JP2000171911A - Print ordering device and print system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to confirm an ordering state and a processing state by displaying print processing information, generated at a lab according to sent order information, on a display means. SOLUTION: The user who takes a picture by a digital camera and requests the lab 201 to print it generates print order information through a print order information input part provided on the back of the digital camera. The generated print order information and digital image information while made to correspond to each other are sent to the lab 201 through a communication line 300. The lab 201 having received the print order information generates print processing information according to the operation state of a printer, current reception information, etc., and sends it to the digital camera. Consequently, the user knows that the print order information has correctly been transmitted and also accurately and concretely knows the print completion time and wait time.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a print ordering apparatus and a print system, and more particularly to a print ordering apparatus and a print system suitable for ordering a printout of photographed digital image information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital image information obtained by photographing with a digital camera or the like is printed by a color printer or the like.

Further, there has been proposed a service of processing and printing using an expensive apparatus based on the digital image information to create a high quality print. Then, in consideration of the time required to create the contents to be ordered at the store and the congestion that occurs, the photographed digital image information is input to a computer or the like, processed, and the order information is created in advance. Removable recording medium (P
(C card, various memory cards, etc.) and use it for print reception.

[0004]

However, the method of processing by inputting to a computer or the like requires a computer in addition to the digital camera, so that there is a problem that order information cannot be easily created.

In the case of receiving digital image information recorded on a removable recording medium by a receiving device, repeated receiving is performed a number of times. There is a possibility that acceptance will not be made.

Further, when a print request is made using such a recording medium, there is a problem that a user cannot confirm whether or not an accurate order request has been actually made.

Further, when an order is placed, the waiting time until completion of printing, the print size, the presence or absence of various services,
However, there has been a problem that such confirmation is extremely troublesome, or there is no means for the user to confirm when ordering. This is because there is no agreement between the ordering device and the printing device regarding data transfer.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to realize a print ordering apparatus and a print system which enable a user to check the status of an order.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print order information creating means for creating print order information relating to a print order for each image, a sending means for sending the print order information, A print ordering apparatus, comprising: receiving means for receiving print processing information relating to print processing sent in response to transmission of the print order information; and display means for displaying the print processing information. .

In this print ordering apparatus, print processing information created on the laboratory side based on the transmitted print order information is displayed on the display means. Therefore, it is possible to realize a print ordering apparatus that allows a user to check the order status and the processing status of the print order information created by the print ordering apparatus.

(2) The print ordering apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided with an image pickup means for creating digital image information by picking up an image.

The print ordering apparatus has an image pickup means, and has, for example, a camera section and a print ordering section. Therefore, print order information is created and transmitted based on digital image information generated by imaging, and print processing information created on the laboratory side based on the transmitted print order information is displayed on the display unit. .

Therefore, it is possible to realize a print ordering apparatus that allows a user to check the order status and the processing status of print order information created for digital image information obtained by imaging.

(3) The printing method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the print processing information includes information on a time required for the print processing. It is an order device.

In this print ordering apparatus, print processing information created by the laboratory based on the transmitted print order information is displayed on the display means. The print processing information includes information on the time required for the print processing.

Therefore, it is possible to realize a print ordering apparatus that allows a user to check the processing status including the time required for the print processing for the print order information created by the print ordering apparatus.

(4) The invention according to claim 4, wherein the print processing information includes information on a type of print processing that cannot be accepted. Print ordering device.

In this print ordering apparatus, print processing information created by the laboratory based on the transmitted print order information is displayed on the display means. The print processing information includes information on processing contents that cannot be accepted as print processing.

Therefore, it is possible to realize a print ordering apparatus that allows a user to confirm a processing status including information on print processing contents that cannot be accepted with respect to print order information created by the print ordering apparatus.

(5) The invention according to claim 5, wherein the print processing information includes information on a required time required for each type of print processing. It is a print ordering device as described.

In this print ordering apparatus, print processing information created by the laboratory based on the transmitted print order information is displayed on the display means. The print processing information includes information on the required time required for each type of print processing.

Therefore, it is possible to realize a print ordering apparatus that allows a user to confirm the processing status including the required time for each type of print processing with respect to the print order information created by the print ordering apparatus.

(6) The invention according to claim 6, wherein the print processing information includes information on print processing that can be processed at the time of reception and information on a waiting time for the print processing. A print ordering apparatus according to any one of the above.

