of an image taken by the digital camera is transmitted to the operation terminal 24a and the operation terminal 24b. Here, the digital camera includes an imaging unit such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a storage unit such as a semiconductor memory, a communication interface, and the like, and can output a captured image in the form of electronic data. Any form may be used. The digital camera may be in a form incorporated in the operation terminal 24a and the operation terminal 24b. The digital camera includes a removable storage medium such as a PC card, memory card, stick memory, MO, MD, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, magnetic disk, and the like, and stores the image data in the storage medium. It is desirable to be able to In this case, the digital camera does not necessarily need to be connected to the operation terminal 24a and the operation terminal 24b, and is taken by the digital camera by transferring the storage medium from the digital camera to the operation terminal 24a and the operation terminal 24b. The image data of the obtained image can be input to the operation terminal 24a and the operation terminal 24b.
[0033]
As a result, the customer orders a print order for printing an image taken by the digital camera and creates a photograph, and the image data of the image from the operation terminal 24a and the operation terminal 24b to the print station system 31. Can be sent to. Note that the print order may include information regarding the location of the print terminal 10 to be described later as a delivery location of the photograph desired by the customer. The print order and image data transmitted from the operation terminal 24a and the operation terminal 24b are transmitted to the print station system 31 via the network 26a and the Web album server 23a. Further, the image data transmitted from the operation terminal 24a and the operation terminal 24b may be stored and managed in a web album constructed in the web album server 23a or the database 34.
[0034]
In addition, a mobile communication terminal 25a and a mobile communication terminal 25b as terminals operated by a customer are communicably connected to the web album server 23b via a network 26b. Here, the customer may be the same person as the customer who operates the operation terminal 24a and the operation terminal 24b. And a customer moves carrying the mobile communication terminal 25a and the mobile communication terminal 25b. In this case, the mobile communication terminal 25a and the mobile communication terminal 25b include a calculation means such as a CPU and an MPU, a storage means such as a semiconductor memory and a magnetic disk, a display means such as a CRT and a liquid crystal display, an input means such as a keyboard and a touch panel, A communication interface or the like is provided. The mobile communication terminal 25a and the mobile communication terminal 25b are, for example, a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handy-Phone System) phone, etc., but any form of electronic notebook, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), game machine, etc. It may be a thing. Further, the mobile communication terminal 25a and the mobile communication terminal 25b may be singular, three or more, or any number. In the present embodiment, when the mobile communication terminal 25a and the mobile communication terminal 25b are described in an integrated manner, the mobile communication terminal 25 will be described.
[0035]
A digital camera (not shown) is connected to the mobile communication terminal 25a and the mobile communication terminal 25b so that image data of an image taken by the digital camera is transmitted to the mobile communication terminal 25a and the mobile communication terminal 25b. It has become. In addition, the thing of the form incorporated in the said mobile communication terminal 25a and the mobile communication terminal 25b may be sufficient as the said digital camera. The digital camera includes a removable storage medium, the image data can be stored in the storage medium, and the mobile communication terminal 25a and the mobile communication terminal 25b can store the storage medium. The digital camera is not necessarily connected to the mobile communication terminal 25a and the mobile communication terminal 25b, and the storage medium is transferred from the digital camera to the mobile communication terminal 25a and the mobile communication terminal 25b. Thus, the image data of the image taken by the digital camera can be input to the mobile communication terminal 25a and the mobile communication terminal 25b.
[0036]
As a result, the customer orders a print order for printing an image taken by the digital camera and creates a photograph, and the image data of the image from the mobile communication terminal 25a and the mobile communication terminal 25b to the print station. It can be transmitted to the system 31. Note that the print order may include information regarding the location of the print terminal 10 to be described later as a delivery location of the photograph desired by the customer. The image data transmitted from the mobile communication terminal 25a and the mobile communication terminal 25b is transmitted to the print station system 31 via the network 26b and the Web album server 23b. Further, the image data transmitted from the mobile communication terminal 25a and the mobile communication terminal 25b may be stored and managed in a web album constructed in the web album server 23b.
