JP2002358191A - Print management server and print manufacture management system and print manufacture method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize high quality print at low cost while realizing efficient production for suppressing the secular change of photosensitive materials. SOLUTION: A customer terminal 20 of a customer 2 who requests the print of picture data is connected through an open communication line network 4 such as the Internet to a management server 30 which receives order reception data for requesting print including the picture data from the customer terminal 30. Moreover, the management server 30, a manufacturing section terminal 50 of a manufacturing section 5 for producing photosensitive materials, an exposing section terminal 60 of an exposing section 6 for operating digital exposure processing to the photosensitive materials, and a developing section terminal 70 of a developing section 7 for operating developing processing are connected through an LAN 8 to each other. Then, the management server 30 carries out print manufacture ordering and order reception processing, and calculates the production management information of the photosensitive materials based on the ordered contents with the customer terminal 20, and carries out the production management processing, and prepares the print manufacture management information with the manufacturing section terminal 50, and carries out the print manufacture management processing with the exposing section terminal 60 and the developing section terminal 70.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a print management server, a print production management system, and a print production method for managing the production of prints of image data transmitted and received via a communication network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional procedure for printing a photograph taken by a customer will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a physical distribution and a procedure in a conventional print production. As shown in FIG.
There are three main methods for printing photos taken by customers.
There are two ways.

[0003] A first method is that a customer 100 operates a photo shop 101.
In this method, a negative is brought in to an agency such as a company, a print is requested, and exposure and development are performed in a large-scale laboratory 102 to perform printing. In this method, a large amount of negatives collected through a plurality of agents can be exposed and developed in a large-scale laboratory 102. However, before the print is completed, the negative passes from the customer 100 to the large-scale lab 102 via the photo shop 101, and the completed print also passes from the large-scale lab 102 to the customer 100 via the photo shop 101. It takes a period of several days from when a print request is made to when the print is completed.

[0004] A second method is that a customer 100 is
This is a method in which negatives are brought into a small-scale minilab 103 capable of exposure and development processing without using an agency such as 1st, and printing is performed. In this method, since the store has an exposure and development processing apparatus, if the customer 100 brings in a negative, a print can be created in a few hours.

[0005] A third method is that a customer 100 transmits image data photographed by a digital camera or the like to a predetermined server 104 or the like via a communication network, and includes a digital exposure department, a development processing department, and the like. In this method, printing is performed by exposing and developing in a laboratory 105 or the like. in this way,
It is convenient to send image data to the server 104 managed by the company that provides the print service via the Internet network, without having to go to a store when requesting a print. As described above, according to the above-described three conventional print request methods, a customer can request a print using negative or digital image data.

[0006]

In any case, the photosensitive material used for printing is manufactured by the photosensitive material manufacturer 106 and sold through the distribution company 107. Costs have been added, which has been a factor in raising printing costs.

In the large-scale lab 102 and the mini-lab 103 for performing exposure and development processing, it is usual to stock a certain amount of photosensitive material so as to be able to respond to a sudden request. This not only causes an increase in cost due to stocking of the photosensitive material, but also causes deterioration of the photosensitive material over time.

This light-sensitive material is generally prepared by adding a high-boiling organic solvent, a dye image-stable dye to a light-sensitive silver halide emulsion and a dye-forming coupler produced through crystal growth of silver halide grains, chemical sensitization and dye sensitization. Agents, ultraviolet absorbers, antifoggants, dispersions, binders, and further, surfactants, liquid viscosity modifiers, antiirradiation dyes, silver development inhibitors,
A resin-coated paper support comprising a plurality of coating liquid compositions containing additives such as a fluorescent whitening agent, a film physical property modifier, and a hardening agent as required, and running the coating liquid composition continuously. It is manufactured by simultaneously applying multiple layers on a support such as a resin film and drying. Therefore, unless the photosensitive material is strictly managed and stored under certain environmental conditions, it deteriorates with time, and the desired performance cannot be exhibited.

