JP2005182292A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor for preventing the erroneous insertion of a plurality of kinds of storage media to properly insert/remove the recording media. <P>SOLUTION: The both end parts of the top end of a recording medium to be inserted into a slot 61 are detected by sensors 62a and 62b arranged inside the vicinity of a slot 61. When the width of the slot 61 is matched with the width of a recording medium 58a, the sensors 62a and 62b output detection signals in the same timing. A main controller 15 determines that an appropriate recording medium is being inserted according to the detection signal in the same timing, and moving a stopper 65 downward to a position apart from a suppression cover 64 by a driving system which is not shown in the figure so that the suppression cover 64 can be rotated upward with a rotation shaft 64p as a support point. The insertion path of the recording medium 58a to the slot 61 is opened. When the width of the slot 61 is not matched with the width of the recording medium 58a, only one of the sensors 62a and 62b outputs the detection signal, and it is determined that an inappropriate recording medium is being inserted, and the insertion path is not opened. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having a storage medium loading unit capable of inserting / removing a storage medium, for example, an information processing apparatus such as a photo printing vending machine capable of inserting / removing a plurality of types of storage media.

Accompanying the remarkable development of computer systems in recent years, specifically the development of so-called information processing devices such as personal computers and peripheral devices, for example, processing of color images with a large amount of information can be easily performed at a personal level. I was able to do it.
Recently, digital cameras and mobile phones with digital cameras are rapidly spreading, and image data captured by these cameras is temporarily stored in a removable storage medium, and the image data stored in the storage medium Is taken into a computer system through a storage medium slot provided in a personal computer or directly into a printing apparatus through a storage medium slot provided in a printing apparatus such as a video printer, and an image of the captured image data is obtained. It is now possible to print and enjoy it.

  In addition, the storage medium for writing and reading information is also downsized to support the above-mentioned digital camera, mobile phone with digital camera, etc. in addition to the floppy (registered trademark) disk that has been provided as standard in personal computers. Various types of storage media called so-called memory cards are provided.

  Various types of storage media products currently in general use include the above-mentioned floppy (registered trademark) disk (length 94 mm, width 90 mm, thickness about 3 mm), compact flash card (registered trademark), (length 35 to length 35). 36mm, width 42-43mm, thickness 3mm), SmartMedia (registered trademark) (length 37mm, width 45mm, thickness 1mm), SD card (registered trademark) (length 24mm, width 32mm, thickness 2.1mm) , Memory Stick (registered trademark) (length 50 mm, width 21.5-mm, thickness 2.8 mm), PC card (length 143 mm, width 54 mm, thickness 11.8 mm), CD-ROM / CD-R (radius 119 mm, thickness 1 to 1.5 mm). Among the above-mentioned storage media, there are other types of products having different sizes even with the same product name, such as an SD card and a memory stick.

  As described above, there are a plurality of types of storage media, and the actual situation is that the types of storage media used differ not only for digital cameras but also for various information processing apparatuses. Therefore, for example, a user of a digital camera purchases and uses a storage medium corresponding to the model of the digital camera.

In addition, when such a user wants to make a print image from the image data photographed with a digital camera and recorded on a storage medium, purchase a printer as an information processing apparatus having a storage medium slot corresponding to the storage medium in use. The print image is obtained.
However, as a system that provides such a print image in response to a request when the user wants to obtain a rushed print image without purchasing a printer independently, the image data from the storage medium is read and a predetermined print is performed. A so-called photographic printing vending machine including a street-installed printer device for printing on a medium is known.

Such a photo printing vending machine is provided with a plurality of storage medium insertion / extraction openings and interfaces for each storage medium in advance so as to be compatible with various storage media. In such a photo printing vending machine as an information processing apparatus, a storage medium on which image information taken by a user with a digital camera or the like is recorded is inserted into a corresponding storage medium provided on the front of the photo printing vending machine. After inserting the bill into the slot and inserting the bills and coins into the predetermined slot, confirm the desired image displayed on the display device and press the print button to start printing on the predetermined print medium. An image can be obtained. (For example, see Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3.)
Therefore, even a new purchaser such as a digital camera who does not own a personal computer or a printer can conveniently output a print image.

  However, as described above, there are a plurality of types of storage media, and each user selects a storage medium suitable for the model to be handled, or selects a model corresponding to the storage medium. Yes. Therefore, there is no problem when the printer is privately owned. However, when using the photo printing vending machine as described above, especially for beginners, the storage medium and photo printing owned by the self are owned. There is often a risk of inserting a storage medium into an incompatible storage medium slot without fully confirming the correspondence with the storage medium slot of the vending machine.

