JP2009237122A - Delivery system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To constitute a system for a customer to easily determine deliverable one out of a plurality of delivery devices for delivering a recording medium to the customer. <P>SOLUTION: This delivery system is installed with a reception device A for issuing a reception certificate printed with identification information when receiving an order from the customer, and the delivery devices E for delivering the recording medium ordered by the customer, by taking the recording medium of the reception certificate in by a barcode reader 44. The delivery system is further installed with a guide device F for outputting information for specifying the delivery devices E stored with the recording medium correlated with the identification information, by reading the identification information of the reception certificate by a barcode reader 54. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention realizes delivery of a recording medium associated with the identification information by obtaining the accommodation unit having a plurality of accommodation spaces for accommodating the recording medium in order units and the identification information associated with the recording medium More specifically, the present invention relates to a delivery system that delivers a recording medium such as photographic paper on which an image is printed to a customer.

  As a delivery system configured as described above, there are those described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. In Patent Document 1, a processor unit that prints from photographic film to photographic paper, a shipping unit that packs and returns the DPE product, and centrally manages the DPE product based on an ID assigned to the photographic film. An automated lab processing system with a central manager is shown.

  In this patent document 1, after accepting a printing process from a negative film and paying money, a card in which an ID is recorded in the data recording area 46 together with the reception date and time, the scheduled date and time of completion, etc. is created for the customer. Deliver. After this acceptance, print exposure and development from negative film to photographic paper are performed. Next, in the bag filling section, negative sheets and prints are packed in DP bags and dropped from the hopper section onto the table of the conveyor stock section and stocked.

  In the shipping unit controller, the address of this table is associated with the ID given to the DP bag. The plurality of tables of the conveyor-type stock unit are rotatable about an axis in the left-right direction, and are configured so that the DP bag placed can be slid down and sent out by rotating around the axis. Next, when the customer inserts the card into the system and requests return, the shipping unit controller searches the address from the ID based on the ID of the card, and makes the table corresponding to the address correspond to the return port, The table is rotated around the axis, and the DP bag is guided to slide down to the return port and sent out.

  In Patent Document 2, an automatic reception unit and an automatic delivery unit are provided, and an automatic print reception / delivery device installed on an outer wall surface of a store is provided. In this device, in the automatic reception unit, the customer inputs the order information and the information for identifying the customer himself, and the order information is printed by inserting a film or a recording medium used in the digital camera into the film reception unit. A magnetic card type order card is printed out.

  Next, printing is performed from a film at a photo shop or the like, and the printed processed product (recording medium of the present invention) is stored in a storage room in a state of being stored in a storage bag (package of the present invention). This storage room is equipped with a lockable door. After that, when the customer receives a processed print, the order card is inserted into the order information confirmation section, and the charge displayed on the monitor is sent to the charge reception section. By paying, the number of the storage corresponding to the order is displayed on the monitor, the door of the storage is unlocked, and the customer opens the door to receive the print processing product.

JP-A-9-15827 (paragraph numbers [0035] to [0088], FIGS. 1 to 3) JP 2003-157474 A (paragraph numbers [0014] to [0065], FIGS. 1 to 5)

  Considering a small-scale DP store, in order to perform efficient processing with a small number of people, as described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, a printed matter is requested without passing through store personnel. It is effective to be able to perform a process of handing over to a customer who has made it.

  In addition, when delivering a large amount of printed matter to a customer, it is effective to install a plurality of devices (delivery devices) described in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2. Furthermore, when a plurality of delivery devices are installed, there is a need to limit the types of recording media accommodated in each delivery device in order to realize efficient accommodation. In other words, when storing a relatively small size printed product called a service size and a larger size printed product in the same device, it is necessary to adjust the storage space to the large size printed product, so the storage space is expanded. This leads to an increase in the size of the entire apparatus and a reduction in the number of accommodations.

  For this reason, it has been considered to separately provide a delivery device that accommodates a relatively small size printed matter called a service size and a delivery device that accommodates a larger size printed matter.

  However, if there are multiple devices that deliver prints to the customer, there are many cases where the customer cannot determine which device can receive the prints when receiving the prints. is there.

  An object of the present invention is to rationally configure a system that allows a customer to easily determine which delivery device can receive a recording medium even when a plurality of delivery devices are installed.

