JP3804546B2 - PHOTO PRINT CREATION SYSTEM, PHOTO PROCESSING DEVICE USED FOR THIS SYSTEM, PRINTER DRIVER INSTALLED ON COMPUTER USED FOR THE SYSTEM, AND ORDER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM EXECUTED BY PHOTO PROCESSING DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a photographic print creation system for connecting a photographic processing apparatus and a computer via a network or the like and creating a photographic print by the photographic processing apparatus using data created by the computer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The basic functions of digital photographic processing devices that are becoming popular in recent years are that an image is read from a developed photographic film (negative film or positive film) with a scanner, converted into digital data, and this digital image data is converted into digital data. The image is printed on the photographic light-sensitive material and used to create a photographic print. An exposure engine for printing and exposing the image is also provided. In this way, a photo print can be created using image data. Furthermore, image data can be obtained not only from photographic film but also from various recording media (CD-R, MO, storage media for digital cameras, etc.) as image forming media, and photographic prints can be created in the same manner. it can.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, what can be handled by the above-described photographic processing apparatus is only image data. The image data is configured in a predetermined image file format, for example, a file such as a bitmap or JPEG. Photo prints can be created using image data in these image file formats. On the other hand, there is a demand for creating a photographic print using non-image data other than image data. For example, document data created by word processing software such as Word ^™ , graph / table data created by spreadsheet software such as Excel ^™ , presentation data created by PowerPoint ^™, etc. are various. There is also composite data such as a combination of document data and image data.
[0004]
These non-image data are usually created using a personal computer and can be printed on paper using a printer such as an ink jet printer or a laser printer. However, there is a desire to output as a picture with higher image quality than paper. For example, there is a demand for printing as a photographic print on which a higher quality image is formed, such as a paper for presentation at an academic conference.
[0005]
However, although the above-described photo processing apparatus can handle image data, it cannot create a photo print using non-image data. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a photo print creation system capable of creating a photo print using non-image data other than image data.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, a photo print creating system according to the present invention is
A photographic processing apparatus for creating a photographic print by printing and exposing an image on a photographic photosensitive material using image data in a predetermined image file format;
A computer capable of acquiring a file composed of non-image data in a non-image file format different from the image file format;
A photo print creation system in which the photo processing device and the computer are connected by a network or the like,
Data conversion means for converting the non-image data acquired by the computer into image data of the predetermined image file format, and the photographic processing device is configured to print a photo print based on the non-image data acquired by the computer It is characterized in that it can be created.
[0007]
The operations and effects of the photo print creation system with this configuration are as follows. First, a photo processing apparatus and a computer (generally a personal computer) are connected by a network. In this system, non-image data is acquired by a computer. The non-image data can be acquired from a recording medium such as a flexible disk brought into the photo shop by the customer. Further, non-image data may be created by the computer itself.
[0008]
Then, the non-image data is converted into image data of a predetermined image file format that can be handled by the photo processing apparatus. The system includes data conversion means having this conversion function. This data conversion means can be provided in a computer or a photographic processing apparatus. Thus, since non-image data can be converted into image data, a photo print can be created using a photo processing apparatus based on the non-image data.
[0009]
As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an image data acquisition device for acquiring image data from various recording media is connected to the network, and the photo processing is performed using the image data acquired by the image data acquisition device. An apparatus configured so that a photographic print can be created by the apparatus can be mentioned.
[0010]
In addition to a normal computer, an image data acquisition device can be connected to the network. This apparatus can acquire image data from various recording media. Examples of the recording medium include storage media used for digital cameras, CD-R, MO, and the like. By acquiring the image data from the image data acquisition device via the network, the burden on the photo processing device can be reduced. For example, the image data acquired by the image data acquisition device does not need to be immediately transmitted to the photo processing device, and a configuration in which the image data is transmitted at an appropriate timing can be adopted.
[0011]
The photo processing apparatus used in the above-mentioned photo print creation system is
Data receiving means for receiving image data to be printed transmitted via the network in units of orders;
Data management means for managing received image data in units of orders;
Data transfer means for transferring the managed image data to the image processing unit based on the order in which the print processing should be performed is provided.
