JP2004005064A - Printing and sales system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing and sales system for performing a printing processing enhanced in a user's convenience by facilitating, particularly, the efficient clearing of charge and enabling the change of printing order according to circumstances in a printing and sales system for accepting an order of photographic printing by an acceptance terminal device and performing the printing and sales of pictures. <P>SOLUTION: In this system, a user who acquires a receipt number by performing the order of photographic printing through the acceptance terminal device 2 performs the clearing of the charge in a register counter, and receives a "claim check" conformed to the receipt number from a sales assistant. The sales assistant installs a "key card" conformed to the receipt number to the keyhole of a printer device 2 to perform the printing processing. A receipt is held by a clip provided on the "key card" during printing, and after the end of printing, a printed matter is bagged, closed by the clip and retained. Accordingly, the printed matter is retained in conformation to the receipt number until the user of the receipt number comes to receive the printed matter, and precisely handed to the user of the orderer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing and selling system that accepts photo printing by a reception terminal device and prints and sells photos.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Today, photo printing devices such as photo vending machines have been proposed. For example, a photo vending machine is installed in a city, a user records a photographed image on a recording medium, mounts the recording medium in a slot or the like, reads the image, specifies a print image, a size, the number of sheets, and the like. Print out.
[0003]
In such an apparatus, there are the following methods for paying a fee. For example, there are a prepaid card system in which a prepaid card is purchased in advance and a printing fee is reduced, a credit card system in which a credit card is used to reduce a fee, and a cash payment system in which cash is directly input.
[0004]
On the other hand, in the photo printing apparatus, for example, a method of automatically starting printing after settlement of a settlement amount, a method of starting by pressing a push button or the like by a user, and the like are used for starting printing.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above conventional method has the following problems.
First, regarding the payment method of the fee, the prepaid card method cannot be used if there is no remaining balance on the card. In addition, there is a risk that a fake card or the like is created. In the case of the credit card method, it is necessary to perform credit between a credit company and the credit card company, and the authentication system is complicated and the system becomes large-scale. Furthermore, in the case of the cash payment method, if there is no change in the photo printing device, the photo printing device cannot be used or loses the user.
[0006]
On the other hand, the next user must wait while the previous user is using the printer, even if the printing is automatically started or the push button method is used. In particular, if the previous user performs a large amount of printing, it cannot be accepted.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a printing and selling system in which payment of charges is easily and efficiently performed, and the necessity of credit and forgery are eliminated, and users do not suffer losses. In addition, the order of printing is not limited to the order of reception numbers, and a printing and sales system that performs printing processing for the convenience of the user on a flexible basis is provided.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reception terminal device for receiving a photo print, a receipt output from the reception terminal device upon completion of the reception, and a receipt number described therein; Issued at the time of performing the settlement based on the exchange tag in which the number corresponding to the receipt number described in the receipt is described, and a holding portion is provided, and the number corresponding to the receipt number described in the receipt is Achieved by providing a printing and selling system having a described key tag and a printing device that can perform a printing process when the key tag is attached and that performs photo printing in accordance with print data supplied from the reception terminal device. it can.
[0008]
Here, the reception terminal device is provided with a slot for mounting a recording medium such as a CD-R or a floppy (registered trademark) disk, and photographic image data is read from the recording medium. The user designates, for example, a photograph to be printed, the number of prints, and the like, and when a purchase application is made, a receipt in which a receipt number is described is issued.
[0009]
The user presents the receipt to the clerk at the cashier counter, pays the fee, and receives a redemption tag. When a key tag corresponding to the receipt number described in the receipt is used and the key tag is attached to the keyhole of the printing device, the printing device is supplied with the image data of the selected photograph from the reception terminal device and printed out. .
[0010]
With this configuration, the output printed matter is sandwiched by the holding unit and stored, so that even if the printed matter is passed to the user of the reception number after a lapse of time, a different printed matter is not erroneously delivered.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the holding section holds a printed material printed and output by the printing apparatus, for example.
[0011]
The holding section is, for example, a clip, and holds the printed matter, and waits until the user of the reception number comes to receive the printed matter. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably hold the printed matter in the key tag corresponding to the reception number until the user comes to receive the printed matter.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the printing apparatus is provided with a plurality of keyholes for mounting the key tag, and the keyhole corresponding to a reception number displayed on the keyhole is provided in the printing apparatus. In this configuration, a key tag is attached.
With this configuration, a photographic image can be printed for each reception number, and even if the printing is performed by a user who has performed reception later by the reception terminal device, print processing can be performed first.
[0013]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the key tag insertion portion is formed with irregularities having different shapes, and a key tag having different irregularities is selected and used according to the reception number. Configuration.
With this configuration, it is possible to prevent erroneous photo printing with a different reception number.