However, in the above-described print production management system, the photosensitive material production maker 106
Manufacturers and stores (102, 103, 10) that perform development processing
5) are independent of each other, so that the photosensitive material is exposed to various environments during the period from when the photosensitive material is produced to when it is actually used, so that deterioration over time can be prevented. Did not. For such a problem, it is conceivable to obtain photosensitive material every time an order is received in order to shorten the storage period, but the cost of logistics becomes enormous, and print services cannot be provided at low cost. The problem arises.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a main object of the present invention is to realize high-quality printing while realizing efficient production in order to suppress changes over time in photosensitive materials. To provide a print management server, a print production management system, and a print production method for realizing the provision of the print production at low cost.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a customer terminal provided for a customer who orders an image print based on image data, and a manufacturing terminal provided for a photosensitive material manufacturing department. And a print management section that is connected to a print manufacturing section terminal provided in the print manufacturing section that performs print manufacturing using the photosensitive material manufactured by the manufacturing section, through a communication line, and performs print material management and production management of the photosensitive material. A server for receiving predetermined order data including image data from the customer terminal; and production management for managing a production amount and a production time of the photosensitive material based on the order data received by the reception unit. A production management information creating means for creating information; and the production management information created by the production management information creating means, transmitted to the manufacturing section terminal. And production management information transmitting means for, is characterized by the received order data and a order data transmitting means for transmitting to said print producing unit terminal by said receiving means.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the production management information creating means creates the production management information for managing the production amount and the production time of the photosensitive material based on the order data received from the customer terminal by the receiving means. Then, the production management information is transmitted by the production management information transmitting means to the terminal of the manufacturing department, so that the photosensitive material is produced in accordance with the order received from the customer. The shortage can be prevented, and the production schedule can be adjusted according to the nature of the deterioration of the photosensitive material. In addition, the order data transmission means transmits the order data from the customer to the print production department terminal, thereby facilitating the print production order processing. Therefore, high-quality prints can be provided at low cost while realizing efficient production for suppressing temporal changes in the photosensitive material.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the print management server according to the first aspect, wherein print production management information for managing print production schedules is created based on the order data received by the receiving means. It is characterized by comprising information creation means, and print production management information transmission means for transmitting the print production management information produced by the print production management information production means to the print production department terminal.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the same effects as those of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained, and in particular, the print production management information producing means produces print production based on the order data. The print production management information for managing the schedule is generated, and this print production management information is transmitted to the print production department terminal by the print production management information transmitting means, so that efficient print production can be realized according to the order.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the print management server according to the first or second aspect, the production management information creating means is configured to determine the production amount and the production timing so that the inventory amount of the photosensitive material becomes an appropriate inventory amount. It is characterized in that production management information for adjusting the information is created.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the same effects as those of the first or second aspect of the present invention can be obtained. Production management information for adjusting the production amount and the production time is created so that the photosensitive material is managed so as not to run out of stock while suppressing the deterioration over time of the photosensitive material, and the photosensitive material can be efficiently manufactured. Production becomes possible.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the print management server according to the third aspect, based on the order data, an appropriate stock amount of the photosensitive material that can be consumed within a given expiration date of the photosensitive material is set. It is characterized by comprising an appropriate stock amount setting means for performing the above.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the same effects as those of the third aspect of the invention can be obtained, and in particular, the photosensitive material can be obtained by the appropriate stock amount setting means based on the order data. The appropriate amount of stock that can be consumed within the given expiration date is set, so that the photosensitive material can be consumed before its performance is degraded, which eliminates the need for excessive management of the photosensitive material. Become.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the print management server according to the fourth aspect, the expiration date setting means for setting an expiration date of the photosensitive material based on an input of a temperature of a warehouse storing the photosensitive material. It is characterized by having.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the same effect as that of the fourth aspect of the invention can be obtained, and in particular, the temperature in the warehouse where the photosensitive material is stored by the expiration date setting means can be obtained. Since the expiration date of the photosensitive material is set based on the input, it is possible to adjust the expiration date appropriately corresponding to the storage environment.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a customer terminal provided for a customer who orders an image print based on image data, a manufacturing terminal provided for a photosensitive material manufacturing department, and a photosensitive material manufactured by the manufacturing department are used. A print production department terminal provided in a print production department that performs print production,
A print management server, which is connected via a communication line to perform production management and print production management of the photosensitive material, wherein the customer terminal transmits predetermined order data including image data to the customer terminal. An order data transmitting unit that transmits the order data to the print management server, the print management server receives the order data transmitted from the order data transmitting unit, and determines a production amount and a production time of the photosensitive material based on the order data. Production management information creating means for creating the production management information to be managed; production management information sending means for sending the production management information created by the production management information creating means to the manufacturing section terminal; Order data transmitting means for transmitting order data to the print production department terminal,
The manufacturing section terminal includes a production management information receiving section that receives the production management information transmitted from the production management information transmitting section, and the print production section terminal receives the order data transmitted from the order data transmitting section. And receiving order data.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, print orders, photosensitive material production management, and print production management data can be transmitted and received via a communication line, so that various processes relating to print production can be consistently managed. Thus, it becomes possible to produce photosensitive materials according to the order quantity. Therefore, efficient production is realized while suppressing the performance deterioration of the photosensitive material,
It is possible to provide high-quality prints at low cost.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the print production management system according to the sixth aspect, the print management server creates print production management information for managing print production schedules based on the order data. Management information creation means, and print production management information transmission means for transmitting the print production management information created by the print production management information creation means to the print production department terminal; Print production management information receiving means for receiving the print production management information transmitted by the production management information transmitting means.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the same effects as those of the sixth aspect of the invention can be obtained, and in particular, the schedule of print production is managed by the print production management information producing means. Therefore, efficient print production is realized.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print production method using the print production management system according to the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein the print management server uses the production management information creating means to store the photosensitive material. A proper inventory amount that can consume the photosensitive material within a given expiration date is set, and a production amount and a production time are set so that the inventory amount of the photosensitive material stored in the inventory amount storage unit becomes the appropriate inventory amount. Create production management information to adjust, the manufacturing department, based on the production management information received by the production management information receiving means,
It is characterized in that the photosensitive material is produced, and the print production department produces a print based on the order data transmitted by the order data receiving means.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, print orders, photosensitive material production management, and print production management can be executed consistently, so that photosensitive material production according to the order quantity is realized. Therefore, in the manufacturing department, it is possible to adjust the production in accordance with the stock of photosensitive material and the performance deterioration over time. In addition, a large number of orders can be made through the management server, and the photosensitive material produced according to the order is used for print production in the print production department. Can be installed close to each other, so that transportation costs can be reduced and light-shielding packaging can be simplified.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the print producing method according to the eighth aspect, the print producing section produces the print based on the print production management information received by the print production management information receiving means. Features.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the same effects as those of the eighth aspect can be obtained, and in particular, the print production department produces prints based on print production management information. Therefore, more efficient print production is realized.

[0029]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, the configuration will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in a print production management system 1 according to the present invention, a customer terminal 20 provided for a customer 2 who requests printing using image data, and order data of a print request including image data from the customer terminal 20. (A print management server) 30 for receiving the image data is connected via an open communication network 4 such as the Internet, and the management server 30 and the manufacturing department 5 for producing photosensitive materials are provided. A manufacturing department terminal 50, an exposure department terminal (print production department terminal) 60 provided in an exposure department (print production department) 6 for performing digital exposure processing on the photosensitive material, and a development department (print production department) for performing development processing. ) 7 is provided with a development section terminal (print production section terminal) 70
Each is connected by an N (communication line) 8. Then, the management server 30, based on the content of the order received,
The configuration is such that the production is performed consistently from the production of the photosensitive material in the photosensitive material production department 5 to the print production processing of the ordered image data in the exposure department 6 and the development department 7.
The manufacturing section 5, the exposure section 6, and the developing section 7 are provided, for example, on the same site.

The customer terminal 20 is a device that executes a print creation request ordering process with the management server 30 and transmits image data to the management server 30. The customer terminal 20 is, for example, a general-purpose personal computer. As shown in FIG. 3, each unit includes, for example, a CPU 21, a RAM 22, a display unit 23, an input unit 24, a printing unit 25, a communication unit 26, a storage device 27, a recording medium 28, and the like. Are connected by a bus 29. Note that a plurality of customer terminals 20 exist on the network as shown in FIG. In addition, the customer terminal 20 is a mobile communication terminal including an imaging device, a communication device, and the like, for example, a PDA, a mobile phone,
A digital camera may be used.

The CPU 21 reads out programs, data, and the like stored in the recording medium 28 and temporarily stores the data in the RAM 22 to control each unit, transfer data,
Performs various operations. Also, as order data transmission means,
A process for transmitting print production order data including image data to the management server 30 is controlled.

The RAM 22 forms a storage area for temporarily storing programs, data, and the like in various processes executed by the CPU 21, a work area processed by input instructions and input data, and the like.

