JP2005178207A - Image processing system and photographic processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing system which enables a photographic processor to rapidly accept a print processing request from a terminal processor side. <P>SOLUTION: This image processing system is equipped with: the photographic processor 1 which comprises a first image processing part 10 with the function of performing image processing, and an exposure engine 32 for performing print processing; a terminal 2 which is equipped with a second image processing part 40 with the function of performing the image processing; and a network 3 which connects the photographic processor with the terminal 2. The photographic processor 1 is equipped with: a mode setting means 37 which enables the setting of a first print mode for performing the print processing in accordance with data acquired by the first image processing part 10, and a second print mode for performing the print processing in accordance with data acquired by the second image processing part; and a priority setting means 38 which presets the performance or nonperformance of the priority processing of the print processing request, when the print processing request is issued from the terminal 2, in the performance of the print processing in the first print mode. The print processing request from the terminal 2 is made interruptable. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographic process having a first image processing unit having a function of performing image processing on input image data, and an image exposing unit for performing print processing on a photographic photosensitive material based on exposure image data. A terminal processing apparatus having a second image processing unit having a function of performing image processing on input image data, one or a plurality of the photographic processing apparatuses, and one or a plurality of the aforesaid ones The present invention relates to an image processing system including network means for connecting a terminal processing apparatus and a photographic processing apparatus used in the system.

An outline procedure of photographic processing in such a photographic processing apparatus will be described. The photographic processing apparatus performs appropriate image processing on the input image data, and generates exposure image data based on the image processing data obtained by the image processing. Type of image data to be input there are various ones, negative film or other image data obtained by scanning a photographic film such as a positive film, digital cameras storage media (SmartMedia ^TM, CompactFlash ^TM , there is image data to be input Stick ^TM, etc.) or a CD-R, a recording medium such as an MO. Various types of image processing are performed on the image data captured in the photographic processing apparatus, and a typical one is color / density correction.

  Therefore, the input image data is displayed on the monitor screen in order to check the color and density. Normally, a plurality of images are displayed on the monitor screen, and the operator determines whether or not a photo print is created with an appropriate color and density while viewing the displayed images. When it is determined that printing is not performed with appropriate colors and densities, color correction data and density correction data are input as appropriate. The image processing unit provided in the photographic processing apparatus generates exposure image data based on the correction data obtained as described above and the input image data.

  The exposure image data is transmitted to an exposure engine (which constitutes an image exposure unit), and an image is printed on the emulsion surface of the photographic light-sensitive material. The exposure engine has a function of forming an image on a photographic material by scanning exposure light based on exposure image data. An example of the exposure engine is a laser engine that forms an image by scanning laser light. The photographic light-sensitive material on which the image is printed and exposed is sent to a development processing unit, subjected to development processing and drying processing, and then discharged to the outside as a finished photographic print.

  As described above, the photographic processing apparatus has a function of performing image processing on input image data and a function of performing print creation using the generated exposure image data. There is a problem that print creation processing cannot be performed in parallel with image processing work. That is, if an attempt is made to perform the print creation process even while the image processing operation is being performed, a great load is imposed on the CPU, so that the operator who operates the photo processing apparatus can perform the operation smoothly. Cannot be performed or control inside the photo processing apparatus cannot be performed at an appropriate timing, resulting in a decrease in processing reliability. Therefore, the image processing and the print processing cannot be performed in parallel at the same time, and therefore the operating rate of the photographic processing apparatus is lowered, and as a result, the operator's work efficiency is also lowered.

  On the other hand, a photo print creation system in which a reception terminal device and a photo processing device are connected by a network means is known (for example, Patent Document 1 listed below by the present applicant). In this system, a photo processing apparatus for creating a photo print and a terminal computer are connected by a network means. In the photographic processing apparatus, image data from a developed photographic film is mainly input, and image data from a recording medium such as a digital camera is input from a terminal computer. As described above, since the reception work is distributed according to the type of image data, the work efficiency related to the reception process can be increased.

  The image data received by the terminal computer is transmitted to the photo processing apparatus and a photo print is created. As described above, the image processing work is concentrated on the photo processing apparatus. . Therefore, although the efficiency of the reception process is improved, since the simultaneous processing of the image process and the print process cannot be performed, the operation rate of the photo processing apparatus is not changed.