[0014]
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reception terminal device for receiving a photo print, and a specific tag which is output from the reception terminal device upon completion of the reception and has a reception number recorded therein. A printing process can be performed when a receipt and a receipt having the tag are attached. This can be achieved by providing a print sales system that includes a printing device that performs photo printing in accordance with print data supplied from the reception terminal device.
[0015]
In this example, a specific tag is used. This tag is, for example, an RFID tag and has an antenna function of recording information such as a reception number and communicating with a register or the like by radio waves.
Also in the present invention, the reception terminal device is provided with a slot for mounting a recording medium such as a CD-R or a floppy (registered trademark) disk. When a purchase request is made after designating a desired photograph, the number of prints, and the like, a receipt to which the above-described tag in which the receipt number is described is added is issued.
[0016]
The information of the tag added to the receipt is read out by the register, and the fee is paid. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to more quickly purchase a photograph using an RFID tag or the like. Note that the above register is a POS register, and the center can manage photo printing.
[0017]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving terminal device for receiving a photo print, a tag which is output from the receiving terminal device upon completion of the reception and has a reception number recorded thereon, And a printing device for performing a print process when the tag is attached, and performing a photo print in accordance with print data supplied from the reception terminal device. This can be achieved by providing a print sales system.
[0018]
With this configuration, even if the register does not have a tag reader function, the information recorded in the tag can be read, and the fee can be settled by the register.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an accepting terminal device for accepting a photo print, an IC card output from the accepting terminal device upon completion of the accepting and recording an accepting number, and A print vending system comprising: a register that reads a record of an IC card and performs payment of a fee; and a printing device that enables a printing process when the IC card is attached and prints a photograph in accordance with information recorded on the IC card. Can be achieved by providing
[0019]
The present invention employs an IC card in place of the RFID tag. With this configuration, a photographic image can be printed for each reception number. Even if the printing is performed by the user, the printing process can be performed first.
[0020]
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reception terminal device for receiving a photo print, a magnetic card having a reception number recorded on the reception terminal device upon completion of the reception, and A printing device comprising: a register that reads a record on a magnetic card and performs payment of a fee; and a printing device that performs a printing process when the magnetic card is mounted and performs a photo print in accordance with print data supplied from the reception terminal device. This can be achieved by providing a sales system.
[0021]
The present invention employs a magnetic card in place of the IC card. With this configuration, it is also possible to print a photographic image for each reception number. Even if the printing is performed by the user, the printing process can be performed first.
[0022]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the register according to the seventh or eighth aspect performs the point addition according to the use of the IC card or the magnetic card.
With such a configuration, a user who has performed photo printing receives a privilege and leads to promotion of sales.
[0023]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a print sales system according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an external connection diagram illustrating a configuration of the print sales system. The printing and selling system of the present embodiment includes a reception terminal device 1, a printer device 2, and an Ethernet (registered trademark) (for example, 100BASE / T) connecting these devices. Note that power is supplied to the reception terminal device 1 and the printer device 2 through AC outlets. In addition, the present system is built in, for example, a convenience store or a gas station, and the reception terminal device 1 is installed in a place where a user in the store can use easily, and the printer device 2 is installed in a position in the counter where a clerk can easily operate. ing.
[0024]
FIG. 3 is an external view of the reception terminal device 1 having the above configuration. In the figure, 3 is an operation display unit, 4 is a memory card reader, and 5 is a medium output unit. The operation display unit 3 is a color liquid crystal display device with a touch panel, and displays necessary keys. Further, the operation display unit 3 displays a thumbnail or the like when a photo image is selected.
[0025]
The memory card reader 4 has various slots such as a memory card, a compact flash (registered trademark) (CF), a memory stick (MS), a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FDD), a CD (compact disk), and a smart media. A medium on which a photographic image is recorded is inserted into a corresponding slot.
[0026]
The medium output unit 5 is an output unit that outputs a receipt in which purchase information at the time of reception is recorded, and data such as a reception number, size, number of sheets, and amount of money is described in the receipt.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an internal circuit configuration of the reception terminal device 1 having the above-described appearance. The reception terminal device 1 includes a main controller 6, and members or circuits corresponding to the operation display unit 3, the memory card reader 4, and the medium output unit 5. For example, the operation display unit 3 corresponds to a touch LCD 3a, and the operation display unit 3 is a state in which a glass plate or the like is installed on the touch LCD 3a. The user operates a key displayed on the touch LCD 3 a to send a key operation signal to the main controller 6. The main controller 6 processes the key operation signal based on operation input control.
[0027]
The memory card reader 4 includes a plurality of card adapters 4a to 4d, and is connected to a USB port of the main controller 6 via a USB serial bus HUB (universal serial bus) 8. Corresponding memory cards are attached to the card adapters 4a to 4d, and photographic images are read out according to print data creation control of the main controller 6, and stored in, for example, an internal hard disk (HDD) 6a. Further, when displaying the photographic image stored in the internal hard disk (HDD) 6 a on the operation display unit 3, it is performed based on the display image control of the main controller 6.
