JP2005205761A - Photograph processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photograph processing apparatus capable of making an invoice surely related to a bundle of photographs on every order. <P>SOLUTION: The photograph processing apparatus has a sorter 46 performing a classification processing on the bundles of the photographs printed on every requirement on printing. A data processing part 370 is equipped with a template selecting part 372 which selects a required template from a plurality of templates stored in a template storing part 361 by operating an inputting part 34 of a user, a character frame preparing part 373 which prepares a character frame on the template by operating the inputting part 34 of the user and prepares a frame positional data being positional information on the template of the character frame prepared, an addressee data processing part 374 which reads out the addressee data such as a postal code number, an address and a name from customer data stored in an order data storing part 365, and sets them in the character frame, a synthesizing part 379 which synthesizes a template image and a character image expressing the addressee data, and a print controlling part 380 which includes an image of an invoice prepared to a print processing of a corresponding print requirement of the customer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a photo processing apparatus installed in a store (lab shop) or the like that prints out image data based on a photo print order from a customer via a network line.

  Image data captured by a digital camera and image data read by a scanner can be transmitted and received between personal computers connected via a network line such as the Internet. For this reason, lab shops provide services for printing out image data of photographs taken on a website.

  Conventionally, a terminal device installed in a lab shop that owns a printer capable of printing an image on image paper from image data and a website server are connected via the Internet, and image data is transferred from a general customer terminal device to the server. When the details of the order are transmitted, the server transmits the order and image data to the terminal device of the lab store for print processing according to the type of the order and the designation by the customer. There is known a system for printing an image on photographic paper by a digital printer from image data transmitted according to the above. The developed photo is mailed to the customer according to the order or handed over to the customer who has received it. When mailing photos to customers, it was necessary to create a separate cover page to be attached to the photos.

  However, after fine adjustment such as color correction is performed on each image data scheduled to be printed on the monitor of the terminal device, the image data print processing by the printer is started, and it takes time until all image data is completed. When the print processing is executed sequentially for a large number of orders, the relationship with the bundle of photos for each discharged order after the print processing tends to be unclear, and the bundle of ejected photos is incorrect. There was a problem that a cover sheet might be attached.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and provides a photo processing apparatus capable of creating a cover sheet so as to ensure the association with a bundle of photos for each order. The purpose is to do.

  The photograph processing apparatus according to claim 1 receives image data of a photographed photograph and order data related to order contents of a photo print as a print request from a customer terminal device via a server on a network, and performs a print process on the image data. A photo processing apparatus that executes according to order data, sorts and prints a bundle of print photos for each print request, and includes customer data including at least a customer destination and address in response to receiving the print request from the server Receiving means, a cover page image generating means for combining the received customer address and address data with a template image in which a display frame is set, and printing of the customer's print request corresponding to the generated cover page image A cover sheet print processing means included in the processing is provided.

  A photographic processing apparatus according to claim 2 is a photographic processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a template storage means for storing a template image capable of forming at least a display frame for a destination and an address, and a display frame for the template image are set. And a display frame setting means.

  A photographic processing apparatus according to a third aspect is the photographic processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, further comprising position setting means for setting a position of the display frame to a desired position on the template.

  A photographic processing apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the photographic processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising size setting means for setting a size of the display frame to a desired size. .

  The photographic processing apparatus according to claim 5 is the photographic processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a display frame is set in advance in the template image, and the display frame includes a window position of the predetermined envelope with window. Correspondingly, the position on the template is preset as a default.

  A photographic processing apparatus according to a sixth aspect is the photographic processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the template storage means stores a plurality of types of template images.

  The photographic processing apparatus according to claim 7 is the photographic processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cover page image is printed in a size corresponding to a size of a predetermined envelope with a window. .

  The photographic processing device according to claim 8 is the photographic processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cover page print processing means executes the cover page image at one time point before and after the corresponding print processing. It is characterized by that.

  According to the photographic processing apparatus of the first aspect, when receiving a print request from the customer terminal device, customer data including at least a customer's destination and address is received by the receiving unit, and a template image is generated by the cover sheet image generating unit. Both the customer's destination and address data are combined in the display frame set to, and the cover page image created by the cover page print processing means is included in the print processing of the corresponding customer's print request. Can be created and sorted for each order, the collation between the photo and the cover sheet is not required, work efficiency can be improved, and erroneous delivery can be prevented.