[0037]
The network 26a includes the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a wireless or wired dedicated telephone line network or a public telephone line network, a wireless or wired dedicated communication line network, or a public communication line network. Or a combination of a plurality of these, for example, a combination of the Internet and a public telephone line network, a combination of a LAN and a dedicated communication line network, etc. Good.
[0038]
The network 26b is, for example, a mobile communication network such as a mobile phone network or a PHS phone network, but other network such as the Internet, a public phone network, a LAN, a dedicated communication network, etc. A combination or the like may be used. The number of the networks 26a and 26b may be any number, and the network 26a and the network 26b may be the same. In the present embodiment, when the network 26a and the network 26b are described in an integrated manner, the network 26 is described.
[0039]
The print station system 31 includes a print server 32, a print database 33, and a print terminal 10a, a print terminal 10b, and a print terminal 10c as net print stations. Here, the print server 32 is a calculation means such as a CPU or MPU, a storage means such as a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk, a display means such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display, an input means such as a keyboard or a mouse, an input / output interface, a communication interface, etc. It is a server as a computer provided with. When the print server 32 receives the image data transmitted from the operation terminal 24 and the mobile communication terminal 25 via the network 26 and the Web album server 23, the print server 32 selectively prints the image data to the print terminal 10a and the print terminal 10b. And to the print terminal 10c. The print database 33 includes a relatively large capacity storage unit such as a magnetic disk, a DVD-RAM, or a CD-R, and stores image data received by the print server 32. The print database 33 may be formed integrally with the print server 32, that is, may be built in the print server 32. Further, the print terminal 10a, the print terminal 10b, and the print terminal 10c may be singular, two, four or more, or any number. In the present embodiment, when the print terminal 10a, the print terminal 10b, and the print terminal 10c are described in an integrated manner, the print terminal 10 will be described.
[0040]
Here, the print server 32 can accept the print order and the image data transmitted from the customer operation terminal 24 and the mobile communication terminal 25, and can transmit them to the print terminal 10. Here, when information regarding the location of the print terminal 10 desired by the customer is transmitted from the operation terminal 24 and the mobile communication terminal 25, the print order and image data are transmitted to the print terminal 10 corresponding to the information. Is done. Then, from the print server 32, information for specifying the print terminal 10, for example, an address indicating a location, a map, etc., in the form of an e-mail, an attached file of the e-mail, etc. It is returned to the mobile communication terminal 25. The print server 32 can access the print terminal 10 and appropriately acquire the status (operating state) of the print terminal 10.
[0041]
Next, the configuration of the print terminal 10 as a net print station will be described.
[0042]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a net print station according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a front longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the net print station according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the stacker in the 1st Embodiment of this invention.
[0043]
In FIGS. 1 and 5, 11 is a printer for printing a photo on a medium such as paper, 12 is a stacker as a photo storage device for storing a photo printed by the printer 11 for each print order, and 13 is for holding a photo. A carrier as a photo moving device for moving the image, 14 a customer service section for transferring the photo to the customer, 18 a roll paper storage shelf for storing a plurality of roll papers 18a as a medium for printing the photo, and 20 It is a separation plate storage section for storing a customer identification separation plate 22 as a movable partition member for partitioning a photograph for each print order.
[0044]
Here, the printer 11, the stacker 12, the carrier 13, the customer service unit 14, the roll paper storage shelf 18, and the separation plate storage unit 20 are disposed in the print terminal 10. 1C is a front view of the print terminal 10, FIG. 1A is a plan sectional view of the print terminal 10, FIGS. 1B and 1D are left and right side sectional views of the print terminal 10, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
[0045]
In the present embodiment, the stacker 12 is divided into columns 12a to 12e as a plurality of storage compartments as shown in FIG. Although the number of the columns 12a to 12e can be arbitrarily set, here, a case where there are five will be described. Further, the heights of the columns 12a to 12e are not necessarily the same. In the example shown in FIG. 5, only the column 12e is lower than the other columns 12a to 12d.
