JP2000125235A - Image output device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an image immediately by selecting one of a plurality of kinds of print. SOLUTION: A main body 1 is provided with an operation display section 2a, a floppy disk drive 5, a total control section 200, and a built-in printer 7, and a color copying machine 11 connects to the main body 1 via a connection cable 10. The total control section 20 selects a setting as to whether the built-in printer 7 or the color copying machine 11 prints out an image data obtained from the floppy disk drive 5. Since the user can revise this setting externally via the operation display section 2a, the user can select whether the built-in printer 7 or the color copying machine 11 prints out an image based on the image data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image output device for outputting an image based on image data, and more particularly to an image output device having a plurality of means for printing image data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image photographed by a digital camera is stored in a storage device as image data, and an image printed at a developing laboratory (lab) is obtained based on the image data. When printing in the L size, which is a general print size, an image is obtained at a developing laboratory where the image data is obtained.
When it is desired to perform printing with a large enlargement or to perform printing in a desired printing method, the image data is transferred by communication to another developing laboratory capable of performing such printing.

[0003]

Therefore, although a general print size can obtain an image relatively quickly,
There is a problem that it takes several days to obtain a large-sized image or an image of a desired printing method.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has as its object to provide a technique capable of selecting a plurality of types of prints and immediately obtaining an image.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the image output apparatus according to the present invention, one of image data reading means for reading an image data storage medium on which image data is recorded is selected, and The image processing apparatus includes first and second printing units that print an image based on the image data obtained from the image data reading unit, and a control unit that controls operations of the first and second printing units. The second printing unit is provided separately from the first printing unit, the control unit, and the image data reading unit.

Preferably, the second printing means is a copying machine capable of copying an image other than the image data.

[0007] Alternatively, preferably, the first printing means,
The control unit and the image data reading unit are stored in the same housing.

[0008] Alternatively, preferably, the first and second printing means operate in a coin bender system.

A second aspect of the image output apparatus according to the present invention is the first aspect of the image output apparatus, wherein the image data reading means and the first and second printing means are different from each other. The image data is transmitted by first and second communication methods.

Preferably, the first communication method employs a Centronics method.

Alternatively, preferably, the second communication method employs an Ethernet system.

According to a third aspect of the image output apparatus of the present invention, one of image data reading means for reading an image data storage medium on which image data is recorded is selected, and First and second printing means for printing an image based on the obtained image data, and first data processing corresponding to the first printing means when the first printing means is selected. The second printing means is selected when the second printing means is selected;
And a data processing means for performing the second data processing corresponding to the printing means.

Preferably, the first and second data processes both include a process for correcting the resolution.

Preferably, the first and second data processing both include gamma correction.

More preferably, the second data processing includes:
It also includes a process of enlarging the image.

According to a fourth aspect of the image output apparatus of the present invention, one of image data reading means for reading an image data storage medium on which image data is recorded is selected, and one of the image data reading means is selected. First and second printing means for printing an image based on the obtained image data. Then, the first and second printing units convert the image data into different first
And printing the image in accordance with the second data format.

Preferably, the first data format is CMY
K format or RGB format.

More preferably, the second data format is
PostScript format.

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment A) Overall configuration and overall operation: FIG.
FIG. 2 is an external view schematically showing a configuration of a zero. Image output device 10
0 is a coin vender type main body 1 and a color copying machine 11
And a connection cable 10 for connecting the two.

On the surface of the main body 1, an operation display section 2a, a smart media (SSFDC) loading port 3a, a compact flash (CF) loading port 4a, a floppy disk loading port 5a, a CD-ROM loading port 6a, and a print discharge port 7 are provided.
a, the charge inlet 9a is exposed.

The color copying machine 11 has a display section 12 for displaying the operation state of the color copying machine 11 and a discharge section 13 for discharging the printing paper printed by the color copying machine 11.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the image output apparatus 100. The main body 1 includes a smart media drive 3 having a smart media loading slot 3a, a compact flash drive 4 having a compact flash loading slot 4a, a floppy disk drive 5 having a floppy disk loading slot 5a, and a CD-ROM loading slot 6.
CD-ROM drive 6 having a and print outlet 7
The printer includes a built-in printer 7 for supplying printing paper printed to a, and a coin bender unit 9 having a charge slot 9a. Further, it includes memories 21 and 22, an image signal processing unit 23, interfaces 24 to 28, a display control unit 2, and a touch panel control unit 8, and further controls overall operation of the components of the main body 1. A part 20 is also provided.

The color copying machine 11 includes a copy data input unit 31 to which an original image is input in a normal copy operation, an interface 32 connected to the connection cable 10,
A print unit 33 that prints one of the image data obtained from the copy data input unit 31 and the image data obtained from the interface 32 and supplies the printed paper to the discharge unit 13 is provided. A print display unit 12 on which the operation of the print unit 33 is displayed; a printer control unit 34 for overall controlling the operation of the components of the color copying machine 11
Is also provided.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a basic printing operation of the image output apparatus 100.
Run under the control of First, a printing operation is started in step S0. In step S0, if bills or coins are given to the charge slot 9a, the situation is confirmed by the coin vender unit 9 and the interface 2
8 to the overall control unit 20.