[0012]
First, image data transmitted via a network is received by a data receiving unit. The received image data is temporarily stored in an appropriate recording device. Since the photo processing apparatus accepts a large number of orders from a computer (which may be a plurality of computers) connected to the network, the order of print processing is determined based on an appropriate rule (for example, the accepted order). to manage. Management is performed in units of orders. A data transfer unit is provided for transferring the image data to the image processing unit based on the order of print processing. By providing each of these means, a large number of orders transmitted via the network can be appropriately managed. The functions of the data receiving means, data management means, and data delivery means can be realized by an order management program installed in a computer built in the photo processing apparatus.
[0013]
In addition, although it is the meaning of an order, it can set suitably. For example, one order can be set for one image, one page for document data or one page for all pages (one file), and one order for a folder in which data (files) are stored.
[0014]
As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is one provided with order change means for setting and changing the order of print processing.
The order in which print processing should be performed is set based on the function of the data management means, but it may be desired to change the order for the convenience of the customer or the clerk of the photo shop. Therefore, if the order changing means can change the order of print processing, it can meet various needs.
[0015]
Another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a display control means for visually displaying the progress status of the print processing together with the status where the data management means manages the data.
[0016]
With the function of the display control means, it is possible to check the status of data management on the monitor. Further, if the progress status of the print process is displayed on one screen together with the management status, the progress status of the print process can be grasped more clearly.
[0017]
As still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the image data transmitted from the image data acquisition device via the network is not image data of a predetermined file format, the transmitted image data is converted into the predetermined file. One having an image data converting means for converting into a format is mentioned.
[0018]
There are various image file formats in the image data acquired by the image data acquisition device. For example, bitmap, JPEG, TIFF, GIF, etc. However, a specific image file format is used for print processing in the photo processing apparatus. Therefore, by providing image data conversion means and converting the image data into a predetermined file format, it can be appropriately processed by the photo processing apparatus.
[0019]
A printer driver installed in a computer used in a photo print creation system according to the present invention,
A data conversion process for converting the acquired non-image data into image data of a predetermined file format;
Processing to set incidental data necessary to create a photo print;
The image data converted by the conversion process and the incidental data are processed as data in order units, and a process for transmitting to the photo processing apparatus is executed by a computer.
[0020]
This printer driver converts non-image data acquired by a computer into image data in a predetermined file format (preferably a bitmap). Thereby, the photo processing apparatus can create a photo print based on the non-image data. In addition, since the conversion process is performed by a computer, the burden on the photo processing apparatus can be distributed as compared with a configuration in which the conversion process is performed by the photo processing apparatus itself. In addition, the printer driver also sends incidental data necessary to create a photographic print, such as print size, width of the photosensitive material, and surface quality of the photosensitive material, together with the converted image data. . As a result, the photo processing apparatus can appropriately perform print processing.
[0021]
An order management program executed by a computer provided in a photo processing apparatus used in a photo print creating system according to the present invention,
A process of accepting image data to be printed sent from the network in units of orders;
A process for managing received image data in units of orders;
The computer is caused to execute a process of transferring the managed image data to the image processing unit based on the order in which the print processing is to be performed. The operations and effects of this configuration are as described above.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of a photographic print creation system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a photo print creation system installed in a photo shop or the like.
[0023]
<Photo print creation system>
This system is configured by connecting a photographic processing apparatus 1, a plurality of personal computers 2, and an image data acquisition apparatus 3 via a network 4. Although only one photo processing apparatus 1 and image data acquisition apparatus 3 are shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of them may be connected. Further, the number of connected personal computers 2 is not limited. The network 4 is, for example, is constructed with LAN by Ethernet ^TM, connecting the network devices through the hub 4a. Of course, it may be a network other than Ethernet ^TM.
[0024]
The photographic processing apparatus 1 prints and exposes an image on a photographic photosensitive material such as photographic paper using the image data, thereby creating a photographic print. The photo processing apparatus 1 can set at least the first print mode and the second print mode. In the first print mode, an image of a developed negative film is read by the scanner device 5, converted into digital data, and a photographic print can be created using the digital image data. In the second print mode, a photo print can be created using image data transmitted via the network.