  Therefore, a configuration in which an image processing function is provided in a terminal processing device (terminal computer) connected to the photographic processing device by network means without concentrating image processing by the photographic processing device is conceivable. In other words, image processing is performed by the terminal processing device, data obtained as a result is transmitted to the photo processing device, and a photo print is created by the photo processing device. In this way, the image processing performed by the photographic processing device is performed by the terminal processing device connected to the network, thereby increasing the processing efficiency of the entire system by distributing the processing that has been intensively performed at one place. There is an advantage that can be.

  When image processing work is distributed using network means in this way, the photo processing apparatus performs print processing based on image processing data obtained by the first image processing unit of the photo processing apparatus (first print Mode) and print processing based on the image processing data obtained by the second image processing unit of the terminal processing device (second print mode). The print processing is performed while switching between these modes. Become. If the second print mode is set, image processing data can be transmitted from the terminal processing device via the network, and a photo print can be created by the photo processing device using this data.

However, even if an attempt is made to make a print processing request from the terminal processing device to the photo processing device, if the photo processing device is set to the first print mode and actually performs the print processing, a request from the terminal processing device is met. The print process cannot be performed. In other words, until the photo processing device is ready to accept print processing requests via the network, the terminal processing device cannot proceed with the print processing, which is inconvenient, and the processing efficiency of the entire system decreases. To do. Although there is a method in which the operator of the terminal processing device goes to the photo processing device and changes the setting of the print mode to the second print mode, the operation is complicated. In particular, there is a problem that it is not possible to quickly cope with an emergency print process on the terminal processing apparatus side.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-241935 (FIG. 1, FIG. 2, etc.)

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem is that an image processing system in which a photo processing apparatus can quickly accept a print processing request from the terminal processing apparatus side, and a photo processing apparatus used in this system. Is to provide.

In order to solve the above problems, an image processing system according to the present invention provides:
A photographic processing apparatus having a first image processing unit having a function of performing image processing on input image data, and an image exposure unit performing print processing on a photographic photosensitive material based on image data for exposure;
A terminal processing apparatus including a second image processing unit having a function of performing image processing on input image data;
An image processing system comprising one or a plurality of the photographic processing devices and a network means for connecting the one or a plurality of the terminal processing devices,
The photo processing apparatus
A first print mode for performing print processing based on the image processing data obtained by the first image processing unit, and a second print mode for performing print processing based on the image processing data obtained by the second image processing unit. Configurable mode setting means,
There is provided priority setting means for preliminarily setting whether or not to preferentially process a print processing request from the terminal processing device when performing the print processing in the first print mode. ,
The print processing request from the terminal processing device can be interrupted.

  The operation and effect of the image processing system having this configuration will be described. In this image processing system, one or more photographic processing apparatuses and one or more terminal processing apparatuses are connected by a network means. The photographic processing apparatus is provided with a first image processing unit, and the terminal processing apparatus is provided with a second image processing unit. The image data input to the photographic processing apparatus is subjected to image processing by the first image processing unit provided in the photographic processing apparatus. The image data input to the terminal processing apparatus is provided in the terminal processing apparatus. Image processing can be performed by the second image processing unit. With this configuration, image processing work can be concentrated on the terminal processing device side, and in parallel with this, the photo processing device can perform print processing for other orders. Image processing data obtained as a result of image processing by the terminal processing device can be printed by transmitting it to the photo processing device.

  The photo processing apparatus can set the first print mode and the second print mode. In the first print mode, the print processing is performed based on the image processing data obtained by the first image processing unit, and the second print mode is set. In the mode, print processing is performed based on the image processing data obtained by the second image processing unit. Further, the photo processing apparatus is provided with priority setting means, and it is possible to set whether or not to preferentially process a print processing request from the terminal processing apparatus. If it is set to preferentially process, it is possible to perform print processing in response to a request from the terminal processing device even when print processing is performed in the first print mode. That is, a print processing request from the terminal processing device can be interrupted. Therefore, the print processing from the terminal processing device can be quickly performed without bothering to change the print mode setting of the photo processing device. As a result, it is possible to provide an image processing system in which a photo processing apparatus can quickly accept a print processing request from the terminal processing apparatus side.

  The priority setting means according to the present invention is preferably configured to be able to select a terminal processing apparatus that performs preferential processing among a plurality of terminal processing apparatuses connected to the network means.

  Each terminal processing apparatus connected to the network means is operated by each operator. However, the skill level of the operator varies, and a beginner may work. In consideration of such circumstances, it is possible to select a terminal processing device for preferential processing, and it is possible to set in advance a setting that does not permit interruption for a specific terminal processing device.