  According to the photographic processing apparatus of the second aspect, the image processing apparatus includes a template storage unit that stores at least a template image in which a display frame of a destination and an address can be formed, and a display frame setting unit that sets a display frame on the template image. The arrangement of the display frame on the template can be set, and various types of cover sheets desired by the user can be created.

  According to the photographic processing apparatus of the third aspect, the display frame setting means includes the position setting means for setting the position of the display frame to a desired position on the template. The display frame can be arranged at an appropriate position according to the position of the window.

  According to the photographic processing apparatus according to claim 4, since the size setting means for setting the size of the display frame to a desired size is provided, it is appropriate according to the size of the window of the envelope with the window for enclosing the photo. A display frame of a large size can be set.

  According to the photo processing apparatus of claim 5, a display frame is set in advance in the template image, and the display frame has a position on the template corresponding to a window position of a predetermined envelope with a window. Since it is set as a default in advance, it is possible to set the address and address at an appropriate position corresponding to the window position of the envelope with window without setting a display frame on the template image. Can be created.

  According to the photo processing apparatus of the sixth aspect, since the template storage means stores a plurality of types of template images, various types of cover sheets can be created according to the type of envelope with a window that encloses a photo. It becomes.

  According to the photographic processing apparatus of the seventh aspect, since the cover sheet image is printed in a size corresponding to the size of the predetermined envelope with window, a cover sheet having a size that can be enclosed in the envelope with window can be obtained.

  According to the photographic processing apparatus of the present invention, the cover page print processing means executes the cover page image at one time point before and after the corresponding print processing, so that, for example, the photographic paper is faced down on the surface on which the image is formed. If the face-down method is used, the cover sheet image is printed before the photographed image data is printed, and the photographic paper is ejected with the image-formed side facing up. When the face-up method is adopted, the cover sheet image is printed after the image data of the photographed photograph is printed, so that the cover sheet can be converted into a bundle of photographs without rearranging the bundle of discharged photographs and the cover sheet. It becomes possible to make the cover. As a result, a bundle of photographs and a cover letter can be mailed by sealing them in an envelope with a window as they are, and work efficiency can be further improved.

  An embodiment of a photographic processing system to which the photographic processing apparatus of the present invention is applied will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a photographic processing system. In FIG. 1, a server 1 is connected to photo processing apparatuses A, B, and C of each laboratory store via the Internet 2 which is an example of a network line, and each of the photo processing apparatuses A, B, and C is connected to a laboratory terminal apparatus 3A. , 3B, 3C, and digital printers 4A, 4B, 4C connected thereto, respectively. The server 1 receives from the customer terminal devices 5A and 5B via the Internet 2 image data of photographed photographs and order data related to order contents of photo prints as a print request, and a data storage for temporarily storing the received data. A search unit that searches for a terminal device of a laboratory store designated by a customer, and a transmission unit that transmits image data and order data to the searched laboratory terminal device. The order data is data input by the input unit of the customer terminal devices 5A and 5B. The print size, number of photos, order contents data such as a lab shop, customer zip code, address (address), name (address) And customer data such as telephone numbers.

  FIG. 2 is an external configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a photo processing apparatus including a lab terminal apparatus 3A and a digital printer 4A. The lab terminal device 3A includes an image data reading unit 31 for reading image data stored in a recording medium such as a memory card, a scanner 32 for directly reading an image formed on a film or photographic paper, and a read image. And a display unit 33 for displaying an operation screen for accessing the server 1 on the Internet 2, an input unit 34 such as a keyboard and mouse for inputting instructions for predetermined image processing and print processing, and an image It includes a communication unit 35 that outputs data and control data for controlling the exposure unit to the digital printer 4A, and transmits / receives image data and the like to / from the server 1 via the Internet 2.