[0028]
The medium output from the medium output unit 5 includes an RFID tag, an IC card, and a magnetic card in addition to the receipt. The receipt printer 10, the RFID tag issuing machine 11, and the IC card issuing machine are provided inside the reception terminal device 1. 12, a magnetic card issuing machine 13 is provided. However, in the present example, the receipt printer 10 is used, and the receipt printed out from the receipt printer 10 is described as being output from the medium output unit 5. Further, devices other than the receipt printer 10 will be used in the description of the second and subsequent embodiments.
[0029]
On the other hand, a speaker 14 is further attached to the main controller 6, and an audio signal is output from the main controller 6. The sound output from the speaker 14 is, for example, an explanation of an operation method of the reception terminal device 1 and notifies the user based on the sound output control. The main controller 6 is also provided with a driver for a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FDD) 15 and a CD-R (CD-RW) 16, and drives are controlled based on media input control.
[0030]
Further, a PHS (personal handy phone system) 17 connected to the main controller 6 is a configuration for managing the reception terminal device 1 via a network, and communicates with a center server (not shown) to perform communication with the reception terminal device 1. Maintenance of the printer, management of the use state of the apparatus, reporting of the remaining state of consumables of the printer apparatus 2 and failure state, and the like.
[0031]
The main controller 6 communicates with the above-described printer device 2 based on the communication data control, and transmits purchase information, photographic image information, and the like designated by the user to the printer device 2. Power is supplied from the switching power supply 20 to the touch LCD 3a, the main controller 6, the receipt printer 10, and the like. For example, +24 V power is supplied from the switching power supply 20 to the receipt printer 10, and +12 V and +3 V power are supplied to the main controller 6. Of course, the power supplied to the switching power supply 20 is supplied through a breaker 21 of AC100V.
[0032]
FIG. 5 is an external view of the printer device 2. The printer device 2 is provided with four key tag insertion openings (key hole portions) 22a to 22d, a liquid crystal display unit 23, a printed material outlet 24, and a print end sound output unit 25. A key tag to be described later is mounted on the key tag insertion openings (key hole portions) 22a to 22d, and print information is displayed on the control panel 23. The designated number of photographs is output to the printed material outlet 24, and the print end sound output unit 25 is configured to notify the clerk of the end of the photo print by voice.
[0033]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the internal circuit configuration of the printer device 2 having the above-described external configuration. The printer device 2 includes a main controller 26, the control panel 23, the print end sound output unit 25, and photographic printers 27a and 27b. The main controller 26 controls data communication with the reception terminal device 1 described above, and receives photographic image information and purchase information from the reception terminal device 1 via Ethernet (registered trademark). The photographic image information received from the reception terminal device 1 is temporarily stored in the internal HDD 26a, for example.
[0034]
The photographic printers 27a and 27b perform printing processing of photographic image data read from the built-in HDD 26a based on printer control of the main controller 26.
Further, the printer device 2 is provided with fans 28 a and 28 b for cooling the temperature inside the device, and is driven and controlled by the control of the main controller 26. Also in the printer device 2, power is supplied from the switching power supply 29 to the control panel 23, the main controller 26, the photographic printers 27 a and 27 b, and the power supplied through the AC 100 V breaker 30 is supplied to the respective units. I do.
[0035]
The configuration and display example of the liquid crystal display unit 23 shown in FIG. 5 will be described in a processing operation described later.
The processing operation of the photo print vending system having the above configuration will be described below.
[0036]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing operation of this example. First, a user who has entered a store in which the system of the present example has been constructed approaches the reception terminal device 1, inserts a card held by the memory card reader 4, and reads data (step (hereinafter, referred to as S)). 1). For example, in the case of a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FDD) on which a photographic image is recorded, a floppy (registered trademark) disk is inserted into a corresponding slot. In the case of a CD-R on which a photographic image is recorded, the CD-R is inserted into a corresponding slot to read data.
[0037]
Next, the user operates the touch keys according to the instructions displayed on the operation display unit 3, displays the thumbnails of the photo images on the operation display unit 3 under the control of the main controller 6, and selects the photo image desired to be printed (S2). . At this time, the print size and the number of prints are simultaneously specified. The main controller 6 calculates the charge for the order, and sets it as purchase information including the designation of the photographic image and the designation of the size and the number.
[0038]
After the necessary designation has been made in this way, the user next issues a print decision instruction (S3). In response to this instruction, the main controller 6 drives the receipt printer 10 and issues a receipt (S4). FIG. 8 shows an example of the receipt issued at this time, in which the receipt number and the purchase information (information such as the number of prints and the size) are printed. Further, barcode printing of the information is also performed. The purchase information and the information of the reception number are sent to the printer device 2 via the Ethernet (registered trademark), and the reception number is displayed on the control panel 23 of the printer device 2.