[0025]
The personal computer 2 can handle not only image data but also various data other than image data (this is referred to as non-image data). For example, there are document data created by word processing software, graph / table data created by spreadsheet software, presentation data, and the like. Further, there is data in which a document and an image are combined, but this is also referred to as non-image data. There is also a demand for these non-image data to be obtained as photographic prints instead of normal prints (prints printed on paper by an ink jet printer, a laser printer, etc.). Therefore, in this system, the system is constructed so that a photo print can be created using non-image data other than image data. Therefore, a printer driver is installed in each personal computer 2 connected to the network 4, and non-image data can be converted into image data (details will be described later).
[0026]
The image data acquisition device 3 can acquire image data from various recording media. As the recording medium, for example, CD-R, MO, storage medium of the digital camera (smart media, compact flash ^TM, Memory Stick, etc.) and the like. The image data is acquired in a predetermined image file format, for example, bitmap, JPEG, TIFF, GIF, and the like.
[0027]
The flow of processing at a photo shop will be briefly described. A photo print order is received from a customer at the counter 6 of the photo shop. When the order is received, a copy of the order is given to the customer. Here, when a non-image data file is received from a customer, a recording medium (for example, a flexible disk) storing the file is set in a personal computer, and the non-image file is taken into the personal computer. The printer driver sets various items for print processing, converts non-image data into image data, and transmits the image data to the photo processing apparatus 1 via the network. The photographic processing apparatus 1 creates a photographic print using the received converted image data. If the finished photo print is inspected and the image quality is OK, when the customer comes to the photo store to receive the photo print, the photo print is handed over and the photo store receives the print price. If there is a problem in image quality, the image is corrected by the personal computer 2 and the printing process is performed again. The same applies to the case where a photo print is created by depositing a file of image data from a customer.
[0028]
<System block diagram>
Next, the functional block configuration of the photo print creation system shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the function shown here shows only a part required in order to demonstrate the structure of this invention.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 2, the photo processing apparatus 1 (printer processor) is provided with a net order unit 10 for managing order information transmitted via the network 4, and some functions of the net order unit 10. A net folder unit 11 is provided. The net order unit 10 and the net folder unit 11 can be constructed by installing a program in a computer provided in the photo processing apparatus 1. This program is usually stored on the hard disk, and program data is stored in the memory when work is performed.
[0030]
The data receiving unit 10a receives image data to be printed transmitted from the network in units of orders. The data management unit 10b manages the image data received by the data receiving unit 10a in units of orders. For example, the order in which print processing should be performed and the accompanying data (print size, number of prints, surface quality, etc.) are managed. The order change means 10c can change the order managed by the data management means 10b. For example, the order of print processing can be changed. The data delivery unit 10d delivers the managed image data to the image processing board 13 based on the order in which the printing process is to be performed when actually performing the printing process. The display control unit 10e displays the status managed by the data management unit 10b and the progress status of the print processing in the printer unit 12 on the same display screen on the monitor 17. In addition, various other processing screens are displayed.
[0031]
In addition, although it is the meaning of an order, it can set suitably. For example, one order can be set for one image, one page for document data or one page for all pages (one file), and one order for a folder in which data (files) are stored. In the case of a photographic film, one film is one order.
[0032]
The image data managed by the data management unit 10 b is image data transmitted from each personal computer 2 connected to the network 4 and image data transmitted from the image data acquisition device 3.
[0033]
The net folder unit 11 mainly manages the image data acquisition device 3. The data receiving unit 11a receives image data to be printed transmitted from the image data acquisition device 3 in order units. The folder monitoring unit 11 b periodically monitors whether data to be printed is stored in a folder in the image data acquisition device 3 connected to the network 4.
[0034]
If there is enough free space (based on the function of the HD capacity monitoring means described later) to store image data in the hard disk 15 in the photo processing apparatus 1, the data fetching means 11 c receives images from the image data acquisition apparatus 3. Capture data. When the image file format of the image data taken from the image data acquisition device 3 is not a bitmap (JPEG, TIFF, GIF, etc.), the image data converter 11d converts this into a bitmap that is a predetermined image file format. To do. This is because when an image is actually printed and exposed on a photographic material, it needs to be converted into a bitmap.