In this print ordering apparatus, print processing information created by the laboratory based on the transmitted print order information is displayed on the display means. The print processing information includes information on print processing that can be processed at the time of reception and information on the waiting time.

Therefore, it is possible to realize a print ordering apparatus which allows a user to confirm a printing process that can be processed at the time of reception and a processing status including information on a waiting time for the print order information created by the print ordering apparatus.

(7) The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the print processing information includes information on the amount of money for the print processing based on the print order information. A print ordering apparatus according to any one of the above.

In this print ordering apparatus, print processing information created on the laboratory side based on the transmitted print order information is displayed on the display means. The print processing information includes information on the price of the print processing.

Therefore, it is possible to realize a print ordering apparatus that enables a user to check the processing status including information on the price of the print processing with respect to the print order information created by the print ordering apparatus.

(8) The invention according to claim 8, further comprising a canceling means for canceling a print order after receiving the print processing information. This is a print ordering device.

In this print ordering apparatus, print processing information created on the laboratory side based on the transmitted print order information is displayed on the display means. Also,
A function is provided for canceling the transmitted print order information. That is, this cancellation can be displayed as print processing information.

Therefore, it is possible to cancel the print order information created by the print ordering apparatus when it is determined that the information is unnecessary, and to realize a print ordering apparatus capable of confirming the canceled state by the user.

(9) According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print system having a print ordering apparatus and a printing apparatus, wherein the print ordering apparatus transmits at least information on the number of prints and the print type for each image. Print order information creating means for creating print order information including, and transmitting means for sending the print order information,
The printing apparatus includes a transmitting unit that transmits print processing information in response to receiving print order information transmitted from the print ordering device, and a printing unit that performs printing based on the print order information. This is a print system.

In the printing process, the printing apparatus creates print processing information based on the print order information transmitted by the print ordering apparatus. The print ordering device receives print processing information from the printing device.

Therefore, the user can check the order status and the processing status of the print order information created by the print ordering device by using the print processing information from the printing device.

(10) The print system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, wherein the print ordering apparatus has an image pickup means for creating digital image information by taking an image. .

The print ordering apparatus of the print system includes an image pickup means, and has, for example, a camera unit and a print ordering unit. Therefore, print order information is created and transmitted based on digital image information generated by imaging, and print processing information created on the laboratory side based on the transmitted print order information is displayed on the display unit. .

Therefore, it is possible to realize a print system that allows a user to check the order status and the processing status of print order information created for digital image information obtained by imaging.

(11) The invention according to claim 11, wherein the print processing information includes information on a time required for print processing.
The print system according to any one of the above.

In this print system, the print ordering apparatus receives print processing information created by the printing apparatus based on the print order information transmitted from the print ordering apparatus. The print processing information includes information on the time required for the print processing.

Therefore, it is possible to realize a print system that allows the user to check the processing status including the time required for the print processing for the print order information created by the print order apparatus.

(12) The invention according to claim 12, wherein the printing apparatus transmits delay information when it is determined that printing has not been completed or that the printing has not been completed even after the required time has elapsed. The printing system according to claim 9, further comprising a unit.

In this print system, the print ordering apparatus receives print processing information created by the printing apparatus based on the print order information transmitted from the print ordering apparatus. The print processing information includes delay information indicating that print completion is delayed.

Therefore, it is possible to realize a print system that allows the user to check the processing status of the print order information created by the print ordering apparatus, including whether or not a delay occurs in the completion of printing.

(13) The invention according to claim 13, wherein the printing apparatus uses a plurality of different notification methods when it is determined that the printing has not been completed or that the printing has not been completed even after the required time has elapsed. 11. The print ordering apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a transmission unit capable of transmitting delay information, wherein the print ordering apparatus includes a selection unit that selects a notification method by the transmission unit. Print system.

In this printing system, the print ordering apparatus receives print processing information created by the printing apparatus based on the print order information transmitted from the print ordering apparatus. The print processing information includes delay information indicating that print completion is delayed, and is notified by one of a plurality of notification methods.

Therefore, it is possible to realize a print system that allows the user to check the processing status of the print order information created by the print ordering apparatus, including whether or not there is a delay in the completion of printing.

(14) The invention according to claim 14, wherein the printing apparatus has transmission means for transmitting recipient information when the print orderer and the print recipient are different. A printing system according to claim 10.