Next, the process proceeds to step S1, where a menu selection display is performed. In step S1, the display control unit 2 displays a menu of print operations that can be selected on the operation display unit 2a. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a display on the operation display unit 2a when step S1 is performed. In the present embodiment, there are three options for the operation of printing image data input in step S2 described below. The first option is a normal print, and a print sheet printed by the built-in printer 7 is obtained as described later. Second
Is an enlarged print, and a print paper printed by the print unit 33 of the color copying machine 11 is obtained as described later. A third option is an index print, in which a plurality of images are printed on one print sheet by the built-in printer 7 as described later.

The data for display on the operation display unit 2a can be given to the second memory 22 by the general control unit 20, for example, and further to the display control unit 2 via the interface 24.

In step S2, data input processing is performed. Specifically, for example, the smart media loading port 3a
Causes the smart media drive 3 to store image data in the memory 21 from the inserted smart media. The smart media drive 3 and the memory 21
Is controlled by the overall control unit 20. Of course, under the control of the overall control unit 20, the compact flash drive 4 from the compact flash inserted through the compact flash loading slot 4a and the floppy disk drive 5 from the floppy disk inserted through the floppy disk loading slot 5a. From the CD-ROM inserted through the CD-ROM loading slot 6a.
The M drive 6 may store the image data in the memory 21 respectively. That is, the smart media drive 3, compact flash drive 4, floppy disk drive 5, and CD-ROM drive 6 all function as image data reading means.

The CD-ROM drive 6 is a CD-R
Image data may be read from. In addition, the floppy disk drive 5 may be replaced with a device that reads another image recording medium, for example, a magneto-optical recording medium (MO), a mini disk (MD), a Zip drive medium, and a phase change recording medium (PD). it can.

In step S2, selection of the first to third options is also input. The operation display unit 2a is provided with a touch panel type operation unit, and provides a signal based on the operated input to the touch panel control unit 8. Information on which of the first to third options has been selected is transmitted to the overall control unit 20 via the interface 25.
Given to. For example, when the operator touches the operation display unit 2a with a finger at the position of “normal print” shown in FIG. 4, information indicating that the first option is selected is transmitted to the overall control unit 20.

Based on the determinations in steps S3 and S4, the overall control unit 20 performs the processing in steps S5, S6 and S7 corresponding to the first to third options, respectively. Specifically, it is determined in step S3 whether or not normal printing has been selected, and if "YES", step S5, which is normal printing processing, is executed. If “NO”, the process shifts to step S4 to determine whether or not enlargement printing is selected. If “YES”, step S6 which is a process of enlargement printing is executed. If "NO", step S
Then, the process proceeds to step S7 to execute the index print process. After the processes of steps S5, S6, and S7 are performed, the process proceeds to step S10, where end processing, for example, confirmation of the states of the main body 1 and the color copying machine 11 and initialization are performed, and the process returns to step S1. . That is, the built-in printer 7 and the color copier 11 function as first and second printing units for printing image data obtained from the image data reading unit, respectively.
And functions as a control unit that controls the operation of the second printing unit.

When the normal printing and the index printing are performed, the printing unit 33 does not print the image data obtained from the main body 1 via the connection cable 10.
A printing operation based on the image data obtained from the copying machine, that is, a copying operation as a normal copying machine can be performed independently of the main body 1. On the other hand, when the enlarged print is executed, the function of the color copying machine 11 as a normal copying machine is prohibited. The color copying machine 11 does not necessarily have to have a color copying function, but may have a simple copying function, for example, a monochrome copying function. In that case, the print image obtained by executing the enlarged print is naturally monochrome.

B) Normal Print Operation: FIGS. 5 and 6 show the image output apparatus 100 when the normal print operation is selected.
3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the main body 1 in particular. As described at the end of the previous section, when the normal print and the index print are executed, the color copying machine 11 can operate as a normal copying machine independently. Will be explained separately in the following sections.

FIG. 5 shows the details of step S5.
First, in step S501, settings for performing printing using the built-in printer 7 are performed. For example, while permitting data transfer by the interface 26,
A process for inhibiting data transfer by the interface 27 is performed. FIG. 6 shows the operation of the built-in printer 7. Initial setting is performed in step S511 corresponding to step S501.

As the built-in printer 7, for example, any of a sublimation type, an ink jet type, a type in which printing paper on which dyes are laminated and heated to form a color, and a silver halide photographic method can be used. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the main body 1 when a silver halide photographic method is adopted as the built-in printer 7, for example, when an electronic shutter type printer head 72 using PLZT and a developing unit 71 are provided. Printing paper 7
3 is exposed by the printer head 72 under the control of the overall control unit 20, and is developed and fixed by the developing unit 71, and is discharged from the print discharge port 7a. In general, in the silver halide photography system, the processing speed is high and the image quality is high.