  That is, as described above, each storage medium has a difference in size in length, width, and thickness, and a photo printing vending machine has a plurality of storage medium slots corresponding to each storage medium. The plurality of storage medium slots also have differences in the vertical, horizontal, and height sizes of the slit portions. A small-size storage medium slot can automatically prevent insertion of a large-size storage medium, but a large-size storage medium slot cannot prevent insertion of a small-size storage medium.

Therefore, the product name of the storage medium to be inserted is displayed in the vicinity of the storage medium slot to prevent an erroneous insertion operation of the storage medium.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-326565 ([Summary], FIG. 6) JP 2001-357454 A ([Summary], FIG. 2) JP 2002-352319 A ([Summary], FIG. 1)

  However, in reality, there is often a problem that a non-conforming storage medium having a size smaller than that of the storage medium to be properly loaded is erroneously inserted into the storage medium slot of the photo printing vending machine (apparatus body). Occurred. This often occurs especially for beginners who are not familiar with the configuration of the information processing apparatus.

  Then, once such a small-size non-conforming storage medium is once inserted into the storage medium loading section of the apparatus main body, it will not be able to be removed easily because it enters the back of the insertion slot. When such a situation occurs, the user usually notifies the photographic vending machine installer to that effect, but in some cases, there was an example of leaving without such contact.

  Then, in response to such an erroneous insertion of the storage medium, an attempt is made to insert a wire or the like from the storage medium slot and take out the incompatible storage medium that has entered the storage medium loading unit. In this case, the storage medium and the storage medium loading section itself were damaged, and eventually the photograph printing vending machine installer had to disassemble the defective device.

In addition, for example, when a memory stick is erroneously inserted into an insertion slot for CompactFlash (registered trademark), there is a possibility that the connector of the insertion slot may be damaged.
In addition, the maintenance work for such failure restoration is complicated, and the photo printing vending machine cannot be used during the maintenance work for the failure restoration, which causes problems for many users. It was.

  Such a wrong insertion of the storage medium is not limited to only a photo printing vending machine having a plurality of storage medium slots, but it is not possible for a video printer or an inkjet printer with a single storage medium slot owned by an individual. This is a potential problem even in the case of such an information processing apparatus.

  In view of the above-described conventional situation, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus capable of preventing erroneous insertion of a plurality of types of storage media and performing appropriate insertion / removal.

  First, an information processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a storage medium loading unit that has a slit-shaped insertion / extraction port and receives a storage medium inserted through the insertion / extraction port, and is disposed inside the storage medium loading unit. An information processing apparatus comprising: a connector that engages with a contact point of a storage medium to be inserted; and a processing unit that processes information on the storage medium properly loaded in the storage medium loading unit. Detecting means for detecting the width of the storage medium to be inserted through the insertion / extraction opening, and the storage by the detection means. A storage medium determining means for determining whether or not the storage medium should be properly loaded based on the detection of the width of the medium, and a position closer to the inner side than the detecting means of the storage medium loading unit and closer to the outer side than the connector Arranged , Configured and a shutter means for controlling the further insertion of the storage medium based on a determination result of the storage medium determining-size unit.

  The shutter means is disposed, for example, in the vicinity of the detection means, and includes, for example, a rotation cover and a stopper that permits or prohibits the rotation of the rotation cover. Also, a plurality of storage medium loading units are provided corresponding to, for example, a plurality of types of the storage media. The information processing apparatus may be a photo printing vending machine, for example.

  Next, the photo printing vending machine according to the second invention has a plurality of storage medium loading sections for receiving a plurality of types of storage media, and the image information read from the storage medium inserted into the storage medium loading section. A photo printing vending machine for printing out a photo based on a recording means for recording a name of a recording medium and a bar code indicating the name on a receipt, a bar code reader, and the bar code reader Guidance means for guiding the storage medium loading unit corresponding to the recording medium based on the name of the recording medium acquired from the bar code written together with the read receipt.

  The guide means includes, for example, a notification lamp provided corresponding to each of the plurality of storage medium loading units, and for example, an icon displayed on the display device corresponding to each of the plurality of storage medium loading units. It may be highlighted.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the malfunction which mistakenly inserts a nonconforming storage medium into the storage medium loading part of information processing apparatus is prevented. In particular, in the case of an information processing apparatus such as a photo printing vending machine having a plurality of storage medium loading sections corresponding to a plurality of types of storage media, it is not suitable for a storage medium loading section different from the storage medium loading section to be inserted by a beginner. Inadvertently inserting a new storage medium can be prevented, thereby reducing maintenance work for failure restoration, improving the operating rate of the apparatus, and reducing inconvenience to the user.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a photographic printing vending machine as an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the left side toward the front. As shown in the figure, a photo printing vending machine 1 has a display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2, a recording media insertion unit 3, a bill insertion unit 4, a coin insertion slot 5, a return lever 6, a change on the front side of the apparatus. A port 7, a receipt takeout port 8, and a print takeout port 9 are provided.

