JP2005184627A - Print processing system and terminal processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print processing system capable of improving print processing efficiency of the entire system, in the print processing system in which a terminal processing apparatus requests print processing to a photograph processing apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The print processing system is provided with photograph processing apparatuses 1 each having an exposure engine 32 for performing print processing for sheets of paper, and terminal processing apparatuses 2 each having processing request means for requesting print processing to the apparatuses 1, wherein a plurality of photograph processing apparatuses 1 are connected to the terminal processing apparatuses 2 via a network 3. In this system, each terminal processing apparatus 2 is provided with a means 63a for inquiring the plurality of apparatuses 1 about the operating statuses, and a request destination deciding means 63c for analyzing response signals from the apparatuses 1 to the inquiry to decide an apparatus 1 to which print processing is requested. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention comprises a photographic processing apparatus having an image exposure unit for performing a printing process on a photographic photosensitive material, and a process requesting unit for inputting image data to be printed and requesting the photographic processing apparatus for a print process. The present invention relates to a print processing system configured to connect a terminal processing device, a plurality of photo processing devices, and one or a plurality of terminal processing devices via a network, and a terminal processing device used in the system.

  As a system in which a photographic processing apparatus and a terminal processing apparatus (terminal computer) are connected via a network, a photographic print creation system disclosed in the following Patent Document 1 by the present applicant is known. In this system, a photo processing device for creating a photo print and a terminal processing device are connected by a network means. In a photographic processing apparatus, image data from a developed photographic film is mainly input, and image data from a recording medium such as a digital camera is input from a terminal processing apparatus. As described above, since the reception work is distributed according to the type of image data, the work efficiency related to the reception processing is increased. When image data is received by the terminal processing device, when print processing is performed using the image data related to the reception, the image data or the like is transmitted to the photo processing device, and a photo print is created by the photo processing device.

  The number of photographic processing devices connected to the network is not limited to one, and a plurality of photographic processing devices are connected to increase the processing efficiency of the entire system. When the terminal processing apparatus requests print processing, the terminal processing apparatus requests a specific one of the plurality of photo processing apparatuses.

However, depending on the operating status of the photo processing apparatus that is requesting the print process, the print process may not be performed immediately. For example, if an image processing operation is being performed by the photographic processing apparatus or a printing process is actually being performed, it cannot be immediately performed even if the printing process is requested. Accordingly, it is necessary to wait until the photo processing apparatus can perform the printing process from the terminal processing apparatus, and the processing efficiency of the entire system is lowered.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-241935 (FIG. 1, FIG. 2, etc.)

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem is that a print processing system that requests print processing from a terminal processing device to a photo processing device can improve the print processing efficiency of the entire system. A processing system and a terminal processing device used in the system are provided.

In order to solve the above problems, a print processing system according to the present invention provides:
A photographic processing apparatus having an image exposure unit for performing a printing process on a photographic photosensitive material;
A terminal processing device having processing request means for inputting image data to be printed and requesting the photo processing device to request a print processing;
A print processing system configured to connect a plurality of photo processing devices and one or a plurality of terminal processing devices via a network,
The terminal processing device
Means for inquiring the operation status to a plurality of photo printing apparatuses;
It is characterized by comprising a request destination determining means for analyzing a response signal from the photo processing apparatus in response to the inquiry and determining a photo processing apparatus to which the print processing should be requested.

  The operation and effect of the print processing system with this configuration will be described. First, prior to requesting print processing from the terminal processing device to the photo processing device, an inquiry about the operation status is made to each photo processing device. The operation status is, for example, information such as whether or not the photo processing apparatus is currently performing a print process, and an estimated end time of the print process when the print process is being performed. A response signal from each photo processing apparatus in response to this inquiry is received and the content of the signal is analyzed. The request destination determination unit can determine a photo processing apparatus to request print processing based on the analysis result. For example, if there is a photo processing apparatus that is not performing print processing or other processing work, the photo processing apparatus can be determined as a request destination. For example, if all of the photographic processing devices are performing some kind of processing, the photographic processing device whose processing is completed earliest can be determined as the request destination. As a result, it is possible to provide a print processing system that can increase the print processing efficiency of the entire system when requesting print processing from the terminal processing device to the photo processing device.

In order to solve the above problems, a terminal processing apparatus according to the present invention provides:
A terminal processing apparatus connected by a network to a photographic processing apparatus having an image exposure unit for performing a printing process on a photographic photosensitive material,
Means for inquiring operation status to a photo processing apparatus connected to the network;
It is characterized by comprising a request destination determining means for analyzing a response signal from the photo processing apparatus in response to the inquiry and determining a photo processing apparatus to which the print processing should be requested.

  The operation and effect of the terminal processing apparatus with this configuration is as already described.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the response signal includes information on a photographic light-sensitive material mounted on a photographic processing apparatus.