The display unit 23 is composed of, for example, a CRT or LCD, and displays various display data and images input from the CPU 21. Specifically, for example, a print order screen or the like transmitted from the management server 30 is displayed.

The input unit 24 includes, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, and the like, and can select and specify designation information displayed on the screen of the display unit 23, or can input desired designation information and the like. Further, for example, a CDD camera for inputting image data to be printed, a scanner for capturing an image, and the like may be provided.

The printing unit 25 prints print data (for example, a print order screen) output from the CPU 21, for example.

The communication unit 26 is constituted by a modem, a terminal adapter, a router, or the like, and includes a telephone line,
Control is performed for performing communication with an external device via a communication line such as an ISDN line or a dedicated line.

The storage device 27 stores programs and data in advance, and the storage device 27 includes a magnetic or optical recording medium or a recording medium 28 such as a semiconductor memory readable by the CPU 21. . The recording medium 28 includes a portable medium such as a CD-ROM and a memory card, and a fixed medium such as a hard disk. Also,
The programs and data stored in the recording medium 28 are as follows:
The communication unit 26 may be partially or wholly transmitted from another server or client via a network such as a WAN or a LAN.
The recording medium 28 may be a recording medium of a server or a client constructed on a network.

More specifically, the recording medium 28 stores, for example, the functions for realizing each function such as the print order processing of the present embodiment.
It stores application programs such as a WWW browsing browser, various processing programs, and the like, and particularly stores image data for which a print request is made.

Management server (print management server) 30
Functions as a WWW server to transmit and receive print order data via the communication network 4 such as the Internet, and to communicate with the manufacturing department terminal 50 connected via the LAN 8. This apparatus performs data transmission / reception processing in the photosensitive material production management processing and data transmission / reception processing in the print production processing between the exposure department terminal 60 and the development department terminal 70 similarly connected via the LAN 8. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, a CPU 31, a RAM 32, a storage device 33,
A recording medium 34, a communication unit 35, and a terminal device 36;
Each part except the recording medium 34 is connected by a bus 37.

The CPU 31 reads out programs, database information, and the like stored in the storage
2 for temporary storage of data, control of each unit, data transfer, determination processing, and the like.

More specifically, the CPU 31 controls a receiving process of receiving order data from the customer terminal 20 as a receiving unit, and performs a production management information creating unit on the basis of order content data transmitted from the customer terminal 20. The control of the arithmetic processing relating to the production management of the photosensitive material is executed, and the production management information transmitting means executes the control of the transmission processing of the production management information to the manufacturing section terminal 50.

Further, the CPU 31 controls a transmission process for transmitting order data transmitted from the customer terminal 20 to the exposure department terminal 60 and the development department terminal 70 as order data transmission means. The print production management information generating means controls the production processing of the print production management information for managing the print production schedule based on the order content data and the image data transmitted from the customer terminal 20, and the print production management information transmitting means As customer order details data,
A process for transmitting and receiving print management schedule management information including image data to the exposure department terminal 60, the development department terminal 70, and the like is controlled.

As an appropriate stock amount setting means, based on the order data transmitted from the customer terminal 20, a process of setting an appropriate stock amount that can consume the photosensitive material within the expiration date of the photosensitive material is controlled and used. The term setting means controls a process of setting a term of use of the photosensitive material based on temperature data in a warehouse where the photosensitive material is stored.

The RAM 32 forms a storage area for temporarily storing programs, data, and the like in various processes executed by the CPU 31, a work area processed by input instructions and input data, and the like.

The storage device 33 stores programs and data in advance, and the storage device 33 includes a magnetic or optical recording medium or a recording medium 34 such as a semiconductor memory readable by the CPU 31. . The recording medium 34 includes a portable medium such as a CD-ROM and a memory card and a fixed medium such as a hard disk. Also,
The programs and data stored in the storage device 33 are as follows:
Part or all of it from other servers, etc. to WAN, LA
N may be received from the communication unit 35 via a network such as N, and the recording medium 34 may be a recording medium such as an external server or a terminal constructed on the network.

The storage device 33 is processed by a system program necessary for the present invention, various application software such as CAD and image processing, various programs for programming the operation of the present invention, various databases, and the same processing program. Data and the like are stored.

Specifically, the various databases stored in the storage device 33 include an application DB
331, a customer DB 332, a production management DB 333, and the like.

The application DB 331 stores various kinds of application software, programs, data, and the like necessary for the operation of the present invention. For example, Web screen data, WWW,
A main program 331A, an order receiving program 331B, a schedule management program 331C, and the like are stored in addition to a system program and the like related to the system.

The order receiving program 331B is a program for executing a print order receiving process, and presents, to the customer terminal 20, price data associated with the type and size of prints that can be ordered, data on the finishing period, and the like. Is a program for executing various calculations based on data transmitted from the customer terminal 20 and receiving a print production order.

The schedule management program 331C is
Print production for schedule management of the print production process, including order content data and image data necessary for the print production process executed in the exposure section 6 and the development section 7 based on the print production order from the customer 2. This is a program for causing the management server 30 to execute management information creation processing and transmission / reception processing of various data relating to the above-described print production processing with the exposure department terminal 60 and the development department terminal 70.

The customer DB 332 stores print order data transmitted from the customer terminal 20. Specifically, the order data 332A and the customer data 332 are stored.
B and image data 332C, and these three data are stored in association with each other.

The order content data 332A is stored in the customer terminal 20
Out of the order data sent from the company, for example, the number of prints, the size, the type of print (for example, the surface quality of the print such as gloss, silk, mat, etc., thinness, thickness, etc.), and the special order for the image data Data (color correction processing, trimming processing, inset synthesis processing of other images and characters,
(Enlargement / reduction processing, etc.) and the delivery date of the finished print.

The customer data 332B is personal name information of the customer, such as data of name, contact information (address, telephone number, e-mail address, etc.), delivery method data of the completed print, payment means data, and the like. Here, in the case of performing electronic payment by a credit card or the like, card number data is also included in the payment means data.

The image data 332C is data photographed by the customer 2 using, for example, a digital camera or the like, and is, for example, image data according to a predetermined method such as a CDF.

The production management DB 333 is a database that stores various data and programs for managing the production of photosensitive materials in accordance with the print order amount and the contents from the customer 2. It stores basic data 333A for calculating the production amount and the production time of the photosensitive material according to the quantity, an operation program 333B, and stock data 333C for each type of photosensitive material. The stock data 333C includes production date data, expiration date data, and the like in addition to the product data of the photosensitive material. The basic data 333A of the production management DB 333 includes past order data and production data for executing expected production,
For example, there is data on the expiration date of the photosensitive material according to type, season, etc.