  The display / operation unit 2 includes a display unit of a liquid crystal display and an operation unit that operates keys, buttons, icons, and the like displayed on the liquid crystal display with a finger, for example. In the display / operation unit 2, for example, icons of a plurality of slit-like insertion / removal openings corresponding to a plurality of types of recording media of the recording media insertion unit 3 and image information taken by a digital camera or the like are displayed as thumbnails, and a pay mode or A free mode selection icon and various information are also displayed. The user selects a recording medium insertion / extraction slot according to the display on the display / operation unit 2, inserts the recording medium into the insertion / extraction slot, selects image information displayed as thumbnails by an operation on the screen, and prints individually. It is possible to specify the number of sheets.

  As described above, the recording medium insertion unit 3 includes an insertion / removal port into which a plurality of types of recording media can be inserted. For example, a CF (compact flash) card, an SD memory card (SD memory card) : Secure Digital), PC card, SmartMedia (registered trademark), Memory Stick (registered trademark), etc. can be inserted and installed. A drive device to which a floppy (registered trademark) disk, CD-ROM / CD-R, or MO (magneto-optical disk) can be mounted is also provided below.

  Moreover, the banknote insertion part 4, the coin insertion slot 5, and the change slot 7 are used when using the photo printing vending machine 1 for a fee, and inserts a banknote from the banknote insertion part 4, and a coin insertion slot. Insert coins from 5. At this time, the deposited amount is displayed on the display / operation unit 2. In addition, a change is returned to the change mouth 7 or a fee is returned when the user stops using the change.

The photo printing vending machine 1 includes, in addition to the devices shown in the above-described appearance, a printing unit that reads image data from a medium received by the recording medium insertion unit 3 and prints the read photo image. Built-in billing device for paying off.
The user saves the image data taken with a digital camera, a camera-equipped mobile phone, or the image data taken into a personal computer in any of the above-mentioned various recording media. Is taken to the photo printing vending machine 1 and attached to the recording medium insertion portion 3.

The photo printing vending machine 1 reads image data from a mounted recording medium, and performs a printing process using a built-in printing apparatus. The printed matter is output to the print take-out port 9 of the photo printing vending machine 1.
2 (a) and 2 (b) are diagrams illustrating the internal structure of the photo printing vending machine 1 having the above-described external configuration. As shown in FIG. 1A, the photo printing vending machine 1 includes a main body 10 and a front door 11. In the main body 10, approximately 2/3 of the upper part is partitioned left and right by a vertical partition plate 12, and the left partition part that is widely partitioned is further partitioned into three upper and lower stages.

  Four printing apparatuses 13 (13a, 13b) are arranged side by side in the upper and middle stages of the three-stage partitions so that they can be pulled out in the front direction. The upper printing device 13a is a printing device dedicated to L size, and the middle printing device 13b is a printing device dedicated to 2L size. A chip receiving box 14 is disposed at the lower stage of the three-stage partition.

  A main controller 15 is disposed on the right partition of the vertical partition 12. From the main controller 15, signal / power lines 16 and 17 for controlling each part of the front door portion 11 are wired to the front door portion 11. A maintenance switch 18 is provided at the upper end of the vertical partition plate 12. The maintenance switch 18 is a switch that is input to perform maintenance such as replacement of consumables and replenishment of change.

A power supply unit 19 is disposed at the lower third partition of the main body unit 10, that is, the lowermost part, and a power switch 21 is provided on the front surface of the power supply unit 19. Power is supplied from the power supply unit 19 to each unit via the main controller 15.
On the other hand, the front door portion 11 is provided with a cover for protecting the internal devices of the respective portions shown in FIG. And the bill display part cover 22 is provided with the banknote stacker 23 integrally with this. The recording medium insertion portion cover 25 disposed under the display / operation portion cover 24 is formed with an acceptance chip relay portion 26 integrally therewith. It is collected in the chip receiving box 14 described above via the relay unit 26.