  In the system of the present invention, it is preferable that the system includes a display control unit that displays a message on the monitor screen when a print processing request is received from the terminal processing device.

  As a result, it is possible to notify the operator of the photo processing apparatus that an interrupt print process is performed.

  The priority setting means according to the present invention preferably has a function of allowing an operator to select whether or not to accept when a print processing request is received from the terminal processing device.

  The configuration for setting whether to permit interruption in advance by the priority setting means has been described above. In addition, when a print processing request is made from the terminal processing device, this can be displayed on a monitor screen or the like, and the operator can select whether or not to accept the print processing at this time. Thereby, it is possible to respond to the occasion while considering the processing status on the photographic processing apparatus side.

In order to solve the above problems, a photographic processing apparatus according to the present invention provides:
A photographic processing apparatus connected to a terminal processing apparatus having a second image processing unit having a function of performing image processing on input image data by a network means,
A first image processing unit having a function of performing image processing on input image data;
An image exposure unit that performs a print process on the photosensitive material based on the image data for exposure;
A first print mode for performing print processing based on the image processing data obtained by the first image processing unit, and a second print mode for performing print processing based on the image processing data obtained by the second image processing unit. Configurable mode setting means,
There is provided priority setting means for preliminarily setting whether or not to preferentially process a print processing request from the terminal processing device when performing the print processing in the first print mode. ,
The print processing request from the terminal processing device can be interrupted.

  The operations and effects of the photographic processing apparatus having such a configuration are as described above, and it is possible to provide a photographic processing apparatus that can quickly accept a print processing request from the terminal processing apparatus side.

  A preferred embodiment of an image processing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the system.

<Configuration of image processing system>
In FIG. 1, in an image processing system, a photographic processing device 1 and a terminal processing device 2 are connected by a network 3. The number of the photo processing apparatuses 1 connected to the network 3 is one or a plurality, and the number of connected apparatuses can be arbitrarily set. Similarly, the number of terminal processing devices 2 connected to the network 3 is one or more, and the number of terminals connected can be set arbitrarily. The network 3, for example, but Ruru constructed by LAN by Ethernet ^TM, it may be connected by a network 3 other than Ethernet ^TM. The network 3 is configured to be connectable to the server 5 via the Internet 4.

  The image processing system constructed by the photo processing device 1 and the terminal processing device 2 is installed in, for example, a photo shop. The photo processing apparatus 1 and the terminal processing apparatus 2 do not need to be installed on the same floor, and can be installed on a plurality of floors. Further, a part of the photographic processing apparatus 1 or the terminal processing apparatus 2 may be installed at a distance away.

  Next, functions of the photo processing apparatus 1 will be briefly described. The photographic processing apparatus 1 can print an image on the emulsion surface of paper (photosensitive material) based on the input image data to create a photographic print. The image data input to the photographic processing apparatus 1 may be input directly to the photographic processing apparatus 1 or input via the network 3. That is, the photo processing apparatus 1 can selectively set at least the first print mode and the second print mode.

  In the first print mode, the photographic processing can be executed by the photographic processing apparatus 1 alone regardless of the connection state with the network 3. A typical process is a process of reading a frame image of a developed photographic film by the scanner device 6 and creating a photographic print using the acquired image data. The image data acquired via the scanner device 6 is not used immediately for image exposure, but after various image processing is performed, image data for exposure is generated, and the image data for exposure is used. The image is printed and exposed to paper. The photographic processing apparatus 1 is provided with a first image processing unit 10 (see FIG. 2) for performing image processing.

  On the other hand, in the second print mode, image data (image processing data) transmitted via the network 3 is input. As in the case of the first print mode, exposure image data is generated based on this image data, and a photo print is created. In the second print mode, image data (image processing data) is transmitted from the terminal processing device 2 connected to the network 3.

Here, the function of the terminal processing apparatus 2 is demonstrated easily. The terminal processing device 2 can be configured by a general-purpose personal computer system, for example. The image data handled by the terminal processing unit 2, an image data stored in the recording medium of the storage medium (SmartMedia ^TM, CompactFlash ^TM, Memory Stick ^TM, etc.) or a CD-R, MO or the like of a digital camera, these media A drive device is provided for acquiring image data from the image data.