The communication unit 35 is composed of a modem, a terminal adapter, a router, or the like, and includes a telephone line,
Control is performed for performing communication with an external device via a communication line such as an ISDN line or a dedicated line.

The terminal device 36 is a device used for performing maintenance and the like in various processes in the management server 30. Specifically, the administrator of the management server 30 inputs information of various databases such as the storage device 33. Or updates,
It is used for creating a transmission mail to the manufacturing section terminal 50 or the like.
The terminal device 36 is, for example, as shown in FIG.
61, a display unit 362, an input unit 363, an output unit 364, a storage unit 365, and the like. The control unit 361 includes, for example,
Although not illustrated, the input unit 363 includes a CPU, a RAM, and the like.
Various operation control based on the operation command input by
The program is executed according to programs, data, and the like stored in the storage unit 365. The display unit 362 is, for example, a CRT, an LCD,
And various data are displayed on the screen according to the display control by the control unit 361. The input unit 363 includes, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, and the like, and can input a control signal and the like to the control unit 361. The output unit 364
For example, it performs processing of printing out ordering information and the like, which is constituted by a printing machine or the like and is stored in the customer DB 332. The storage unit 365 stores various programs executed by the control unit 361, data, and the like.

The manufacturing section terminal 50 is a terminal device provided in the manufacturing section 5 for producing a photosensitive material, and receives instruction data relating to the production of the photosensitive material from the management server 30, A device used to receive data such as status, inventory status, etc., as shown in FIG. 5, for example, includes a CPU 51 (production management information receiving means), a RAM 52, a storage device 53, a recording medium 54, Display unit 55, input unit 56, output unit 57, communication unit 5
8 and the like, and each part except the recording medium 54 is connected by a bus 59. The function of each part is almost the same as that of the management server 30, and therefore detailed description is omitted, and only different parts will be described.

In particular, the recording medium 54 provided in the storage device 53 of the manufacturing section terminal 50 includes an inventory DB 531 storing inventory data for each type of photosensitive material and a past production DB 532 storing data relating to past production. Have.
Note that the inventory data stored in the inventory DB 531 includes
In addition to the product data of the photosensitive material, data on the production date of the photosensitive material, data on the expiration date, and the like are included.

The exposure section terminal 60 is provided in the exposure section 6 for digitally exposing the image data to the photosensitive material produced in the manufacturing section 5, and prints including the image data received from the management server 30 and the order content data. The device is used to receive the production management information and transmit the work status data to the management server 30. And the exposure section terminal 6
0, as shown in FIG.
(Order data receiving means, print production management information receiving means), a RAM 62, a storage device 63, a recording medium 64, a display section 65, an input section 66, an output section 67, a communication section 68, and the like. It is connected by a bus 69. The functions of the respective units are the same as those of the management server 30 and the manufacturing section terminal 50, and thus detailed description is omitted. The recording medium 64 is provided with an order DB 631 for storing print production management information including image data and order content data transmitted from the management server 30. Further, an image processing program (not shown) for digitally processing image data requested by the customer 2 is provided.

The development section terminal 70 is provided in the development section 7 for developing the photosensitive material that has been digitally exposed, receives the print production management information including the order content data transmitted from the management server 30, and stores the work status data. Management server 3
0 is the device used to transmit. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the development section terminal 70 has a CPU inside, for example.
71 (order data receiving means, print production management information receiving means), RAM 72, storage device 73, recording medium 74, display section 75, input section 76, output section 77, communication section 78, etc. Are connected by a bus 79. The functions of the respective units are the same as those of the management server 30, the manufacturing section terminal 50, and the exposure section terminal 60, and thus detailed description is omitted. The recording medium 74 includes an order DB 731 that stores print production management information including order content data transmitted from the management server 30.

Next, the operation of the print production management system 1 of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. 1 and the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, the overall operation flow in the print production management system 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, a customer terminal 20 operated by the customer 2,
An order processing of print production is executed with the management server 30 (step S1).

Then, based on the print production order in step S 1, data transmission / reception processing relating to management of print production processing between the management server 30, the exposure department terminal 60, and the development department terminal 70 is transmitted via the LAN 8. (Step S2).

Next, in step S 2, the data relating to the management of the print creation processing including the image data transmitted by the customer 2 is delivered from the manufacturing department 5 in the exposure department 6 received via the exposure department terminal 60. Digital exposure processing for digitally exposing the photosensitive material is performed (step S3).

Next, the photosensitive material that has been digitally exposed is passed to the developing department 7 and subjected to a developing process based on the data relating to the management of the print production process received from the management server 30 via the developing department terminal 70. (Step S4).

Next, when the print is completed, the overall operation of the print production management system 1 according to the present invention is completed by executing the delivery process of the completed print to the customer 2 and the settlement process of the print price (see FIG. 4). Step S5). Here, as a delivery method of the print to the customer 2, for example, mailing to a designated address of the customer 2,
Alternatively, delivery is possible at a convenience store, department store, supermarket, station stand, bookstore, camera store, or other agent near the customer 2. Also, the price of the print production is determined by the customer
The payment is performed based on the payment method selected, for example, cash on delivery, transfer to a predetermined account, withdrawal from the account, credit card payment via the Internet, electronic money payment, and the like.

The management server 30 executes the print order processing in step S1 with a plurality of customer terminals 20..., And according to the order contents such as the order amount, the production amount and the production time of the photosensitive material. Is calculated, and a photosensitive material production management process for issuing an instruction regarding production / delivery of the photosensitive material to the manufacturing department 5 is executed with the manufacturing department terminal 50 (step S1A).

The manufacturing section 5 is connected to the manufacturing section terminal 50.
Based on the production / delivery instruction received from the management server 30 via the server, the photosensitive material is produced and delivered to the exposure department 6 (step S2A).

Next, each step described above will be described in detail below.

First, the print production order processing executed between the customer terminal 20 and the management server 30 in step S1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The customer 2 who is the operator of the customer terminal 20 connects to the open communication network 4 such as the Internet and accesses the management server 30 by inputting a predetermined URL using the input unit 24 or the like. The request for the order screen data of the print production order service is sent to the management server 30 (step S101).