  The digital printer 4A cuts magazines 41 and 42 each having a plurality of types (for example, two types) of long photographic papers each having a different width, and cuts the photographic paper drawn out from the magazines 41 or 42 into a predetermined size. An exposure unit 43 that exposes an image (image data) transmitted from the lab terminal apparatus 3A on the photographic paper piece, a development processing unit 44 that develops, bleaches, fixes, and stabilizes the exposed photographic paper piece; A drying unit 45 for drying the printed photographic paper pieces, a sorter 46 for sorting and discharging the dried photographic paper pieces in order units, and the like.

  The sorter 46 includes a transport unit 460 and a placement unit 470. The photographic paper dried by the drying unit 45 is discharged in the A direction from the discharge port 451 at the top of the drying unit 45 and sequentially dropped onto the transport unit 460. The transport unit 460 includes a belt conveyor 401 that can rotate around the belt. When the photographic paper is discharged from a discharge port 451 by a belt driving unit (such as a motor) (not shown), the photographic paper is sequentially fed in the B direction orthogonal to the A direction. Transport.

  The placement unit 470 includes a circulation type tray having a plurality of trays 471 that are circulated in the vertical direction by chain drive. The guide plate 472 provided on the upper portion of the placement unit 470 abuts on the photographic paper conveyed to the downstream end 461a of the belt conveyor 461, and drops the photographic paper onto one tray 471 in the placement unit 470. . The loading unit 470 moves the tray 471 by one tray pitch in the D direction (downward) by a tray driving unit (not shown) each time one order of photographic paper is stacked on one tray 471. As a result, a bundle of photographic paper pieces sorted in units of orders is stocked on each tray 471 of the placement unit 470. Here, a circulating tray type is adopted as the mounting portion 470, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a second belt conveyor orthogonal to the belt conveyor 461 is provided on the downstream end 461 a side of the belt conveyor 461. When photographic paper for one order is loaded on the second belt conveyor, the second belt conveyor may be moved by a predetermined amount to perform the sorting process in units of orders.

  The digital printer 4A has either a face-down method that discharges a piece of photographic paper to the sorter 46 with the surface on which the image is formed facing down, or a face-up method that ejects the surface on which the image is formed onto the sorter 46 in an upward state. Can also be adopted.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the lab terminal apparatus 3A. 2 is connected to the control unit 36. The image data reading unit 31, the scanner 32, the display unit 33, the input unit 34, and the communication unit 35 shown in FIG. The control unit 36 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a program for controlling various operations of the photo processing apparatus, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing various necessary data such as each screen data in advance, and also includes a data storage unit 360 and data. A processing unit 370 is provided. The data storage unit 360 is composed of a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a template storage unit 361 that stores a template that is a template of a cover page attached to a printed photograph, and a template by the user's operation of the input unit 34. Each time a set shape for inputting characters, for example, a rectangular character frame, is created, a frame arrangement storage unit 362 that stores position data on the template of the created character frame, and a user input unit 34 An input character string storage unit 363 that stores input character string data such as greetings and advertisements inputted by operation, and characters that convert character data set in the character frame into character data of a size suitable for the character frame When the specified data string (hereinafter referred to as “specific character string”) is included in the setting data for the enlargement / reduction function or the character string data displayed in the character frame. In addition, a character processing data storage unit 364 that stores setting data of a specific character string conversion function that replaces the specific character string with characters such as a name included in customer data stored in the order data storage unit 364, and the server 1 The order data storage unit 365 stores the order data transmitted from the server 1 and the image data storage unit 366 stores the image data transmitted from the server 1.

  FIG. 4A is an example of a data structure diagram included in the frame position data stored in the frame position storage unit 362. The frame position data includes “frame left edge position data” indicating the left edge position of the character frame on the template, “frame upper edge position data” indicating the upper edge position, “frame right edge position data” indicating the right edge position, and lower edge position. “Frame lower end position data”. Here, the horizontal X axis and the vertical Y axis are taken with the upper left position of the template as the origin. In this case, “frame left edge position data” is represented by the X coordinate of the left edge position of the character frame, “frame upper edge position data” is represented by the Y coordinate of the upper edge position of the character frame, and “frame right edge position data” is represented by the character frame. It can be expressed by the X coordinate of the right end position, and the “frame lower end position data” can be expressed by the Y coordinate of the lower end position of the character frame. Hereinafter, the X coordinate of the frame left end position data and the Y coordinate of the frame upper end position data are referred to as “start point coordinate data”, and the X coordinate of the frame right end position data and the Y coordinate of the frame lower end position data are referred to as “end point coordinate data”.