In this printing system, when the print orderer and the print recipient are different, the printing apparatus transmits the recipient information to the print ordering apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to realize a print system in which the user can confirm the recipient of the print with respect to the print order information created by the print order apparatus.

[0049]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail. In this embodiment, a print system including a digital camera that can easily create order information and a printing apparatus that receives order information from the digital camera and performs printing will be described.

<Configuration of Print System> First, the configuration of the digital camera used in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an overall electrical schematic configuration of a digital camera 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the digital camera 101 constitutes a print ordering apparatus 100 provided with an imaging unit.

In the digital camera 101 shown in FIG. 1, a light image obtained through an optical system including a lens 1, an aperture stop 2, and the like is formed on a light receiving surface of an image pickup device 3 such as a CCD. . At this time, the lens 1 and the aperture stop 2 are driven by a focus drive circuit 16 and an aperture drive circuit 15, respectively.

Here, the image pickup device 3 photoelectrically converts the light image formed on the light receiving surface into a charge amount, and outputs an analog image signal by a transfer pulse from the CCD drive circuit 19.
Note that the CCD drive circuit 19 can control the shutter speed while driving the image sensor 3.

The analog image signal output from the image pickup device 3 is reduced in noise by CDS (correlated double sampling) processing in the pre-processing circuit 4 and the gain is adjusted by AGC to expand the dynamic range. Is performed.

After being converted into a digital image signal by the A / D converter 5, the signal processing circuit 6 performs luminance processing and color processing on the digital video signal (for example, a luminance signal (Y) and a color difference signal ( The data is converted to digital data composed of Cr, Cb) and output to the memory controller 7.

A digital video signal is output from the signal processing circuit 6 to the image display unit 18, and an image picked up by the image pickup device 3 and a reproduced image from a storage unit described later are displayed on the image display unit 18. It is configured to be able to display an image. The image display unit 18 can display various information in addition to the image.

These functions are switched by exchanging data with the main microcomputer 8, and the exposure information, the focus signal, and the white balance information of the image sensor signal can be output to the main microcomputer 8 as needed.

The main microcomputer 8 is mainly used for photographing,
The sequence of recording and reproduction is controlled, and further, as necessary, compression and reproduction of the photographed image and serial port transmission with an external device are performed.

Here, a description will be given assuming that CCITT (currently ITU-T at the time) and JPEG (or JBIG) standardized by ISO are used as image compression in the image recording mode.

The memory controller 7 stores the digital image data input from the signal processing circuit 6 in the frame memory 9 or outputs the image data in the frame memory 9 to the signal processing circuit 6.

The frame memory 9 is an image memory capable of storing image data of at least one screen. For example, a VRAM, an SRAM, a DRAM, etc. are generally used. Here, a VRAM which can operate independently of a CPU bus is used. It shall be.

The light emission timing of the strobe 12 can be obtained by the main microcomputer 8 which controls the photographing sequence. The transmission / reception unit 13 performs transmission and reception for information transmission between the camera body and the external device via a communication line. The transmitting / receiving unit 13 is a modular connector 13
By C, it is configured to be connected to a communication line such as a public line or a LAN. Note that the optical connector for an optical fiber may be used instead of the modular connector 13C according to the usage environment.

The sub-microcomputer 14 controls a man-machine interface such as a switch for recording, reproduction and frame advance, and transmits information to the main microcomputer 8 as needed.

The aperture drive circuit 15 is constituted by, for example, an auto iris, and changes the aperture value of the optical aperture 2 under the control of the main microcomputer 8. The focus drive circuit 16 is configured by, for example, a stepping motor, and changes the lens position under the control of the main microcomputer 8 so that the optical focus surface of the subject is appropriately adjusted on the image sensor 3.

The image storage section 21 constitutes storage means, and is subjected to image compression processing and the like by the main microcomputer 8 and digital data in JPEG format via the frame memory 9 is recorded.

The image storage unit 21 includes a recording / reproducing device using a semiconductor memory detachable from the main body,
A hard disk device that can be attached to and detached from the main unit corresponds to this. When data is exchanged with an external computer, the storage medium of the still image storage unit 21 is preferably various semiconductor memories compatible with a PC card or the like.