  When the recording medium insertion portion cover 25 is opened as shown in FIG. 4B, the coin mech cassette 27 and the inner device 28 of the recording medium insertion portion 3 are exposed, and maintenance of these can be performed. The coin mech cassette 27 is a device that stores and dispenses coins corresponding to the coin insertion slot 5 and the change slot 7 shown in FIG. 1, and a coin box 29 is provided below it. A receipt printer 31 is disposed below the coin box 29. The receipt printer 31 prints the receipt amount on the small roll paper 32, cuts off the printed portion (receipt), and outputs the receipt to the receipt takeout port 8 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is an external front view of the printing apparatus 13. As shown in the figure, the printing apparatus 13 is provided with a front lid 33 that opens and closes about ½ of the upper front side from the front. A large number of cooling ventilation holes 34 are formed in the front lid 33. A status lamp 35, a communication lamp 36, an error lamp 37, an error release switch 38, a print enable switch 39, and a test mode switch 41 are provided on the front side of the left side.

  These lamps and switches are observed and operated during maintenance of the printing apparatus 13 by maintenance personnel, and the status lamp 35 is a lamp that indicates the state of the printing apparatus 13 and is roll paper or thermal transfer ink. When the ribbon runs out, it lights up in orange, for example. The communication lamp 36 is a lamp that indicates a communication state between the printing apparatus 13 and the main controller 15, and lights up in green or the like during communication. The error lamp 37 indicates that an error has occurred. When the roll paper or the thermal transfer ink ribbon runs out, for example, the error lamp 37 intermittently blinks a certain number of times. The number of flashes varies depending on the content of the error.

  Further, the error release switch 38 is a switch that is pressed after the roll paper or the thermal transfer ink ribbon is replaced, or after the paper jam is recovered. The print enable switch 39 is a switch that is pressed when all maintenance processes are completed and printing is possible. The test mode switch 41 is a switch that is used when trouble occurs when replacing the roll paper or the thermal transfer ink ribbon.

  4 is a cross-sectional view of the printing apparatus 13 shown in FIG. The L-size printing device 13a and the 2L-size printing device 13b have the same internal configuration except that the width of the roll paper used and the width of the thermal transfer ink ribbon are different. As shown in FIG. 4, the printing apparatus 13 is provided with an upper lid 42 that covers the upper rear side in addition to the front lid 33 shown in FIG. 3.

  When the upper lid 42 is closed, the fixing hook 43 on the main body side is fixed by engaging with the locking pin 44 on the upper lid side, and when the upper lid 42 is opened, the hinge is released from the engagement with the locking pin 44 of the fixing hook 43. With 45 as a fulcrum, it rotates upward and rearward (upper right in the figure) to open the interior. Inside, a coreless roll paper 46 as a recording medium is accommodated and supported by a paper holder. From the coreless roll paper 46, a paper leading end 46a is drawn out in the direction of the printing section described later.

  On the other hand, the front lid 33 is fixed by engaging the fixing hook 47 on the main body side with a locking pin that cannot be clearly seen in the drawing on the front lid side when closed, and the locking pin 47 of the fixing hook 47 when opened. By releasing the engagement, the hinge 48 is pivoted forward and downward (lower left in the figure) to open the interior. A thermal head 49 is provided integrally with the front lid 33, and the thermal head 49 moves to the front lower side together with the front lid 33 when the front lid 33 is opened.

  Inside the space opened by the movement of the front lid 33 and the thermal head 49, a thermal transfer ink ribbon 51 is attached and a delivery reel 52 for feeding the thermal transfer ink ribbon 51 to the printing unit, and the thermal transfer ink ribbon 51 is used for printing. A take-up reel 53 that winds up the portion is arranged so as to be supported by a mounting portion that is divided into two locations, upper and lower.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the front lid 33 is closed, the ribbon lead-out portion 51a drawn from the delivery reel 52 and spanned on the take-up reel 53 is pushed into the interior by the thermal head 49, and the paper The platen roller 54 is pressed against the tip 46a. A plurality of conveyance roller pairs are arranged at various locations along the passage path of the paper leading end portion 46a of the coreless roll paper 46 and the ribbon drawing portion 51a of the thermal transfer ink ribbon 51, and the coreless roll is conveyed while being conveyed by these conveyance roller pairs. The paper 46 is thermally transferred from the thermal transfer ink ribbon 51, and printing is executed.

A motor 55 is arranged approximately in the middle of the arrangement part of the coreless roll paper 46 and the arrangement part of the thermal transfer ink ribbon 51. When executing printing, the motor 55 rotationally drives each part via a drive system including a gear train (not shown).
After the printing is finished, the leading edge 46a of which the trailing edge is discharged to the discharge outlet 56 is cut off from the main body by the cutting mechanism 57 and discharged to the printing outlet 9 shown in FIG. (Output).