A feature of the present invention is that a storage unit having a plurality of storage spaces for storing recording media in units of orders and acquiring the identification information associated with the recording medium, thereby delivering the recording medium associated with the identification information. A delivery system provided with a delivery device having a delivery control unit for realizing
A plurality of the delivery devices are provided, and an identification information acquisition unit that captures the identification information from a customer, an information output unit that outputs information, and a reception control unit that controls these are provided,
The reception control unit includes information sharing means for referring to the recording medium accommodated in the accommodating units of the plurality of delivery devices and the identification information associated therewith via communication means, and When the identification information acquisition unit captures the identification information, the admission control unit specifies the delivery device in which the recording medium associated with the identification information is accommodated based on the information from the information sharing unit. The specific information is output to the information output unit.

  According to this configuration, when the customer receives the recording medium stored in the delivery device, the guidance control unit is based on the information from the information sharing means by causing the identification information acquisition unit of the guidance device to capture the identification information. Specific information specifying the delivery device in which the recording medium associated with the identification information is stored is output to the information output unit, and the customer receives the recording medium from the delivery device without hesitation based on this output. Is possible. Therefore, even if a plurality of delivery devices are installed, the customer can easily determine which delivery device can receive the recording medium and can receive the recording medium without wasting time. Reasonably structured.

  In the present invention, the delivery device includes the housing unit provided inside the housing, and a sending unit that sends the recording medium housed in the housing unit to the outside of the housing. An operation may be performed in which the storage space in which the recording medium associated with the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit is stored is determined, and the recording medium is sent out from the storage space by controlling the sending unit. According to this, the recording medium associated with the identification information can be sent out from the accommodating unit in the housing by the sending unit and received only by the customer having the identification information acquisition unit capture the identification information.

  The present invention includes a reception device that receives an image data processing order for a recording medium from a customer, and the reception device stores the identification information corresponding to the order when the reception device receives the image data processing order. An admission control unit that creates a certificate may be provided. According to this, when the customer orders image data processing at the reception unit, a reception certificate is created at the reception unit. Thereafter, the customer can receive a print medium from the delivery device by the reception certificate. It becomes possible.

  The present invention includes a reception server that receives an image data processing request for the recording medium via a communication network. When the reception server receives an image data processing order, character information or numerical information corresponding to the order is received. May be generated and transmitted to the customer via the communication network. According to this, when image data processing is received by a reception server via a communication network such as the Internet, identification information including character information or numeric information is generated and transmitted to the customer via the communication network. Can receive the print medium from the delivery device by the identification information.

  The present invention may include a print unit that prints image information on the recording medium, and an automatic loading unit that accommodates the recording medium printed by the print unit in a housing unit of the housing. According to this, for example, it is not necessary for the DP store personnel to store the recording medium in the storage space of the storage unit.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
〔overall structure〕
As shown in FIG. 1, a receiving apparatus A and a silver salt printer B that prints image data on a recording medium P made of silver salt type photographic paper based on information from the receiving apparatus A are provided. A delivery system is configured with two delivery devices E, a guidance device F, and a reception server G connected to the Internet N as a communication network.

  Three delivery devices E, a first delivery device E1, a second delivery device E2, and a third delivery device E3, are used. These three delivery devices E are the print size and the type of recording medium P used for printing ( A recording medium P corresponding to a type of glossy paper or semi-glossy paper is accommodated. In addition, numbers for identifying each of the three delivery devices E are displayed on the front surface.

  In particular, the recording medium P printed by the silver salt printer B is artificially enclosed in a processing bag Q (see FIG. 8). After this encapsulation, the processing bag Q is accommodated in the accommodation unit 46 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) of the third delivery device E3 by human operation. In this way, the third delivery device E3 accommodates a recording medium P that cannot be automatically printed, such as a post card or a greeting card, or a recording medium P with a low frequency of printing.

  The first delivery device E1 and the second delivery device E2 include an inkjet printer C that prints image data on a recording medium P made of recording paper, and an enveloper D that encloses the printed recording medium P in a processing bag Q. At the same time, the developer D automatically loads the recording medium P sealed in the processing bag Q into the accommodation unit 46 of the corresponding delivery device E. These two types of delivery devices E are installed to accommodate devices having different print sizes or types of recording media, and so-called “service size” having a high printing frequency is accommodated. .

  This delivery system is assumed to be installed in relatively large DP stores and large electronics stores, etc., and in this DP store, the counter table H can be used to receive photographic film from customers and receive orders. It also has.