[0046]
The front surfaces of the columns 12a to 12e are opened, and as shown in FIG. 6, the photographic units 21 are stacked and housed, that is, stacked. In FIG. 6, the columns 12a to 12e have the same height for convenience of explanation. Here, the printed photographs are separated and partitioned by the customer identification separating plate 22 so as to be divided into print units from the customers and collected as one unit to constitute the photograph unit 21. That is, the photos printed according to orders from the same customer constitute one photo unit 21, and a customer identification separation plate 22 is placed between each photo unit 21, and the columns 12 a to 12 e are placed inside the columns 12 a to 12 e. Stacked. Since the number of photographs to be printed varies depending on the order, the thickness (the vertical dimension in the figure) of the photograph units 21 is different from each other as shown in FIG. The customer identification separation plate 22 holds identification data for identifying a customer and is placed on the corresponding photo unit 21. That is, the identification data held by each customer identification separation plate 22 identifies the customer who ordered the photo of the photo unit 21 located immediately below the customer identification separation plate 22. The photograph and customer identification separation plate 22 are moved by the carrier 13 and stacked in the columns 12a to 12e.
[0047]
The printer 11 is a device for creating a photograph by printing an image taken by a digital camera on a medium such as photographic paper. For example, the printer 11 is a ribbon printer using heat sublimation ink. Any type of printer such as an ink jet printer or an electrophotographic printer may be used. Based on the image data received by the print server 32, the printer 11 prints the image on a print sheet cut from the roll paper 18a to create a photograph. The printer 11 may be singular or plural.
[0048]
Reference numerals 15 and 16 denote a coin insertion slot of a coin deposit unit and a bill insertion slot of a bill deposit unit for depositing coins and bills as payment when the customer receives a photograph. It is arranged.
[0049]
Reference numeral 17 denotes a display / input device as input means, which is disposed in front of the print terminal 10. The display / input device 17 has, for example, a touch panel type screen composed of a liquid crystal display, on which various information such as guidance for the customer is displayed, and a customer displays a button or the like displayed on the screen. Necessary items can be entered by touching. Then, the display / input device 17 is operated to input information such as an order number and a password as identification information of the customer's print order. When the customer inputs an order number, a password, etc., information such as a photo fee is displayed on the display / input device 17. The customer may be allowed to input a print order by operating the display / input device 17. Further, the display / input device 17 can be separated into a display device and an input device.
[0050]
The print terminal 10 has a control device (not shown). The control device is a computer including a calculation unit such as a CPU and an MPU, a storage unit such as a semiconductor memory and a magnetic disk, an input / output interface, a communication interface, and the like, and also serves as the printer 11, the carrier 13, the customer service unit 14, and the display input. The operation of the print terminal 10 is comprehensively controlled, including the operations of the device 17, the separation plate storage unit 20, the coin deposit unit, the bill deposit unit, and the like.
[0051]
Next, the operation of the net print system 30 configured as described above will be described.
[0052]
First, the customer inputs image data of an image taken by the digital camera to the operation terminal 24 or the mobile communication terminal 25. Further, the customer also inputs to the operation terminal 24 or the mobile communication terminal 25 a print order for ordering that an image photographed by the digital camera is printed and a photograph is created. It is assumed that the print order includes a designation of a predetermined print terminal 10 as a place for delivery of a photograph desired by the customer. Subsequently, the customer operates the operation terminal 24 or the mobile communication terminal 25 to perform transmission processing. As a result, the image data and the print order are transmitted from the operation terminal 24 or the mobile communication terminal 25 to the print station system 31 via the network 26 and the Web album server 23, and are sent by the print server 32 of the print station system 31. Received.
[0053]
Subsequently, when receiving the image data and the print order, the print server 32 accesses the print terminal 10 specified in the print order, acquires the status of the print terminal 10, and It is confirmed that there is space in the space, that is, the space in the stacker 12 of the print terminal 10. The print server 32 issues an order number and a password for the print order, sets a receipt deadline as a deadline for receiving the printed photo, and adds the information for specifying the print terminal 10 The order number, password and receipt deadline are returned to the operation terminal 24 or the mobile communication terminal 25 in the form of an e-mail or an attached file of the e-mail. Subsequently, the print server 32 transmits a print instruction to the print terminal 10 together with the image data. The print instruction includes order items such as the size of photos included in the print order and the number of photos to be printed.
