JP2004268431A - Image printing system, image output device, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image printing system or the like which can shorten a printing process time (waiting time). <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of the image printing systems 600-1, 600-2, etc. are connected via a network 605. In the case where the number of print sheets to be printed out of an image output device 601-1 of the image printing system 600-1 exceeds a predetermined value, for example, a printout request, image data and the like are transmitted to the other unused image printing system 600-2. Accordingly, printing out is carried out by a printer of the system 600-1 while printing out is carried out by a printer of the other printing system. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image printing system capable of synthesizing, editing, and printing an image photographed by a digital camera, an image read by a scanner, image data recorded on a recording medium carried, an image previously stored in an apparatus, and the like. About.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Images taken with a digital camera or the like can be printed at home using a personal computer, a printer, or the like, instead of having to bring a film to a photo shop for printing as in the related art. In addition, a photo that has already been printed can be read by a scanner or the like to perform additional printing, enlargement, and the like.
[0003]
However, while there is a demand to process captured images more beautifully and to make various improvements, electronic devices such as digital cameras, personal computers, printers, and scanners are making rapid progress, and new products with high performance are being developed one after another. Since it is sold, it is difficult for an individual to always create the highest quality print, and there is a limit to the sub-images such as frame images to be combined with the photographed image that can be used by the individual.
[0004]
Therefore, a digital photo print device, which is an image output device that can be installed in a relatively small space, is installed in a store such as a camera store. There is a method of printing the image by carrying it and synthesizing a frame image or the like (see a digital photo print system, for example, [Patent Document 1] and [Non-Patent Document 1]).
[0005]
As a means for inputting image data, a digital camera is provided so that image data taken on the spot can be handled as input data, and a plane scanner is provided to accept a photo print or the like brought by the user on the spot. As a result, image data input by a scanner can be handled as input data, and as a result, an image output device that can respond to various print output requests of a user with one output device has appeared. For example, such an image output device is installed in an amusement facility such as an ID photographing corner in front of a station or a game center.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-46324 (page 18, paragraph number [0145], FIGS. 5 to 10)
[Non-patent document 1]
Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., "Recommendation for Digital Camera Print", [online], [searched on December 1, 2002], Internet <URL: http: // www. Digimates. com / susume / index. html>
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the printing process requires various processes such as a process relating to the printer device, a process of loading image data, a process of transferring image data, and thus has a problem that a considerable processing time is required. In particular, in the case of immediate printing, the processing time of the printing process itself directly affects the waiting time.
Furthermore, when a large number of printouts are made from a recording medium or the like on which an image captured by a digital camera is recorded, the next user must wait a long time until all the prints of the previous user are completed. was there.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image printing system and the like capable of shortening a print processing time (waiting time).
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input unit for inputting image data, an output unit for printing out the image data, a first printed matter outlet, and a second printed matter outlet. Wherein the output means prints out the image data to the first printed matter outlet or the second printed matter outlet in accordance with the number of prints of the image data. Image output device.
[0010]
Further, it is desirable to have an image processing means for processing an image using at least one of the input image data and the image data held in advance to create another new image data.
Further, it is desirable to include a charging unit for performing charging.
[0011]
The “print processing time” is the sum of processing times of processing relating to the printer device, image data loading processing, image data transfer processing, and the like.
[0012]
According to a first aspect, in an image output device that inputs image data and prints out the image data, the image output device includes a first printed matter takeout port and a second printed matter takeout port. Accordingly, the image data is printed out to the first printed matter takeout port or the second printed matter takeout port.
[0013]
A second invention is an image printing system in which a plurality of image output devices are connected via a network, wherein the image output device includes an input unit for inputting image data, and an output for printing and outputting the image data. Means for transmitting the image data to another unused image output device together with a print output request in accordance with the number of printouts of the image data. System.