  This delivery system realizes control for delivering the finished recording medium P to the customer even after the DP store is closed or in an environment where there are no personnel to manage. In order to realize such control, the delivery device E is installed at a part facing the outer wall surface or the passage of the store. The delivery system also includes an operation for printing image data on a recording medium P of a predetermined size, an operation for enclosing the processed recording medium P in a processing bag Q, and a processing bag Q in which the recording medium P is enclosed. The operation of loading the delivery device E is automatically performed. Thereby, in this delivery system, the amount of work of the DP store personnel is reduced.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the receiving device A, the silver salt printer B, the ink jet printer C, the developer D, the delivery device E, and the guide device F are connected to a communication cable L (an example of communication means). ) And are configured to allow information access to each other. Note that the communication cable L is assumed to perform communication using a wired LAN technique, but may use an intranet technique or a wireless communication technique.

[Outline of processing]
When the receiving apparatus A receives an order for print processing from a customer, the receiving apparatus A acquires image data, receives a fee corresponding to the order, and receives a receipt R (FIG. 2) on which identification information and the like are printed. Print out). Similarly, when a customer logs in to the reception server G via the Internet N and receives an order for print processing from this customer, the reception server G acquires image data, and receives character information or numerical information. Identification information including a password and a password including the password is generated and transmitted to the customer via the Internet N. In the reception via the Internet N, the customer pays the fee corresponding to the order separately via the Internet N.

  When the print size ordered by the receiving apparatus A is a relatively small size called a preset service size, the image data received by the receiving apparatus A is transmitted to the ink jet printer C and is made of recording paper. The recording medium P is printed on the recording medium P, and the printed recording medium P is sealed in the processing bag Q by the developer D. The developer D encloses the processing bag Q by the delivery device E (the first delivery device E1 or the second delivery device E2). ).

  In addition, when the print size ordered by the receiving device A is larger than the preset service size, or when the print frequency is low, or the image data is recorded on the recording medium P made of CD-R and electronically recorded. When creating an album, the image data received by the receiving device A is transmitted to the silver halide printer B, and the operator prints it on a silver halide recording medium P or records it on a CD-R. These are artificially enclosed in the processing bag Q in units of orders. Thus, the recording medium P on which the image data is printed and the recording medium P composed of the CD-R on which the image data is recorded are manually loaded into the third delivery device E3 by the personnel at the DP store.

  When the order received from the customer at the receiving device A is a mixture of service size and large size, the above two types of processing are performed simultaneously, and the customer records from a plurality of delivery devices E. The medium P is received.

  When the customer receives the recording medium P after the processing bag Q is accommodated in the delivery device E, it is associated with the identification information by causing the barcode reader 44 of the delivery device E to read the identification information of the receipt R. The processing bag Q in which the recording medium P is sealed is automatically sent out from the delivery device E so that the customer can receive it.

  In particular, in a store where a plurality of delivery devices E are installed, it is often impossible to determine which delivery device E contains the recording medium P ordered by the customer. In order to eliminate this inconvenience, the customer can specify the delivery device E by the guide device F by causing the guide device F to read the identification information of the receipt R, or by inputting the personal identification number into the guide device F. Information is output. Thus, the customer can receive the recording medium P from the delivery device E that accommodates the ordered recording medium P without error.

[Reception device]
As shown in FIG. 2, the accepting device A is composed of an upper accepting terminal AU and a lower fee accepting terminal AD. The reception terminal AU obtains shooting data from the front surface of the main body 1 from a semiconductor type medium (not shown) composed of a flash memory such as a compact flash (trademark), an SD card (trademark), or a memory stick (trademark). A plurality of types of semiconductor drives 2, a disk drive 3 for acquiring shooting data from a disk type medium (not shown) such as a floppy disk (trademark), MO, or CD-R, and a receipt R to be printed and ejected And a touch panel 6 formed on the display surface so as to display necessary data. The connector 5 is connected to a camera-equipped mobile phone on the upper surface of the main body 1 and the photographing data is acquired. A liquid crystal type monitor 7 is provided, and an acceptance control unit for processing received information and sending it out via a communication cable is provided inside the main body 1. It is equipped with a door 8.

  The fee receiving terminal AD includes a coin receiver 11 for receiving coins from a coin insertion hole 11A at an upper position of the vertically long case 10, and a bill receiver 12 for receiving banknotes from a bill insertion hole 12A. A change dispenser 13 for discharging change from the change discharge port 13A is provided at the position.