[0054]
Subsequently, when receiving the image data and the print instruction, the print terminal 10 prints the image data in accordance with the order items. In this case, the printer 11 creates a photograph by printing the image on the roll paper 18a. The photograph printed and discharged from the printer 11 is transported by the carrier 13 and is placed and stacked as the photograph unit 21 in the columns 12a to 12e of the stacker 12.
[0055]
In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the photographic unit 21 is first stacked in one column, for example, the column 12a, and when the column 12a is full, that is, when the storage capacity is exhausted, It is stacked in a column, for example, the column 12b. That is, the photo units 21 are stacked so as to sequentially fill each of the columns 12a to 12e. The photos included in the photo unit 21 are all stacked together in the same column, and are not divided and stacked in a plurality of columns. Therefore, before stacking the photographic unit 21, the control device considers the remaining storage capacity of the column in which the photographic unit 21 is currently stacked, for example, the column 12a, that is, the empty space, and the next photographic unit 21. Is determined not to be stacked in the column 12a, the operation of the carrier 13 is controlled so that the photographic unit 21 is stacked in the next column, for example, the column 12b. In this case, the storage unit of the control device stores and manages the capacity of each photo unit 21 stacked in each of the columns 12a to 12e. The photo units 21 are stacked in a column selected based on the empty space.
[0056]
Subsequently, the customer identification separation plate 22 stored in the separation plate storage unit 20 is transferred by the carrier 13 and placed on the photographic unit 21. The control device associates and stores the order number of the photos constituting the photo unit 21 and the identification data held by the customer identification separation plate 22.
[0057]
Subsequently, when the customer comes to the print terminal 10 to receive the photograph, the customer operates the display / input device 17 and inputs an order number and a password as identification information of the customer's print order. Then, the control device of the print terminal 10 confirms whether or not the inputted order number and password are correct, and if it is confirmed that they are correct, the charge amount of the photograph is displayed on the display / input device 17. Then, the customer deposits the displayed amount from the banknote insertion slot 16 of the banknote depositing unit or the coin insertion slot 15 of the coin depositing unit, and pays the photo fee. If there is change, the change is withdrawn from the bill insertion slot 16 or the coin insertion slot 15.
[0058]
Subsequently, the control device specifies the photographic unit 21 corresponding to the order number. Then, a driving device (not shown) is operated to move the carrier 13 in the vertical direction, and reaches a position corresponding to the specified photographic unit 21. Then, the loading position confirmation means (not shown) of the carrier 13 reads the identification data held by the customer identification separation plate 22 and confirms that the photo unit 21 corresponds to the order number. Take it out and store it in the separation plate storage unit 20. Then, the driving device (not shown) is actuated again to move the carrier 13 in the vertical direction. When the carrier 13 reaches a position corresponding to the specified photo unit 21, the pick-up member (not shown) of the carrier 13 is actuated, A photograph constituting the unit 21 is taken out from any of the columns 12 a to 12 e of the stacker 12.
[0059]
Subsequently, the driving device is operated, and the carrier 13 reaches a position corresponding to the customer service unit 14. Then, the pickup member of the carrier 13 is activated to insert the photograph into the customer service section 14. And since the said photograph is transferred and accommodated in the customer service part 14, a customer takes out the photograph in the said customer service part 14. FIG. This completes the receipt of the photo. The control device updates the information stored in the storage means every time a photo is delivered to a customer, and stacks the photo unit 21 constituted by the next customer photo in each of the columns 12a to 12e. In consideration of the remaining storage capacity, the photo units 21 are efficiently stacked.