[0014]
In the second invention, a plurality of image output devices are connected via a network, and the image output devices input image data and print out the image data. Further, according to the number of print output image data, The image data appropriately allocated is transmitted to another unused image output device together with a print output request.
[0015]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image output apparatus comprising: an input unit for inputting image data; an output unit for printing out the image data; and a third display unit for displaying a remaining print processing time. Device.
[0016]
In the third invention, image data is input, the image data is printed out, and the remaining print processing time is displayed.
[0017]
A fourth invention is a program that functions as the image output device according to the first invention or the third invention.
According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a recording medium that stores a program that functions as the image output device according to the first or third aspect.
A sixth invention is a program that functions as the image printing system according to the second invention.
A seventh invention is a recording medium on which a program for causing the image printing system to function as the second invention is recorded.
[0018]
The above-described program may be stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed, or the program may be transmitted and received via a communication line.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an image printing system and the like according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.
[0020]
First, the configuration of the image printing system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image printing system 100.
[0021]
FIG. 1 is an example of an image printing system. As shown in FIG. 1, an image printing system 100 is realized by an image output device 101.
The image output device 101 includes an image data read / write unit 111, an image editing / synthesizing unit 112, a material database (material DB) 113, a printing unit 114, an order content input unit 115, a charging unit 116, and the like.
[0022]
The image data read / write unit 111 captures an image of the subject 121 with an imaging device such as a digital camera, reads a document 122 with a document reading device such as a scanner device, or reads a document 122 from a recording medium 123 in which image data is recorded in advance. To obtain image data. Further, the image data read / write unit 111 can also record the image data created by the image output device 101 on the recording medium 123.
The recording medium 123 is, for example, a smart media, a compact flash (registered trademark) card (CF card), a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a PC card, a CD-ROM, or the like.
[0023]
In the present embodiment, as the image data read / write unit 111, in addition to a unit that captures the subject 121 with an imaging device such as a digital camera and reads the image data, the image data is read from a scanner device or a recording medium 123. Means are added, but only means for taking an image with an imaging device such as a digital camera and reading image data may be used.
[0024]
The image editing / synthesizing unit 112 synthesizes one or more input or selected image data by performing processing such as graffiti or stamping, clipping image data, scaling, pasting the cut image to another image, and the like. It comprises interactive interface means for interactively performing editing and the like and an image processing program. As the image data to be processed or edited, material image data, frame image data, and the like existing in the material database 113 can be used.
[0025]
The printing unit 114 is a high-resolution color printer that prints image data. Any method such as a sublimation type or an ink jet type is applicable. The printed matter 124 is an identification photograph obtained by imaging printed out, a photograph based on a digital camera image, a seal print, a postcard, or the like. The printed printed matter 124 is discharged to the first printed matter outlet or the second printed matter outlet.
[0026]
With the order content input means 115, the user selects the order content to be output as necessary. Items to be selected include selection of print mode (such as whether to perform normal output of actual image data, index print output, postcard print, seal print, ID photo print, etc.). In the case of normal output of actual image data, etc., display thumbnail images and specify which image to print when multiple frames of image data are input (in the case of outputting a digital camera image) Monitor display of thumbnail images and image selection), designation of the number of prints and print size, and the like. Note that the user can specify one or more pieces of image data to perform processing, composition, and editing before outputting the image.
[0027]
As the order content input means 115, for example, a touch panel integrated with a display means such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel, or various pointers such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a trackball can be used.
The charging unit 116 enables each function of the image output apparatus 101 according to the amount of money input in advance.
[0028]
Next, an external configuration of the image printing system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the image printing system 100.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 2, the image printing system 100 includes an imaging space 105 surrounded by a box-shaped frame, and an image output device 101 is installed on one side surface thereof. Entrance doors are provided on both left and right sides of the imaging space 105, and an entrance curtain 106 is provided for the entrance of the user, as well as for appropriateness of photographing and for ensuring privacy. An electronic flash 103 that emits electronic flash is provided at the upper front part of the image output apparatus 101 and at the center of the ceiling part.