  Similarly to the photo processing apparatus 1, the terminal processing apparatus 2 is also provided with a second image processing unit for performing image processing. Therefore, when image data input from the terminal processing device 2 is transmitted to the photo processing device 1, image processing data obtained as a result of image processing by the second image processing unit is transmitted.

  The image processing system according to the present invention is configured to be connectable to a server 5 via the Internet 4, and the server 5 can receive a print order from a general user online. That is, the user uploads image data for which he / she wants to create a photo print to the server 5 using his / her personal computer. In the photo shop, the image data uploaded to the server 5 can be downloaded at an appropriate timing to create a photo print. The server 5 also has a function of providing an online album to the user. The downloaded image data is stored in the terminal processing device 2, for example.

<Functional block configuration of image processing system>
<Functional block configuration of photo processing apparatus>
Next, main functions of the image processing system will be described with reference to the block diagrams of FIGS. First, the main functions of the photo processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The scanner device 6 is a device for acquiring image data from a frame image formed on a developed photographic film. Although not shown, a light source for reading image data, a CCD line sensor, and the like are provided. Image data can also be obtained from a medium other than photographic film, and an image input device 7 for this purpose is provided. The image input device 7 can acquire image data stored in various recording media in the same manner as the terminal processing device 2 described later. The image data acquired via the scanner device 6 or the image input device 7 is temporarily stored and held in the image data storage unit 8. Note that the photo processing apparatus 1 may not have the function of the image input apparatus 7. This is because the terminal processing apparatus 2 is provided with the same function.

  The first image processing unit 10 has a function of performing image processing on image data, and is configured by software. The first image processing unit 10 includes a GUI 11, an image processing unit 12, and a hardware control unit 12. The GUI 11 is a graphical user interface, and can perform data input operations relating to image processing through a monitor screen.

  FIG. 4 shows a screen configuration example when performing image processing. Here, four of the read images are displayed on the monitor screen. The number of images to be displayed on the monitor screen is not limited to four, but can be set as appropriate, for example, six or eight. The operator can determine whether or not a photographic print is created with an appropriate color and density while viewing the monitor screen. In this monitor screen, the image data 51 is displayed with image data acquired from photographic film or the like.

  Reference numeral 52 denotes a data display area, which displays an average density value, a frame number, and the number of prints of an image. A separate display area 53 is provided at the upper right of the display image 51, and correction data inputted from the keyboard 16 for each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan), and density correction data are also provided. Is displayed. Further, information related to the print size is displayed in the display area 54 below the display image 51. For example, “P” indicates the panorama size. The display area 55 shows the name of the print channel. The print channel will be described later.

  The operator looks at the monitor screen as shown in FIG. 4 and inputs correction data using the keyboard 16 for an image determined to be corrected for color and density. When correction data is input, an image corrected based on the input correction data is displayed in real time on the same monitor screen. Therefore, the operator can appropriately perform image processing while visually confirming the corrected image. The first image processing unit 10 has the function of the image processing unit 12, and an image obtained as a result of image processing by the function of the image processing unit 12 that performs image processing based on the correction data input from the keyboard 16. Appears on the monitor screen again. The input of the correction data is performed to some extent by trial and error, and the finally determined correction data is temporarily stored in the correction data storage unit 17. The correction data is data in a form attached to each image data. The image data storage unit 8 and the correction data storage unit 17 are collectively defined as a data storage unit 18.

  Also, the size of the image displayed on the monitor screen is different from the size of the input image data, and usually thumbnail images with a reduced size are displayed on the screen. The processing for generating the thumbnail image data is also a function of the image processing means 12, and the image processing performed while looking at the monitor screen is also performed based on the thumbnail image data.

  The correction data includes not only those relating to color / density correction but also correction parameters relating to special corrections such as red-eye correction, backlight correction, and gradation correction. Also, the number of prints can be corrected and input on the monitor screen shown in FIG. 4, and the data of the number of prints is also included in the correction data.

  The hardware control means 13 is a function that controls the image processing board 20 that is hardware. The image processing data obtained as a result of the image processing in the first image processing unit 10 is transmitted to the image processing board 20 to create exposure image data. Here, the image processing data is composed of at least image data and correction data. As the image data, the image data acquired from the scanner device 6 or the image input device 7 is directly transmitted to the image processing board 20. Can do.

  When image processing is performed by the first image processing unit 10, it may be immediately sent to the image processing substrate 20 for print processing, but it may be performed later at an appropriate time zone. Therefore, the order data storage unit 9 is configured to store data. The concept of order can be set as appropriate at a photo shop. For example, one photographic film and one recording medium can be handled as one order. The order data storage unit 9 stores image data and correction data, and these data are assigned an order ID and managed in order units.