[0060]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the photograph unit 21 in which the photographs stored in the columns 12a to 12e of the stacker 12 are divided for each print order by the movable customer identification separation plate 22 and grouped as one unit. Is designed to partition. Therefore, the space of the stacker 12 can be used effectively. Since the photographic units 21 are stacked on the columns 12a to 12e based on the empty spaces for the columns 12a to 12e, the space of the stacker 12 can be used effectively. Therefore, since the time until the stacker 12 becomes full becomes longer, it is less likely to stop the print terminal 10 and the convenience of the customer can be improved.
[0061]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by providing the same code | symbol. The description of the same operation and the same effect as those of the first embodiment is also omitted.
[0062]
FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the stacker according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0063]
In the present embodiment, as shown in the figure, separation plate storage portions 20 for storing customer identification separation plates 22 are arranged above the columns 12a to 12e, respectively. The customer identification separation plate 22 is dropped from the separation plate storage unit 20 and placed on the photographic units 21 stacked in the columns 12a to 12e. Therefore, when the customer identification separation plate 22 is placed on the photographic unit 21, it is not necessary to move the customer identification separation plate 22 by the carrier 13.
[0064]
Next, the operation of the net print system 30 in the present embodiment will be described.
The operation until the print instruction is transmitted from the print server 32 to the print terminal 10 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0065]
When receiving the image data and the print instruction, the print terminal 10 prints the image data according to the order items. In this case, the printer 11 creates a photograph by printing the image on the roll paper 18a. The photograph printed and discharged from the printer 11 is transported by the carrier 13 and is placed and stacked as the photograph unit 21 in the columns 12a to 12e of the stacker 12.
[0066]
In this case, as in the first embodiment, the photo unit 21 is first stacked in one column, and when the storage capacity of the column is exhausted, it is stacked in the next column. Yes. That is, the photo units 21 are stacked so as to sequentially fill each of the columns 12a to 12e. The photos included in the photo unit 21 are all stacked together in the same column, and are not divided and stacked in a plurality of columns. Therefore, before stacking the photographic unit 21, the control device considers the remaining storage capacity of the column in which the photographic unit 21 is currently stacked, for example, the column 12a, and puts the next photographic unit 21 into the column 12a. When it is determined that the photographic unit 21 cannot be stacked, the operation of the carrier 13 is controlled so that the photographic unit 21 is stacked in the next column, for example, the column 12b. In this case, the storage unit of the control device stores and manages the capacity of each photo unit 21 stacked in each of the columns 12a to 12e.
[0067]
Subsequently, the customer identification separation plate 22 is dropped from the separation plate storage unit 20 and placed on the photographic unit 21. The control device associates and stores the order number of the photos constituting the photo unit 21 and the identification data held by the customer identification separation plate 22.
[0068]
Subsequently, when the customer comes to the print terminal 10 to receive the photograph, the customer operates the display / input device 17 and inputs an order number and a password as identification information of the customer's print order. Then, the control device of the print terminal 10 confirms whether or not the inputted order number and password are correct, and if it is confirmed that they are correct, the charge amount of the photograph is displayed on the display / input device 17. Then, the customer deposits the displayed amount from the banknote insertion slot 16 of the banknote depositing unit or the coin insertion slot 15 of the coin depositing unit, and pays the photo fee. If there is change, the change is withdrawn from the bill insertion slot 16 or the coin insertion slot 15.
[0069]
Subsequently, the control device specifies the photographic unit 21 corresponding to the order number. Then, a driving device (not shown) is operated to move the carrier 13 in the vertical direction, and reaches a position corresponding to the specified photographic unit 21. Then, the loading position confirmation means (not shown) of the carrier 13 reads the identification data held by the customer identification separation plate 22, and if it is confirmed that the photo unit 21 corresponds to the order number, the customer identification separation plate 22 is taken out, and the column Each of them is stored in the separation plate storage unit 20 arranged above 12a to 12e. Then, the driving device (not shown) is actuated again to move the carrier 13 in the vertical direction. When the carrier 13 reaches a position corresponding to the specified photo unit 21, the pick-up member (not shown) of the carrier 13 is actuated, A photograph constituting the unit 21 is taken out from any of the columns 12 a to 12 e of the stacker 12.