[0030]
A monitor screen 201 such as a monitor with a touch panel is arranged on the front of the upper part of the image output device 101. The monitor screen 201 has a function as a display unit that displays an operation guide, an operation status, a read image, an edited image, and the like.
[0031]
A media insertion slot 202 is provided on the side of the monitor screen 201. A scanner surface 203 that reads an image of a printed matter and converts it into digital data is installed in a horizontal portion that separates the upper portion and the lower portion. A lens window 204 for capturing an image of a subject with an imaging device such as a digital camera is provided on the monitor screen 201.
[0032]
The media insertion slot 202 is an insertion slot for various media (smart media, compact flash (registered trademark) card (CF card), floppy (registered trademark) disk, PC card, CD-ROM, etc.), and floppy (registered trademark). A disk insertion slot, a CD-ROM insertion slot, a PC card insertion slot, a smart media insertion slot, a CompactFlash (registered trademark) insertion slot, and the like are arranged in a group.
[0033]
At the lower part of the image output device 101, a first printed material outlet 210, a speaker 211, a maintenance door 212, and the like are installed, and further, a charge inlet, a return opening, a receipt outlet, and the like are provided.
The first printed material take-out port 210 forms a part of a printing unit. After instructing print execution by touching a touch panel button or the like, the user receives the print 124 released from the first print outlet 210.
[0034]
The speaker 211 reproduces sound, BGM, sound effects, and the like during standby and operation.
[0035]
A second printed material outlet 220, a display panel 221 and the like are provided outside the photographing box.
The second printed material outlet 220 forms a part of a printing unit. After instructing print execution by touching a touch panel button or the like, if the number of prints exceeds a predetermined number (e.g., 20 or more), the user uses the second print outlet 220 provided outside the photographing box. The printed matter 124 to be ejected is received.
The display panel 221 displays the remaining print processing time (waiting time) until print output is completed.
[0036]
Next, a schematic configuration of the image output apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image output apparatus 101.
[0037]
The image output device 101 includes a control unit 301, a hard disk 302, an input / output unit 303 (CD-ROM drive device, keyboard, mouse, etc.), a digital camera 305, a scanner 306, various media read / write units 307 (1-n), The shutters 308 (1 to n), the monitor 309 (with a touch panel), the coin mech 310, the bill validator 311, the receipt journal processing unit 312, the printer 313, the display panel 221 and the like are connected via the bus 314.
[0038]
The control unit 301 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls driving of each device connected via the bus 314 according to a program stored in a hard disk 302 as a large-capacity storage medium.
[0039]
The hard disk 302 is input as a part of the image editing / synthesizing unit 112 in addition to a program for controlling the driving of each component, for example, a reading / writing program corresponding to each recording medium 123, a shutter opening / closing control program, a charging program, and the like. Or an image processing program for editing and processing the selected image, an image processing program for creating thinned data and creating index data, and displaying an interactive menu on the monitor 309 as a part of the order content input means 115 and printing means A program for setting print conditions for 114 and instructing a print start, and a material database 113 storing image data such as a frame used for image synthesis, a background image, a line drawing illustration image for coloring, and the like are stored. I have.
[0040]
Each of these program codes is read out by the control unit 301 as needed, transferred to the RAM, read out by the CPU, and executed as various means.
[0041]
The input / output unit 303 (CD-ROM drive device, keyboard, mouse, etc.) upgrades programs and information stored in the ROM and the hard disk 302 of the control unit 301, or sets operation settings and device settings of the image printing system. The main unit is switched to the management mode by a maintenance key, a CD-ROM for version upgrade is inserted into the input / output unit 303, and data is rewritten or setting data is input. Make settings.
[0042]
The digital camera 305, the scanner 306, and the various media read / write units 307 (1 to n) correspond to the image data read / write unit 111.