Next, the CPU 31 of the management server 30 receiving the request signal for the order screen data of the print production order service via the communication unit 35 stores the order receiving program 331B stored in the application DB 331 in the RAM 32. Start the program 331B
, The control of the following operation is started. And CPU
31 transmits the print service order screen data stored in the application DB 331 to the customer terminal 20 via the communication unit 35 (Step S102).

Next, the customer terminal 20 receives the order screen data via the communication unit 26, and the CPU 21 of the customer terminal 20 displays the order screen data on the display unit 23 (step S103).

Here, on the screen, as items that can be selected and designated by the customer 2, for example, the number of prints, size, gloss, surface quality such as silk, thick type, thin type print etc. Types and the like are provided. Further, for example, the customer 2 can arbitrarily order special order data such as color correction processing of image data, trimming processing, inset synthesis processing of other images and characters, and enlargement / reduction processing. In addition, this order screen displays the name, contact information, e-mail address, delivery method, delivery date,
There are designated items such as payment method. Here, the delivery method is a method of receiving the completed print, for example, any method such as delivery by mail, a predetermined convenience store, a supermarket, a department store, a bookstore, a station shop, a camera shop, or another agency. The payment method can be selected, and an arbitrary method such as cash on delivery, transfer to an account, withdrawal from an account, Internet payment using a credit card, electronic money, or the like can be selected.

In this state, the customer 2 selects or inputs these items using the input unit 24, and attaches image data to be printed. Then, when the customer 2 clicks the transmission button or the like, the CPU of the customer terminal 20
21 transmits the application data and the order data including the attached image data to the management server 30 (step S).
104).

Next, the CPU 31 of the management server 30 receiving the application data creates order content confirmation screen data and transmits it to the customer terminal 20 (step S10).
5).

Then, an order content confirmation screen (not shown) for confirming the order content data and the application data is displayed on the display unit 23 of the customer terminal 20 (step S106). Select either the order button or the cancel button. And CP
If U21 detects the push signal of the order button (step S107: Yes), the U21 sends the order signal to the management server 3
0, the process proceeds to step S108, and a signal indicating that the cancel button is pressed is detected (step S107:
In No), the process shifts to step S103 and returns to the following steps.

In step S107, the management server 3
CPU 31 receives the order signal transmitted from the customer terminal 20, creates order acceptance screen data, and generates the order reception screen data.
0 and the process proceeds to step S110.

Then, the CPU 21 of the customer terminal 20 displays the order acceptance screen (not shown) received from the management server 30 on the display unit 23 (step S109).

On the other hand, in step S 110, the CPU 31 of the management server 30 stores the order content data, the customer information of the application data, and the image data received from the customer terminal 20 in the customer DB 332, thereby executing the print production ordering process ( The operation of step S1) ends.

In the print ordering process, a configuration may be adopted in which a simulation of a combining process for combining characters, other images, and the like with image data by operating the customer terminal 20 can be performed. In this case, the management server 30 includes a system that can be activated on the WWW and that can perform image processing with the customer terminal 20.

Next, after the print production ordering process of step S1, the management server 30 and the manufacturing section terminal 5
The production control process of the photosensitive material (Step S1A) executed between 0 and 0 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In step S 1, the CPU 31 of the management server 30 that has received an order for printing from the customer terminal 20.
Reads out the arithmetic program 333B stored in the production management DB 333, stores it in the RAM 32 and starts it, and executes the arithmetic processing of the production management information such as the production amount and the production time of the photosensitive material according to the program (step S1).
A1).

More specifically, the arithmetic processing of production management information
The amount of print production request and delivery date data received from the customer 2 are compared with the amount of photosensitive material in stock, and based on given basic data such as the expiration date of the photosensitive material as a range in which performance degradation can be suppressed. Then, the proper stock amount is calculated, and the production amount and the production time of the photosensitive material that can be consumed within the expiration date of the photosensitive material are calculated so that the proper stock amount is obtained. More specifically, as basic data, for example, a parameter of a consumption tendency of a photosensitive material predetermined from past order quantity data and the like, and an expiration date parameter due to performance fluctuation based on storage conditions such as temperature and humidity of the photosensitive material Are used for the calculation. Data relating to storage conditions such as temperature and humidity of the photosensitive material are measured by a thermometer and a hygrometer in a warehouse for storing the photosensitive material, and the measured storage condition data is transmitted to the management server 30 via the manufacturing department terminal 50. Sent. Then, the CPU 31 of the management server 30 sets the expiration date based on the transmitted storage condition data. In addition, the CPU 31 creates production management information including a production amount, a production time, and the like, and instruction information on delivery to the exposure department 5 for each type of photosensitive material.

Next, the CPU 31 of the management server 30
The production management information and the delivery instruction information of the photosensitive material created by the above-described arithmetic processing are transmitted to the manufacturing department terminal 50 via the communication unit 35 (step S1A2).

Then, the manufacturing section terminal 50 receives the above-mentioned production control information of the photosensitive material and the delivery instruction information (step S1A2). Then, upon receipt of this instruction information, the operation of step SA1 in the figure ends. Note that the transmission and reception process of the production management information and the delivery instruction information between the management server 30 and the manufacturing section terminal 50 is executed every time an order is received from the customer terminal 20, even if the process is executed every predetermined interval. It may be a configuration to execute.

Next, in the manufacturing section 5, according to the production management information of photosensitive material and the instruction information on delivery received from the management server 30 via the manufacturing section terminal 20.
A photosensitive material production process is performed (step S2A).

The production process of the photosensitive material is the same as the production process of the photosensitive material which is generally performed. Specifically, for example, the production of silver halide photosensitive materials represented by color papers, color films, etc. is performed by using a photosensitive halide produced through crystal growth of silver halide grains, chemical sensitization, and dye sensitization. Dispersion comprising a lipophilic composition such as a silver emulsion, a dye-forming coupler and, if necessary, a high-boiling organic solvent, a dye image stabilizer, an ultraviolet absorber, an antifoggant, a dye absorption improver, and a gelatin as a binder. Hydrophilic colloids, as well as additives such as surfactants, liquid viscosity modifiers, antiirradiation dyes, silver development inhibitors, optical brighteners, film property modifiers, and hardeners. A plurality of coating liquid compositions are prepared and adjusted according to the conditions, and a resin-coated paper support that continuously runs the coating liquid composition, a slide hopper method, a curtain coating method, etc. on a support such as a resin film. By the method, the multi-layer simultaneous coating. here,
The support may be any material, such as paper coated with polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate, a paper support made of natural pulp or synthetic pulp, a vinyl chloride sheet, a polypropylene that may contain a white pigment, or polyethylene. A terephthalate support, baryta paper, or the like can be used.