In step S502, image data (hereinafter, referred to as "print data") corresponding to an image to be printed (hereinafter, referred to as "print image") is selected. Specifically, for example, in step S2, the memory 2
The image signal processing unit 23 performs image reduction processing on the plurality of pieces of image data stored in the storage unit 1 and supplies the image data to the display control unit 2 via the memory 22 and the interface 24. The display control unit 2 causes the operation display unit 2a to perform an index display including a plurality of reduced image data (hereinafter, referred to as “index data”), and the operator selects a print image from the display data. 8 and information about the selection of the print image (for example, the number of the frame) through the interface 25.
Is transmitted to.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an index display 91. A plurality of reduced images 91m are assembled to form an index display 91, which is displayed on the operation display unit 2a. The operator selects one (or more) of images 91
By touching the operation display unit 2a with a finger at the position where m is displayed, the image 91m can be selected as a print image.

Next, in step S503, first image processing is performed on the print data. This process corrects the image data so as to conform to the print characteristics of the built-in printer 7. For example, γ correction and correction of resolution, contrast, and color state are performed according to the print characteristics of the built-in printer 7. In general, magenta is more likely to develop color in sublimation type printers than cyan and yellow, and there is no great difference in ease of color development between cyan, yellow and magenta in ink jet type printers. Also, in the silver halide photographic method, the color development characteristics with respect to the exposure amount of the silver halide photographic paper are not much different between cyan, yellow and magenta, but the light source used for exposing the light is red or green compared to blue. Easy to emit light. The gamma correction according to such various characteristics is performed in step S
503 is performed.

Further, in step S504, first image data conversion is performed. This processing corrects the image data so as to conform to the data format of the built-in printer 7. For example, the data stored in the smart media is converted into the RGB format or the CMYK format. When a sublimation type printer is adopted as the built-in printer 7, the image data is converted into CMYK format so that the sublimation type printer can print the image data correctly. Of course, if the sublimation type printer performs data conversion by itself, it obtains RGB format image data by the first image data conversion, and the sublimation type printer uses the CMYK image data.
It may be converted to a format and printed. If the built-in printer 7 employs a silver halide photography method, the image data is converted into an RGB format suitable for a light source exposed through an electronic shutter. Alternatively, the image data is PostScript
It may be converted to type data, but the conversion process may be complicated.

The processes in steps S503 and S504 are executed by the image signal processing unit 23 performing the storage of the result in the memory 22 under the control of the general control unit 20. Although software processing is possible in the overall control unit 20, it is desirable to provide the image signal processing unit 23 as hardware in order to obtain high-speed processing.

Next, in step S505, the memory 22
The print data is output to the built-in printer 7 via the interface 26. At this time, interface 2
Adopting the Centronics method as the communication method 6 makes it easy to adopt an inexpensive and highly versatile printer as the built-in printer 7. Step S512 is executed in FIG. 6 corresponding to step S505, and built-in printer 7 receives print data from interface 26. Then, in step S513, a print image corresponding to the print data is printed.

Returning to FIG. 5, in step S505,
After outputting the print data, the operation display unit 2a displays that the print image corresponding to the print data is being printed. This can be realized, for example, by giving the image data stored in the memory 22 to the display control unit 2 via the interface 24. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing a display on the operation display unit 2a when step S506 is executed. In this way, not only the image but also the number of the selected image that is being printed may be displayed.

While the display of the operation display unit 2a instructed in step S506 is being executed, the process proceeds to step S507,
It is determined whether or not all the print data has been output to the built-in printer 7, and steps S503 to S506 are performed until all the print data is output (until the end).
Is repeated. In response to this, steps S512 to S513 are repeated in FIG. More specifically, for example, when print data is not received within a predetermined period in step S512, a flow that skips step S513 and proceeds to step S514 can be adopted.

In step S514, information that the built-in printer 7 has completed the printing operation is transmitted. This information is provided to the overall control unit 20 via the interface 26. On the other hand, returning to FIG. 5, if it is determined in step S507 that the print data has been completed, the state of the built-in printer 7 is confirmed in step S508, specifically, whether or not the print operation has been completed is confirmed. Step S508 is repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S509 that the printing operation has been completed. Therefore, when information indicating that the printing operation has been completed is transmitted to the overall control unit 20 by executing step S514,
Step S5, that is, the normal print processing is completed, and FIG.
Will return to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

C) Index Print Operation: FIG.
9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image output apparatus 100 when the index print operation is selected, in particular, the operation of the main body 1, and shows details of step S7. In step S701, settings for using the built-in printer 7 are made in the same manner as in step S501. The built-in printer 7 executes step S511 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

Next, index data is created in step S702. Next, in step S703, an image based on the index data is displayed on the operation display unit 2a. For example, by displaying the index display 91 as shown in FIG. 8, the operator can confirm the image to be printed. Therefore, it can be said that step S502 includes these steps S702 and S703.