The shutter 308 is provided in the recording medium insertion opening, and opens and closes the recording medium insertion opening to prevent the recording medium from being taken out during the reading process or to prevent the recording medium from being taken out until the charging process is completed. be able to.
[0043]
By selecting and touching the touch panel button displayed on the monitor 309 according to the operation guide displayed on the monitor 309, the process from selection of the print mode and reading of the original image data to processing, synthesis and editing, and output of the print 124 are performed. A series of operations can be performed.
[0044]
The coin mech 310, the bill validator 311, and the receipt journal processing unit 312 correspond to the billing unit 116, and accept coin insertion and bill insertion, and issue a receipt.
The printer 313 corresponds to the printing unit 114, and performs print output processing of an image.
[0045]
The display panel 221 displays the remaining print processing time and informs the user of the waiting time.
[0046]
Next, the operation of the image output apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image output apparatus 101.
[0047]
The image output apparatus 101 displays a menu screen showing service contents, procedures, guidance, and the like, and allows the user to select a function. (Step 401).
[0048]
The image output device 101 acquires image data (Step 402). When inputting image data, the user selects a method such as reading from the recording medium 123, reading from a scanner, or imaging an object by an imaging device (such as a digital camera).
[0049]
The image output device 101 processes, edits, and synthesizes the image based on the user's instruction (step 403). The processing, editing, and combining of images include, for example, combining input image data, frame images, existing images, and the like, painting colors, inputting characters, moving, enlarging / reducing, and creating postcard data.
[0050]
The image output apparatus 101 performs a billing process and a receipt issuing process according to the user's order contents (output form (photo print, sticker print, index print, postcard print, etc.), number of prints, etc.) (step 404).
[0051]
The image output apparatus 101 performs image processing such as color correction, resizing, trimming, layout, and combining of characters and logos (step 405), and stores the processed image data in a hard disk device or the like (step 406). When storing image data in a hard disk device or the like, an area capable of securing image data that can accommodate two users is secured, and image data of two users can be simultaneously held.
[0052]
When the print output process becomes executable (Yes in step 407), if the number of prints exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 20 or more) (Yes in step 408), the second printed material outlet 220 is set as the outlet. Then, the image data is transferred to the printer device in the output enabled state, and a print output processing process for performing a print output process is started (step 410). The print output processing process of step 410, which has been started, is performed by the following user operations to select a function, perform an image acquisition process, process and edit image data, edit, combine, charge, perform image processing, and transfer image data to a hard disk device. (Steps 401 to 406) and the like. That is, the next user's operation can be performed while executing the print output process of the previous user.
[0053]
If the number of prints is equal to or less than the predetermined value (No in step 408), the first print material outlet 210 is set as the outlet (step 411), and the image data is transferred to the printer device in the output enabled state, and printed. Output processing is performed (step 412).
[0054]
When the operation of the image print system 100 is continued (No in Step 413), the image output apparatus 101 repeats the processing from Step 401 to Step 413.
[0055]
Next, processing contents such as a print output process (step 410) and a print output process (step 412) will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print output process.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 5, the image output device 101 acquires the status of the printer device (step 501), and if an error has occurred in the printer device (Yes in step 502), performs an error process (step 512). .
[0057]
If the printer device is normal (No in step 502), the image output apparatus 101 calculates the remaining print processing time based on the number of image data waiting for print processing, the number of remaining prints, and the like (step 503). The print processing time per one image data is, for example, the sum of the respective processing times from step 501 to step 510, and a predetermined time is set in advance from a preliminary investigation. The image output device 101 displays the remaining print processing time on the display panel 221 (step 504).
[0058]
A process in accordance with a user instruction (for example, a screen non-display process of not displaying an image on a monitor screen during a printing process) is performed (step 505), and the image data of the user is loaded into a memory from a storage device such as a hard disk. Then, predetermined image processing such as color correction, resizing, and trimming is performed (step 507), and the image data is transferred from the memory to the printer device in block units (step 508).