A release switch 31 is a release switch for instructing image recording. The selection is supplied to the sub-microcomputer 14. The print information input unit 32 includes print order information (print designation information for designating an image to be printed, print size information for setting a print size, print number information for setting the number of prints, print finish information for print finish, Print order information creating means for setting and inputting the print order information.

Reference numeral 40 denotes an IR transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving data by infrared rays, radio waves, or the like.

FIG. 2 shows that the above-mentioned print order is
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a digital camera 101 constituting a digital camera 0, and particularly shows a state of a rear surface and an upper surface.
A release switch 31 is disposed on the right side of the upper surface. An image display unit 18 such as an LCD is arranged on the back surface so that images and various information can be displayed. Further, beside the image display section 18, a menu button 32a, a select button 32b, a cancel button 32c, and a decision button 32 as a print order information input section 32.
d and the like are arranged. In addition, a monitor power supply SW is also arranged near the image display unit 18. In addition, the transmission / reception unit of the IR transmission / reception unit 40 is arranged on the front surface (not shown in FIG. 2).

Here, the relationship between the print ordering apparatus 100 and the printing apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a laboratory 201 is used as a specific example of the printing apparatus 200.

In FIG. 3, the print ordering device 10
0 is connected to the printing apparatus 200 via the communication line 300. The communication line 300 may be a general public line or a line of various networks.

Here, the print ordering apparatus 100 operates the operation unit 11 so that print order information can be created.
0 and a display unit 120. That is, the digital camera 101 having both the image pickup unit and the print order information creating unit as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 may be used, or the digital camera 101 may not include the image pickup unit.

The print ordering apparatus 100 includes a print order information creating means for creating print order information relating to a print order for each image, a sending means for sending the print order information, and a print order information sending means for sending the print order information. Receiving means for receiving print processing information about print processing sent from the printing apparatus 200, and display means for displaying the print processing information. Therefore, hardware for transmission / reception, processing and display, and software for processing of print order information creation and print processing information are provided.

As a print ordering apparatus not provided with an imaging means, a dedicated print ordering apparatus terminal, a computer or a small electronic terminal provided with a print ordering information creation program is applicable. It should be noted that the print ordering apparatus that does not include such an imaging unit may be at hand of the user or may be placed at a print agency that requests printing.

The printing device 200 also receives the print order information from the print ordering device 100 to perform printing, and generates print processing information relating to the print processing, and transmits the print processing information to the print ordering device 100. It is provided with the means to do.

The internal configuration of the printing apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG. The printing device 200 executes printing according to the order information.
A main microcomputer 222 for controlling the entire apparatus is provided. The main microcomputer 222 performs the print order information receiving process and the print process information including various statuses of the print process, and notifies the print process information by various communication methods as necessary. Further, a printer 223 for outputting a print under the control of the main microcomputer 222 and a display unit 224 for displaying a message relating to print processing information are provided.

Further, based on the print processing information, a tone generator 2 for generating a tone corresponding to a character when transmitting a character message to a user's mobile phone or pager.
25 and a voice synthesizing unit 226 that generates a message sound when the user is called by a subscriber telephone, a mobile telephone, or the like.

Then, via the communication line 300, the user receives print order information, dials the subscriber's telephone, mobile phone, or pager, and transmits the tone or message sound to the user (transmits the print processing information). ) A network control unit (NCU) 227 is provided.

<Operation of Print System> The operation of the print order apparatus for creating print order information and the order of the print system will now be described.

A user who wants to request a print from the lab 201 by taking a picture with the digital camera 101 first creates print order information by using a print order information input unit 32 provided on the back of the digital camera 101.

If the user owns a dedicated print ordering apparatus separate from the digital camera, the image data is transferred from the digital camera to the print ordering apparatus, and print order information is created by the operation unit.

In this embodiment, the case where print order information is created by the digital camera 101 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. For example, after pressing the menu button 32a, the user operates the select button 32b and the enter button 32d to display the print order information creation menu on the image display unit 18. Then, using this print order information creation menu, print order information for obtaining a desired print is created (S1 in FIG. 5).

In this case, the selection button 32b is used to select an item, and the selection button 32 is used to determine each item.
Press d. When the enter button 32d is pressed, the main microcomputer 8 associates the created print order information with the digital image information and sets the communication line 300
(S2, S3 in FIG. 5).