[0039]
Next, the user who has received the purchase receives the receipt from the reception terminal device 1 and pays the printing fee, and goes to the cashier counter with the receipt (S5), and presents the receipt to the clerk.
The clerk receives the receipt (S6), checks the receipt number written on the receipt, presents the fee to the user, and receives the fee (S7, S8). Then, the clerk hands the "exchange tag" same as the reception number to the user (S9). For example, if the receipt number written on the receipt is "1", hand the "exchange tag" of "1" (in this case, the user pays the fee and receives the "exchange tag" (S10). ).
[0040]
Note that FIG. 9 is an example of the “exchange bill”. When the user receives the "exchange tag", the user performs shopping at the store, for example, and waits for the completion of photo printing (S11).
On the other hand, the clerk goes to the printer device 2 and inserts it into the key tag insertion slot (key hole) using the same “key tag” as the reception number (S12). FIG. 10 shows an example of a “key tag” (FIG. 10 (a) is a front view, FIG. 10 (b) is a side view), a receipt number (for example, the above “1”) is described, and a clip 32 is attached. ing. In the key tag insertion openings (keyhole portions) 22a to 22d, the key tag insertion opening 22a is an insertion opening for a "key tag" having a reception number "1", and the key tag insertion opening 22b is an insertion opening for a reception number "2". The key slot is an insertion slot, the key slot 22c is an insertion slot for a “key tag” with a reception number “3”, and the key tag insertion slot 22d is an insertion slot for a “key tag” with a reception number “4”. Mouth.
[0041]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display state of the control panel 23. At this time, the reception number "1" (0001) is displayed on the control panel 23a corresponding to the key tag insertion slot 22a. Therefore, the "key tag" is inserted into the key tag insertion slot 22a from the direction of the arrow, and the "key tag" of the reception number "1" is set in the key tag insertion slot 22a.
[0042]
With the above operation, the printer device 2 instructs the reception terminal device 1 to read out the purchase information of the reception number “1” and the photographic image data. In accordance with this instruction, for example, the purchase information and the photographic image data stored in the built-in HDD 6a are read and sent to the printer device 2. The main controller 26 sends a print instruction to the photographic printers 27a and 27b, and performs photographic image print processing.
[0043]
Also, during the printing process, the above-described receipt (invoice) is sandwiched between the clips 32 provided on the “key tag” so that the order contents can be confirmed reliably.
Next, the store clerk waits for a print end sound from the print end sound output unit 25 (S13), and when the end sound sounds, knows that the printing process has been completed. The end sound is stopped by pulling out the “key tag” from the key tag insertion slot 22a. Therefore, the clerk can surely recognize the end of the photo printing, quickly take out the printed matter from the printed matter outlet 24, pack it in a bag, for example, and put it in the above-mentioned clip (S14).
[0044]
Next, the user of the reception number (for example, reception number "1") is called (S15), the clip 23 is removed, and the printed matter is handed to the user (S16). On the other hand, the user waits for the printing process to be completed (S17), calls the clerk to the cashier counter, and receives the printed material (S18).
[0045]
By performing the processing as described above, for example, even if the user leaves the store after paying the fee and the time elapses, the printed matter can be handed over to the user without error. In addition, even if the clerk is changed at a change time, the reception number of the "exchange tag" and the reception number of the "key tag" can be confirmed without special handover, and the printed matter can be handed to the user without error. .
[0046]
In the above description, the printing of the user with the reception number “1” is performed first. However, for example, after the reception terminal device 1 performs the printing reception of a plurality of users, the user who first visits the cashier counter receives the reception number “ 2 "or the reception number" 3 ". Even in this case, the clerk passes the corresponding number “exchange tag” and prints a photograph of the user of the reception number “2” or “3” that came before the printing processing of the reception number “1”.
[0047]
By performing the processing as described above, the printing process of the subsequent reception number can be performed without waiting for the printing of the previous reception number, and the photograph can be printed efficiently.
<Second embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0048]
This example has a configuration in which the shape of the keyhole insertion portion of the “key tag” is formed in a notch shape so that printing by another purchaser is not started by mistake of the keyhole portion. The basic configuration of the photo purchasing system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 described above, the basic configuration of the reception terminal device 1 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and the basic configuration of the printer device 2 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 described above. The configuration is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, and will be described using the same numbers.
FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams showing a configuration of a “key tag” used in the present example. FIG. 12A is a front view of the “key tag”, and FIG. 12B is a side view of the “key tag”. is there. The keyhole insertion portion 34 of the “key tag” used in this example is formed with irregularities of different depths. The formation of the unevenness differs depending on the "key tag". In this example, a plurality of "key tags" having different shapes of the keyhole insertion portions are prepared and inserted into the key tag insertion slot of the printer device 2 for use. Note that the clip 32 is also provided on the “key tag” of the present example, and plays the same role as described above.