Thereafter, in step S704, the index data is sent to the built-in printer 7 through the interface 2.
6 is output. The built-in printer 7 performs steps S512 and S513 in the flowchart shown in FIG.
Execute

The process proceeds to step S705 and proceeds to step S50.
The state of the built-in printer 7 is confirmed in the same manner as in step 8, and the flow advances to step S706 to wait for the completion of printing by the built-in printer 7 in the same manner as in step S509. After the printing is completed, the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG.

D) Copying operation: When normal printing or index printing is executed as described above, the color copying machine 11 can perform a copying operation as a normal copying machine. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the color copying machine 11, which is executed under the control of the printer control unit. First, step S521
, The state of an operation switch (not shown) as a normal copying machine is checked. When the operator wants to perform a normal copying operation, the user operates this operation switch to request the color copying machine 11 to perform the copying operation.

Next, the flow advances to step S522 to check whether a request for enlarged printing has been made from the main body 1 via the connection cable 10. This request is sent to the overall control unit 20 of the main unit 1.
Is transmitted to the printer control unit 34 via the interface 27, the connection cable 10, and the interface 32 of the color copying machine 11. And step S52
The process proceeds to step S521, where it is determined whether or not a copy operation is requested in step S521, and if so, the process proceeds to step S8 for performing a copy operation. On the other hand, if the copy operation has not been requested, the process proceeds to step S524, and the process proceeds to step S52.
If the enlarged print operation is requested in step 2, the process proceeds to step S9 for performing the enlarged print operation. On the other hand, if enlargement printing is not requested, the process proceeds to step S527. After the steps S8 and S9 are completed, the step S
Proceed to 527.

Step S9 is a process of printing the image data taken in by the main body 1 to the color copying machine 11 to be exact, regardless of whether or not the image data is enlarged. Therefore, the processing in step S9 is called "electronic printing processing" in the sense that an image is electronically transmitted from the main body 1 to the color copying machine 11 and printed. In the present embodiment, the case of enlarged printing will be described in detail in the next section, and the electronic print processing in the case of no enlargement will be described in detail in the second embodiment.

In step S527, a display is made to the effect that the color copying machine 11 can be used. FIG. 12 shows step S5.
FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing a display on the printer display unit 12 when the operation 27 is performed. This display allows the color copier 11 to directly perform a copy operation, or
The operator can visually recognize that the enlarged print can be performed indirectly via the.

In this way, the color copying machine 11 performs processing by distributing a request for a normal copy operation and a request for an enlarged print operation. Since the color copying machine 11 has a copy function as its primary function, step S52 is performed so that a request for a copy operation is accepted prior to a request for an enlarged print operation.
3 is provided before step S524.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of step S8, which is a subroutine of the copy process. When this subroutine is called from the main routine shown in FIG. 11, first, the copy state flag F is set in the color copying machine 11 in step S801.

The copy status flag F is for letting the main body 1 know that the color copying machine 11 is executing a subroutine of copy processing. While step S8 is being executed, a request from the main body 1 based on the enlarged print operation in step S6 shown in FIG. 3, that is, a request to print image data obtained from the main body 1 via the interface 32 is not accepted. This is for notifying the main body 1 of the fact. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, the copy request is prioritized to the enlarged print request, and thus it is effective to provide a step for rejecting the enlarged print request during the copy processing. .

For example, the overall control unit 20 of the main body 1 determines whether to permit or reject the request for the enlarged print in the printer control unit 34 of the color copying machine 11 via the interface 27, the connection cable 10 and the interface 32. Can be realized by referring to the copy status flag F set in the.

Next, in step S802, the display unit 12 displays that copying is in progress so that the operator can visually recognize that the color copying machine 11 is currently performing the copying process. FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing a display on the display unit 12 when step S802 is executed. Steps S803 and S804 are executed with this display being performed. In step S803, the copy original is scanned by the CCD line sensor (not shown) in the copy data input unit 31, and the information of the original is converted into copy data, for example, RGB signals. In step S804, step S8
03 on the basis of the RGB signals obtained in
Performs printing.

When step S804 is completed, step S804
At 805, a standby time of, for example, 100 milliseconds is provided. Then, in step S806, the operation switch is
N is determined. If it is ON, steps S803, S804, and S805 are repeatedly executed. If it has not been turned on, the process proceeds to step S807, and it is determined whether a predetermined time, for example, 10 seconds, has elapsed after executing step S801 (or step S802). If the predetermined time has not elapsed, step S80
5, the processing of S806 is repeated, and if it has elapsed, the copy operation proceeds to step S808 on the assumption that the processing for the copy request has been completed.