  Further, even when image processing is performed by the first image processing unit 10 and printing processing is performed immediately, data is stored in the order data storage unit 9. This is preferably stored as order data because a reprinting process or a reprinting process may be performed even if the printing process is performed once. If the image data and the correction data are stored in association with each other, it is not necessary to repeat the same image processing when performing reprinting processing, and the result of the image processing remains as correction data. It can be used again. The reprint process is a process in which the print process is performed again at the discretion of the operator when the quality of the finished photo print is not good, and the reprint process (reorder process) is performed in response to a request from the customer. This means the same print creation process. Accordingly, the image data and the correction data are not deleted even when the print process is performed, but the data is stored and stored in the order data storage unit 9 as described above.

  In addition, when performing image processing and print processing in the first image processing unit 10, it is necessary to set various setting data in advance. The setting data is stored in the setting data file storage unit 14. As setting data, for example, data relating to a print channel can be mentioned. A print channel registers the type of paper (surface quality, manufacturer, etc.) used to create a photo print, print size, image data acquisition source (data from a digital camera or negative film), etc. It is a thing. Therefore, if you want to create a photo print of a specific print size based on image data obtained from a digital camera, you need to select a print channel that is suitable for it, and for that purpose such a print channel Must be set in advance. Other setting data includes the amount of change per key operation when correction data is input from the keyboard during image processing operations. For example, when a specific key on the keyboard is pressed once, the Y color can be set to change by “+1.5” when it changes by “+1”.

  Next, the image processing substrate 20 will be described. The image processing board 20 is provided with a reception memory 21, an image processing means 22, a transmission memory 23, and firmware 24. The image processing board 20 has a function of generating image data that is actually used for exposure. The reception memory 21 receives the transmitted image data and correction data. Unlike the image processing unit 12 of the first image processing unit 10, the image processing unit 22 is based on hardware. Based on the correction data, the processing content by the firmware 24 can be set, and based on this, processing for generating exposure image data is performed. As described above, since the image processing board 20 is configured with hardware as a core, image processing by the image processing board 20 is performed at high speed.

  The image processing performed in the image processing means 22 not only generates corrected image data having a color / density corrected based on the correction data, but also becomes data having the same size as the print size to be created. Enlargement processing or rotation processing that converts the image's height and width, special corrections such as red-eye correction and backlight correction that are performed as needed, color matching correction to match the color of the finished photo print with the color on the monitor screen, development Examples include corrections that take into account the type of processing liquid and changes over time. In addition, processing for expanding image data in a compressed file format such as JPEG into a bitmap is also performed. The exposure image data obtained as a result of processing by the image processing means 22 is sent to the transmission memory 23.

  The image processing data transmitted to the image processing board 20 includes those created inside the photo processing apparatus 1 and those transmitted via the network 3. Therefore, the processing selection means 25 is provided, and image processing data from either one can be received. As described above, the photo processing apparatus 1 can selectively set the first print mode and the second print mode. In the first print mode, image processing data generated inside the photo processing apparatus is received, and the second print mode is received. In the print mode, image processing data from the network 3 is received and print processing is executed. Note that the process selection means 25 switches functions in terms of software, and is conceptually shown in FIG. The mode can be switched based on the function of the mode setting means 37 by displaying a mode setting screen on the monitor 15 and selecting one of the print modes.

  Next, the configuration of the printer processor unit of the photo processing apparatus will be briefly described. In the paper magazine 30, a long paper, which is a photographic photosensitive material, is accommodated in a form wound on a roll. A plurality of paper magazines 30 can be attached to the photographic processing apparatus 1. Thereby, a plurality of types having different paper sizes can be prepared in advance. The paper drawn from the paper magazine 30 is configured to be conveyed along a predetermined conveyance path, and is cut into a predetermined print size by a paper cutter 31 provided along the conveyance path. The cut paper is conveyed to an exposure engine 32 (corresponding to an image exposure unit). The exposure engine 32 uses the exposure image data transferred from the transmission memory 23 of the image processing board 20 to expose and form an image on the emulsion surface of the paper. The exposure engine 32 forms a latent image by scanning the exposure light in the main scanning direction on the paper conveyed in the sub-scanning direction at a constant speed. As the exposure engine 32, those having various structures can be adopted. For example, a laser engine, a PLZT engine, a CRT engine, or the like can be adopted.