[0035]
The printer unit 12 prints and exposes an image on a photographic photosensitive material using the image data. For this purpose, an exposure engine 12a is provided. Examples of the exposure engine 12a include various structures such as a laser engine, a PLZT engine, and a CRT engine. In these methods, a two-dimensional image is printed and exposed on the emulsion surface of a photographic photosensitive material by repeatedly scanning exposure light in the main scanning direction while conveying the photographic photosensitive material along the sub-scanning direction. The photographic light-sensitive material is subjected to development processing and drying processing, and then discharged to the outside as a photographic print.
[0036]
The image processing board 13 performs various image processing before performing image data print processing. Image processing includes, for example, displaying an image on a monitor before performing print processing, determining whether the color and density are printed appropriately, and correcting the color and density as necessary. . In addition, various corrections such as gradation correction may be performed according to customer requests. In addition, there is image processing based on a color management system.
[0037]
The memory 14 is used as a temporary storage place for performing various operations and processes. The hard disk 15 is a large-capacity storage device, and image data to be printed is temporarily stored here. That is, the image data received by the net order unit 10 and the net folder unit 11 and accompanying data are stored in the hard disk 15.
[0038]
The CPU 16 is a core part that performs various controls and operations. The monitor 17 visually displays information necessary for performing the printing process. As described above, the management status in the net order unit 10 and the image before print processing can be displayed. The keyboard 18 is an input device for inputting various data. In addition, a command for the photographic processing apparatus 1 can be given.
[0039]
An OS (Operating System) 19 is basic software and directly controls hardware. HD capacity monitoring means 19a is provided as part of the function. This can monitor the free capacity of the hard disk 15. The net order unit 10 and the net folder unit 11 capture image data via the network, but since this image data is stored in the hard disk 15, it is necessary to monitor whether there is free space. If there is no free space, image data is not taken in. Further, the net order unit 10 and the net folder unit 11 do not directly access the hardware, and in this case, the function of the OS 19 is used.
[0040]
Next, the personal computer 2 will be described. A program called a printer driver 20 is installed in the personal computer 2. In general, when a commercially available printer is connected to the personal computer 2 to print data, the personal computer 2 needs a printer driver for the connected printer. The printer driver 20 according to the present invention enables the photo processing apparatus 1 to be operated in the same manner as a commercially available printer. However, since the photo processing apparatus 1 has a function different from that of a commercially available printer, that is, a function of creating a photo print, the function required for the printer driver 20 is also characteristic.
[0041]
Data handled by the personal computer 2 is data taken into the personal computer 2 in response to a request from a customer, and non-image data is main. However, even if the non-image data is transmitted to the photo processing apparatus 1 as it is, the photo processing apparatus 1 cannot create a photo print using the non-image data. Therefore, a data conversion unit 20 a is provided as a function of the printer driver 20. This data conversion means 20a converts non-image data into bitmap image data. In addition, the structure which performs this conversion process in the photo processing apparatus 1 is also considered. In this case, a burden is imposed on the CPU of the photo processing apparatus 1 and the print processing capability is reduced. Therefore, considering the efficiency of the printing process, it is preferable that the conversion process to the image data is performed by the printer driver 20 of each personal computer 2.
[0042]
The print data setting unit 20b sets data (ancillary data attached to the image data) necessary for performing photo printing. For example, setting of print size, number of prints, and the like. The converted image data and incidental data are transmitted to the photo processing apparatus 1 together.
[0043]
Further, the printer driver 20 can acquire incidental data (including data for understanding the state of the photo processing device 1) from the photo processing device 1. Based on this supplementary data, the print data setting unit 20b can set specific supplementary data for print processing (for example, a specific one of a plurality of print sizes is set). That is, the printer driver 20 has a function of grasping the state of the photo processing apparatus 1, and data transmitted from the printer driver 20 can be used in the photo processing apparatus 1 as it is.
[0044]
As other configurations, an input unit 21 (such as a flexible disk drive device) for inputting non-image data to be printed, a hard disk, a CPU, a monitor, a keyboard, and the like are provided.
[0045]
The image data acquisition device 3 includes an input unit 30 for inputting image data to be printed according to a customer request, a hard disk 31 for storing image data, image data according to a customer request, and associated data. And a data processing unit 32, a CPU, a monitor, a keyboard, and the like. The order file is stored in a predetermined location on the hard disk 31.