In step S808, the copy status flag F
Is reset so that a request for an enlarged print operation can be accepted. Then, the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG. 11, and proceeds to step S527. The display on the display unit 12 in step S802 as shown in FIG. 14 is changed to the display shown in FIG. 12 in step S527.

E) Enlarged Print Operation: FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the main body 1 particularly when the enlarged print is performed, and shows the details of step S6. Step S6 is executed under the control of the overall control unit 20.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the color copying machine 11 in the case of performing electronic printing, and shows the details of step S9. Step S9 is executed under the control of the printer control unit 34. When performing the enlarged print executed in step S6, the electronic print process executed in step S9 is employed.

First, in FIG. 15, the flow advances to step S601, and the fact that electronic printing is desired is transmitted from the main body 1 to the color copying machine 11 via the connection cable 10. Immediately before execution of step S601, no copy processing is performed in the main routine of the color copying machine 11 shown in FIG. 11, and steps S521, S522, and S52 are performed.
If steps S524 and S527 are repeatedly executed, step S601 is executed to execute step S601.
The operation of the color copying machine 11 shifts to step S9 via 522, S523, and S524. On the other hand, step S
Immediately before the execution of step S601, if the color copying machine 11 is executing step S8, step S8 shown in FIG.
The copy status flag F executed in 801 is set, and the execution of step S8 is continued.

The state of the color copying machine 11 is confirmed in step S602. If the copy status flag F has been set, it is determined in step S603 that the color copying machine 11 is copying, and step S602 is repeated until the copy status flag F is reset. If the copy state flag F has not been set, the process proceeds from step S603 to step S604. Immediately before the execution of step S601, if the color copying machine 11 is executing step S8, step S808 (FIG. 1)
3) is executed, and when the process reaches step S522 via steps S527 and S521 (FIG. 11), step S522 is executed.
601 (FIG. 15) will be accepted. Then, the process reaches step S9 via steps S523 and S524 (FIG. 11).

In FIG. 16, when step S9 is started, a printing flag G is set in step S901. For example, the printer control section 34 can set the printing flag G. At this time, the printer control unit 34 makes the print unit 33
Such as ignoring the image data from 1 and inputting the image data obtained from the interface 32,
The status of each unit in the color copying machine 11 is set. Then, in step S902, the display unit 12 displays an indication that the normal copying operation cannot be performed by the color copying machine 11, that is, a copy inhibition display. This is to change the fact that the color copier 11 displayed in step S527 is usable (FIG. 12). FIG.
FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a display on the display unit 12 when step S902 is executed. With this display, the operator can visually recognize that the copying operation is not possible.

Returning to FIG. 15, in step S604, various settings in the main body 1 for electronic printing are performed. For example, the data transfer of the interface 26 is prohibited so that the image data is not transmitted to the built-in printer 7, while the operation of the interface 27 for transmitting the image data to the color copier 11 is permitted. The process advances to step S605 to select print data in the same manner as in step S502 (FIG. 5) in the normal print operation.

Thereafter, in step S606, the color copying machine 11 selects the size of the paper on which the image data is printed. FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram showing a display on the operation display unit 2a when step S606 is executed. Step S
Similarly to 502 (FIG. 5), the display control unit 2 displays a mark representing the size on the operation display unit 2a, and the operator touches the position of the mark corresponding to the size from among the marks, whereby the touch panel control unit is displayed. Information about the paper size (for example, 2L size, 6-cut size, A3 or A4 size) is transmitted to the overall control unit 20 via the interface 8 and the interface 25. Although it is easier to make a selection based on the paper size, the selection may be made based on the magnification of the image.

After that, the display of the operation display section 2a is changed to "printing on the copier" in step S607. Color copier 1 not from main unit 1
This is to show that printing paper on which an image is printed can be obtained from No. 1.

Next, the flow advances to step S608 to perform second image processing on the print data. Step S608
Is similar to the first image processing in step S503 (FIG. 5), the print signal is corrected in the image signal processing unit 23 so as to conform to the printing characteristics of the printing unit 33. For example, γ correction and correction of resolution, contrast, and color state are performed according to the print characteristics of the print unit 33. In general, yellow is the color that is most likely to develop in copying, and then magenta and then cyan. Therefore, it is necessary to perform gamma correction different from the first image processing. Of course, it is necessary to perform image processing independent of the built-in printer 7 with respect to the resolution and the like.

Further, in step S608, step S60
The print data enlargement process is also performed at an enlargement ratio suitable for the paper size selected in step 6. Along with this enlargement processing, it is desirable that the above-mentioned resolution conversion takes into account the enlargement ratio.

Next, the flow advances to step S609 to perform second data conversion on the print data. Step S60
9 corrects the image data so as to conform to the data format of the print unit 33, similar to the first image data conversion in step S504 (FIG. 5). For example, the image signal processing unit 23 converts the data stored in the smart media into PostScript type data.