  The paper on which the image has been baked and exposed by the exposure engine 32 is sent to the development processing unit 33 and subjected to development processing, and then subjected to drying processing in the drying processing unit 34, and a finished photographic print is produced from the paper discharge unit 35. It is discharged outside. The discharged photographic prints are accumulated in an accumulation unit (not shown) in units of one order.

<Interrupt processing>
Next, the interrupt processing function that is a feature of the present invention will be described. In order to implement interrupt processing, priority setting means 38 is provided.

  As described above, in order to receive image processing data from the terminal processing device 2 and perform print processing, the photo processing device 1 is basically set to the second print mode. However, even if a request for print processing is made from the terminal processing device 2 side while the photo processing device 1 is set to the first print mode and the print processing in the first print mode is being performed, the print processing is not performed. If you can't do it, you can't respond quickly. If there is a considerable amount of orders to be printed on the photo processing device side, the terminal processing device 2 must wait until the print processing is possible, and work efficiency is reduced. In addition, there is a fear that it is impossible to provide a prompt service to a customer if it is not possible to cope with an urgent print process.

  Accordingly, priority setting means 38 is provided so that whether or not to preferentially make a print processing request from the terminal processing device 2 can be set in advance. A large number of terminal processing devices 2 may be connected to the network 3, and it is possible to set whether or not to permit interruption for each terminal processing device 2. Some operators of the terminal processing device 2 are beginners such as part-time workers and part-time clerk, and others are skilled workers. In consideration of such points, it is possible to make a setting so as not to permit interruption for a print processing request from the terminal processing device 2 operated by a beginner. Thereby, a safe and reliable printing process can be ensured.

  With respect to the terminal processing device 2 that has permitted the interruption, if there is a print processing request, even if the photo processing device 1 is set to the first print mode and is in the middle of performing the print processing, the terminal processing device 2 The printing process can be performed in response to a request from. In this case, the printing process in the first print mode is temporarily interrupted. When the print process is interrupted, it is performed in units of orders. This is because if the printing is interrupted in the middle of the order, sorting of subsequent photo prints becomes complicated. The basic unit of print processing is one order. However, if the complexity of sorting is not taken into consideration, an interruption can be made in the middle of the order. In this case, it is possible to quickly respond to an interrupt request from the terminal processing device 2.

  As another configuration, when there is a print processing request, the fact is displayed on the screen of the monitor 15. Thereby, the operator of the photo processing apparatus 1 can recognize that there is a print processing request. Further, when it is not set in advance whether or not to preferentially perform the print processing from the terminal processing device 2, it can also be performed as follows.

  That is, when a print processing request is received from the terminal processing device 2, this is displayed on the monitor screen. Then, the operator is made to select whether or not to permit interruption on this display screen (based on the function of GUI 11 (corresponding to display control means)). Therefore, instead of setting in advance, it can be determined each time. There is an advantage that it can be adapted to the occasion according to the processing status of the photographic processing apparatus 1.

  The interrupt process described above is a process in which a print processing request from the terminal processing device 2 is received and processed quickly in a state where the first print mode is set. For the terminal processing device 2 that is not permitted to be interrupted, the print processing can be performed by changing the setting of the photo processing device 1 to the second print mode. Therefore, when there is a print processing request from the terminal processing device 2 that is not permitted to be interrupted, the print processing cannot be performed immediately, but the fact that there is a request (acceptance processing) is accepted, and the photo processing device 1 If the mode is changed to the second print mode, print processing can be performed.

<Functional block configuration of terminal processing device>
Next, functions of the terminal processing device 2 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. Similar to the photo processing apparatus 1, a second image exposure unit 40 for performing image processing is provided. The second image exposure unit 40 is configured by software, and includes a GUI 41, an image processing unit 42, and a module that functions as the network control unit 43. The GUI 41 and the image processing unit 42 have the same functions as the GUI 11 and the image processing unit 12 of the first image exposure unit 10 of the photographic processing apparatus 1. That is, the photo processing apparatus 1 and the terminal processing apparatus 2 use the same software except for the hardware control means 13 and the network control means 43 modules. Image processing data obtained in the terminal processing device 2 can be transmitted to the photo processing device 1 via the network 3 based on the function of the network control means 43.