  When the data processing unit 370 receives image data and order data of a photographed photograph as print requests from the customer terminal devices 5A and 5B via the server 1 on the network 2, the image data storage unit stores the image data and the order data, respectively. 366 and a print request receiving unit 371 that stores data in association with predetermined data in the order data storage unit 365, and a desired template is selected from a plurality of templates stored in the template storage unit 361 by the operation of the user input unit 34 A template selection unit 372 for generating a character frame on the template by the user's operation of the input unit 34 and generating frame position data, and customer data stored in the order data storage unit 365 Reads zip code, address, and name data and edits them as described below The character string input by the operation of the destination data processing unit 374 and the user input unit 34 is stored in the input character string storage unit 363 and displayed on the display unit 33, and a predetermined character string is displayed on the displayed character string. The input character string processing unit 376 that performs the editing process, and the character data of the zip code, address, and name are set in the character frame created on the template, and the template image and the character image are combined to create the cover page image A print control unit 380 that causes the digital printer 4A to execute print processing in accordance with the print size and number of prints included in the order data, and image data and order data of the photographed photograph received as a print request and print processing. And a display control unit 381 that displays an operation screen for inputting various instructions when performing the operation on the display unit 33. In addition, the printer control unit 380 includes the cover page image created by the synthesizing unit 379 before and after the print processing for the print request, and transmits the data to the digital printer 4A as print target data for the first page or the last page.

  The destination data processing unit 374 has a font size determining unit 375 that determines a font size that matches the size of the character frame on the template, and a character expansion / contraction function that creates a character having a size determined by the font size determining unit 375. It is what has. The font size determination unit 375 calculates the vertical size of the character frame from the difference between the upper end position data and the lower end position data of the frame position data stored in the frame arrangement storage unit 362 and stores it in the character processing data storage unit 364. Based on the setting data of the character expansion / contraction function, the font size is determined according to the size of the character frame. The character processing data storage unit 364 stores a font size table associating the vertical size of the character frame with the font size of the character inserted in the character frame as setting data for the character expansion / contraction function.

  The input character string processing unit 376 stores in the character processing data storage unit 364 a specific character search unit 377 that searches for a predetermined specific character string from among input character strings input by the user's operation of the input unit 34. And a character conversion unit 378 that replaces the specific character string searched by the specific character search unit 377 with characters such as a name included in the customer data based on the specific character conversion table. Here, FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining an example of the specific character conversion table stored in the character processing data storage unit 364. Specific character strings corresponding to each data such as name and zip code included in the customer data are set in advance. For example, the specific character strings corresponding to the zip code, address, and name are “XXXX” and “YYYY”, respectively. , “ZZZ”, and the specific character strings corresponding to the print size, the number of orders, and the number of indexes are, for example, “AA”, “BB”, and “CC”. Here, the specific character string is an example, and each data such as a name and a zip code can be specified using a specific character string made up of another character string. In addition, information that changes for each order, such as a telephone number and order reception date / time, may be set to be replaceable with a specific character string.

  A print process in the laboratory terminal device 3A that has received the image data and the order data from the server 1 via the Internet 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing by the control unit 36 shown in FIG.

  In step S1, the print request receiving unit 371 stores the image data in the image data storage unit 366 when receiving image data and order data of a photographed photograph transmitted from the server 1 on the network 2 as a print request. The data is stored in the order data storage unit 365. In step S <b> 3, an output setting screen for operating image data output processing of the digital printer 4 </ b> A by the operation of the input unit 34 by the user is displayed on the display unit 33. FIG. 6 shows an example of the output setting screen. In the output setting screen, a print size input field 47a and a number input field 47b for inputting the print size and the number of sheets of each image by the operation of the user input unit 34, and a cover sheet creation for setting the creation of a cover sheet A key 48 and a print key 49 for inputting a print processing instruction to the digital printer 4A are included.