Then, the process proceeds to step S610, where the memory 2
The print data is output from the printer 2 to the color copier 11 via the interface 27. This print data is received by the interface 32 of the color copying machine 11 via the connection cable 10. By employing the Ethernet system as the interfaces 27 and 32, it becomes easy to connect not only the color copying machine 11 but also a plurality of printers for printing print data. The adoption of the Ethernet method is advantageous in that it can be applied to a wide area, but it is relatively easy to add a USB or IE.
It is more advantageous to adopt EE1394 or the like. From the viewpoint of high-speed transfer, it is more preferable to adopt IEEE1394 than USB.

As described above, the copy status flag F
It is also necessary to check the
A circuit 32 can be used for both input and output.

Step S 903 is executed in FIG. 16 corresponding to step S 610, and print unit 33 receives print data from interface 32. In step S904, a print image corresponding to the print data is printed.

Steps S608 and S60 until it is determined in step S611 that the print data is completed.
Steps S903 and S904 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S905 that the print data is completed.

If it is determined in steps S611 and S905 that the print data has been completed,
The process proceeds to steps S612 and S906, respectively. In general, the printing process executed in step S904 requires more time than the data transfer executed in step S610, so that step S612 is combined with step S613 to allow the color copier 11 to perform printing. Waits for the transition to the state where has been completed. More specifically, a signal to the effect that printing has been completed is transmitted from the color copying machine 11 to the main body 1 in step S906.
In the overall control unit 20, the interfaces 27 and 32
If this signal is received via the connection cable 10, "YES" is determined in step S613. Thereafter, step S6 ends, and the main body 1 executes step S1 via step S10 in FIG. In the color copying machine 11, step S907 is executed.
The printing flag G is reset, and the process proceeds to step S in FIG.
Proceed to 527.

By executing step S527, the display unit 1
The display of 2 shifts from the content shown in FIG. 17 to the content shown in FIG. By executing step S1, the display on the operation display unit 2a shifts from the content shown in FIG. 18 to the content shown in FIG.

The main unit 1 may detect whether or not the color copying machine 11 has finished printing by taking in the value of the printing flag G of the color copying machine 11. This is because the printing flag G remains set in step S901 if the printing is not completed, and is reset in step S907 if the printing is completed. In that case, step S906 can be omitted.

According to the present embodiment, since the image output apparatus 100 is configured and operates as described above, the following effects can be obtained.

First, a printing paper on which a print image is printed can be sold as a vendor laboratory, that is, a vending machine. Moreover, the built-in printer 7 and the printing unit 33 of the color copying machine 11 can be selected as the printer. For example, if an L size, which is a normal photo print size, is required, the built-in printer 7 can perform high-speed printing. If a silver halide photographic method is adopted as the built-in printer 7, the processing speed is higher and the image quality is higher. On the other hand, if the user wants to print a larger print than a normal photo print, the color copier 11
Can respond immediately.

The color copying machine 11 is provided separately from the main body 1, and as shown in section D, the color copying machine 11 also functions as a normal copying machine. Therefore, the copier, which is often installed in a convenience store, is connected to the image output device 10.
Even if it is replaced with 0, the newly required installation location is only for the main body 1. In other words, there is no need to separately provide a device for performing enlarged printing as a vendor lab.
On the other hand, a color copying machine 11 for performing enlarged printing
Is controlled by, for example, steps S601, S610, etc., also by the overall control unit 20 provided in the main body 1, so that the operator only needs to operate the main body 1 for enlarged printing, and No separate operation is required.

Second, the color copying machine 11 is provided separately from the main body 1 and data communication needs to be performed between the two. The communication format is set separately from the communication format received by the built-in printer 7. it can. In this embodiment, an inexpensive and highly versatile printer can be adopted as the built-in printer 7 as a communication format of image data received by the built-in printer 7 as the Centronics format, while the communication cable 10 between the main body 1 and the outside is used. The communication format has been changed to the Ethernet format, making it easy to add printers.

Third, the image data is sent to the image signal processor 23.
Undergoes the first and second data conversion respectively by
It is compatible with the built-in printer 7 of the main body 1 and the printing section 33 of the color copying machine 11. For example, in the first data conversion, in the silver halide photographic system, an RGB format is used to drive a light source for performing exposure, and in a sublimation type printer, CMY is used to perform coloring of a dye.
In the K method, the second data conversion uses PostScript to increase the versatility of the printer connected to the outside of the main unit 1.
It is converted by type.

Fourth, the image data is sent to the image signal processing unit 23.
As a result, first and second data processing suitable for the built-in printer 7 of the main body 1 and the printing unit 33 of the color copying machine 11 are received. As a result, the gamma correction and the resolution of various printers can be corrected. In particular, when an enlarged print is performed, processing for the enlargement is also performed in the second data processing. That is, the image signal processing unit 23 functions as a data processing unit.