[0059]
When the transfer of the image data has been completed for all the blocks (Yes in Step 509), the printer device performs the print output (Step 510). If there is image data waiting to be printed (Yes in Step 511), the printer device performs Step 501 to Step The process of 512 is repeated.
[0060]
As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the image printing system 100 is provided with the first printed matter outlet in the photographing space and the second printed matter outlet outside the photographing box. When the number of sheets exceeds a predetermined value, a large number of printouts are performed by performing, in parallel, a printout process of printing out printouts to the second printout and a process of inputting image data by a next user operation. The next user can use the shooting box without waiting time.
[0061]
Further, the image output device 101 is provided with a display panel outside the shooting box, and displays the remaining print processing time on the display panel at predetermined intervals by the print output process, so that a user waiting outside the shooting box can It is possible to inform how long it takes to print out.
[0062]
In the present embodiment, two outlets are provided for one printer. However, two outlets are provided for two printers, respectively, and two or more print output processing processes having two or more memories are performed. You may make it executable in parallel. In this case, even if the previous user is performing a print output process on a large amount of printed matter at the outside outlet, the printed matter of the next user can be printed out at the outlet in the photographing box.
[0063]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the image printing system 700 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image printing system 700.
[0064]
FIG. 6 is an example of an image printing system. As shown in FIG. 6, an image printing system 700 includes a plurality of image printing systems 600-1, 600-2,. It is composed.
The network 605 may be wired or wireless, such as a connection line, a dedicated line, a local area network (LAN), or the Internet.
[0065]
The image printing system 600 is realized by the image output device 601. The image data for which print output is requested by the image output device 601 is transmitted to another unused image output device 601 via the network (connection line) 605 or the like.
[0066]
The image output device 601 includes the image data read / write unit 111, the image editing / synthesizing unit 112, the material database (material DB) 113, the printing unit 114, and the order content input unit of the image output device 101 according to the first embodiment. 115, a charging unit 116, and the like, and further include a network connection print receiving unit 617, a network connection print transmission unit 618, and the like.
[0067]
When the own system is in an unused state, the network connection print receiving unit 617 receives image data requested to be printed out from another image output apparatus 601 and prints out the image data.
When the number of prints to be printed out exceeds the predetermined number, the network connection print transmitting unit 618 requests another unused image printing system 600 to perform the print output, and transmits the image data to the printing apparatus.
[0068]
Next, a schematic configuration of the image output device 601 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image output device 601.
[0069]
The image output device 601 includes the control unit 301, the hard disk 302, the input / output unit 303 (CD-ROM drive device, keyboard, mouse, etc.), the digital camera 305, and the scanner 306 of the image output device 101 according to the first embodiment. Communication control in addition to various media reading / writing units 307 (1 to n), shutters 308 (1 to n), monitor 309 (with touch panel), coin mech 310, bill validator 311, receipt journal processing unit 312, printer 313, etc. The unit 701 is connected to the bus 314.
[0070]
The communication control unit 701 is a communication control device, a communication port, and the like, and controls communication between the image output devices 601-1, 601-2,.
[0071]
Next, the operation of the image output device 601 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image output device 601.
[0072]
The image output device 601-1 displays a menu screen showing service contents, procedures, guidance, and the like, and allows the user to select a function. (Step 801). The image output device 601 sets the system status to “in use”.
[0073]
The image output device 601-1 acquires image data (Step 802). When inputting image data, the user selects a method such as reading from the recording medium 123, reading from a scanner, or imaging an object by an imaging device (such as a digital camera).
[0074]
The image output device 601-1 performs image processing, editing, combining, and the like based on the user's instruction (step 803). The processing, editing, and combining of images include, for example, combining input image data, frame images, existing images, and the like, painting colors, inputting characters, moving, enlarging / reducing, and creating postcard data.