  In step S5, the user refers to the order data displayed on another screen of the display unit 33 using the input unit 34, and prints the print size of each image corresponding to the print request in the print size input column 47a and the number input column 47b. And enter the number of sheets. In step S7, it is determined whether or not the cover sheet preparation key 48 is pressed on the output setting screen. If it is determined that the cover sheet preparation key 48 is pressed (Yes in step S7), the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the cover sheet creation key 48 is not pressed (No in step S7), the process proceeds to step S9. In step S9, it is determined whether or not the print key 49 has been pressed. If the print key 49 has been pressed, the print controller 380 transmits image data corresponding to the print request to the digital printer 4A in step S11. Then, the digital printer 4A is caused to execute print processing. If the print key 81 is not pressed, the process returns to step S7, and steps S7 and S9 are repeated until the cover sheet creation key 48 or the print key 81 is pressed.

  In step S13, a template selection screen for selecting a cover page template is displayed on display 33. FIG. 7 is a screen diagram illustrating an example of a template selection screen. In the template selection screen, a template display unit 50 in which thumbnail images that are reduced images of the plurality of templates 51 a to 51 i are displayed in the center of the screen, and the template display unit 50 is scrolled up and down to the right side of the template display unit 50. Scroll keys 52a and 52b and a scroll bar 52c are displayed. In the lower part of the screen, an enlarged display key 53 for enlarging the selected template, a “next” key 54 for inputting a switching instruction for switching the display screen of the display unit 33 to the next screen, a display screen A “return” key 55 for inputting a switching instruction for switching to the previous screen, and a printing key 56 for inputting a print start instruction for executing print processing of image data displayed on the template display unit 30. Is displayed. A template in a selected state among the plurality of templates 51a to 51i is surrounded by a bold outer frame, and the template to be selected can be changed by moving the bold frame by pressing a movement key or clicking a desired template. is there.

  In step S15, it is determined whether or not the enlarged display key 53 is pressed with the template selected. If the enlarged display key 53 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S17, where the template selection unit 372 selects the template. Image data corresponding to the template is read from the template storage unit 361 and displayed enlarged on the display unit 33. Here, the template 31 c is selected and enlarged and displayed on the display unit 33.

  FIG. 8 is a screen diagram illustrating an example of a screen on which a template is enlarged and displayed. The center of the screen includes an enlarged display portion 60 that enlarges and displays the selected template, and character frames 62 to 65 are created by performing drag and drop on the template displayed on the enlarged display portion 60. Here, it is necessary to arrange the character frame into which the destination data such as the postal code, the address, and the name is fitted so as to correspond to the window 61 of the envelope 60 with a window. Further, when the created character frames 62 to 65 are selected and right-clicked, a pull-down menu for selecting the content of character data to be fitted in the character frames 62 to 65 adjacent to the character frames 62 to 65 (illustrated). In this pull-down menu, for example, “zip code”, “address”, and “name” are displayed, and the contents of the character data to be combined are selected in the character frames 62-65. The character string is displayed. In this example, “zip code”, “address”, and “name” are exemplified as objects to be combined into a character frame, but the present invention is not limited to this, and images of other data included in order data can be combined. It can also be displayed in a pull-down menu if possible. On the other hand, if the character box 62-65 is selected and left-clicked, input of characters such as a greeting text and a promotional text is permitted in the character frames 62-65. Here, if the customer's name, etc. included in the greeting text etc. to be entered in the character frames 62-65 is input with a specific character set in advance, the specific character is converted into the customer's name, etc. at the time of printing and output. It has come to be.

  Further, on the lower side of the screen, a preview key 78 for displaying the composite image data in which the character data is combined in the character frames 62 to 65 on the template on the enlarged display unit 60, and the display screen of the display unit 33 are the following screens. A “next” key 79 for inputting a switching instruction for switching to the screen, a “back” key 80 for inputting a switching instruction for switching the display screen to the previous screen, and the enlarged display section 60 A print key 81 for inputting a print start instruction for starting print processing of displayed image data is included.