Fifth, if a request for electronic printing from the main body 1 is received, steps S901 and S902 (FIG.
By the execution of 6), the color copying machine 11 does not perform the copying operation. On the other hand, during the copying operation of the color copying machine 11, steps S801 (FIG. 13),
By executing S603 (FIG. 15), electronic printing is not performed. Since the copying operation and the electronic printing are clearly separated as described above, it is possible to prevent the processing in the color copying machine 11 from becoming complicated.

Second Embodiment Even if it is desired to perform printing of a normal size (for example, L size) instead of enlarged printing, electronic printing can be performed.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the details of step S5A for performing the normal print processing, which is replaced with step S5 (FIGS. 3 and 5). First, step S53
At 1, the state of the built-in printer 7 is confirmed. Specifically, it is checked whether or not the paper of the printer is set normally, and it is confirmed that the printer is ready for printing. Next, in step S532, the state of the color copying machine 11 is confirmed. Specifically, step S602 (FIG. 1)
Communication with the color copying machine 11 is performed in the same manner as in 5). Of course, it is desirable to confirm whether the sheets are set properly in steps S532 and S602.

Based on the states of the built-in printer 7 and the color copier 11 confirmed in steps S531 and S532,
In step S533, whether or not a printer can be selected is displayed on the operation display unit 2a, and whether or not these can be used is visually recognized by the operator. For example, if the color copying machine 11 is copying, only the built-in printer 7 can be used, so that the printer cannot be selected. Step S53
3 further displays various conditions such as the print price, image quality, and print time when using these printers on the operation display unit 2a, so that the operator can perform printing using the built-in printer 7 or color copying based on these. Machine 11 can be selected. FIGS. 20 and 21 show the operation display unit 2 when step S533 is executed.
It is a key map showing display of a. FIG. 20 shows the built-in printer 7.
FIG. 21 shows a case where a silver halide photographic method is adopted as a built-in printer. As shown in these figures, an image diagram of each printer can be displayed. As mentioned in section B of the first embodiment, generally, the silver halide photographic method is faster in processing, has higher image quality, and is less expensive than a sublimation printer. However, the processing speed is faster for electronic printing.

In consideration of these conditions, the operator touches the operation display section 2a in step S534 to select a printer. Next, in step S535, the operator selects print data in the same manner as in step S502 (FIG. 5). Then, in step S536, it is determined whether or not electronic printing (printing by the color copying machine 11) has been selected in step S534. If "YES", the flow advances to step S537 to perform electronic printing processing, and if "NO". For example, the process proceeds to step S538, where the printing process is performed by the built-in printer 7. Step S53
If any one of Steps S7 and S538 ends, Step S5A ends, and the process proceeds to Step S10 (FIG. 3).

In step S538, substantially the same processing as in step S5 is performed. However, since the processing corresponding to step S502 has already been performed in step S535, the processing in steps S501 and S503 to S509 is actually performed. Become. In step S537, substantially the same processing as in step S6 is performed. However, since processing corresponding to step S602 has already been performed in step S532 and information indicating that selection is not possible is displayed in step S533, processing corresponding to step S603 is performed. Is unnecessary, and steps S601, S604, and S6 are actually performed.
The processing from 07 to S613 is performed. However, due to the nature of step S5A, enlargement processing of print data is not performed among the processing described in step S608.

According to this embodiment, since the operation is performed as described above, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects obtained in the first embodiment. That is, since the characteristics of the built-in printer 7 and the color copier 11 are displayed on the operation display unit 2a, the operator selects which of the built-in printer 7 and the color copier 11 prints the print data based on the characteristics. can do. That is, the user can easily select his favorite printer.

Third Embodiment In the second embodiment, the operator selects a printer in consideration of the conditions and characteristics of a plurality of printers. However, this selection may be automatically performed.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the details of step S5B for performing the normal print processing, which is replaced with step S5 (FIGS. 3 and 5). First, step S54
In step 1, print data is selected in the same manner as in step S502. Next, the total number of print data selected in step S542 (hereinafter, “total number of prints”) is calculated. Next, in step S543, it is determined whether or not the total number of prints is a predetermined number, for example, 12 or more.
Proceeding to 544, settings for performing electronic printing are made in the same manner as in step S604. If “NO”, step S5
The process proceeds to step S48, where the setting for using the built-in printer 7 is made in the same manner as steps S501 and S701. This is to select an electronic print with a low unit price when the number is large.

After execution of steps S544 and S548, the set printer is displayed on the operation display section 2a in steps S545 and S549, respectively. FIG.
24 and FIG. 24 are conceptual diagrams showing the display of the operation display unit 2a when steps S544 and S548 are executed, respectively. Then, after execution of steps S544 and S548,
In steps S546 and S550, the operator is asked whether to perform printing with the set printer.