[0075]
The image output device 601-1 performs a billing process and a receipt issuing process according to the user's order contents (output form (photo print, sticker print, index print, postcard print, etc.), number of prints, etc.) (step 804). ).
[0076]
The image output device 601-1 performs image processing such as color correction, resizing, trimming, layout, and combining characters and logos (step 805), and stores the image-processed image data in a hard disk device or the like (step 806).
[0077]
When the number of prints to be printed out exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 20 or more) (Yes in step 807), the image output apparatus 601-1 transmits, for example, another unused image print system 600 via the network 605. A request for print output is issued to the image output device 601-2, and a network connection print transmission process for transmitting image data is started (step 808).
[0078]
The image output device 601-1 transfers the image data to the printer device in the output enabled state, and performs print output processing (step 809).
The activated network connection print transmission process in step 808 and the print output process (step 809) are executed in parallel. That is, when a large amount of printout is to be performed, it is possible to request printout from another unused image print system 600-2 and print out image data while performing printout with the image output device 601-1. And
[0079]
When the operation of the image print system 600-1 is continued (No in step 810), the image output device 601-1 sets the system status to “unused”, and the image output device 601-1 sets the system status in steps 801 to 810. The process up to is repeated.
[0080]
Next, the processing of the network connection print transmission process (step 808) will be described in detail.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the network connection print transmission process.
[0081]
As shown in FIG. 9, the image output device 601-1 sends a print output request to other connected image print systems 600-2, 600-3,... (For example, 600-2) via the network 605. Is transmitted (step 901). If the response from the partner image print system 600-2 is NG (in use) or time-out (power off, abnormal, etc.) (Yes in step 902), the process moves to step 901 and the next image print system (for example, A print output request is transmitted to 600-3).
[0082]
When the response from the image print system 600-2 is OK (unused), the image output device 601-1 displays a message indicating "printing is being performed by the image print system 600-2" on the monitor screen 201 (step). 903).
[0083]
A process according to a user instruction (for example, a screen non-display process of not displaying an image on a monitor screen during a printing process) is performed (step 904), and the image data of the user is stored in a second memory from a storage device such as a hard disk. (Step 905), performs predetermined image processing such as color correction, resizing, and trimming (step 906), and transmits image data from the second memory to the printer of the image printing system 600-2 in block units (step 906). Step 907).
In the print output process (step 809) executed in parallel with the network connection print transmission process, the image output device 601-1 loads the image data from a storage device such as a hard disk onto the first memory, and 1 from the memory to the printer, and print out.
[0084]
When the transfer of the image data has been completed for all the blocks (Yes in Step 908), if there is image data waiting to be printed (Yes in Step 909), the printer repeats the processing of Steps 901 to 909.
[0085]
Next, the processing of the network connection print reception process will be described in detail.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the network connection print reception process.
[0086]
As shown in FIG. 10, when the received data is a print output request from another image print system (for example, 600-1) (Yes in step 1001), the image output device 601-2 of the image print system 600-2 The system status of the image printing system 600-2 and the status of the printing apparatus are acquired (step 1002). If the system is not used and there is no error in the printing device (Yes in step 1003), the image output device 601-2 returns a response OK to the partner image printing system 600-1 (step 1004), and the system status Is updated to "in use" (step 1005), and a message indicating "printing of printed matter from image printing system 600-1" is displayed on monitor screen 201 (step 1006).
[0087]
If the system is in use or there is an error in the printing device (No in step 1003), the image output device 601-2 returns a response NG to the partner image printing system 600-1 (step 1007).
[0088]
When receiving the image data from the other image printing system 600-1 (No in Step 1001), the image output device 601-2 stores the image data in the buffer of the printer device (Step 1008). When the transfer of the image data has been completed for all the blocks (Yes in step 1009), the printer performs print output (step 1010), updates the system status to “unused” (step 1011), and displays a message on the monitor screen 201. Is cleared (step 1012).