  The reception device A follows the guidance displayed on the monitor 7 at a reception terminal AU in a state where a customer has set a medium in the semiconductor drive 2 or the disk drive 3 or a mobile phone is connected to the connector 5. When the customer performs an operation of bringing the finger into contact with the touch panel 6, image data is acquired from a medium or a mobile phone, and processing for acquiring order data necessary for print processing or the like is realized.

  In this system, when an order is acquired, a reception processing sequence is set so that the order is completed by the customer paying a fee required for processing at the fee receiving terminal AD. If an order is acquired via the Internet, a fee will be separately received.

[Silver printer]
As shown in FIG. 1, the silver halide printer B has a dark box structure housing 20, a film scanner 22 on the upper surface of the console 21 at the end of the housing 20, a monitor 23 for displaying information, and a disk drive 24. And a main control unit 26 for performing processing necessary for printing.

  Although not shown in the drawing, the housing 20 includes an exposure unit that exposes the recording medium P made of photographic paper, a phenomenon processing unit that performs development processing of the recording medium after exposure, and a post-development processing unit. A drying unit for drying the recording medium. The outside of the housing 20 is provided with a transport belt 27 to which the recording medium P after drying is sent out, and a sorter 28 for sorting the recording media from the transport belt 27 in order units.

  In this silver halide printer B, an operator creates an electronic album using print processing or CD-R based on the image data and order data transmitted from the receiving device A.

〔inkjet printer〕
As shown in FIG. 4, the inkjet printer C has a conveyance path in which a plurality of pressure rollers 31 are arranged so as to convey a recording medium P made of recording paper wound in a roll shape. A print head 32 that ejects ink while reciprocating in the main scanning direction orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction with respect to the recording medium P sent in the sub-scanning direction along the path, and a recording in which image data is printed by the print head 32 A cutter 33 that cuts the medium P into a print size and a print control unit 34 that controls them are provided.

  In the inkjet printer C, the print control unit 34 controls the pressure roller 31, the print head 32, and the cutter 33 based on the image data and the order data transmitted from the receiving device A, and the recording medium P made of recording paper is used. The image data print processing is realized. Then, the recording medium P on which the image data is printed is continuously sent to the developer D described below.

[Enveloper]
As shown in FIG. 4, the developer D stacks and temporarily stores the recording media P printed by the inkjet printer C, and includes an enclosing unit 36 that encloses the stored recording media P in a processing bag Q in units of orders. In addition, a shift mechanism 37 that sets the processing bag Q in which the recording medium P is sealed in the sealing portion 36 to the insertion level, sets the processing bag Q to the insertion level, and sets the processing bag in the lateral direction, and the shift mechanism in the insertion position. The pusher 38 which inserts the process bag Q mounted in 37 to the delivery apparatus E, and the enclosure control unit 39 which controls these are provided. The shift mechanism 37 and the pusher 38 constitute the automatic loading unit of the present invention.

  In the enveloper D, the enclosure control unit 39 packages the recording medium by inserting the recording medium P continuously fed from the ink jet printer C into the processing bag Q having a predetermined size and closing it. At the same time, control is performed for insertion into the accommodation space of the delivery device E described below.

  The developer D performs a process of enclosing the recording medium P in the processing bag Q. As a process for packaging, the enveloper D encloses the recording medium in a box-shaped container, or the recording medium P A processing form may be set so that a resin sheet is wound around and packaged.

[Delivery device]
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the delivery device E includes a monitor 43 in which a touch panel 42 is formed on a display surface for displaying information on the front surface of the housing 41, and a barcode reader 44 that reads identification information from the receipt R. And a speaker 45, and three openings 41 </ b> G through which the recording medium P enclosed in the processing bag Q is sent out at the center position of the housing 41. In addition, an inlet 41 </ b> H for receiving the processing bag Q sent out from the developer D is formed on the rear surface side of the housing 41.

  The housing 41 includes two housing units 46 that move up and down and an electric lift motor 46M that lifts and lowers the housing unit 46. The housing 41 has a rear portion of the housing unit 46. Three delivery plates 47 (an example of a delivery unit) so as to send out the processing bag Q accommodated in the accommodation space S from the opening 41G, and an electric exit / retreat motor 47M that drives the three delivery plates 47 to exit and retract. The housing 41 is provided with a delivery control unit 48 for controlling them.