[0046]
Note that the image data acquisition device 3 does not have a function of grasping the state of the photo processing device 1. For this reason, the data transmitted from the image data acquisition apparatus 3 cannot always be used in the photo processing apparatus 1 as it is. This is because, for example, a print size of a photographic photosensitive material that is not set in the photographic processing apparatus 1 may be designated. Therefore, the net folder unit 11 described above plays a role of mediation.
[0047]
<Net order screen>
As described above, the photo processing apparatus 1 can set the first and second print modes. When performing print processing of image data received via the network, a mode setting screen (not shown) is displayed on the monitor 17 and the second print mode is selected. FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of a display screen displayed on the monitor 17 in the second print mode.
[0048]
In the message display area 40, an appropriate message corresponding to the situation at that time is displayed. When the printing process has not been started, “Please press the [START] key to start printing” is displayed as shown in the figure. While the order is being printed, “printing receipt number ## is displayed” is displayed. Further, it is preferable to display as many times as the number of prints currently completed among the total number of prints of one order.
[0049]
When the start key 41 is clicked, the print process is started. The image data is sent from the hard disk 15 to the image processing board 13 by the function of the data delivery means 10d. When the start key is pressed, the display of “START” switches to “STOP”. Therefore, when the key is pressed in this state, the printing process is terminated. However, since the printing process is performed in units of orders, the printing process is not interrupted in the middle of the order, and is terminated after waiting for the printing process for one order.
[0050]
The order list area 42 displays the contents of orders managed by the data management means 10b. The order that is being accepted is also displayed. The orders are displayed from the top in the order received, and are printed in order from the top. The order for which the printing process has been completed is deleted from the order list and removed from the management target. In FIG. 3, each item constituting the order list is displayed.
[0051]
“Reception number” displays a number that is automatically allocated when an order is received by the net order unit 10 or the net folder unit 11. “Status” displays the status of the current order. For example, “printing”, “waiting for printing”, “hold”. “Paper” indicates the width and surface quality of the paper (photosensitive material). “Number of frames” displays the total number of frames to be processed for the order. “Size” displays the total data size of the order. “Reception date and time” displays the date and time when the order was received. “Host” displays the host names of the personal computer 2 and the image data acquisition device 3 that requested the print processing. The host name of the image data acquisition device 3 is displayed as CT-1. “User” displays the user name of the personal computer 2 or the image data acquisition device 3 that requested the print processing.
[0052]
The order status area 43 displays the number of accepted orders. In addition, the available capacity of the order receiving hard disk 15 is displayed. The hard disk 15 stores the received image data and accompanying data. The image data and the auxiliary data stored here are deleted after the print processing is completed.
[0053]
By operating each button in the order operation area 44, the order of the orders to be processed can be changed. Also, the order status can be set to “pending”, or the order itself can be deleted. When set to hold, the order is not subjected to print processing even if the order of the print processing comes around. The above is the function of the order changing unit 10c.
The parameter display area 45 displays the print parameters of the order currently selected in the order list. For example, the presence / absence of print processing, the presence / absence of index print creation, the presence / absence of media output (writing image data to various recording media), the feed length / width / number of photosensitive materials, the presence / absence of price sheet is displayed. . These are displayed based on incidental data transmitted together with image data.
[0054]
Further, when the details button in the parameter display area 45 is clicked, details of the order data are displayed. This is shown in FIG. Here, the file name of each image data for one order, the size of the file, the print size, and the like are displayed.
[0055]
When the function button 46 is clicked, for example, the following functions can be exhibited. One is capable of registering a net folder (described later). In addition, the order acceptance history can be displayed. Items to be displayed as the reception history display include a host name, user name, reception date / time, print processing completion date / time, reception number, total number of prints, paper width / surface quality, total number of frames, index print size, and the like. Thereby, it is possible to immediately confirm what orders have been accepted in the past.
[0056]
The print status display area 47 displays device information, order information, and processor information. As the device information, information related to the paper, for example, the conveyance state of the paper, the width, surface quality, and remaining capacity of the paper set in the paper magazine are displayed. As the order information, the print result of the order is displayed. For example, the host name, user name, total number of prints, print size, number of repeats (number of prints), etc. are displayed (not shown). Further, information such as the processing solution temperature of each developing processing solution is displayed as the processor information. When the end button 48 is pressed, the net order display screen is ended.