  The information on the photosensitive material is, for example, information on possible print sizes and information on surface quality (such as a glossy surface and a silky surface). When requesting print processing from the terminal processing device, since the print size is also determined, it is necessary to select a photo processing device that can perform print processing with the print size to be requested. Thereby, it is possible to narrow down the range of the photo processing apparatus to which the print processing should be requested.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the response signal includes information on an installation location of the photographic processing apparatus.

  When configuring a network with a photographic processing device and a terminal processing device, for example, the installation location may be divided into a first floor and a second floor. If the terminal processing device is installed on the first floor, it is easier to receive the finished photo print if the photo processing device to which the print processing is requested is also on the first floor. As a result, it is possible to narrow down the photo processing apparatuses to which print processing should be requested.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the image processing apparatus for inquiring about the operation status is provided with setting means capable of setting in advance.

  As described above, if the installation location of the photographic processing apparatus and the type of the photographic photosensitive material to be mounted are determined in advance, the photographic processing apparatus to be inquired can be narrowed down from the beginning. Thereby, the time required for the inquiry can be shortened.

  In the present invention, it is preferable to include a display control unit for displaying on the monitor which photographic processing apparatus has been determined as the print processing request destination.

  As a result, the operator of the terminal processing apparatus can recognize the requested photo processing apparatus. The displayed photo processing device can be used to take a finished photo print.

  A preferred embodiment of an image processing system (print processing system) according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the system.

<Configuration of image processing system (print processing system)>
In FIG. 1, in the image processing system, a photographic processing apparatus 1 (1 </ b> A) and a terminal processing apparatus 2 are connected by a network 3. The number of the photo processing apparatuses 1 connected to the network 3 is one or a plurality, and the number of connected apparatuses can be arbitrarily set. Similarly, the number of terminal processing devices 2 connected to the network 3 is one or more, and the number of terminals connected can be set arbitrarily. Network 3 is, for example, is constructed by LAN by Ethernet ^TM, may be connected by a network 3 other than Ethernet ^TM. The network 3 is configured to be connectable to the server 5 via the Internet 4.

  The image processing system constructed by the photo processing device 1 and the terminal processing device 2 is installed in, for example, a photo shop. The photo processing apparatus 1 and the terminal processing apparatus 2 do not need to be installed on the same floor, and can be installed on a plurality of floors. Further, a part of the photographic processing apparatus 1 or the terminal processing apparatus 2 may be installed at a distance away.

  Next, functions of the photo processing apparatus 1 will be briefly described. The photographic processing apparatus 1 can print an image on the emulsion surface of paper (photosensitive material) based on the input image data to create a photographic print. The image data input to the photographic processing apparatus 1 may be input directly to the photographic processing apparatus 1 or input via the network 3. That is, the photo processing apparatus 1 can selectively set at least the first print mode and the second print mode.

  In the first print mode, the photographic processing can be executed by the photographic processing apparatus 1 alone regardless of the connection state with the network 3. A typical process is a process of reading a frame image of a developed photographic film by the scanner device 6 and creating a photographic print using the acquired image data. The image data acquired via the scanner device 6 is not used immediately for image exposure, but after various image processing is performed, image data for exposure is generated, and the image data for exposure is used. The image is printed and exposed to paper. The photographic processing apparatus 1 is provided with a first image processing unit 10 (see FIG. 2) for performing image processing.

  On the other hand, in the second print mode, image data (image processing data) transmitted via the network 3 is input. As in the case of the first print mode, exposure image data is generated based on this image data, and a photo print is created. In the second print mode, image data (image processing data) is transmitted from the terminal processing device 2 connected to the network 3.

Here, the function of the terminal processing apparatus 2 is demonstrated easily. The terminal processing device 2 can be configured by a general-purpose personal computer system, for example. The image data handled by the terminal processing unit 2, an image data stored in the recording medium of the storage medium (SmartMedia ^TM, CompactFlash ^TM, Memory Stick ^TM, etc.) or a CD-R, MO or the like of a digital camera, these media A drive device is provided for acquiring image data from the image data.

  Similarly to the photo processing apparatus 1, the terminal processing apparatus 2 is also provided with a second image processing unit for performing image processing. Therefore, when image data input from the terminal processing device 2 is transmitted to the photo processing device 1, image processing data obtained as a result of image processing by the second image processing unit is transmitted.

  The image processing system according to the present invention is configured to be connectable to a server 5 via the Internet 4, and the server 5 can receive a print order from a general user online. That is, the user uploads image data for which he / she wants to create a photo print to the server 5 using his / her personal computer. In the photo shop, the image data uploaded to the server 5 can be downloaded at an appropriate timing to create a photo print. The server 5 also has a function of providing an online album to the user. The downloaded image data is stored in the terminal processing device 2, for example.