As the print order information, print designation information for designating an image to be printed, print size information for setting a print size, and a print medium (print paper, plate, mug, T-shirt, trainer, etc.) are designated. The information includes print medium information to be printed, print number information for setting the number of prints, print finish information on print finish, and the like.

In the above case, it is assumed that the print order information creator and the print receiver are the same, but it is possible to set them differently. In that case, information on the recipient can be included in the print processing information. This allows the print order information creator to confirm who the recipient is. Further, when the recipient actually receives the information, the date and time may be notified to the print order information creator.

Lab 201 receiving this print order information
Then, based on the operation status of the printer 223 and the reception status at the present time, information on the time required for print processing (completion time or waiting time), information on the type of print processing that cannot be received, and information on each type of print processing Information on the required time, information on the print processing that can be processed at the time of reception and its waiting time, information on the amount of money for the print processing, the reception number that received the print processing, the recipient name if it is different from the print order information creator, Print processing information including such information is created, and the print processing information is transmitted to the digital camera 101.

In this way, the user can know that the print order information has been transmitted (transmitted) correctly, and can also know the print completion time and the waiting time specifically and accurately.

If an error occurs during the transmission of the print order information from the digital camera 101, the order number and name are displayed in a blinking state, or the error is displayed to improve the accuracy. Can be expected.

The print processing information includes information that the service size is completed within the day, but a T-shirt print cannot be accepted, or a T-shirt print requires 20 days.

Here, the digital camera 101 receives print processing information from the laboratory 201 via the communication line 300. Then, the main microcomputer 8 refers to the received print processing information, displays “order” and “cancel order” for each item (print processing) on the order determination screen, and displays them on the image display unit 18. (S4 in FIG. 5).

The creator of the print order information checks the order determination screen on the image display section 18 and determines whether the order is “order” or “cancel order” for each print processing by the select button 32b, the cancel button 32c, and the cancel button 32c. The user selects and inputs using the decision button 32d (S5, S6, S7, S8 in FIG. 5).

For example, the print order information creator refers to the print processing information described above and cancels the order for print processing that takes a delivery date, print processing that cannot be handled by the lab 201, print processing that is too expensive, and the like. Is also good.

By referring to the print processing information as described above, it is possible to select whether to order the entire print order information once created, order a part of the print order information, or cancel the order (cancel the order) for all the print order information. It becomes possible to do.

In the lab 201, if the printing is not completed even if the required time included in the information transmitted to the digital camera 101 as the print processing information has elapsed, or if it is determined that the printing is not completed, The main microcomputer 222 creates delay information indicating that the processing is delayed, and delay information indicating that the print processing is delayed and indicating a new completion time, and transmits the information to the print order information creator.

In this case, to the digital camera 101 via the communication line 300, a contact telephone of the print order information creator, a contact telephone of the print order information creator, a contact address of the print order information creator. Send the delay information described above to one or more of the different notification methods, such as a pager, a fax to contact the creator of the print order information. In this case, contact only the contact specified in advance in the print order information, or if not present, send delay information sequentially from the highest priority according to the priority specified in the print order information May be. That is, which one of the different notification methods is used can be selected by the creator of the print order information, or can be determined by the printing apparatus 200 side. Then, such processing is performed by the main microcomputer 222 and the NCU 227. In addition, either the tone generator 225 or the voice synthesizer 226 performs the notification of the delay information.

In the above case, it is assumed that the print order information creator and the print receiver are the same, but if they are different, delay information may be transmitted to the print receiver. .

In the above case, before the print processing is completed, the information indicating the print cancellation is transmitted from the digital camera 101 to the laboratory 201 as the print cancellation information, so that the print order information once requested can be canceled. It is possible. In that case, the main microcomputer 222 inside the printing apparatus 200 clears the job based on the print order information.

If the print processing has already been started and the print cancel information cannot be responded to, the digital camera 101 is notified that the print cancel information cannot be canceled when the print cancel information is received. Good.

As described above, by including various kinds of information in the print order information, it becomes possible for the user himself to create sufficient order information in the print order information input section 32 of the digital camera, and the lab and the agency can be prepared. It is possible to save the order work and the time required for the order at the store. In addition, since it is not necessary for the clerk to enter a slip, it is possible to eliminate the agency shop and to make the agency shop unmanned.