  In addition, on the right side of the screen, in order from the top, a character string display unit 70 that displays editable character string data such as a greeting text input in the text input frame, and characters displayed in the text input frame are bolded A character string editing unit 73 composed of a plurality of editing keys for executing editing processing such as making an italic character, a font selecting unit 74 for selecting a font of a character displayed in the text input frame, and a text input frame A font size selection unit 75 for selecting the size of characters displayed in the text, a character color selection key 76 for selecting the color of characters displayed in the text input frame, and a background color of the text input frame And a background color selection key 77 for the purpose. The character string display unit 70 can scroll the screen up, down, left and right as appropriate using scroll keys 71a, 71b and a scroll bar 71c provided on the right side, and scroll keys 72a, 72b and a scroll bar 72c provided on the lower side. is there.

  Next, when drag and drop is performed on the template 61 by the operation of the user input unit 34, the character frame creation unit 373 creates character frames 62 to 64 on the template in step S18. When the contents of the character data to be combined with the character frames 62 to 64 are selected from the pull-down menu by the operation of, frame position data is created by the character frame creation unit 373 in step S19, and a predetermined address of the frame arrangement storage unit 362 is obtained. Is remembered. In FIG. 8, three character frames 62, 63, and 64 created on the upper left side of the template 61 are frames in which character data of postal codes are inserted in order from the top (hereinafter referred to as “postal code frames”), address characters. A frame into which data is inserted (hereinafter referred to as “address frame”), a frame into which character data of a name is inserted (hereinafter referred to as “address frame”) is set, and a character frame 65 created on the right side of the template 61 is It is assumed that the frame is set to a frame (hereinafter referred to as “text input frame”) for directly inputting character data by the operation of the input unit 34. The character frame creation unit 373 creates frame position data according to the number of character frames 62 to 65 created on the template, and the start point coordinate data (x1, y1) and end point coordinate data (x2, y2) of the character frame 62. The starting point coordinate data of the character frame 64 with y2) as the first frame position data and the start point coordinate data (x3, y3) and the end point coordinate data (x4, y4) of the character frame 63 as the second frame position data. (X5, y5) and end point coordinate data (x6, y6) are used as third frame position data, and start point coordinate data (x7, y7) and end point coordinate data (x8, y8) of the character frame 65 are set as the fourth frame. Each position data is stored at a predetermined address in the frame arrangement storage unit 362.

  When character data such as a greeting is input to the character string display unit 70 by operating the input unit 34, character data is created with the font size, character color, etc. set by the input character string processing unit 376 in step S21. In step S23, the character data created by the synthesis unit 379 is synthesized in the input sentence frame 65 on the template. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a synthesized image in which character data is synthesized within the input sentence frame 65 of the template. The user can change the setting of the font size, character color, font, etc. of the character string displayed in the input sentence frame 65 by the input character string processing unit 376 using the font size selection unit 75, the character color selection key 76, etc. This is done as appropriate by selecting the font size and character color. Further, when the user inputs character data such as a greeting text in the input text frame 65 using the input unit 34, a specific information set in advance at a place where the name, the number of prints, the number of indexes, etc. included in the greeting text are inserted. Insert a character string, for example, insert “XXXX” where you want to insert your name, insert “BB” where you want to insert the number of copies, and insert “CC” where you want to insert the number of copies To do.

  In step S25, it is determined whether or not the preview key 78 has been pressed. If it is determined that the preview key 78 has been pressed, the font size determination unit 375 causes the postal code frame 62, the address frame 63, and the address in step S27. The vertical size of each frame of the frame 64 is calculated, and the font size of the postal code, address, and name character data to be inserted is determined according to the vertical size of each frame. In step S29, the postal code, address, and full name character data are created by the destination data processing unit 374 with the font size determined by the font size determining unit 375, and then in step S31, the synthesizing unit 379 generates the postal code frame 62. The postal code, address, and name character data are set in each of the address frame 63 and the address frame 64, and the template image and the character image are synthesized.