[0057]
<Net folder registration screen>
Next, a configuration example of the net folder registration screen will be described with reference to FIG. This is for registering a folder in which the order (image data and incidental data) of the image data acquisition device 3 connected to the network 4 is stored. The net folder unit 11 of the photo processing apparatus 1 monitors the registered folder at predetermined time intervals (for example, every several seconds). If there is an unprocessed order (a file in a predetermined format) in the folder, the order is processed.
[0058]
In FIG. 5, the net folder registration list 50 displays a list of registered net folders. A check box is provided on the left side, and if checked, the net folder is enabled. That is, the net folder is monitored. If there is no check, the net folder is disabled and the net folder is not monitored. The machine name of the image data acquisition device 3 is displayed as the machine name. In “Network path”, the path (storage location on the network) of the folder storing the order of the image data acquisition device 3 is displayed. In “Connection Status”, the connection status between the photo processing device 1 and the image data acquisition device 3 is displayed. If the connection is normal, “OK: connection” is displayed.
[0059]
When the registration button 51 or the correction button 52 is clicked, the net folder registration / correction screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, and new registration or correction of the net folder is possible. When the delete button 53 is clicked, the net folder can be deleted. When the end button 54 is clicked, the net folder registration screen is ended.
[0060]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a net folder registration / modification screen. In the network path, the folder path in which the order of the image data acquisition device 3 is stored is input. Note that the folder of the image data acquisition device 3 is set in advance in a shared state. For the user name, enter the login user name for browsing the folder. Enter the login password in the same way for the password. By clicking the “YES: OK” button, the input information is registered. Clicking the “Cancel” button discards the entered information and returns to the original screen.
[0061]
<Printer driver display screen>
Next, a printer driver installed in the personal computer 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a display screen for setting various items when requesting the photo processing apparatus 1 to perform print processing using the printer driver 20.
[0062]
FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of a display screen when performing basic setting. The feature here is that both the paper size and the output size can be set. The data input to the personal computer 2 is originally non-image data. For example, if it is document data, it is generally used as the size of a document such as A4, B4, B5, etc. defined by Japanese Industrial Standards. Data is created based on the paper size. When printing such non-image data with a general printer, set paper of A4, B4, B5, etc. in the printer, and obtain a printed matter corresponding to the size of the document data being created. Can do.
[0063]
However, the sizes of A4, B4, and B5 do not exist in the print size of the photographic print created in the photographic processing apparatus 1. The print size includes service size, 2L, 2E, 8 cuts, 6 cuts, 4 cuts, etc. (these correspond to the output sizes), and is defined by a standard different from the paper size. Therefore, the paper size and the output size can be set independently.
[0064]
In addition, a check box for setting whether to enable the paper size setting is provided. When the paper size setting is validated, when converting from non-image data to image data, the conversion process is performed while maintaining the paper size. If the paper size is invalidated, a process for matching the size of the non-image data with the output size is also performed when performing the conversion process.
[0065]
Further, when the window shown in FIG. 7 is opened, incidental data (including data for understanding the state of the photo processing apparatus 1) is acquired from the net order unit 10 of the photo processing apparatus 1. In order to obtain the accompanying data, communication is performed between the net order unit 10 and the printer driver 20 at an appropriate timing. The set range in FIG. 7 is also determined based on the accompanying data. For example, the range that can be set by the output size is determined by the paper magazine (such as the size of the photosensitive material) set in the photographic processing apparatus related to the printer driver. It is also possible to know the remaining length of the photographic material contained in the paper magazine. In the case of the photo processing apparatus 1 in which two paper magazines can be mounted, the status is displayed for each paper magazine.
[0066]
In addition, it is possible to set the printing direction, the number of copies to be printed (number of printed sheets), and the presence / absence of a registration mark.
[0067]
<Processing procedures from print reception to print completion>
<< For PC >>
Next, the procedure from print acceptance to completion of print processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0068]
A description will be given on the assumption that a customer requests that document data (non-image data) created by word processing software be output as a photo print. The operator of the photo shop sets a recording medium such as a flexible disk received from the customer in the input unit 21 of the personal computer 2 and takes in the data (# 1). Next, the application software that can handle the data is used to open the non-image data file (# 2). When “print” is selected from the menu, a display screen as shown in FIG. 7 appears.