  The housing unit 46 includes a plurality of support plates 46A, and is configured as a rack in which a plurality of housing spaces S are formed by partitioning the space inside the housing unit. The two storage units 46 are arranged in parallel on the left and right, one of which is provided with two rows of support plates 46A and the other of which is provided with a row of support plates 46A.

  The two storage units 46 are moved up and down along guide rails (not shown) when the driving force from the lifting motor 46M is transmitted through the chain. In addition, the weight balance is balanced by setting the drive mode so that each of them moves up and down in the reverse direction.

  By acquiring the raising / lowering position of the storage unit 46 with a sensor (not shown), the positional relationship between each storage space S and the opening 41G is determined. Similarly, the position between each storage space S and the introduction port 41H is determined. Configured to determine relationships. The delivery control unit 48 manages the position of the recording medium P accommodated in the accommodation space S (position of the processing bag Q).

  As a result, when receiving the recording medium P enclosed in the processing bag Q from the developer D, the delivery control unit 48 raises and lowers the storage unit 46, so that the storage space S in which the processing bag Q is not stored. Move to the position of the inlet 41H. Similarly, when the recording medium P enclosed in the processing bag Q is sent out from the delivery device E, the storage unit 46 is moved up and down to open the storage space S in which the processing bag Q to be sent out is stored. It will be moved to 41G.

  When the customer receives the recording medium P, the delivery control unit 48 causes the bar code reader 44 of the delivery device E to read the identification information on the receipt R, so that the delivery control unit 48 has the recording medium P associated with the identification information. The storage space S that is stored is identified, the storage unit 46 is moved up and down, the delivery plate 47 is operated, and the recording medium P enclosed in the processing bag Q is sent out from the opening 41G. The recording medium P enclosed in the can be received.

[Guide device]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the guide device F includes a monitor 53 (information) in which a touch panel 52 (an example of an identification information acquisition unit) is formed on the display surface so as to display information on the front surface of the box-shaped case 51. An example of an output unit), a barcode reader 54 (an example of an identification information acquisition unit) that reads identification information from the receipt R, and a speaker 55 (an example of an information output unit) are provided. The case 51 includes a guidance control unit 56 that acquires information from the touch panel 52 and the barcode reader 54 and outputs the information to the monitor 53 and the speaker 55.

  The guidance control unit 56 sends association information indicating the recording medium P accommodated in the accommodation unit 46 of the delivery device E and the identification information associated therewith via the communication cable L (an example of communication means). The information sharing means 57 to refer is provided.

  In this guidance device F, when the identification information is taken in by the bar code reader 54, or when the personal identification number as the identification information is taken in by the touch panel 52 of the monitor 53, it is associated with the identification number and personal identification number. The delivery device E in which the recording medium P is accommodated is specified, and the specified information is displayed on the monitor 53 and output from the speaker 55.

  The specific information is composed of numbers displayed on the front surface of the delivery device E. For example, different patterns and colors are painted on the delivery device E, and the guidance device F is similar to this. The paint may be displayed on the monitor 53.

[System control configuration]
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a signal system is formed for transmitting information from the reception control unit 8 of the reception apparatus A to the main control unit 26 of the silver halide printer B via the communication cable L. A signal system is formed for transmitting information from the control unit 8 to the print control unit 34 of the inkjet printer C, the encapsulation control unit 39 of the developer D, and the delivery control unit 48 of the receiving device A via the communication cable L. ing. Further, the guidance control unit 56 of the guidance device F is connected to the communication cable L, and the reception server G and the reception control unit 8 of the reception device A are connected to each other via the communication cable L.

  The main control unit 26 has a function of managing the entire delivery system of the present invention. The main control unit 26 has a guide control unit 56 of the guide device F, a print control unit 34, and an enclosure control unit. 39 and a signal system for accessing information from the delivery control unit 48 is formed.

  Each of the reception control unit 8, the main control unit 26, the print control unit 34, the enclosure control unit 39, the delivery control unit 48, and the guide control unit 56 includes a microprocessor and software for realizing the corresponding processing. Yes.

[Handling procedure]
A flowchart of FIG. 9 shows an outline of a processing flow when the recording medium P is created using the system configuration shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and the recording medium P is delivered to the customer.