[0070]
Subsequently, the driving device is operated, and the carrier 13 reaches a position corresponding to the customer service unit 14. Then, the pickup member of the carrier 13 is activated to insert the photograph into the customer service section 14. And since the said photograph is transferred and accommodated in the customer service part 14, a customer takes out the photograph in the said customer service part 14. FIG. This completes the receipt of the photo. The control device updates the information stored in the storage means every time a photo is delivered to a customer, and stacks the photo unit 21 constituted by the next customer photo in each of the columns 12a to 12e. In consideration of the remaining storage capacity, the photo units 21 are efficiently stacked.
[0071]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the separation plate storage portions 20 for storing the customer identification separation plates 22 are respectively disposed on the upper portions of the columns 12a to 12e. Therefore, by dropping the customer identification separation plate 22 from the separation plate storage unit 20, the customer identification separation plate 22 can be placed on the photographic units 21 stacked on the columns 12a to 12e in a short time. Therefore, the operating rate of the print terminal 10 is improved, and the photograph can be delivered to more customers in a short time, so that the convenience of the customers can be improved.
[0072]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the same structure as 1st and 2nd embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by providing the same code | symbol. Also, the description of the same operations and effects as those of the first and second embodiments is omitted.
[0073]
Next, the configuration of the print terminal 10 as a net print station will be described.
[0074]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the net print station according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 8B is a front view of the print terminal 10, and FIGS. 8A and 8C are left and right side sectional views of the print terminal 10.
[0075]
As shown in the figure, the print terminal 10 includes a bill depositing / dispensing machine 41 as a charge storage unit including a bill depositing / dispensing port for depositing / withdrawing bills as money or change when a customer receives a photo, When a customer receives a photograph, a coin depositing / dispensing machine 42 as a fee storage unit provided with a coin depositing / dispensing port or the like for depositing / withdrawing coins as a price or change, a display input / combining device 17 as input means, not shown A stacker 40 as a photo storage device that stores photos printed by a printer for each print order, a door 53 as a customer service section that delivers photos to a customer, a control device 50 that controls the operation of the print terminal 10, and a power supply device 60. The door 53 includes a viewing window 53a for peeping inside and a door lock portion 54 for locking the door 53. Locking / unlocking of the door lock portion 54 is controlled by the control device 50. Further, a plurality of the doors 53 are continuously arranged in the height direction (vertical direction in the drawing) of the stacker 40, and a number is given to each by, for example, a seal or the like. Since the door 53 is used for delivery of photographs to customers, it needs to have a maximum handleable height (the vertical dimension in the figure). The number of doors 53 can be arbitrarily set.
[0076]
On the back side of the stacker 40, a conveyor belt 51 is disposed as a partition member conveyor for moving a customer identification separation plate 52 described later in the vertical direction.
[0077]
The control device 50 is a computer including a calculation means such as a CPU and an MPU, a storage means such as a semiconductor memory and a magnetic disk, an input / output interface, a communication interface, and the like, and the banknote depositing / dispensing machine 41, a coin depositing / dispensing machine. 42, all the operations of the print terminal 10 including the operations of the display / input device 17, the door 53, the door lock unit 54, the conveyance belt 51 and the like are controlled.
[0078]
Next, the configuration of the stacker 40 in the present embodiment will be described in detail.
[0079]
FIG. 9 is a side view showing the configuration of the stacker in the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration for moving the customer identification separation plate in the vertical direction in the third embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing the configuration of the connecting portion in the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0080]
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the customer identification separation plate 52 as a movable partition member for partitioning a photograph for each print order is slidably attached to the partition plate transport rail portion 58 and moved in the vertical direction. Can be done. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a portion C in FIG. Here, the printed photos are separated and partitioned by the customer identification separation plate 52 so as to be divided into print units from the customers and collected as one unit to constitute the photo unit 21.
[0081]
Reference numeral 55 denotes a connecting portion disposed at the end of each of the customer identification separation plates 52 on the side of the conveyance belt 51, and connects the customer identification separation plate 52 to the conveyance belt 51 in a detachable manner. In this case, for example, the conveyor belt 51 has a plurality of engagement holes 51c as shown in FIG. 10, and the connecting portion 55 has a configuration as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the conveyor belt 51 is wound around the drive pulley 51a and the driven pulley 51b, and rotates when the drive pulley 51a is rotated by a drive source such as a motor (not shown). .