FIG. 5 (a) is an enlarged view showing a display example of the display / operation unit 2 arranged in the upper front portion of the photo printing vending machine 1 having the above configuration, and FIG. 5 (b) shows the display / operation unit. 2 is an enlarged view of a recording medium insertion portion 3 disposed below 2. FIG.
In the display / operation unit 2 shown in FIG. 5 (a), icons indicating the types of recording media that can be used by the user are displayed in order from the left to the right CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card icons 58-1. An SD memory card (registered trademark) icon 58-2, a PC card icon 58-3, a smart media (registered trademark) icon 58-4, and a memory stick (registered trademark) icon 58-5 are displayed.

  Corresponding to this display, as shown in FIG. 5B, the recording medium insertion section 3 is provided with a recording medium insertion slot as a storage medium loading section corresponding to various recording media. That is, in the example shown in the figure, from the upper left to the lower CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card insertion slot 59-1, SD card (registered trademark) insertion slot 59-2, PC card insertion slot 59-3, from the upper right. A smart media (registered trademark) insertion slot 59-4 and a memory stick (registered trademark) insertion slot 59-5 are provided below.

  There is a spare slot area 59-6 below the memory stick (registered trademark) insertion slot 59-5. When a recording medium of a different type appears in the future, an insertion slot corresponding to the recording medium is set as the spare slot area 59-6. It is arranged in the slot area 59-6 so that a newly appearing recording medium can be easily dealt with.

In the example shown in FIG. 5B, the compact flash (registered trademark) card 58a is partially inserted into the CF (compact flash (registered trademark)) card insertion slot 59-1.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the recording medium insertion slot of the photo printing vending machine 1 having the above configuration. The recording medium insertion slot 60 shown in the figure shows a case of a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card insertion slot 59-1, for example.

  As shown in the figure, the recording medium insertion slot 60 is provided with a slot 61 as an insertion / extraction slot for inserting / removing a recording medium (for example, a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card) on the front surface 60f. Sensors 62 (62 a and 62 b) as storage medium width detection units are provided at positions closer to the slots 61 at both ends in the width direction of the slot 61 on the inner side of the slot 61 (right side configuration portion in the drawing). Yes.

  At the innermost part of the recording medium insertion slot 60, a male connector 63 that is electrically coupled to a female connector of the recording medium to be inserted is disposed. In other words, between the male connector 63 and the two sensors 62, in other words, on the inner side of the sensor 62 of the recording medium insertion slot 60 and on the outer side of the male connector 63, a restraining lid as a shutter means. 64 (which will be described in detail later), only the rotation shaft 64p of the deterrent lid 64 is visible because the perspective view is shown in FIG. 6, and the deterrent lid 64 itself is not visible, and a stopper 65 is disposed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, the suppression lid 64 is disposed close to the sensor 62, but this suppression lid 64 is used when an incompatible recording medium is erroneously inserted into the recording medium insertion slot 60. In order to prevent further insertion so that the front end does not contact the male connector 63 and the rear end does not enter the slot, the disposition position of the restraining lid 64 is As described above, it may be at an appropriate position between the male connector 63 and the two sensors 62, and does not need to be arranged in particular close to the sensor 62 as shown in the figure.

In addition, a recording media guide plate 66 (66 a, 66 b) is disposed between the restraining lid 64 and the male connector 63.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the system configuration of the photo printing vending machine 1 having the above configuration. As shown in the figure, the system of this example is centered on the main controller 15 shown in FIG. 2 (a). The main controller 15 includes a key input control unit 67, a display control unit 68, a card interface 69, A fee management unit 71, a storage medium detection unit 72, a storage medium determination unit 73, a printer unit 74, and a storage unit 75 are connected.

The key input control unit 67 notifies the main controller 15 of the setting of the input area of the touch panel of the display / operation unit 2, the input event from the input area, the operation information of the return lever 6, and the like.
The display control unit 68 controls display on the display / operation unit 2 under the control of the main controller 15.

The card interface 69 acquires image data from the recording medium via the male connector or contact connector of the recording medium insertion slot 60 (59-1 to 59-5) and transfers it to the main controller 15.
The charge management unit 71 calculates a photo printing price from the size and number of print media input from the touch panel of the display / operation unit 2, and calculates the calculated amount and the amount inserted from the bill insertion slot 4 or the coin insertion slot 5. Are calculated, the excess or deficiency is calculated, and the calculation result is notified to the main controller 15.

The storage medium detection unit 72 detects a detection signal at the recording medium side output from the sensor 62 (62a, 62b) and notifies the main controller 15 of the detection signal.
The storage medium determination unit 73 sets an appropriate output value and an appropriate output timing of the detection signals at the recording media side ends of the two sensors 62a and 62b for each recording medium insertion slot 60 (59-1 to 59-5). It is determined whether or not an appropriate recording medium corresponding to the recording medium insertion slot 60 is being inserted based on the stored output value and output timing.