  In step S33, it is determined whether or not the specific character string is included in the character string displayed in the text input frame 65 by the specific character search unit 377. If the specific character string is not included, the process proceeds to step S37. If the specific character string is included, the process proceeds to step S35. In step S35, the character data corresponding to the specific character string is read from the order data storage unit 365 by the character conversion unit 378 and converted from the specific character string to the character data. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the specific character string “XXXX” is searched by the specific character search unit 377, the character conversion unit 378, based on the specific character conversion table, the name character corresponding to the specific character Data is read from the order data storage unit 365, and the specific character string “XXXX” is converted into a name. Similarly, when a specific character string “BB” is searched by the specific character search unit 377, the character conversion unit 378 reads out the character data of the number of prints corresponding to the specific character string from the order data storage unit 365, When the specific character string “BB” is converted into the number of prints and the specific character search unit 377 searches for the specific character string “CC”, the character data of the index number corresponding to the specific character is stored from the order data storage unit 365. Read and convert the specific character string “CC” into the number of indexes.

  In step S37, it is determined whether or not the print key 81 is pressed by the print control unit 380. If the print key 81 is pressed, the display screen of the display unit 33 is displayed in step S38 as a print processing setting screen (not shown). ) And the print size and number of cover page images can be set. At this time, by setting the print size of the cover sheet image to a size corresponding to the size of the envelope with window, a cover sheet having a size that can be enclosed in the envelope with window can be obtained. Further, the print size of the cover sheet image may be set in accordance with the maximum size of the photo in the corresponding order.

  When the print size and the number of cover sheet images are set by operating the input unit 33 in step S38, the process proceeds to step S39, and the print control unit 380 sets the face-up method as print control for the photographic paper after image transfer. If it is determined whether face up is set, the process proceeds to step S41. In step S41, the print control unit 380 transmits the composite image data of the cover sheet created according to the print order to the digital printer 4A as the rear end image data of the image data of the photographed photograph, and performs print processing on the digital printer 4A. Let it run. The digital printer 4A sequentially performs image data print processing for each frame, and when print processing for one order is completed, print processing is performed based on the combined image data on the cover sheet. As a result, on the tray 471 of the sorter 46, printed pictures and cover sheets are sequentially stacked with the image transfer surface facing upward.

  On the other hand, if the face-up setting is not set, that is, if the face-down setting is set, the process proceeds to step S43, and the print control unit 380 shoots the composite image data of the cover sheet created according to the print order. The leading edge image data of the photographic image data is transmitted to the digital printer 4A, and the digital printer 4A is caused to execute print processing. The digital printer 4A first performs print processing based on the composite image data of the cover sheet, and then performs print processing of the image data of the photographed photograph. As a result, on the tray 471 of the sorter 46, printed pictures and cover sheets are sequentially stacked with the image transfer surface facing upward.

  FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams showing photographs and cover sheets output from the digital printer 4A. A bundle of cover sheets S1 and photographs S1 stacked on the tray 471 of the sorter 46 and cover sheets S1 are used for sending photographs in advance. In the envelope 90 with a window prepared in the above, a destination portion of a cover sheet is arranged in a window 91 provided in the envelope 90 with a window so that the destination of the photo can be confirmed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when a print request is received from the customer terminal devices 5A and 5B via the server 1 on the network 2, the user uses the input unit 34 of the lab terminal device 3A to form a cover page template. By selecting 61 and creating character frames 62 to 64 for fitting the destination data on the template 61, the destination data included in the customer data is synthesized into the character frames 62 to 64 by the synthesis unit 379. Since the digital printer 4A performs the print processing of the cover sheet simultaneously with the print processing of the image data of the photographed photograph, it is possible to omit the manual preparation of the cover sheet and to check the bundle of photographs with the cover sheet. There is no need, and workability can be improved.

  Further, since the position of the character frame on the template can be set to a desired position by operating the input unit 34, the character frame is arranged at an appropriate position according to the size, shape, window position, etc. of the envelope with window. be able to. In addition, since the size of the character frame on the template can be set to a desired size by operating the input unit 34, a character frame having an appropriate size can be set on the template according to the size of the window of the envelope with window. It is possible to set.

  Further, when the user inserts a predetermined specific character string when inputting character data such as a greeting into the text input frame 65 using the input unit 34, the name including the specific character string included in the order data by the character conversion unit 378 Because it is converted into character data such as print size and number of copies, it is possible to check the order data again when creating a greeting, etc. It is possible to improve workability.