[0049]
On the other hand, in the case of the present example, the configuration inside the key tag insertion openings 22a to 22d is a configuration capable of identifying the uneven shape of the keyhole insertion portion 34. Although the example shown in FIG. 11 has four key tag insertion openings 22a to 22d, for example, one key tag insertion opening 22 can be used.
[0050]
Also in the processing operation of this example, the processing is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 described above. First, the user approaches the reception terminal device 1 and inserts the card held in the memory card reader 4 (S1), and the operation display unit 3 A thumbnail of the photographic image is displayed, and a photographic image desired to be printed is selected, and a print size and the number of prints are designated (S2). Next, a print decision instruction is issued (S3), and a receipt is issued from the reception terminal device 1 (S4).
[0051]
The user receives the receipt from the reception terminal device 1, goes to the cashier counter with the receipt to pay the printing fee (S5), and pays the fee to the clerk (S6 to S10). The user is given a "replacement tag" by the clerk and waits for the completion of the photo printing (S11). Further, the clerk goes to the printer device 2 and inserts it into the key tag insertion openings 22a to 22d using a "key tag" (S12), and performs a printing process of a photographic image.
[0052]
In this example, in addition to the serial number described in the receipt, the keyhole number is also described in the receipt, and printing is not started unless a “key tag” corresponding to the specified keyhole number is inserted in the receipt. That is, the printer device 2 compares the "key tag" inserted into the key tag insertion openings 22a to 22d with the reception number specified in advance, and performs the printing process only when the numbers match.
[0053]
Therefore, with this configuration, when a plurality of users are receiving and waiting for the printing process, a photograph image of another person is not erroneously printed. In the case where there are four keyholes as in this example, for example, if the numbers 1 to 4 are sequentially issued in the order of reception, the printed matter of the consecutive order customers is not mistakenly printed.
<Third embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0054]
In this embodiment, the RFID tag is attached to the receipt, and the management number of the RFID tag is transmitted to the printing apparatus together with the print data. Here, the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag is a tag in which a semiconductor in which the purchase information is recorded and an antenna are embedded, and information can be transmitted and received without contact.
[0055]
The basic structure of the photo purchasing system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is the same, but an RFID tag issuing machine 11 is used. FIG. 13 is an external view of the reception terminal device. As shown in the figure, the medium output unit 5 functions as an RFID tag issuing unit 41.
The processing operation of this example is also basically performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 described above. First, the user approaches the reception terminal device 1, inserts a card held in the memory card reader 4 (S1), and performs an operation. The photographic images are displayed as thumbnails on the display unit 3, and the photographic images desired to be printed are selected, and the print size and the number of prints are specified (S2). Next, a print decision instruction is issued (S3), and an RFID tag is issued (S4).
[0056]
The reception number is registered in this tag, and the user receives the RFID tag from the reception terminal device 1, goes to the cashier counter (S5), and pays the fee to the clerk (S6 to S10). The user is given a "replacement tag" by the clerk and waits for the completion of the photo printing (S11). On the other hand, the clerk goes to the printer device 2, inserts the receipt with the RFID tag into the receipt insertion slot (S12), and performs the printing process of the photographic image.
[0057]
FIG. 14 shows the configuration of the control panel 23 provided in the printer device 2. The receipt is inserted into the insertion slot 42 of the receipt with tag, and printing is started.
With this configuration, printing can be started without using a “key tag”. Then, the printer 2 is made to read the information of the receipt paper with the RFID tag, and the printing process of the photographic image corresponding to the embedded number is started.
[0058]
Note that the processing after printing is the same as in the above-described embodiment, and a user waiting for printing is notified and handed over to the user.
According to this example, it is not necessary to apply special printing to the receipt itself, so that the receipt can be recycled and used. In addition, a function of reading an RFID tag number into the POS register may be provided for payment in the POS register (hereinafter simply referred to as a POS register), and the settlement information corresponding to the ID number may be obtained from the print reception terminal.
[0059]
Even after printing, by reading the RFID tag into the reception terminal, the printing conditions (number of sheets, amount of money, printing time, type of reception medium, etc.) can be displayed on the display device.
In addition, the cost of an RFID tag is very low as compared with an IC card or the like, and even if the tag is stolen, lost, or damaged, no cost is required for reissuing.
<Fourth embodiment>
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0060]
In this embodiment, when it is impossible or difficult to set up an RFID tag reading device in a POS register, the following device is used to solve the problem.
FIG. 15 is a system diagram illustrating the configuration of this example. This system includes a reception terminal device 1, a POS register 44, and an RFID tag reader 45, and a bar code reader 46 is connected to the POS register 44 through a wire. The reception terminal device 1 and the RFID tag reader 45 are connected by a cable.