In the above configuration, the digital camera 1
01 was connected to the communication line 300,
Using the R transmission / reception unit 40, it is also possible to arrange near a communication facility (such as a public telephone) having the same IR transmission / reception unit to transmit print order information and receive print processing information.

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
With respect to the print order information created by the print order apparatus, it is possible to realize a print order apparatus and a print system that allow a user to check the processing status including information on print processing.

[0102]

As described above in detail with the embodiments, according to the inventions described in this specification, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) In the print ordering apparatus according to the first aspect, print processing information created by the laboratory based on the transmitted print order information is displayed on the display means. Therefore, it is possible to realize a print ordering apparatus that allows a user to check the order status and the processing status of the print order information created by the print ordering apparatus.

(2) The invention of the print ordering apparatus according to the second aspect is provided with an image pickup means, for example, having a camera section and a print ordering section. Therefore, print order information is created and transmitted based on digital image information generated by imaging, and print processing information created on the laboratory side based on the transmitted print order information is displayed on the display unit. . Therefore, it is possible to realize a print ordering apparatus that enables a user to check the order status and the processing status of print order information created for digital image information obtained by imaging.

(3) In the invention of the print ordering apparatus according to the third aspect, print processing information created by the laboratory based on the transmitted print order information is displayed on the display means. The print processing information includes
Information on the time required for the print processing is included. Therefore, it is possible to realize a print ordering apparatus that allows a user to check the processing status including the time required for the print processing for the print order information created by the print ordering apparatus.

(4) In the invention of the print ordering apparatus according to the fourth aspect, print processing information created by the laboratory based on the transmitted print order information is displayed on the display means. The print processing information includes
Information of processing contents that cannot be accepted as print processing is included. Therefore, it is possible to realize a print ordering apparatus that allows a user to check a processing status including information on print processing contents that cannot be accepted with respect to print order information created by the print ordering apparatus.

(5) In the print ordering apparatus according to the fifth aspect, print processing information created by the laboratory based on the transmitted print order information is displayed on the display means. The print processing information includes
Information on the required time required for each type of print processing is included. Therefore, it is possible to realize a print ordering apparatus that allows a user to check the processing status including the required time for each type of print processing for the print order information created by the print ordering apparatus.

(6) In the print ordering apparatus according to the sixth aspect, print processing information created by the laboratory based on the transmitted print order information is displayed on the display means. The print processing information includes
Information on print processing that can be processed at the time of reception and the waiting time is included. Therefore, it is possible to realize a print ordering apparatus that allows a user to check the processing status including information on the print processing that can be processed at the time of reception and the waiting time for the print order information created by the print ordering apparatus.

(7) In the invention of the print ordering apparatus according to the seventh aspect, print processing information created by the laboratory based on the transmitted print order information is displayed on the display means. The print processing information includes
Information on the price of the print processing is included. Therefore, regarding the print order information created by the print order device,
It is possible to realize a print ordering apparatus that allows a user to check a processing status including information on a price of a print process.

(8) In the invention of the print ordering apparatus according to the eighth aspect, print processing information created by the laboratory based on the transmitted print order information is displayed on the display means. Also, a function is provided for canceling the transmitted print order information. That is, this cancellation can be displayed as print processing information. Therefore, it is possible to cancel the print order information created by the print ordering apparatus when it is determined that the information is unnecessary, and to realize a print ordering apparatus that allows the user to check the status of cancellation.

(9) In the printing system according to the ninth aspect, the printing apparatus creates print processing information based on the print order information transmitted by the print ordering apparatus. The print ordering device receives print processing information from the printing device.
Therefore, for the print order information created by the print ordering apparatus, the user can check the order status and the processing status based on the print processing information from the printing apparatus.

(10) In the print system according to the tenth aspect, the print ordering apparatus includes an image pickup unit, and includes, for example, a camera unit and a print ordering unit. Therefore, print order information is created and transmitted based on digital image information generated by imaging, and print processing information created on the laboratory side based on the transmitted print order information is displayed on the display unit. . Therefore, it is possible to realize a print system that allows the user to check the order status and the processing status of the print order information created for the digital image information obtained by imaging.

(11) In the printing system according to the eleventh aspect, the print ordering apparatus receives print processing information created by the printing apparatus based on the print order information transmitted from the print ordering apparatus. . The print processing information includes information on the time required for the print processing. Therefore, it is possible to realize a print system that allows the user to check the processing status including the time required for the print processing for the print order information created by the print order apparatus.