Next, a photosensitive material is produced by drying the support coated with multiple layers simultaneously. Then, after coating and drying, it is cut into a size corresponding to the required product form, light-shielded and packaged, and then shipped to the exposure department 6. In addition, in any process after the photosensitive material is coated and dried, and is subjected to a developing process, in order to crosslink the binder and obtain a desired film strength, under a controlled temperature or a controlled temperature and humidity. For a fixed period of time. still,
After coating and drying the above photosensitive material, the crosslinking of the binder may be completed in a short time at normal temperature, or the crosslinking of the binder may be completed simultaneously with the coating and drying treatment.
Further, the manufacturing section 5 and the exposure section 6 may be connected by the same line or the like so that a light-shielding process or the like can be omitted when the photosensitive material is delivered. In this case, it is possible to omit various packages necessary for light shielding, and it is possible to reduce labor and cost.

When the production processing of the photosensitive material in the manufacturing section 5 and the delivery processing to the exposure section 6 are completed as described above, the manager of the manufacturing section 5 or the like inputs the input section 55 of the manufacturing section terminal 50. Is used, the completion data of the production / delivery processing of the photosensitive material is created, and the stock data is updated. The production / delivery completion data and the updated inventory data are stored in the CPU 51 of the manufacturing section terminal 50.
Is transmitted to the management server 30 (step S1A4), and the management server 30
Executes the rewriting process of the inventory data 333C based on the above data (step S1A5).

Next, the print production management process (step S2) between the management server 30, the exposure department terminal 60, and the development department terminal 70 in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In step S201, step S1
, The CPU 31 of the management server 30 that has received the print production order from the customer terminal 20
The schedule management program 331C stored in B331 is read out, stored in the RAM 32 and activated,
Print production management information including print production schedule management information is created in accordance with the program 331C (step S201).

The print production management information is instruction data for instructing the exposure management section 6 and the development management section 7 to execute the print production based on the order contents of the customer 2, and includes the number of prints, In addition to order data such as a special order and image data, it also includes work schedule information set in time for the delivery date specified by the customer 2.

Next, the CPU 31 of the management server 30
The print production management information is transmitted to the exposure department terminal 60 and the development department terminal 70 (step S202).

Then, the print production management information is received by the CPU 61 of the exposure section terminal 60 and the order DB 6
31 (step S203). The image data transmitted from the customer 2 is attached to the print production management information received at this time.

Similarly, the CPU 71 of the development department terminal 70
Receives the print production management information and stores it in the order DB 731 (step S204).
The print production management process (step S2) ends.

Next, digital exposure processing (FIG. 7) executed in the exposure section 6 based on the print production management information described above.
Step S3) will be described. Note that this digital exposure step is the same as a commonly performed step, and is not limited to the method described below.

First, in order to digitize and handle image data transmitted from the customer 2, an exposure method based on the digitized image data, for example, the image
(Cathode ray tube). Then, a method of forming and printing the formed image on a photosensitive material delivered from the manufacturing section 5, displaying a digital image on a transmission type or reflection type liquid crystal display element, and requiring light from a light source. After the conversion, the light is guided to a liquid crystal display element, and the transmitted or reflected image-like light beam is printed on a photosensitive material, or a DMD element is used instead of the liquid crystal display element, and light from a light source is used as necessary. After color conversion, the light is guided to a DMD display element, and a method of simultaneously exposing two-dimensional (planar) areas, such as a method of printing the reflected image-like light beams on a photosensitive material, or a method based on digital information Digital exposure processing is performed by so-called scanning exposure or the like in which a one-dimensional (linear) region is exposed so that scanning is performed while changing the intensity of laser light.

Here, the scanning exposure by the light beam is usually a linear exposure (raster exposure: main scanning) by the light beam.
And the relative movement (sub-scanning) of the photosensitive material in the direction perpendicular to the linear exposure direction. For example, a photosensitive material is fixed to the outer or inner circumference of a cylindrical drum, and the main scanning is performed by rotating the drum while irradiating a light beam, and at the same time, the light source is moved perpendicularly to the rotation direction of the drum. In this way, a drum system that performs sub-scanning, or a light beam is applied to the rotated polygon mirror to scan the reflected beam horizontally (main scanning) in the direction of rotation of the polygon mirror, and to move the photosensitive material in the direction of rotation of the polygon On the other hand, a polygon method in which vertical scanning is performed to perform sub-scanning is often used. In addition, when using an exposure apparatus in which light sources are arranged in an array over the width of the photosensitive material to be exposed, a portion corresponding to main scanning can be regarded as being substituted by an array light source, and is considered to be included in scanning exposure. be able to.

The types of light sources preferably used for scanning exposure include a light emitting diode (LED), a gas laser, a semiconductor laser (LD), an LD or a solid laser using the LD as an excitation light source and a second harmonic change element. (A so-called SHG element), a combination of a VFPH element and a chemical filter, a combination of a PLZT element and a halogen lamp and an optical filter, a combination of a tungsten light and a hand-pass filter, or the aforementioned CRT, liquid crystal display element, DMD element, etc. And a device devised so that the light from the light becomes linear. In the scanning exposure, a method may be used in which a plurality of small light sources are combined and exposure is performed so as to disperse the influence of the variation in order to suppress the occurrence of exposure streaks due to device variations and the like.
In the digital exposure processing, if there is a special order for the synthesis of another image / character, etc., ordered from the customer 2, the image processing can be appropriately performed.

The photosensitive material that has been subjected to the digital exposure processing as described above is immediately transferred to the development processing section 7, and the digital exposure processing (step S3) is completed. When the digital exposure process is completed, the work completion data is transmitted to the management server 3 via the exposure department terminal 60.
0 (step S205), and upon receiving the completion data, the management server 30 executes a data update process of the customer DB 332 (step S206).

Next, the developing process by the developing section 70 in step S4 in FIG. 7 will be described.

In the developing step of the photosensitive material, the photosensitive material is immersed in a color developing solution for color development. As the color developing agent used at this time, aminophenol and p-phenylenediamine compounds widely used in various color photographic processes are used. Further, a known developer component compound can be added to the color developing solution in addition to the above color developing agent. Usually, an alkali agent having a pH buffering action, a chloride ion, a development inhibitor such as benzotriazoles, a preservative, a chelating agent and the like are used.