While viewing this screen, various print data settings are made (# 3). When the setting is completed, the OK button is clicked (# 4). The non-image data is converted into bitmap image data (# 5). Next, the image data and accompanying data (various print data) are transmitted to the photo processing apparatus 1 as information for one order (# 6). If the non-image data covers several pages, one page is one image. When data is transmitted, first, image data for n sheets is transmitted first, and finally incidental data is transmitted. The fact that the incidental data has been transmitted indicates that there is a break in the order.
[0069]
In the photo processing apparatus 1, it is monitored whether or not there is a free space in the hard disk that can accept image data (# 7). If there is no free space, image data or the like cannot be stored. In this case, a retry is made after a predetermined time. If there is free space in the hard disk 15, the order data is accepted, and the image data and the accompanying data are stored in the hard disk 15 (# 8).
[0070]
As another embodiment, it is also possible to include the information on the free space of the hard disk 15 in the incidental data, transmit this to the printer driver 20, and check step # 7 in the pre-transmission stage. Good.
[0071]
The accepted order is managed by the net order unit 10. Then, it is determined whether or not the print processing order of the order has come (# 9). When the order of print processing comes, the image data is transferred to the image processing board 13 (# 10). Then, image processing is executed (# 11), and printing processing is performed in the printer unit 12 (# 12). The progress of the print process is displayed in the print status display area 47 of the net order screen described with reference to FIG. When the printing process is completed, the photographic prints are discharged to the outside of the apparatus and accumulated in the sorter in order units. On the other hand, when the printing process is completed, the order is deleted from the order list (# 13), and the image data and incidental data stored in the hard disk 15 are also deleted (# 14). Note that the timing of deletion may not be immediately after the completion of the printing process. For example, you may preserve | save for a while in preparation for a reprinting process.
[0072]
<< In case of image data acquisition device >>
Next, a procedure when print processing is performed using the image data acquired by the image data acquisition device 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, a recording medium storing image data stored by a customer is set in the input unit 30 and image data is captured (# 20). Even when there are a plurality of image data, data processing for handling as one order is performed (# 21). At this time, additional data necessary for performing the printing processing is also set. Data for one order is stored as a single order file in a predetermined folder on the hard disk 31 of the image data acquisition device 3. This data is transmitted based on access from the photo processing apparatus 1.
[0073]
Next, a procedure when the photo processing apparatus 1 captures data of the image data acquisition apparatus 3 and performs print processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the net folder unit 11 determines whether or not the folder monitoring timing has come (# 30). When the monitoring timing comes, it is determined whether or not there is free space on the hard disk 15 (# 31). If there is no free space, check again at the next monitoring timing. If there is free space, go to the folder registered in the net folder. It is determined whether data to be processed is stored in the folder (# 32). If there is no data, the process returns to step # 30. If a plurality of net folders are registered, the presence of data is checked for all folders.
[0074]
If data exists, image data and incidental data are fetched from the folder (# 33). When accepted by the net folder unit 11, if the image file format of the image data is not a bitmap, it is converted into a bitmap (# 34). After being converted into a bitmap, the data is stored in the hard disk 15. The subsequent processing procedure is performed in the same manner as in FIG.
<Another embodiment>
The structure of the photographic processing apparatus is not limited to that of the present embodiment, and various structures can be adopted. For example, the function of the scanner device 5 may be incorporated in the main body instead of being separated from the main body of the photo processing apparatus. In addition, a photographic processing apparatus in which an image processing unit (image processor) and a printer unit are separated may be used.
[0075]
In the present embodiment, the personal computer 2 handles only non-image data, but naturally it may handle image data. In this case, the personal computer functions as an image data acquisition device. In this case, the printer driver needs to have a function of converting an image file format other than a bitmap into a bitmap.
The network 4 is connected by wire, but it may be configured by a wireless LAN. Wired and wireless may be combined.
The non-image data acquired by the personal computer 2 may be created using the personal computer 2. If the network 4 is connected to the Internet, it may be acquired (downloaded) via the Internet.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a photo print creation system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional block configuration of the system. FIG. 3 is a configuration example of a net order display screen. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a net folder registration screen. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a net folder registration / modification screen. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a display screen by a printer driver. Flow chart showing the procedure from print acceptance to print processing (in the case of non-image data)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure when image data is acquired by the image data acquisition apparatus. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure from print reception to print processing (in the case of image data).