[0061]
The RFID tag reader 45 is provided with an RFID tag reading port 47, and reads information of the RFID tag inserted into the RFID tag reading port 47. The display unit 48 displays, for example, a barcode.
The reception number data is recorded on the RFID tag, and the RFID tag reader 45 reads the information when the RFID tag is attached to the reading opening 47 of the RFID tag. The POS register 44 knows the receipt number via the barcode reader 46, inquires the receipt number of the receipt terminal device 1, and obtains information on the settlement amount.
[0062]
With such a configuration, there is an advantage that the user does not need to input the amount of the fee and there is no mistake in the operation.
The processes after the start and the end of the printing are the same as those in the above-described embodiment. The user waiting for the end of the printing is notified and the printed matter is handed.
<Fifth embodiment>
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0063]
The present embodiment has a configuration in which an IC card is used in place of the RFID tag. An advantage of this usage example is that data can be written in an IC card that is impossible with an RFID tag. By recording the amount information and the printing information when the IC card is issued by the print reception terminal, it is possible to make a payment without connecting the POS register and the print reception terminal.
[0064]
Further, since the card is in the form of a card, it can be used as it is as a printing start key of the printing apparatus. FIG. 16 shows the configuration of the control panel 23 provided in the printer device 2. The IC card is inserted into the insertion slot 43 of the IC card, and printing is started.
[0065]
With this configuration, printing can be started without using an RFID tag. Then, the information of the IC card is read by the printing apparatus 2, and the printing process of the photographic image can be performed.
Note that the processing after printing is the same as in the above-described embodiment, and a user waiting for printing is notified and handed over to the user.
<Sixth embodiment>
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0066]
In this embodiment, a magnetic card is used in place of the IC card. Incidentally, paper coated with a magnetic recording material may be used.
When a magnetic card is issued at the print reception terminal, by recording the reception number, the amount information, and the like, it is possible to make a payment without connecting the PSO register and the print reception terminal. For example, the magnetic card issued by the reception terminal device 1 can be read by the barcode reader 46, information can be sent to the POS register 44, and the fee can be settled as shown in FIG.
[0067]
In addition, since this example is also in a card shape, it can be used as it is as a printing start key of the printing apparatus. FIG. 18 shows the configuration of the control panel 23 provided in the printer device 2. The magnetic card is inserted into the magnetic card insertion slot 49, and printing is started.
[0068]
With such a configuration, printing can be started without using an IC card. Then, the information of the magnetic card is read by the printing device 2, and the printing process of the photographic image can be performed.
Note that the processing after printing is the same as in the above-described embodiment, and a user waiting for printing is notified and handed over to the user.
<Seventh embodiment>
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0069]
In this embodiment, as a method of using the IC card or the magnetic card, an individual card is distributed to each single user, points are added when the user uses photo printing and sales, and a service card for the user is provided. It is configured to provide a service such as point discount by playing a role and further recording the history of print reception.
[0070]
For example, the procedure for using a card is as follows. First, when the customer finishes accepting a photo in the reception terminal device 1 and inserts the card, the customer records the payment information on the card and discharges it. At this time, if the user does not have a card, a new card is issued.
[0071]
Next, the customer goes to the POS register with the card, and the clerk causes the card reader to read the data of the card, displays a barcode on the card reader, and reads the barcode with the barcode reader. At this time, point information is also displayed, and if points are accumulated, the points are subtracted from the fee.
[0072]
FIG. 19 shows a point addition switch provided on the card reader 48, and the point is added by operating this switch.
In this way, the points are added according to the number of purchases of the customer, and when the points reach a certain point, the printing fee is deducted accordingly. It should be noted that the printing fee may be set free when a preset point is reached.
<Eighth embodiment>
Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0073]
In this example, when a plurality of users order photo printing, a break in the printed matter is easily understood. is there. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.
FIG. 20 is an external view of the printer device 50 of this example, which is used in the above-described photo purchasing system. Accordingly, the printer device 50 has four bill key insertion openings 51a to 51d, and has a liquid crystal display unit 52, a printed material outlet 53, and a print end sound output unit 54. The functions of the above-described units are as described above.
[0074]
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a part of the internal configuration of the printer device 50, and illustrates a transport configuration of the paper P wound around the roll 55. The paper P wound around the roll 55 is carried out by the rotation of the roll 55, is subjected to printing processing by the image forming unit 56, and is cut by the cutter 57. The cut sheet is collected in the stacker 59 or the trash box 60 depending on the position of the guide plate 58. For example, when the guide plate 58 is at the dotted line position, the paper P is output to the stacker 59, and when the guide plate 58 is at the solid line position, a piece of the paper P is collected in the trash box 60. Note that the position of the stacker 59 corresponds to the printed material outlet 53 of the printer device 50 described above.
[0075]
Next, the specific processing of this example will be described below.