  Also, depending on the orientation of the image transfer surface of the photographic paper discharged from the drying unit 45 of the digital printer 4A, the cover sheet print processing is executed before or after the photographed photo print processing. The cover page can be used as the cover of a bundle of photos without rearrangement. As a result, the bundle of photographs loaded on the tray 471 and the cover letter can be mailed by enclosing them in the envelope 90 with a window as it is, and the work efficiency can be further improved.

  In the present embodiment, a character frame is created on the template by the character frame creation unit 373 according to an operation instruction of the input unit 34 by the user, but a zip code frame is previously set at a position corresponding to the window 91 of the envelope 90 with a window. A template storage unit for storing a default template in which an address frame and a name frame are arranged may be provided, and the destination data may be combined in each frame on the template by the combining unit. This eliminates the need for display frame setting processing and simplifies cover sheet creation processing. Further, in this case, a plurality of types of templates are stored in the template storage unit in advance according to the shape and size of the envelope with a window, and the window position in the envelope, thereby creating a cover sheet according to the type of envelope with a window. It becomes possible.

  In this embodiment, the destination data and character data such as greetings are combined with the cover page template. However, the two templates are used, and the greeting is displayed on a template different from the cover page including the destination data. You may make it synthesize | combine characters, such as a sentence.

  In this embodiment, either the face-up method or the face-down method can be selected as a method for discharging the photographic paper pieces to the tray 471. However, it is not necessary to use the selection method, and either method is set in advance. When the photo processing apparatus is adopted, the print order of the cover pages may be controlled in accordance with the set method.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the photograph processing system in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the laboratory terminal device and digital printer which are shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the laboratory terminal device shown in FIG. (A) is an example of the data structure figure contained in frame position data in a frame arrangement | positioning memory | storage part, (b) is a figure which shows an example of the setting data of the specific character conversion function memorize | stored in a character processing data storage part. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process by the control part shown in FIG. It is a screen figure which shows an example of an output setting screen. It is a screen figure which shows an example of a template selection screen. It is a screen figure which shows an example of the enlarged screen on which the template was expanded and displayed. It is a figure which shows an example of the synthesized image by which character data was inserted in the input text frame of the template. It is a figure showing the photograph output from the digital printer, and a cover sheet. It is a figure for demonstrating the procedure at the time of putting a photograph and a cover letter in an envelope.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Server 2 Internet 3 Lab terminal device 4 Digital print 5 Customer terminal device 31 Image data reading part 32 Scanner 33 Display part 34 Input part 35 Communication part 36 Control part 41, 42 Magazine 43 Exposure part 44 Development processing part 45 Drying part 46 Sorter 360 Data storage unit 361 Template storage unit 362 Frame layout storage unit 363 Input character string storage unit 364 Character processing data storage unit 365 Order data storage unit 366 Image data storage unit 370 Data processing unit 371 Print request reception unit 372 Template selection unit 373 Character Frame creation unit 374 Destination data processing unit 375 Font size determination unit 376 Input character string processing unit 377 Specific character search unit 378 Character conversion unit 379 Composition unit 380 Print control unit 381 Display control unit

Claims (8)

  Receiving image data of a photographed photograph and order data relating to the order contents of a photo print from a customer terminal device via a server on a network, executing print processing on the image data according to the order data, and bundling of printed photographs A photo processing apparatus that sorts and discharges each print request, and accepts customer data including at least a customer destination and address in response to accepting the print request from the server; and A cover page image creating means for combining both address and address data with a template image in which a display frame is set, and a cover sheet print processing means for including the created cover page image in the print processing of the corresponding customer print request. A photographic processing apparatus comprising: Template storage means for storing a template image capable of forming at least a destination and address display frame;
The photographic processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display frame setting means for setting a display frame on the template image.   3. The photo processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising position setting means for setting a position of the display frame to a desired position on the template.   The photographic processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising size setting means for setting a size of the display frame to a desired size.   In the template image, a display frame is set in advance, and the display frame is set in advance as a default position on the template corresponding to the window position of the predetermined envelope with window. The photographic processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The photographic processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the template storage unit stores a plurality of types of template images.   The photographic processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cover page image is printed in a size corresponding to a predetermined size of an envelope with a window.   8. The photo processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cover page print processing means executes the cover page image at one time point before and after the corresponding print processing.

Images