  When an appropriate recording medium is inserted into the recording medium insertion slot 60, the printer unit 74 converts the photograph based on the image data acquired from the recording medium by the card interface 69 and transferred to the main controller 15 to a predesignated size. Printing is performed by the corresponding printing device 13 and output. Further, the receipt printer 31 is controlled to print and output the receipt amount.

  The storage unit 75 includes a regular storage area and a temporary storage area. The regular storage area stores a time series transaction such as a program, a print size, the number of printed sheets, and a receipt amount, and a cumulative total. The acquired image data is temporarily stored in the temporary storage area until the end of printing.

  FIG. 8A is a plan view showing a recording medium insertion slot and a recording medium of the photo printing vending machine 1 having the above configuration, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ in FIG. (c), (d) is a figure which shows the operation state at the time of recording medium insertion. FIGS. 7A to 7D show a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card insertion slot 59-1 as a recording medium insertion slot and a Compact Flash (registered trademark) card 58a as a recording medium. ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the sensor 62 (62a, 62b) disposed in the vicinity of the slot 61 is composed of a pair of members that sandwich the slot 61 from above and below. For example, if the pair of members is a photosensor, one member is constituted by a light emitting portion and the other member is constituted by a light receiving portion. The light receiving unit always receives light from the light emitting unit, and the sensor does not operate in this light receiving state. That is, the detection output is zero.

These sensors may be any type of sensors as long as they can detect both ends of the recording medium inserted into the slot 61.
In the vicinity of these sensors 62 (62a, 62b), a restraining lid 64 is arranged vertically supported by a rotation shaft 64p inside the sensor 62. A stopper 65 that moves up and down is in contact with the restraining lid 64 from the inside. Therefore, in this state, the recording medium inserted into the slot 61 is prohibited from entering the suppression lid 64.

  However, if the recording medium is a compact flash (registered trademark) card 58a compatible with the CF (compact flash (registered trademark)) card insertion slot 59-1, the compact flash (registered) shown in FIG. When the front end 58a-1 of the (trademark) card 58a is inserted into a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card insertion slot 59-1, as shown in FIG. The light from the light emitting part to the light receiving part is simultaneously blocked (in the case of a photosensor).

  Thereby, the sensors 62a and 62b simultaneously output detection signals having predetermined values. This output is transferred to the storage medium determination unit 73 via the storage medium detection unit 72 and the main controller 15, and the storage medium determination unit 73 determines that an appropriate recording medium is being inserted into the slot 61. This determination is notified to the main controller 15, and the main controller 15 drives a drive system (not shown) based on this notification to move the stopper 65 downward to a position away from the suppression lid 64.

  As a result, when the Compact Flash (registered trademark) card 58a is further pushed into the slot 61, it is pushed by the tip 58a-1 so that the restraining lid 64 has the pivot shaft 64p as a fulcrum as shown in FIG. Then, the access path is opened, and insertion of a Compact Flash (registered trademark) card 58a is permitted. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4D, the Compact Flash (registered trademark) card 58a is inserted into the CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card insertion slot 59-1, and the tip 58a-1 is inserted. The female connector is electrically connected correctly to the male connector 63 on the slot side shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9A is a plan view of the CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card insertion slot 59-1 and the Memory Stick (registered trademark), and FIG. It is an arrow view. As shown in FIG. 6A, the memory stick (registered trademark) 58e has a width smaller than that of the CF (compact flash (registered trademark)) card insertion slot 59-1, and is less than 1/2. Absent.

  Even if the memory stick (registered trademark) 58e is inserted into the slot 61 while being moved toward one side (upward in FIG. 4A) as shown in FIG. 4A, a detection signal is output from the sensor 62a. The sensor 62b does not output a detection signal. The storage medium determination unit 73 determines that an appropriate recording medium has been inserted into the slot 61 only when detection signals having a predetermined value are output from the sensors 62a and 62b at the same timing. With only a detection signal, it is determined that the recording medium is incompatible. Based on this determination, the main controller 15 displays an appropriate warning message on the display / operation unit 2 without driving the stopper 65.