First, the driving of the printer device 50 is started, the roll 55 is rotated, the sheet P is carried out, and the image forming unit 56 is controlled to perform the printing process for the first sheet. Next, the guide plate 58 is moved to the position indicated by the dotted line, and an unnecessary portion at the head of the sheet P is cut by the cutter 57. At this time, the cut pieces are collected on the stacker 59 side because the guide plate 58 is at the position indicated by the dotted line.
[0076]
Next, when the paper P moves and moves to a predetermined position, the cutter 57 is driven to cut the paper P into a predetermined size. The paper P1 on which the first photo printing has been performed by this process is collected in the same stacker 59 as the previous piece. At this time, the sheet P1 on which the first photo printing has been performed is output on the previous piece.
[0077]
Next, the guide plate 58 is moved to the position indicated by the solid line, and the printing process for the second sheet is performed. Then, the unnecessary portion located at the head of the second sheet is cut by the cutter 57. At this time, since the guide plate 58 is at the solid line position, the cut end is discharged into the trash box 60.
Next, the guide plate 58 is returned to the dotted line position, the sheet P is cut into a predetermined size, and the sheet P2 on which the second photo printing has been performed is collected in the stacker 59. Therefore, the sheet P2 on which the second photo printing has been performed is output on the sheet P1.
[0078]
Thereafter, the position of the guide plate 58 is similarly moved, and the unnecessary portion is cut alternately by the cutter 57 and the cut at a predetermined length of the sheet P is alternately repeated. The printed papers P are sequentially laminated. By performing such processing, a piece is always located at the head for each new user, and the printed matter until the next piece is the same user.
[0079]
As described above, according to the present example, it is possible to know the boundary of a print job using a piece of a piece, and by simply attaching a mechanism to a conventional printing apparatus or changing the sequence, the printed matter can be printed by the same user. Can be easily known. Further, a space-saving automatic sorting apparatus can be provided without using a dedicated sorting machine.
<Ninth embodiment>
Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0080]
This example also has a configuration that makes it easy for the user who ordered the photo printing to see the cuts in the printed matter. This is a configuration that can be distinguished even if it has.
[0081]
As described above, first, the driving of the printer device 50 is started, the roll 55 is rotated, the paper P is carried out, and the image forming unit 56 is controlled to perform the printing processing of the first sheet. Next, the guide plate 58 is moved to the position indicated by the dotted line, and an unnecessary portion at the head of the sheet P is cut by the cutter 57. At this time, in this example, the leading end of the sheet is cut to a length that is clearly different from a normal cut end. FIG. 22A shows the length of a normal size piece, and FIG. 22B shows the length of the first piece on which the first photo printing is performed in this example. In this example, the length of the leading end is twice as long as normal (2L). In this manner, the cut end (see FIG. 22C) cut by the cutter 57 is collected on the stacker 59 side as described above.
[0082]
Next, when the paper P moves and moves to a predetermined position, the cutter 57 is driven to cut the paper P into a predetermined size, and the paper P1 is collected in the same stacker 59.
Thereafter, in the same manner as in the above-described processing, cutting of a piece and cutting at a predetermined length are repeated, and unnecessary pieces are dumped into the trash box 60, and the first piece and the photo-printed sheets P1, P2,. Collected in the stacker 59. By performing the processing as described above, the lengths of the cut pieces are different, and even if the cut pieces serving as dust are mixed, it can be easily distinguished.
<Tenth embodiment>
Next, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0083]
This example also has a configuration that makes it easy for a user who has ordered photo printing to understand the breaks in the printed matter, and in this example, in particular, a configuration in which header information is printed at the end. In this example, as shown in FIG. 23, an ink ribbon having a black band-shaped ink region at the head is used.
[0084]
First, printing is performed on the leading portion of the paper P using a black belt-like portion (a shown in FIG. 23) of the ink ribbon, and then normal printing is performed. Next, the ink ribbon is successively printed in yellow (b shown in the figure).
Next, magenta (c shown in the figure) performs printing by shifting the printing start point by a black belt printing line. In addition, cyan (d shown in the figure) is printed in the same manner. The feature of this example is that data to be printed in a black band is added to the head of the first yellow print data and printing is performed continuously. With this configuration, a printed piece is always output at the beginning of a job every time a new job is performed, so that a break between jobs can be recognized.
[0085]
FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate a configuration in which the head information is printed at the head end and then cut. As shown in FIG. 3B, by printing the job number, date, and the like, the contents of the job can be understood, and the data becomes more effective.
[0086]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the output printed matter is held by the holding unit and stored, so that even if the printed matter is passed to the user of the reception number after a lapse of time, a different printed matter is handed over. There is no.
[0087]
Further, a photographic image can be printed for each reception number, and even if the printing is performed by a user who has performed reception later by the reception terminal device, print processing can be performed first.