The color development temperature is usually 15 ° C. or higher, and is generally in the range of 20 to 50 ° C. The color development processing time is generally from 10 seconds to 4 minutes.

In the case where the running process is performed while continuously replenishing the color developing solution, in order to reduce the overflow of the color developing solution and to reduce the pollution problem due to the waste solution, it is necessary to use the color developing solution. The replenishment amount is ^{20 to} 100 cc per 1 m ² of the photosensitive material.

After the color developing process, the photosensitive material is subjected to a bleaching process and a fixing process. The bleaching process may be performed simultaneously with the fixing process. After the fixing process, a washing process is usually performed. Further, as an alternative to the water washing treatment, a stabilization treatment may be performed. The developing apparatus used for developing the photosensitive material of the present invention is a roller transport type in which the photosensitive material is sandwiched between rollers arranged in a processing tank and transported, and the photosensitive material is transported while being fixed to a belt. An endless belt system may be used. In particular, a system in which a processing tank is formed in a slit shape, a processing liquid is supplied to the processing tank, and a photosensitive material is conveyed may be used.

As described above, the developing process (step S
When 4) is completed, the development processing completion data is transmitted to the management server 30 via the development department terminal 70 by an input operation of the administrator or the like of the development department 7 (step S207), and the management server 30 receiving the development processing completion data Is the customer DB
332 is executed (step S20).
8).

Then, when the development processing is completed, the print production processing is completed, and in step S5 in FIG.
Delivery processing to the customer 2 and payment settlement processing are executed.

As described above, according to the print production management system 1 of the present invention, the management server 30 performs an integrated process from receiving an order from the customer 2, production control of photosensitive material, digital exposure processing, development processing, and other print production processing. Therefore, the process of the print production process is really smooth and efficient. The management server 30 determines the production amount and the production time of the photosensitive material in accordance with the order of the print production request, so that the risk of excessive stock or shortage of the photosensitive material caused by conventional expected production is reduced. . In addition, since the delivery from the manufacturing section 5 to the exposure section 6 is controlled in schedule, it is possible to prevent the photosensitive material from deteriorating with time, and the print production section (the exposure section 6 and the development section 7) uses the photosensitive material. The trouble of ordering and performance management can be saved.

In the case of the conventional agency system, the customer 2
Is limited to the neighborhood of the agency, so the quantity of orders since the print production is limited. Therefore, it was not possible to add a lab for exposure and development to a photosensitive material manufacturing plant because the production volume of the photosensitive material and the order volume of print production were not balanced because the profitability did not match. By executing an order via the communication network 4 such as the Internet, it is possible to receive an order for a print production request for 24 hours without being affected by geographical factors and without arranging a store. Can be expected. Therefore, it is possible to provide a photographic material manufacturing factory (manufacturing section 5) and a lab (exposure section 6, developing section 7) in parallel. By installing a manufacturing plant and a laboratory, it becomes possible to simplify light-shielding packaging for transporting photosensitive materials and storage equipment for suppressing performance degradation, and the like. Since cost reduction is realized while suppressing temporal deterioration of the material, high quality prints can be provided at low cost.

Since the production, exposure, and development processing steps of the controlled photosensitive material according to the present invention can provide a print of stable quality, the aging conditions of various kinds of photosensitive materials conventionally available on the market, each minilab, Consider the current situation where the exposure and development conditions in large-scale laboratories vary, and omit the design and technology of color paper photosensitive materials that have been used to guarantee print quality even under such conditions. Therefore, the cost of the photosensitive material itself can be reduced. More specifically, for example, in a minilab or the like in a poorly managed state, the development processing conditions are inactive and the coating density of the emulsion layer of the photosensitive material is reduced in order to compensate for the decrease in print density within the print quality tolerance. Although a sufficient amount is provided, the amount of the emulsion layer is not required, so that the amount of the emulsion layer to be applied can be reduced. Further, since various techniques (for example, addition of a fog inhibitor) used for suppressing the deterioration of the unexposed photosensitive material with time can be omitted, further cost reduction is realized.

The above embodiment is merely an example, and can be appropriately changed. For example, the method for producing a photosensitive material is not limited to the method described in the present embodiment, but may be any method as long as a photosensitive material for printing can be manufactured. Further, the digital exposure processing and the development processing of the image data are not limited to the above-described method, and any method may be used as long as print production can be realized.

In the print production management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the production department terminal 50 is connected to the photosensitive material production apparatus, the exposure department terminal 60 is connected to the digital exposure apparatus, and the development department terminal 70 is connected. And a development processing device are connected, and based on instruction data transmitted from the management server 30 to each terminal, manufacturing processing, exposure processing,
A configuration in which development processing and the like are automatically executed and controlled may be employed.

The management server 30 and the manufacturing section terminal 5
0, the exposure department terminal 60, and the development department terminal 70
Since they are connected by the AN 8, respectively, they may be configured to alternately transmit and receive data. For example, transmission / reception of delivery information between the manufacturing section terminal 50 and the exposure section terminal 60 may be executed. In addition to LAN8,
It may be configured to be connected by a WAN, a dedicated line, or the like.

[0117]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, based on the order data received from the customer terminal by the receiving means,
The production management information creating means creates the production management information for managing the production amount and the production time of the photosensitive material, and the production management information transmitting means transmits the production management information to the terminal of the manufacturing department. The production of the photosensitive material according to the above is executed, so that it is possible to prevent the photosensitive material from being overstocked or understocked, and to make a production schedule according to the nature of the deterioration of the photosensitive material. In addition, the order data transmission means transmits the order data from the customer to the print production department terminal, thereby facilitating the print production order processing. Therefore, high-quality prints can be provided at low cost while realizing efficient production for suppressing temporal changes in the photosensitive material.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the same effects as those of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained, and in particular, the print production management information producing means can be used to produce the print production based on the order data. The print production management information for managing the schedule is generated, and this print production management information is transmitted to the print production department terminal by the print production management information transmitting means, so that efficient print production can be realized according to the order.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the same effects as those of the first or second aspect of the invention can be obtained, and in particular, the production management information creating means can ensure that the photosensitive material is properly stocked. Production management information for adjusting the production amount and the production time is created so that the photosensitive material is managed so as not to run out of stock while suppressing the deterioration over time of the photosensitive material, and the photosensitive material can be efficiently manufactured. Production becomes possible.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the same effects as those of the third aspect of the invention can be obtained, and in particular, the photosensitive material can be obtained by the appropriate stock amount setting means based on the order data. The appropriate amount of stock that can be consumed within the given expiration date is set, so that the photosensitive material can be consumed before its performance is degraded, which eliminates the need for excessive management of the photosensitive material. Become.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the same effects as those of the fourth aspect of the invention can be obtained, and in particular, the temperature in the warehouse where the photosensitive material is stored by the expiration date setting means can be obtained. Since the expiration date of the photosensitive material is set based on the input, it is possible to adjust the expiration date appropriately corresponding to the storage environment.