Since the user cannot insert the recording medium into the slot 61, the user can be suspicious and notice the warning message by looking at the display / operation unit 2, and can insert it again into the correct medium insertion slot.
In this way, it is possible to prevent the incompatible recording medium from being inserted into the slot 61, thereby eliminating the problem that the slot and the internal connector are damaged, and that the maintenance rate frequently occurs and the operating rate is lowered.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 10 is a perspective view seen from an oblique right side toward the front showing the appearance of a photographic printing vending machine as an information processing apparatus in the second embodiment. In this example, the appearance of the photo printing vending machine 1 ′ shown in the figure is different from the photo printing vending machine 1 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 and the return lever 6 are provided with a code reader 76 and a receipt 77 printed out from the receipt outlet 8 along with a special print in addition to the receipt amount. That is. Further, the system configuration of the photo printing vending machine 1 'of this example is slightly different from that of the photo printing vending machine 1 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the system configuration of the photo printing vending machine 1 ′ in this example. As shown in the figure, in the system configuration of this example, a code reading unit 78 is provided in place of the storage medium detection unit 72 shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. The code reading unit 78 of the present example can drive the code reading unit 76 to read a code symbol such as a barcode.

  12A is a diagram showing an example of printing the receipt 77 shown in FIG. 10, and FIG. 12B is a diagram showing a reading state in the code reader unit 76. FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, the receipt 77 has a date, amount, and a letter of receipt printed in a general receipt format in the upper half of the print area.

  In this example, the point of difference from a general receipt is that in the lower half of the receipt 77, in order from the top, the name 79 of the recording medium used by the user, the shape 81 of the recording medium, and its recording A slot position 82 into which a medium is to be inserted, and finally a bar code 83 are printed. In the bar code 83, the name 79 of the recording medium is recorded as a code. In the example shown in the figure, the receipt 77 has a CF card (compact flash (registered trademark) card 58a) as the recording medium name 79.

The next time the user wants to print a photo with the same recording media, bring the receipt 77 that he brought back last time as shown in (b) of the figure, and turn it upside down. The bar code 83 is read by the code reading unit 78.
The code reading unit 78 reads the bar code 83 and notifies the main controller 15 of the code of the name 79 of the recording medium included in the read information. Based on this notification, the main controller 15 provides guidance and notification so that the user can insert the recording medium into an appropriate media insertion slot.

  13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of guidance notification by the main controller 15 in this example. When the name of the CF card (Compact Flash (registered trademark) card 58a) is read from the bar code 83 by the code reading unit 78 as described above, the display / operation unit 2 is displayed as shown in FIG. Among the icons indicating the types of usable recording media to be displayed, the icon 58-1 of the CF card (compact flash (registered trademark) card) at the left end is blinkingly displayed. Thereby, the user can know the type of the recording medium.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, in the CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card insertion slot 59-1 of the recording medium insertion portion 3, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) disposed beside the slot. : A light emitting diode) is driven to blink. As a result, the user can immediately know the slot into which the recording medium is inserted, and the compact flash card 58a is inserted into the corresponding CF (compact flash (registered trademark) card) as shown in FIG. ) The card can be correctly inserted into the card insertion slot 59-1.

  In this way, according to this example, even for beginners who are not sure about the type of recording media and the slot insertion position, the first time may be processed while listening to the store clerk or nearby people, Even if you forget what you asked the store clerk or nearby people, you can immediately prepare for printing by just bringing the previous receipt 77.

  In the above embodiment, a photo printing vending machine having a plurality of storage medium slots has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a single storage medium slot owned by an individual is provided. The present invention can also be applied to information processing apparatuses such as video printers and inkjet printers.