[0082]
Here, as shown in FIG. 11, the connecting portion 55 includes an actuator 55a composed of a cylinder device, an electromagnet device, etc., an extendable rod 55b of the actuator 55a, a connecting rod 55c connected to the extendable rod 55b, and the connecting A pivotable pivot rod 55d having one end coupled to the rod 55c and an engagement pin member 55e coupled to the other end of the pivot rod 55d. When the actuator 55a is actuated and the telescopic rod 55b is contracted, the connecting rod 55c moves in the direction indicated by the arrow D, so that the engagement pin member 55e moves in the direction indicated by the arrow E, and the customer identification separation plate 52 protrudes toward the conveyor belt 51 and reaches a position indicated by a dotted line in FIG. As a result, the tip of the engagement pin member 55e (the right end in FIG. 11) enters and engages with the engagement hole 51c of the conveyor belt 51, so that the customer identification separation plate 52 is coupled to the conveyor belt 51. . The connecting portion 55 may connect the customer identification separation plate 52 to the transport belt 51 by any means such as a hook lock or a suction by a strong electromagnet. Thereby, the transport belt 51 is connected to the customer identification separation plate 52 at an arbitrary position. Note that the operation of engaging and disengaging the connecting portion 55 is controlled by the control device 50.
[0083]
Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a light emission sensor 56 is disposed at the end of the customer identification separation plate 52 on the door 53 side, and is disposed between the doors 53 adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. Sensing is performed by the light receiving sensor 57. That is, the light emitting sensor 56 is detected by the light receiving sensor 57. The light emitting sensor 56 and the light receiving sensor 57 may be configured by a combination of a photointerpreter and a shielding plate.
[0084]
Next, the operation of the print terminal 10 having the above configuration will be described.
[0085]
12 is a first diagram showing the operation of the print terminal in the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a second diagram showing the operation of the print terminal in the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 15 is a third diagram illustrating the operation of the print terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a fourth diagram illustrating the operation of the print terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0086]
Here, the operation of the print terminal 10 until the customer receives a photograph will be described. Further, the photos printed by the printer 11 are divided for each print order from the customer and are collected as one unit to form the photo unit 21, and are separated and partitioned by the customer identification separation plate 52. It is assumed that 40 is stacked.
[0087]
First, when the customer comes to the print terminal 10 to receive a photograph, the customer operates the display / input device 17 and inputs an order number and a password as identification information of the customer's print order. Then, the control device 50 of the print terminal 10 checks whether or not the inputted order number and password are correct, and if it is confirmed that they are correct, displays the charge amount of the photograph on the display / input device 17. The customer deposits the displayed amount from the banknote deposit / withdrawal port of the banknote deposit / withdrawal machine 41 or the coin deposit / withdrawal port of the coin deposit / withdrawal machine 42 and pays the fee for the photograph. In addition, when there is change, change is withdrawn from the banknote deposit / withdrawal port or coin deposit / withdrawal port.
[0088]
Subsequently, the control device 50 specifies the customer identification separation plate 52 immediately above and directly below the photo unit 21 corresponding to the order number based on the identification data stored in the storage means. In the example shown in FIG. 12, it is assumed that 21a is a photo unit corresponding to the order number. In this case, the control device 50 operates the connecting portion 55 of the customer identification separation plate 52 located immediately above the photographic unit 21a to project the engaging pin member 55e. As a result, the front end of the engagement pin member 55 e enters and engages with the engagement hole 51 c of the conveyance belt 51, and the customer identification separation plate 52 is connected to the conveyance belt 51.
[0089]
Subsequently, the control device 50 rotates the driving pulley 51a to rotate the conveying belt 51 by a predetermined amount. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 13, the customer identification separation plate 52 connected to the conveyor belt 51 is moved upward by a distance corresponding to the height of one door 53 as indicated by an arrow F. Moved.