  Unlike image processing software that is generally commercially available, image processing software used in the photographic processing apparatus 1 has various functions necessary for photographic processing. In terms of usability, improvements have been made compared to general software. On the other hand, the terminal processing device 2 can be configured by a personal computer, and it is conceivable to install general image processing software. However, in this case, there are the following problems.

  If the image processing software differs between the photographic processing device 1 and the terminal processing device 2, a plurality of types of software must be learned, which increases unnecessary work. Photo shops often hire part-time workers and part-timers, and if there are many types of software, the training time for these store staff also increases, which wastes the work time that should be spent on the original photo processing. It will also be. Therefore, by making the software used in the photo processing device 1 and the terminal processing device 2 substantially the same, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary work of learning how to use the software. Therefore, the image processing operation in the terminal processing device 2 can be performed in exactly the same manner as in the case of the photo processing device 1.

  A monitor 44 and a keyboard 45 are provided for performing image processing and other photographic processing operations. The setting data file storage unit 46 stores a setting data file, which is basically the same as the setting data file stored in the photo processing apparatus 1. Thereby, work such as image processing can be performed under the same conditions in the photographic processing apparatus 1 and the terminal processing apparatus 2, and the same processing is performed regardless of whether the photographic processing apparatus 1 or the terminal processing apparatus 2 performs image processing. Quality photo prints are obtained.

  The image input device 47 is a device for acquiring image data from a storage medium of a digital camera or other recording media. The input image data is temporarily stored in the image data storage unit 48. The image processing operation by the second image processing unit 40 is the same as that already described in the photo processing apparatus 1, and the configuration example of the monitor screen can be the same as that in FIG. The correction data obtained by the image processing by the second image exposure unit 40 is temporarily stored in the correction data storage unit 49. The image data storage unit 48 and the correction data storage unit 49 are the same as the image data storage unit 8 and the correction data storage unit 17 in FIG. The image data storage unit 48 and the correction data storage unit 49 are collectively defined as a data storage unit 58.

  A photographic print is created from the image processing data obtained by the image processing by the second image processing unit 40. However, it is not necessary to immediately perform the printing process, and the data is stored and the printing process is performed later. You can also do it all together. For this purpose, an order data storage unit 50 is provided, in which order data can be stored. This is the same as the case of the order data storage unit 9 in FIG. That is, it is possible to easily cope with re-baking processing and re-printing processing.

  The image processing function in the terminal processing device 2 is only the second image processing unit 40 configured by software, and hardware (image processing board) as provided in the photographic processing device 1 is not provided. Since the image processing board becomes expensive in cost, it is not preferable to install the image processing board in each of a plurality of terminal processing devices because the cost required for system construction increases considerably.

  The terminal processing device 2 can perform image processing work intensively regardless of the operating status of the photo processing device 1. While the terminal processing device 2 performs image processing, the photo processing device 1 can perform print processing separately from this, so that the processing efficiency of the entire image processing system is improved. Even if the power of the photo processing apparatus 1 is turned off, the image processing can be performed only by the terminal processing apparatus 2. For example, image processing can be performed collectively at night when the photo processing apparatus 1 is not operating, order data can be accumulated, and print creation processing can be performed collectively the next morning, so that work efficiency can be improved.

  If the image processing work can be performed only by the photo processing apparatus 1, even if it is desired to perform the image processing, if another operator is using the photo processing apparatus 1, it cannot be used because it is not possible to perform its own work. A long waiting time. According to the present invention, such a useless waiting time does not occur.

  When print processing is performed, the image processing data is sent to the network 3 via the image output unit 55 (function of the network control unit 43). The image processing data is transmitted to the photo processing apparatus 1 via the network 3, and image data for exposure is generated on the image processing board 20 of the photo processing apparatus 1, and a photo print is created based on this.

  The image data writing device 56 is a device for writing image data on a recording medium such as a CD-R or a DVD. In this case, the image data output from the image output unit 55 is transferred to the image data writing device 56. The data transferred to the image data writing device 56 is not the image data and the correction data, but the corrected image data corrected by the correction data. The processing for generating the corrected image data is performed by software in the terminal processing device 2. The image data writing device 56 does not need to be provided in all the terminal processing devices 2 provided in plural, and may be provided only in a specific terminal processing device 2.