According to the invention of claim 6, since print ordering, production control of photosensitive material, and transmission / reception of print production management data can be performed via a communication line, various processes relating to print production can be consistently managed. Thus, it becomes possible to produce photosensitive materials according to the order quantity. Therefore, efficient production is realized while suppressing the performance deterioration of the photosensitive material,
It is possible to provide high-quality prints at low cost.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the same effects as those of the sixth aspect of the invention can be obtained, and in particular, the print production schedule is managed by the print production management information producing means. Therefore, efficient print production is realized.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, print ordering, photosensitive material production management, and print production management can be executed consistently, so that photosensitive material production according to the order quantity is realized. Therefore, in the manufacturing department, it is possible to adjust the production in accordance with the stock of photosensitive material and the performance deterioration over time. In addition, a large number of orders can be made through the management server, and the photosensitive material produced according to the order is used for print production in the print production department. Can be installed close to each other, so that transportation costs can be reduced and light-shielding packaging can be simplified.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the same effects as those of the eighth aspect can be obtained, and in particular, the print production department produces prints based on print production management information. Therefore, more efficient print production is realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the overall system configuration of a print production management system 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration relating to connection of a terminal device and a server of the print management system 1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining an internal configuration of the customer terminal 20 shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining an internal configuration of a management server 30 shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining an internal configuration of the manufacturing section terminal 50 shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 shows an exposure section terminal 60 and a development section terminal 7 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining an internal configuration of the “0”.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an overall operation flow of the print production management system 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed operation of a print production ordering process in step S1 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed operation of the production management process in step S1A of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed operation of a print production management process in step S2 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a physical distribution and a procedure in a conventional print production.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Print production management system 2 Customer 20 Customer terminal 21 CPU (order data transmission means) 26 Communication part (order data transmission means) 30 Management server (print management server) 31 CPU (reception means, production management information creation means, production management information transmission) Means, order data sending means, print making management information creating means, print making management information sending means, proper stock amount setting means, expiration date setting means) 35 communication section (receiving means, production management information sending means, order data sending means, Print production management information transmitting means) 4 Communication network (communication line) 5 Manufacturing department 50 Manufacturing department terminal 51 CPU (Production management information receiving means) 58 Communication unit (Production management information receiving means) 6 Exposure department (Print production department) 60 Exposure department terminal (print production department terminal) 61 CPU (order data receiving means, pre- Communication unit (order data receiving means, print production management information receiving means) 7 developing department (print production department) 70 development department terminal (print production department terminal) 71 CPU (order data receiving means, print) Production management information receiving means) 78 Communication unit (order data receiving means, print production management information receiving means) 8 LAN (communication line)

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (Reference) G06F 17/60 ZEC G06F 17/60 ZEC

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A customer terminal provided to a customer who orders an image print based on image data, a terminal provided in a manufacturing section provided in a photosensitive material manufacturing section, and a print manufacturing apparatus for performing printing using the photosensitive material manufactured by the manufacturing section. Connected to the print production department terminal provided by the department via a communication line,
A print management server that performs production management and print production management of the photosensitive material, receiving means for receiving predetermined order data including image data from the customer terminal, based on the order data received by the receiving means, Production management information creating means for creating production management information for managing the production amount and production time of the photosensitive material, and production management information sending means for sending the production management information created by the production management information creating means to the manufacturing section terminal And a print data transmitting means for transmitting the order data received by the receiving means to the print production department terminal. 2. A print management server according to claim 1, wherein said print management server creates print management information based on the order data received by said receiving means. A print production management information transmitting unit for transmitting the print production management information created by the print production management information creation unit to the print production department terminal. 3. The production management information according to claim 1, wherein said production management information creating means adjusts a production amount and a production time so that a stock amount of said photosensitive material becomes an appropriate stock amount. A print management server for creating a print management server. 4. The print management server according to claim 3, wherein an appropriate stock amount setting means for setting an appropriate stock amount of the photosensitive material within a given expiration date of the photosensitive material based on the order data. A print management server comprising: 5. The print management server according to claim 4, further comprising a use term setting means for setting a use term of the photosensitive material based on an input of a temperature in a warehouse where the photosensitive material is stored. Print management server. 6. A customer terminal provided for a customer who orders an image print based on image data, a terminal provided in a manufacturing department provided for a photosensitive material manufacturing department, and a print for producing a print using the photosensitive material manufactured by the manufacturing department. A print production management system including a print production department terminal provided by a production department, and a print management server connected via a communication line to perform production management of the photosensitive material and print production management, wherein the customer terminal is An order data transmitting unit that transmits predetermined order data including image data to the print management server, the print management server receives the order data transmitted from the order data transmitting unit, and based on the order data. , Production management information creating means for creating production management information for managing the production amount and production time of the photosensitive material, Production management information transmitting means for transmitting the production management information created by the production management information creating means to the manufacturing section terminal; and order data transmitting means for sending the order data received by the receiving section to the print making section terminal. The production department terminal comprises a production management information receiving means for receiving the production management information transmitted from the production management information transmission means, and the print production department terminal is transmitted from the order data transmission means. And an order data receiving means for receiving the order data. 7. The print production management system according to claim 6, wherein said print management server comprises: print production management information creating means for creating print production management information for schedule management of print production based on said order data; A print production management information transmitting unit that transmits the print production management information created by the print production management information creation unit to the print production department terminal; A print production management information receiving means for receiving the transmitted print production management information. 8. A print production method using the print production management system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said print management server is provided by said production management information creating means within a given expiration date of the photosensitive material. Production management information for setting an appropriate stock amount that can consume the photosensitive material and adjusting a production amount and a production time so that the stock amount of the photosensitive material stored in the stock amount storage unit becomes the appropriate stock amount. Creating, the manufacturing department produces the photosensitive material based on the production management information received by the production management information receiving means, the print production department based on the order data transmitted by the order data receiving means A print production method characterized by producing a print. 9. The print making method according to claim 8, wherein the print making section makes a print based on the print making management information received by the print making management information receiving means. .