  That is, the reception process is executed when the customer sets the medium on which the image data is recorded on the reception terminal AU of the reception apparatus A and places an order (step # 101).

  More specifically, when the customer starts an order by touching an icon displayed on the monitor 7 with a finger or the like in the receiving device A, the reception control unit 8 assigns an order number and is necessary for the printing process. Order data such as print size and number of prints is acquired.

  Next, when this order is set, the reception control unit 8 displays the amount of the fee required for processing on the monitor 7, and in response to this, the customer inputs the coin insertion hole 11A of the fee receiving terminal AD and the bill. After payment of a fee for charging the insertion hole 12A is performed, image data to be processed is acquired. Thereafter, a receipt R is issued (printed) by the receipt printer 4. The receipt R is printed with an order number, a scheduled finish date, order contents, a receipt amount, identification information including a barcode, and the like.

  As this reception process, a customer can connect to the reception server G via the Internet N and specify image data to place an order. When an order is made in this way, the PIN number as identification information including character information or numerical information, the order number, the scheduled finish date and time of processing, the contents of the order, and the information on the order date and time are transmitted via the Internet. Transmitted to the customer.

  Next, when the reception control unit 8 determines that the print size is a size that can be automatically loaded from the developer D to the delivery device E based on the order data acquired in this way, the storage of the recording medium P is accommodated. The first delivery device E1 or the second delivery device E2 is selected as the destination.

  As a result, the printing process based on the order data is executed in the inkjet printer C connected to the selected delivery device E, and subsequently, the recording medium P on which the developer D is printed is enclosed in the processing bag Q in units of orders. Further, the developer D loads the processing bag Q into the delivery device E (steps # 102 and # 103).

  In particular, in step # 102, it is determined that one print size of a plurality of prints in the order is a size that can be automatically loaded from the developer D to the delivery device E, and the other print size of the order is delivered by the developer D. When it is determined that the size cannot be automatically loaded into the apparatus E (including the case where an electronic album is created with the recording medium P made of CD-R), the reception control unit 8 includes the inkjet printer C and the silver salt printer. Image data and order data are transmitted to B.

  In this series of processing, in the inkjet printer C, the print control unit 34 receives the image data and the order data from the reception control unit 8, and the print control unit 34 controls each part of the inkjet printer C based on the order data. Then, the image data is printed on the recording medium P made of recording paper.

  In the developer D, the enclosure control unit 39 receives information from the print control unit 34, determines the number of prints of the order, and encloses the print medium Q corresponding to the order in the processing bag Q. Is done. When loading the processing bag Q into the delivery device E, the enclosure control unit 39 acquires the positional information of the accommodation space S to be loaded from the delivery control unit 48 and moves the shift mechanism 37 to the corresponding inlet 41H.

  In conjunction with this, the delivery control unit 48 of the delivery device E controls the lifting motor 46M to move the accommodation space S in which the processing bag Q is to be accommodated to the position of the introduction port 41H. Information indicating that the movement has been completed is transmitted to the enclosure control unit 39, which operates the pusher 38 to load the processing bag Q into the accommodation space S.

  In this way, when the processing bag Q is loaded in the storage space S, the delivery control unit is provided as associated information that associates the identification information of the recording medium P enclosed in the processing bag Q with the position information of the storage space S. 48 is transmitted to the main control unit 26 and stored at the same time. The main control unit 26 stores the association information so that the main control unit 26 can grasp the location of the recording medium P managed by the identification information and the presence / absence of delivery.

  Further, when it is determined from the order data acquired in the receiving device A that the print size is not a size that can be automatically loaded into the delivery device E by the developer D (when an electronic album is created with the recording medium P made of CD-R). In addition, the silver halide printer B prints image data on a recording medium P made of photographic paper, or records image data on a recording medium P made of CD-R to create an electronic album (# 102). , # 104 step).

  When the processing at the silver halide printer B is completed in this way, the personnel at the DP store accommodates the recording medium P in the accommodation space of the third delivery device E3 by the manual operation (Step # 105).

  When this accommodation is completed, association information that associates the identification information of the recording medium P and the position information of the accommodation space S is transmitted to and stored in the delivery control unit 48 and at the same time stored in the main control unit 26. The The main control unit 26 stores this association information to specify the delivery device E in which the recording medium P managed by the identification information is stored, and the silver halide printer B determines whether or not the delivery is performed. I can grasp.