Then, in step S550, "YE
S ”or“ N ”in step S546.
If "O" is determined, the built-in printer 7 is used as the printer, and the flow advances to step S551 to execute the print processing by the built-in printer 7 in step S538.
This is performed in the same manner as (FIG. 19). Step S5
50 is determined to be “NO”, or step S 54
If "YES" is determined in step S6, the color copier 11 is used as a printer.
Proceeding to 557, the electronic print processing is performed in step S53.
7 (FIG. 19). In this embodiment, when "No" is selected, a printer different from the standard setting is selected, but the characteristics of the printer may be displayed and the user may select it. .

Then, even if either of the processes in steps S551 and S557 is completed, step S5B is completed and the process proceeds to step S10 (FIG. 3).

According to the present embodiment, since the image output apparatus 100 operates as described above, by automatically selecting a printer according to the number of print data, it is possible for beginners who are difficult to understand the difference between printers. In addition to the above, the printer can be changed, so that the operator who has a preference for the printer can be provided.

In the above-described embodiment, the operations of the overall control unit 20 and the printer control unit 34 are mainly shown in flowcharts, but the operations of these flowcharts may be substantially provided as hardware means. It is natural that an operation equivalent to
It goes without saying that the present invention is an idea including such hardware means.

[0096]

According to the image output apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the second printing means is provided separately, it can be replaced with an existing image output apparatus, for example, a copier. ,
The newly required installation locations are the first printing unit, the control unit,
Only the image data is sufficient. And this control unit is the first
Control not only the operation of the second printing means but also the operation of the second printing means.
The operator need only operate the control unit, and does not need to separately operate the second printing unit.

According to the image output apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, an inexpensive and highly versatile printer can be adopted by appropriately selecting a data communication method received by the first printing means. The communication method for providing image data to the second printing means can be separately selected to facilitate the addition of the second printing means.

According to the image output apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform data processing corresponding to each of the first and second printing means, and to print an appropriate image in each of them. Can be.

According to the image output apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, each of the first and second printing means performs data conversion into a format which can be processed, thereby printing an image in any of them. be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view schematically showing a configuration of an image output apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an image output device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image output apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an operation of the image output device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image output apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image output apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the image output device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of the image output device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of the image output device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image output apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image output apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of the image output device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image output apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of the image output device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image output apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image output device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of the image output device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of the image output device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image output device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of the image output device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of the image output device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image output device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a conceptual diagram showing an operation of the image output device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a conceptual diagram showing an operation of the image output device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 body, 3 smart media drive, 4 compact flash drive, 5 floppy disk drive, 6 CD-ROM drive, 7 built-in printer,
9 coin bender section, 11 color copier, 20 overall control section, 23 image signal processing section, 26, 27, 32 interface, 33 print section

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 9/79 F term (Reference) 2H027 EB03 EE10 EJ02 EJ15 ZA07 5B021 AA19 AA30 DD19 LL05 PP04 PP06 5C053 FA04 FA05 FA23 FA24 FA27 KA01 KA08 KA24 LA03 LA06 LA14 5C055 AA04 AA06 AA14 BA08 EA05 HA36

Claims (15)

[Claims] An image data reading means for reading an image data storage medium on which image data is recorded, wherein one of the means is selected to print an image based on the image data obtained from the image data reading means. 1st and 2nd printing means, and the control part which controls operation | movement of the said 1st and 2nd printing means, The said 2nd printing means is the said 1st printing means, the said control part, and the said image. An image output device provided separately from the data reading means. 2. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second printing means is a copying machine capable of copying an image other than said image data. 3. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first printing unit, the control unit, and the image data reading unit are stored in the same case. 4. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first and second printing means operate in a coin bender system. 5. The first and second printing means from the image data reading means to first and second printing means different from each other.
The image output device according to claim 1, wherein the image data is transmitted by a second communication method. 6. The image output device according to claim 5, wherein said first communication method employs a Centronics method. 7. The image output device according to claim 5, wherein said second communication method employs an Ethernet system. 8. An image data reading means for reading an image data storage medium on which image data is recorded, wherein one of the means is selected to print an image based on the image data obtained from the image data reading means. First and second printing means, when the first printing means is selected, first data processing corresponding to the first printing means is performed, and when the second printing means is selected. And a data processing unit for performing second data processing corresponding to the second printing unit. 9. The image output device according to claim 8, wherein each of said first and second data processes includes a process of correcting a resolution. 10. The image output apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said first and second data processing both include γ correction. 11. The image output device according to claim 8, wherein the second data processing includes an enlargement process of the image. 12. An image data reading means for reading an image data storage medium on which image data is recorded, wherein one of the means is selected to print an image based on the image data obtained from the image data reading means. An image output apparatus comprising: first and second printing units, wherein the first and second printing units print the image in accordance with first and second data formats different from each other. 13. The image output device according to claim 12, wherein said first data format is a CMYK format. 14. The image output device according to claim 12, wherein said first data format is an RGB format. 15. The image output device according to claim 12, wherein said second data format is a PostScript format.