(12) In the print system according to the twelfth aspect, the print ordering apparatus receives print processing information created by the printing apparatus based on the print order information transmitted from the print ordering apparatus. . The print processing information includes delay information indicating that print completion is delayed. Therefore, it is possible to realize a print system that allows the user to check the processing status of the print order information created by the print order apparatus, including whether or not there is a delay in the completion of printing.

(13) In the print system according to the thirteenth aspect, the print ordering apparatus receives print processing information created by the printing apparatus based on the print order information transmitted from the print ordering apparatus. . The print processing information includes delay information indicating that print completion is delayed, and is notified by one of a plurality of notification methods. Therefore, it is possible to realize a print system that allows the user to check the processing status of the print order information created by the print order apparatus, including whether or not there is a delay in the completion of printing.

(14) In the print system according to the fourteenth aspect, when the print orderer is different from the print receiver, the printing apparatus transmits the receiver information to the print ordering apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to realize a print system in which the user can confirm the recipient of the print with respect to the print order information created by the print order apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera as a print ordering apparatus used in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a digital camera as a print ordering apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration and a connection state of the print system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a laboratory that is a printing apparatus of the print system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

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

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Lens 2 Aperture stop 3 Image sensor 4 Pre-processing circuit 5 A / D converter 6 Signal processing circuit 7 Memory controller 8 Main microcomputer 9 Frame memory 12 Strobe 13 Transmitter / receiver 13c Modular connector 14 Sub-microcomputer 15 Aperture drive circuit 16 Focus drive circuit Reference Signs List 18 image display unit 19 CCD drive circuit 21 image storage unit 31 release SW 32 print order information input unit 33 order button 40 IR transmission / reception unit 50 electronic buzzer 100 print ordering device 101 digital camera 200 printing device 201 lab 221 print exit 222 main microcomputer 223 Printer 224 Display unit 225 Tone generation unit 226 Voice synthesis unit 227 Network control unit (NCU)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (reference) H04N 5/76 H04N 5/76 EF term (reference) 2H054 AA01 BB11 2H102 AA71 AA73 BA21 BB08 CA03 2H104 AA13 AA19 BC04 BC15 2H106 BA95 BH00 5C052 FA02 FA03 FA04 FA06 FA07 FB01 FB04 FC00

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. Print order information creating means for creating print order information relating to a print order for each image; sending means for sending the print order information; print processing sent in response to sending the print order information A print ordering apparatus, comprising: receiving means for receiving print processing information related to the print processing information; and display means for displaying the print processing information. 2. The print ordering apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image pickup means for creating digital image information by taking an image. 3. The print ordering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print processing information includes information on a time required for the print processing. 4. The print ordering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print processing information includes information on a type of print processing that cannot be accepted. 5. The print ordering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print processing information includes information on a required time required for each type of print processing. 6. The print order apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print processing information includes information on print processing that can be processed at the time of reception and information on a waiting time for the print processing. 7. The print ordering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print processing information includes information on an amount of money for a print processing based on the print order information. 8. The print ordering apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a canceling unit for canceling the print order after receiving the print processing information. 9. A print system comprising a print order device and a print device, wherein the print order device creates print order information including at least information on the number of prints to be made and a print type for each image. Information generating means, and transmitting means for transmitting the print order information, wherein the printing apparatus transmits print processing information in response to receiving the print order information transmitted from the print order apparatus; A printing means for performing printing based on the print order information. 10. The print system according to claim 9, wherein said print ordering apparatus has an image pickup means for creating digital image information by picking up an image. 11. The print system according to claim 9, wherein the print processing information includes information on a time required for print processing. 12. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit configured to transmit delay information when printing is not completed even after the required time has elapsed or when it is determined that printing is not completed. Claim 9 or Claim 10
The printing system according to any one of the above. 13. The printing apparatus, if it is determined that the printing is not completed even after the required time has elapsed, or that the printing is not completed, a transmission unit capable of transmitting delay information by a plurality of different notification methods. 10. The print ordering apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the print ordering device includes a selection unit that selects a notification method by the transmission unit.
A printing system according to claim 10. 14. The printing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said printing apparatus has a transmission unit for transmitting recipient information when a print orderer and a print recipient are different. Print system.