  Next, the customer makes the receipt R approach the bar code reader 54 of the guidance device F to read the identification information, or the finger or the like touches the touch panel 52 of the monitor 53 so that the identification is made with a password or password. By inputting the information, the information sharing means 57 of the guidance control unit 56 of the guidance device F outputs the reference request information to the main control unit 26, and this main control unit 26 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 46 of each delivery device E. The association information indicating the recorded recording medium P and the identification information associated therewith is sent back.

  Then, the guidance control unit 56 determines the presence or absence of the delivery device E in which the recording medium P associated with the identification information is stored based on the referred association information. Information to be identified is output from the monitor 53 and the speaker 55. On the contrary, if it is determined that the recording medium P associated with the identification information is not accommodated in any delivery device E, the recording medium associated with the identification information in any delivery device E A message indicating that the medium P is not accommodated is output from the monitor 53 and the speaker 55, and a message recommending that the person in charge be inquired is output. (Steps # 106 and # 107).

  The target to which the guidance control unit 56 refers to the associated information is not necessarily the main control unit 26, and may be the delivery control unit 48 of each delivery device E, for example. Further, the timing of reference does not have to be after the identification information is input. For example, the association information is acquired by making a reference request to the main control unit 26 or the delivery control unit 48 at a set interval. You may set a processing form so that it may preserve | save.

  In this guide device F, since a keyboard (not shown) is displayed on the monitor 53 in a standby state, a customer who has requested image data processing via the Internet N brings his / her finger etc. into contact with the monitor 53. Thus, identification information consisting of a password or password can be input.

  Among the information specifying the delivery device E, what is output to the monitor 53 is attached to the delivery device E and positional information indicating the position of the delivery device E in which the recording medium P is accommodated in a map image. A message containing a number. Moreover, what is output to the speaker 55 is a message indicating the position of the delivery device E and a message including a number assigned to the delivery device E as human language.

  Next, when the customer receives the recording medium P from the delivery device E, the customer can cause the barcode reader 44 of the delivery device E to read the identification information of the receipt R or contact the monitor 43 with a finger or the like. The delivery control unit 48 executes delivery processing by inputting identification information including a personal identification number and password (steps # 108 and # 109).

  Also in this delivery device E, since a keyboard (not shown) is displayed on the monitor 43 in a standby state, a customer who has requested image data processing via the Internet N makes his / her finger or the like contact the monitor 43. You can enter identification information consisting of a password or password.

  As the delivery process, when it is determined that the recording medium P associated with the identification information is accommodated in the delivery device E, the accommodation space S in which the recording medium P is accommodated is specified and transmitted. By projecting the plate 47 (an example of the delivery unit), the processing bag Q in which the recording medium P is sealed can be sent out from the opening 41G and received by the customer.

  In a situation where it is determined that the recording medium P associated with the identification information is not accommodated in the delivery device E, the recording medium P associated with the identification information is accommodated in another delivery device E. If it is determined, the guide information of the delivery device E is output from the monitor 53 and the speaker 55. This output is performed in the same form as the processing in step # 107.

  Further, in a situation where it is determined that the recording medium P associated with the identification information is not accommodated in the delivery device E, the recording medium P associated with the identification information is also accommodated in another delivery device E. If it is determined that the recording medium P is not stored in any of the delivery devices E, a message indicating that the recording medium P associated with the identification information is not stored is output from the monitor 53 and the speaker 55, and the person in charge is informed Output a message recommending that you inquire. This output is also performed in the same form as the processing in step # 107.

[Another embodiment]
(A) In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 10, the delivery system includes a plurality of guide devices F, a plurality of reception devices A, a plurality of delivery devices E, and a communication cable L connected thereto. It is also possible to provide a management control device 60 to which information is accessed (the same reference numerals and symbols as those in the embodiment are assigned to components common to the above embodiment).

  By configuring in this way, for example, even in a situation where many customers X line up in the delivery device E, before the customers X line up, the barcode reader 54 of the guidance device F receives the receipt R By importing the identification information or inputting the personal identification number on the touch panel 52 of the monitor 53, information for specifying the delivery device E containing the recording medium P ordered by the customer X can be acquired. It is not necessary to line up in a row, and the time spent by the customer X can be shortened.