[0090]
Subsequently, the control device 50 causes the light emission sensor 56 of the customer identification separation plate 52 located immediately below the photographic unit 21a to emit light, and also operates the connecting portion 55 of the customer identification separation plate 52 to perform the customer identification separation. The plate 52 is connected to the conveyor belt 51. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 14, the customer identification separation plate 52 is moved upward as indicated by an arrow G. Note that the customer identification separation plate 52 located immediately above the photographic unit 21a is also connected to the conveyor belt 51, so that both are moved upward. Further, the control device 50 causes the light emitting sensor 56 to emit light and starts a detection operation by the light receiving sensor 57. When any of the light receiving sensors 57 detects light emitted by the light emitting sensor 56 as indicated by an arrow H, the control device 50 stops the rotation of the driving pulley 51a. As a result, the customer identification separation plate 52 located immediately below the photographic unit 21a stops at the same height as the light receiving sensor 57 disposed between the doors 53 adjacent to each other in the vertical direction.
[0091]
Subsequently, the control device 50 determines which light receiving sensor 57 senses the light emitting sensor 56, and unlocks the door lock portion 54 of the door 53 positioned immediately above the light receiving sensor 57 that senses the light emitting sensor 56. .
[0092]
Subsequently, the control device 50 displays the number of the door 53 on which the door lock portion 54 is unlocked on the display / input device 17. As a result, the customer can open the door 53 and receive a photograph as shown in FIG.
[0093]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the movable customer identification separation plate 52 divides the photos stored in the stacker 40 into photo units 21 that are divided into print units from the customers and grouped as one unit. It is like that. Therefore, the space of the stacker 40 can be used effectively. Therefore, since the time until the stacker 40 becomes full becomes longer, it is less likely to stop the print terminal 10 and the convenience of the customer can be improved.
[0094]
Further, since the photograph unit 21 is moved to a height corresponding to the nearest door 53 by the conveyor belt 51 and the customer opens the door 53 to receive the photograph, the customer can take the photograph in a short time. Can receive. Therefore, the operating rate of the print terminal 10 is improved, and the photograph can be transferred to a larger number of customers in a short time, thereby improving customer convenience.
[0095]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can change variously based on the meaning of this invention, and does not exclude them from the scope of the present invention.
[0096]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the photos stacked in the photo storage device are partitioned by a movable partition member for each print order from the customer, thereby effectively using the space of the photo storage device. Can be used.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a net print station according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional net print station.
FIG. 3 is a front longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration of a conventional net print station.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a net print system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a front longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the net print station according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a stacker in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a stacker according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a net print station according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a side view showing a configuration of a stacker according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a configuration for moving a customer identification separation plate in a vertical direction according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a connecting portion according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a first diagram illustrating an operation of a print terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a second diagram illustrating the operation of the print terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a third diagram illustrating the operation of the print terminal according to the third embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 15 is a fourth diagram illustrating the operation of the print terminal according to the third embodiment of the invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10, 10a, 10b, 10c Print terminal
11 Printer
12, 40 Stacker
12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e column
22, 52 Customer identification separator
53 Door

Claims (6)

(A) a printer for printing photos;
(B) a photo storage device for storing the photo;
(C) a movable partition member for partitioning the photograph;
(D) The net print station, wherein the photos are stacked in the photo storage device in a state of being partitioned for each print order by the partition member. (A) The photo storage device comprises a plurality of storage compartments,
2. The net print station according to claim 1, wherein (b) the photos are stacked so as to sequentially fill the storage compartment. The net print station according to claim 2, wherein the photos are stacked in a storage section selected based on an empty space. 4. The net print station according to claim 1, wherein the partition member includes identification data, and a position of the photograph stacked in the photo storage device is specified by the identification data. 5. 5. The net print station according to claim 1, wherein the partition member is stored on an upper portion of the photo storage device and is placed on the photos stacked by being dropped. 6. The net print station according to claim 1, wherein the partition member is moved, and the photograph is delivered to a customer from a nearest door.

Images