[0089]
As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of image printing systems 600-1, 600-2,... Are connected via the network 605, and the image output device 601 of the image printing system 600-1. If the number of prints to be printed exceeds a predetermined value, a print output request and image data are transmitted to another unused image print system 600-2, and the printout is performed by the printer of the image print system 600-2. On the other hand, by performing print output with the printer device of the own system, the idle image print system can be used effectively, and the waiting time of a user who prints a large amount can be reduced.
[0090]
The preferred embodiments of the image printing system and the like according to the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea disclosed in the present application, and these naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. I understand.
[0091]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image print system or the like that can reduce the print processing time (waiting time).
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image printing system 100 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the image printing system 100. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of an image output device 101. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image output apparatus 101. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image print system 700 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a hardware diagram of the image output apparatus 601. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image output apparatus 601-1. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of a network connection print transmission process. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of a network connection print reception process.
100, 600 image print systems 101, 601 image output device 105 image space 111 image data read / write means 112 image editing / synthesis means 113 material database 114 ... Print means 115... Order content input means 116... Billing means 210... First print material outlet 220 ...... Second print material outlet 221 ...... Display panel 617 ... Network connection Print transmission unit 618 Network print reception unit

Claims (20)

Input means for inputting image data;
Output means for printing out the image data,
A first printed matter outlet, a second printed matter outlet,
With
The output means,
An image output apparatus, wherein the image data is printed out to the first printed matter outlet or the second printed matter outlet in accordance with the number of prints of the image data. When the output unit prints out the image data to the second printed material take-out port, the output unit performs the print output process and the process of the input unit by a next user in parallel. The image output device according to claim 1. 2. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit prints out the image data to the second printed material outlet when the number of prints exceeds a predetermined value. A plurality of image output devices are an image print system connected via a network,
The image output device,
Input means for inputting image data;
Output means for printing out the image data,
Transmitting means for transmitting the image data, together with a print output request, to another unused image output apparatus in accordance with the number of printouts of the image data,
An image printing system comprising: The input unit has a first input unit and a second input unit, the first input unit is a recording medium reading unit that reads the image data from a recording medium, and scans a document to read the image data. 5. The image printing system according to claim 4, wherein the image printing system is one of an original reading unit for obtaining the original, and an imaging unit for obtaining the image data by imaging an object. 6. The image printing system according to claim 5, wherein the second input unit inputs image data sent from another image output device via the network. 7. The image printing system according to claim 5, wherein the second input unit inputs image data when the image output device is in an unused state. 5. The image printing system according to claim 4, further comprising: first display means for displaying a message indicating that a print from another image output device is being printed. 5. The image printing system according to claim 4, wherein the transmission unit transmits the image data when the number of printouts exceeds a predetermined value. 5. The image output apparatus which has received a print output request from the transmission unit, further comprises a second display unit for displaying a message indicating that printing is being performed. Image printing system. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: image processing means for processing an image by using at least one of the input image data and image data stored in advance to create another new image data. Image printing system. 5. The image printing system according to claim 4, further comprising a charging unit for performing charging. Input means for inputting image data;
Output means for printing out the image data,
Third display means for displaying the remaining print processing time;
An image output device comprising: The input unit may be any one of a recording medium reading unit that reads the image data from a recording medium, a document reading unit that scans a document to obtain the image data, and an imaging unit that obtains the image data by capturing a subject. 14. The image output device according to claim 1 or claim 13, wherein 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an image processing unit configured to process an image using at least one of the input image data and the image data stored in advance to create another new image data. The image output device according to claim 13. 14. The image output device according to claim 1, further comprising a charging unit for performing charging. A program for causing a computer to function as the image printing system according to any one of claims 4 to 12. 13. A recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to function as the image printing system according to claim 4 is recorded. A program for causing a computer to function as the image output device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, or 13 to 16. 17. A recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as the image output device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 13 to 16.

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