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photo processing apparatus 2 Personal computer 3 Image data acquisition apparatus 4 Network 10 Net order part 10a Data reception means 10b Data management means 10c Order change means 10d Data delivery means 10e Display control means 11 Net folder part 11b Folder monitoring means 11c Data capture means 11d Image data conversion unit 12 Printer unit 13 Image processing board 15 Hard disk 19a HD capacity monitoring unit 20 Printer driver 20a Data conversion unit 20b Print data setting unit

Claims (13)

A photographic processing apparatus for creating a photographic print by printing and exposing an image on a photographic photosensitive material using image data in a predetermined image file format;
A computer capable of acquiring a file composed of non-image data in a non-image file format different from the image file format;
A photo print creation system in which the photo processing device and the computer are connected by a network or the like,
The computer
Receiving means for receiving an instruction as to whether or not to print while maintaining a predetermined paper size of the non-image data;
When converting the non-image data acquired by the computer into image data of the predetermined image file format, the conversion is performed while maintaining the paper size based on the instruction received by the receiving unit, or printing Data conversion means for converting to match the output size that is the size,
A photographic print creation system configured to allow the photographic processing apparatus to create a photographic print based on non-image data acquired by the computer. The computer
Receiving means for receiving incidental data including information indicating the state of the photo processing device from the photo processing device;
Selection means for selecting a printable output size based on the incidental data received by the receiving means;
The photographic print creation system according to claim 1, further comprising: An image data acquisition device that acquires image data from various recording media is connected to the network,
3. The photo print creation system according to claim 1, wherein a photo print can be created by the photo processing device using the image data acquired by the image data acquisition device. A photographic processing apparatus for use in the photographic print creation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Transmitting means for transmitting first auxiliary data including information indicating the state of the photographic processing apparatus;
Image data to be printed, transmitted via the network, or image data to be printed transmitted together with the second auxiliary data set based on the transmitted first auxiliary data Data accepting means for accepting in units of orders;
Data management means for managing received image data in units of orders;
A photographic processing apparatus comprising: data transfer means for transferring managed image data to an image processing unit based on the order in which print processing should be performed. The first incidental data has at least information on a paper magazine set in the photo processing device,
The photographic processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second auxiliary data includes at least information on a paper size and an output size and information on the number of prints.   6. The photo processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising order changing means for changing the order of print processing.   7. The display control unit according to claim 4, further comprising a display control unit configured to visually display a progress state of a print process together with a state in which data is managed by the data management unit. 8. Photo processing device. When the image data transmitted via the network from the image data acquisition apparatus that acquires image data from various recording media is not image data in a predetermined file format, the transmitted image data is converted into the predetermined file format. 8. The photo processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising image data converting means for converting. A printer driver installed on the computer used in the photographic print producing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A process of receiving an instruction as to whether or not to print while maintaining a predetermined paper size of the non-image data;
When converting the acquired non-image data into image data of a predetermined file format, based on the received instruction, the conversion is performed while maintaining the paper size, or the print size is matched with the output size. Data conversion processing to convert,
Processing to set incidental data necessary to create a photo print;
A printer driver for causing a computer to execute a process of transmitting image data converted by a conversion process and the incidental data to a photo processing apparatus as order unit data. Processing for acquiring incidental data including information indicating the state of the photo processing device from the photo processing device;
The printer driver according to claim 9, further causing the computer to execute a process of selecting a printable output size based on the auxiliary data.   The printer driver according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the predetermined file format in the data conversion process is a bitmap. An order management program executed by a computer provided in the photographic processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 8,
Processing for transmitting first auxiliary data including information indicating the state of the photo processing device;
Image data to be printed transmitted via the network or image data to be printed transmitted together with the second auxiliary data set based on the transmitted first auxiliary data Processing to accept by order,
A process for managing received image data in units of orders;
An order management program for causing a computer to execute processing for transferring managed image data to an image processing unit based on the order in which print processing is to be performed. The first incidental data has at least information on a paper magazine set in the photo processing device,
13. The order management program according to claim 12, wherein the second auxiliary data includes at least information on a paper size and an output size, and information on the number of printed sheets.

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