(B) In the embodiment, the reception device A and the delivery device E are arranged at positions close to each other. However, for example, in a large supermarket, the reception device A is arranged on the upstream side of the customer flow, and the delivery device E is taken out of the cash register. It may be arranged at a different position. By arranging in this way, the recording medium P can be accommodated in the reception device A within the time when the customer performs shopping in the store. In this case, arranging the guide device F at a position close to the cash register increases the convenience for the customer.

(C) In the present invention, the delivery device E may not include a delivery unit. That is, as described in Patent Document 2, when the identification information is taken in, the system configuration is such that the recording medium P can be artificially taken out from the storage space in which the recording medium corresponding to the identification information is stored. Also good.

[Effect of the embodiment]
Since it comprised in this way, when a customer receives the recording medium P, the barcode reader 54 of the guidance apparatus F is made to read the identification information of receipt R, or the PIN code containing character information or number information, By inputting identification information including a password via the touch panel 52, information for specifying the delivery device E containing the recording medium P to be received by the customer is output to the guidance device F. As this output, it is composed of position information indicated by a map-like image and a message including a number assigned to the delivery device E, and further, information specifying the delivery device E is given by a message in human language. The customer can recognize the position of the delivery device E by image, text and voice.

  In addition, in this system, an ink jet printer C corresponding to the first delivery device E1 and the second delivery device E2 corresponding to the three delivery devices E among those having a fixed size such as a service size and high printing frequency. Is used to print the image data on the recording medium P, and the recording medium P is sealed in the processing bag Q in order by the developer D, and the processing bag Q is transferred to the corresponding delivery device E (the first delivery device E1 or the first delivery device). The number of personnel can be reduced by automatically performing the operation of loading the two delivery devices E2).

The perspective view which shows the whole structure of a delivery system Perspective view of the reception device Perspective view of guide device Longitudinal cross section showing inkjet printer, developer and delivery device The perspective view which shows the outline | summary of a structure of a delivery apparatus The figure which shows the front upper part of a delivery device Block circuit diagram showing the control configuration of the delivery system Diagram showing the flow of information in the control configuration Flow chart showing the procedure of delivery processing Schematic diagram showing the configuration of another embodiment (a)

Explanation of symbols

8 Reception Control Unit 41 Housing 46 Housing Unit 47 Sending Unit (Sending Plate)
48 Delivery control unit 52 Identification information acquisition unit (touch panel)
53 Information Output Unit (Monitor)
54 Identification information acquisition unit (bar code reader)
56 Guide control unit 57 Information sharing means A Reception device C Print unit (inkjet printer)
D Automatic loading unit (Enveloper)
E Delivery device F Guide device G Identification information generating means (reception server)
L Communication means (communication cable)
N Communication network P Recording medium R Receipt S Storage space

Claims (5)

A storage unit that has a plurality of storage spaces for storing recording media in units of orders, and a delivery control unit that realizes delivery of the recording medium associated with the identification information by acquiring the identification information associated with the recording medium A delivery system comprising a delivery device comprising:
A plurality of the delivery devices are provided, and an identification information acquisition unit that captures the identification information from a customer, an information output unit that outputs information, and a reception control unit that controls these are provided,
The reception control unit includes information sharing means for referring to the recording medium accommodated in the accommodating units of the plurality of delivery devices and the identification information associated therewith via communication means, and When the identification information acquisition unit captures the identification information, the admission control unit specifies the delivery device in which the recording medium associated with the identification information is accommodated based on the information from the information sharing unit. A delivery system that outputs specific information to be output to the information output unit.   The delivery device includes the housing unit provided inside the housing, and a sending unit that sends the recording medium housed in the housing unit to the outside of the housing, and the control unit includes an identification information acquisition unit. The delivery system according to claim 1, wherein an accommodation space in which a recording medium associated with the identification information taken in is stored is determined, and the recording unit is controlled to send out the recording medium from the accommodation space.   A reception device that receives an image data processing order from the customer for the recording medium is provided, and when the image data processing order is received by the reception device, a reception certificate in which the identification information is recorded corresponding to the order is created. The delivery system according to claim 1, further comprising a reception control unit.   An identification server including a reception server that receives an image data processing request for the recording medium via a communication network, and includes character information or numeric information corresponding to the order when the reception server receives an order for image data processing. The delivery system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein information is generated and transmitted to a customer via the communication network.   5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a printing unit that prints image information on the recording medium, and an automatic loading unit that houses the recording medium printed by the printing unit in a housing unit of the housing. The delivery system described.

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