<Interrupt print processing procedure>
Next, the procedure for interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the photo processing apparatus 1, the first print mode is set, and print processing (photo print creation) is performed based on the image processing data obtained by the first image processing unit 10 (# 1). If there are a plurality of orders, the orders for a plurality of orders are collectively processed. If the print processing has not been completed (# 2), and the interrupt print processing from the terminal processing device 2 has been performed (# 3), it is determined whether or not to permit (# 4). If the request is from the terminal processing device 2 that does not permit interruption in advance by the function of the priority setting means 38, a non-permission signal is returned to the terminal processing device 2 (# 5). The monitor screen of the terminal processing device 2 displays that interruption has not been permitted.

  On the other hand, when the interruption is permitted, it is determined whether or not the print processing currently being performed by the photo processing apparatus 1 is in the middle of the order (# 6). Wait until. When the print processing for the order is completed, the print processing is temporarily interrupted (# 7). When the print process is interrupted, a message to that effect is displayed on the screen of the monitor 15 to notify the operator.

  Next, the transmission of the image processing data from the terminal processing device 2 is accepted and the interrupt printing process is started (# 8, # 9). When the interrupt printing process is started, it is preferable to transmit a signal to that effect to the terminal processing device 2. Thereby, it is possible to know that the allocation print processing has been started in the photo processing apparatus 1.

  When the interrupt print process is completed (# 10), the previously interrupted print process is resumed (# 11).

<Another embodiment>
(1) The photographic processing apparatus according to the present invention may not be an apparatus in which the image processing unit and the image exposure unit are integrated. For example, in FIG. 1, the scanner device 6 has a structure separated from the photographic processing apparatus main body. However, the image processing unit and the image exposure unit may be separated from each other in the same manner as this. When disconnected, it is connected by a communication line.
(2) The terminal processing apparatus can be configured by a general-purpose computer (personal computer), but is not limited thereto, and may be configured by a computer specialized for a specific function.

Schematic diagram showing the system overview Functional block diagram showing the configuration of the photo processing apparatus Functional block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal processing device The figure which shows the structural example of the monitor screen at the time of performing image processing work Flow chart for interrupt print processing

Explanation of symbols

1 Photo processing device 2 Terminal processing device 3 Network 8 Image data storage unit 10 First image processing unit 11 GUI
12 image processing means 13 hardware control means 14 setting data file storage section 17 correction data storage section 20 image processing board 22 image processing means 24 firmware 25 processing selection means 32 exposure engine 36 data communication section 37 mode setting means 38 priority setting means 40 2 image processing unit 41 GUI
42 Image processing means 43 Network control means 44 Monitor 45 Keyboard 46 Setting data file storage section 47 Image input device 48 Image data storage section 49 Correction data storage section 50 Order data storage section

Claims (5)

A photographic processing apparatus having a first image processing unit having a function of performing image processing on input image data, and an image exposure unit performing print processing on a photographic photosensitive material based on image data for exposure;
A terminal processing apparatus including a second image processing unit having a function of performing image processing on input image data;
An image processing system comprising one or a plurality of the photographic processing devices and a network means for connecting the one or a plurality of the terminal processing devices,
The photo processing apparatus
A first print mode for performing print processing based on the image processing data obtained by the first image processing unit, and a second print mode for performing print processing based on the image processing data obtained by the second image processing unit. Configurable mode setting means,
There is provided priority setting means for preliminarily setting whether or not to preferentially process a print processing request from the terminal processing device when performing the print processing in the first print mode. ,
An image processing system configured to be capable of interrupting a print processing request from a terminal processing device.   The image processing according to claim 1, wherein the priority setting unit is configured to be able to select a terminal processing device that performs processing preferentially from among a plurality of terminal processing devices connected to the network unit. system.   3. The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising display control means for displaying a message to the effect on a monitor screen when a print processing request is received from a terminal processing apparatus.   The priority setting means has a function of allowing an operator to select whether to accept or not when receiving a print processing request from a terminal processing device. The image processing system according to item 1. A photographic processing apparatus connected to a terminal processing apparatus having a second image processing unit having a function of performing image processing on input image data by a network means,
A first image processing unit having a function of performing image processing on input image data;
An image exposure unit that performs a print process on the photosensitive material based on the image data for exposure;
A first print mode for performing print processing based on the image processing data obtained by the first image processing unit, and a second print mode for performing print processing based on the image processing data obtained by the second image processing unit. Configurable mode setting means,
There is provided priority setting means for preliminarily setting whether or not to preferentially process a print processing request from the terminal processing device when performing the print processing in the first print mode. ,
A photographic processing apparatus characterized in that a print processing request from a terminal processing apparatus can be interrupted.

Images