Further, it is possible to efficiently perform the charge settlement using the RFID tag, the IC card, and the magnetic card.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a print sales system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an external connection diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing and selling system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an external view of a reception terminal device.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an internal circuit configuration of a reception terminal device.
FIG. 5 is an external view of the printer device.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an internal circuit configuration of the printer device.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a receipt.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a “redemption tag”.
FIG. 10A is a front view of a “key tag”, and FIG. 10B is a side view of the “key tag”.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display state of a control panel.
FIG. 12A is a front view of a “key tag” of the second embodiment, and FIG. 12B is a side view of a “key tag” of the second embodiment.
FIG. 13 is an external view of a reception terminal device according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a display example of a control panel according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a system configuration diagram of a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a display example of a control panel according to the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a system configuration diagram of a sixth embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a display example of a control panel according to the sixth embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a system configuration diagram of a seventh embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an eighth embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a part of the internal configuration of the printer device.
FIGS. 22A and 22B are diagrams illustrating a ninth embodiment, in which FIG. 22A shows the length of a normal size piece, and FIG. 22B shows the length of the first piece on which the first photo printing is performed. (C) shows a piece collected on the stacker side.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a tenth embodiment.
FIG. 24A shows a print state of a piece before cutting, and FIG. 24B shows a state after cutting.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 reception terminal device
2 Printer device
3 Operation display
3a Touch LCD
4 Memory card reader
4a-4d card adapter
5 Medium output unit
6 Main controller
6a Internal Hard Disk (HDD)
8 USB HUB (universal serial bus HUB)
10. Receipt printer
11 RFID tag issuing machine
12 IC card issuing machine
13 Magnetic card issuing machine
14 Speaker
15 Floppy (registered trademark) disk (FDD)
16 CD-R (CD-RW)
17 PHS (personal handy phone system)
20 Switching power supply
21 Breaker
22a to 22d Keynote slot (keyhole)
23 LCD display
24 Printed material exit
25 Print end sound output section
26 Main controller
26a Internal HDD
27a, 27b Photo printer
28a, 28b fan
29 Switching power supply
30 breaker
32 clips
34 Keyhole insertion part
42 insertion slot
44 POS register
45 RFID tag reader
46 Barcode Reader
47 Reading port
48 Display
49 insertion slot
50 Printer
51a-51d Note key slot
52 LCD display
53 Printed material outlet
54 Print end sound output section
55 rolls
56 Image forming unit
57 cutters
58 Paper Guide Board
59 Stacker
60 trash can

Claims (9)

A reception terminal device for receiving photo prints,
A receipt which is output from the terminal device upon completion of the reception and in which a reception number is described,
A redemption tag that is issued when the payment is made based on the receipt and describes a number corresponding to the receipt number described in the receipt,
A holding portion provided, a key tag describing a number corresponding to the receipt number described on the receipt,
When the key tag is attached, a printing process becomes possible, and a printing device that performs photo printing in accordance with print data supplied from the reception terminal device;
A printing and selling system comprising: The printing and selling system according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit holds the printed matter printed and output by the printing device. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of key holes for mounting the key tags are provided, and the key tags are mounted on the key holes corresponding to the reception numbers displayed on the key holes. The printed sales system described. The printing / sales system according to claim 1, wherein irregularities having different shapes are formed in the insertion portion of the key tag, and a key tag having different irregularities is selected and used according to the reception number. A reception terminal device for receiving photo prints,
A receipt having a tag which is output from the reception terminal device upon completion of the reception and has a reception number recorded thereon,
When a receipt having the tag is attached, a printing process becomes possible, and a printing device that performs photo printing according to print data supplied from the reception terminal device,
A printing and selling system comprising: A reception terminal device for receiving photo prints,
A tag output from the terminal device upon completion of the reception and having a reception number recorded therein,
A register for performing payment of a fee using a tag reader that reads the record of the tag;
When the tag is attached, a printing process becomes possible, and a printing device that performs photo printing according to print data supplied from the reception terminal device,
A printing and selling system comprising: A reception terminal device for receiving photo prints,
An IC card which is output from the reception terminal device upon completion of the reception and has a reception number recorded thereon,
A register that reads the record of the IC card and performs payment of a fee;
A printing device that can perform a printing process when the IC card is mounted, and prints a photograph in accordance with information recorded on the IC card;
A printing and selling system comprising: A reception terminal device for receiving photo prints,
A magnetic card output from the reception terminal device upon completion of the reception and having a reception number recorded thereon,
A register that reads the record on the magnetic card and performs payment of a fee;
When the magnetic card is mounted, printing processing becomes possible, and a printing device that performs photo printing according to print data supplied from the reception terminal device,
A printing and selling system comprising: 9. The printing and selling system according to claim 7, wherein the register performs point addition according to use of the IC card or the magnetic card.

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