It is the perspective view seen from the diagonal right side toward the front which shows the appearance of the photo printing vending machine as an information processor in a 1st embodiment. (a), (b) is a figure explaining the internal structure of the photo printing vending machine in 1st Embodiment. It is an external appearance front view of the printing apparatus arrange | positioned inside the photo printing vending machine in 1st Embodiment. It is an AA 'cross-sectional arrow view of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. (a) is an enlarged view showing a display example of a display / operation unit arranged at the upper front of the photo printing vending machine in the first embodiment, and (b) is arranged below the display / operation unit. It is an enlarged view of a recording media insertion part. It is a perspective view which shows the structure inside the recording media insertion slot of the photo printing vending machine in 1st Embodiment. 1 is a block diagram of a system configuration of a photo printing vending machine according to a first embodiment. (a) is a plan view showing a recording medium insertion slot and a recording medium of the photo printing vending machine in the first embodiment, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′, (c), (d) are It is a figure which shows the operation state at the time of recording media insertion. (a) is a plan view of a CF (compact flash (registered trademark)) card insertion slot and a memory stick (registered trademark) of the photo printing vending machine according to the first embodiment, and (b) is a sectional view taken along the line B-B ′. FIG. It is the perspective view seen from the diagonal right side toward the front which shows the external appearance of the photo printing vending machine as information processing apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the system configuration | structure of the photo printing vending machine in 2nd Embodiment. (a) is a figure which shows an example of the printing of the receipt of the photo printing vending machine in 2nd Embodiment, (b) is a figure which shows the reading state in a code reader part. (a), (b) is a figure which shows the example of the guidance alert | report processed by the main controller of the photo printing vending machine in 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photo printing vending machine 2 Display / operation part 3 Recording media insertion part 4 Bill insertion slot 5 Coin insertion slot 6 Return lever 7 Change slot 8 Receipt ejection slot 9 Print ejection slot 10 Main body part 11 Front door part 12 Vertical partition 13 (13a, 13b) Printing device 14 Chip receiving box 15 Main controller 16, 17 Signal / power line 18 Maintenance switch 19 Power supply unit 21 Power switch 22 Charge display unit cover 23 Bill stacker 24 Display / operation unit cover 25 Recording medium insertion unit Cover 26 Receiving chip relay section 27 Coin mech cassette 28 Inner device 29 Coin box 31 Receipt printer 32 Small roll paper 33 Front cover 34 Cooling ventilation hole 35 Status lamp 36 Communication lamp 37 Error lamp 38 Error release switch 39 Printable Switch 41 Test mode switch 42 Top cover 43 Fixing hook 44 Stop pin 45 Hinge 46 Coreless roll paper 46a Paper tip 47 Fixing hook 48 Hinge 49 Thermal head 51 Thermal transfer ink ribbon 51a Ribbon drawer part 52 Sending reel 53 Take-up reel 54 Platen roller 55 Motor 56 Paper outlet 57 Cutting mechanism 58-1 CF (compact flash (registered trademark)) card icon 58a Compact flash (registered trademark) card 58a-1 Tip 58-2 SD memory (registered trademark) card icon 58 -3 PC card icon 58-4 SmartMedia (registered trademark) icon 58-5 Memory Stick (registered trademark) icon 58e Memory Stick (registered trademark)
59-1 CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card insertion slot 59-2 SD memory (registered trademark) card insertion slot 59-3 PC card insertion slot 59-4 SmartMedia (registered trademark) insertion slot 59-5 Memory Stick (Registered Trademark) Insertion Slot 59-6 Spare Slot Area 60 Recording Media Insertion Slot 60f Front 61 Slot 62 (62a, 62b) Sensor 63 Male Connector 64 Suppression Cover 64p Rotating Shaft 65 Stopper 66 (66a, 66b) Recording Media Guide Board 67 Key input control unit 68 Display control unit 69 Card interface 71 Charge management unit 72 Storage medium detection unit 73 Storage medium determination unit 74 Printer unit 75 Storage unit 76 Code reader unit 77 Receipt 78 Code reading unit 79 Recording media Slot location name 81 to be inserted shape 82 recording medium of the recording medium A 83 barcode 84 notification light

Claims (8)

A storage medium loading unit that has a slit-shaped insertion / extraction port and receives a storage medium inserted through the insertion / extraction port, and a connector that is disposed inside the storage medium loading unit and engages with a contact of the storage medium to be inserted And a processing means for processing information on the storage medium properly loaded in the storage medium loading section,
Detecting means for detecting the width of the storage medium to be inserted through the insertion / extraction opening provided inside the insertion / extraction opening at both ends in the width direction of the insertion / extraction opening of the storage medium loading section;
A storage medium determination means for determining whether the storage medium should be properly loaded based on detection of the width of the storage medium by the detection means;
Shutter means disposed closer to the inner side than the detection means of the storage medium loading unit and closer to the outer side than the connector, and controls further insertion of the storage medium based on a determination result by the storage medium determination means. When,
An information processing apparatus comprising:   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shutter unit is disposed in proximity to the detection unit.   3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shutter unit includes a rotation cover and a stopper that permits or prohibits rotation of the rotation cover.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the storage medium loading units are provided corresponding to a plurality of types of the storage media.   5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a photo printing vending machine. A photo printing vending machine having a plurality of storage medium loading units for receiving a plurality of types of storage media and printing out a photo based on image information read from the storage medium inserted into the storage medium loading unit. ,
A recording means for recording the name of the recording medium and a bar code indicating the name on the receipt;
A barcode reader;
Guidance means for guiding the storage medium loading unit corresponding to the recording medium based on the name of the recording medium acquired from the barcode written together with the receipt read by the barcode reading device;
A photo printing vending machine comprising:   7. The photo printing vending machine according to claim 6, wherein the guide means is a notification lamp provided corresponding to each of the plurality of storage medium loading sections. 7. The photo printing vending machine according to claim 6, wherein the guide means is an icon highlight display corresponding to each of the plurality of storage medium loading sections.

Images