<Functional block configuration of image processing system>
<Functional block configuration of photo processing apparatus>
Next, main functions of the image processing system will be described with reference to the block diagrams of FIGS. First, the main functions of the photo processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The scanner device 6 is a device for acquiring image data from a frame image formed on a developed photographic film. Although not shown, a light source for reading image data, a CCD line sensor, and the like are provided. Image data can also be obtained from a medium other than photographic film, and an image input device 7 for this purpose is provided. The image input device 7 can acquire image data stored in various recording media in the same manner as the terminal processing device 2 described later. The image data acquired via the scanner device 6 or the image input device 7 is temporarily stored and held in the image data storage unit 8. Note that the photo processing apparatus 1 may not have the function of the image input apparatus 7. This is because the terminal processing apparatus 2 is provided with the same function.

  The first image processing unit 10 has a function of performing image processing on image data, and is configured by software. The first image processing unit 10 includes a GUI 11, an image processing unit 12, and a hardware control unit 13. The GUI 11 is a graphical user interface, and can perform data input operations relating to image processing through a monitor screen.

  FIG. 4 shows a screen configuration example when performing image processing. Here, four of the read images are displayed on the monitor screen. The number of images to be displayed on the monitor screen is not limited to four, but can be set as appropriate, for example, six or eight. The operator can determine whether or not a photographic print is created with an appropriate color and density while viewing the monitor screen. In this monitor screen, the image data 51 is displayed with image data acquired from photographic film or the like.

  Reference numeral 52 denotes a data display area, which displays an average density value, a frame number, and the number of prints of an image. A separate display area 53 is provided at the upper right of the display image 51, and the correction data input from the keyboard 16 for the respective colors Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan), and the same density correction data. Is displayed. Further, information related to the print size is displayed in the display area 54 below the display image 51. For example, “P” indicates the panorama size. The display area 55 shows the name of the print channel. The print channel will be described later.

  The operator looks at the monitor screen as shown in FIG. 4 and inputs correction data using the keyboard 16 for an image determined to be corrected for color and density. When correction data is input, an image corrected based on the input correction data is displayed in real time on the same monitor screen. Therefore, the operator can appropriately perform image processing while visually confirming the corrected image. The first image processing unit 10 has the function of the image processing unit 12, and an image obtained as a result of image processing by the function of the image processing unit 12 that performs image processing based on the correction data input from the keyboard 16. Appears on the monitor screen again. The input of the correction data is performed to some extent by trial and error, and the finally determined correction data is temporarily stored in the correction data storage unit 17. The correction data is data in a form attached to each image data. The image data storage unit 8 and the correction data storage unit 17 are collectively defined as a data storage unit 18.

  Also, the size of the image displayed on the monitor screen is different from the size of the input image data, and usually thumbnail images with a reduced size are displayed on the screen. The processing for generating the thumbnail image data is also a function of the image processing means 12, and the image processing performed while looking at the monitor screen is also performed based on the thumbnail image data.

  The correction data includes not only those relating to color / density correction but also correction parameters relating to special corrections such as red-eye correction, backlight correction, and gradation correction. Also, the number of prints can be corrected and input on the monitor screen shown in FIG. 4, and the data of the number of prints is also included in the correction data.

  The hardware control means 13 is a function that controls the image processing board 20 that is hardware. The image processing data obtained as a result of the image processing in the first image processing unit 10 is transmitted to the image processing board 20 to create exposure image data. Here, the image processing data is composed of at least image data and correction data. As the image data, the image data acquired from the scanner device 6 or the image input device 7 is directly transmitted to the image processing board 20. Can do.

  When image processing is performed by the first image processing unit 10, it may be immediately sent to the image processing substrate 20 for print processing, but it may be performed later at an appropriate time zone. Therefore, the order data storage unit 9 is configured to store data. The concept of order can be set as appropriate at a photo shop. For example, one photographic film and one recording medium can be handled as one order. The order data storage unit 9 stores image data and correction data, and these data are assigned an order ID and managed in order units.

  Further, even when image processing is performed by the first image processing unit 10 and printing processing is performed immediately, data is stored in the order data storage unit 9. This is preferably stored as order data because a reprinting process or a reprinting process may be performed even if the printing process is performed once. If the image data and the correction data are stored in association with each other, it is not necessary to repeat the same image processing when performing reprinting processing, and the result of the image processing remains as correction data. It can be used again. The reprint process is a process in which the print process is performed again at the discretion of the operator when the quality of the finished photo print is not good, and the reprint process (reorder process) is performed in response to a request from the customer. This means the same print creation process. Accordingly, the image data and the correction data are not deleted even when the print process is performed, but the data is stored and stored in the order data storage unit 9 as described above.

  In addition, when performing image processing and print processing in the first image processing unit 10, it is necessary to set various setting data in advance. The setting data is stored in the setting data file storage unit 14. As setting data, for example, data relating to a print channel can be mentioned. A print channel registers the type of paper used to create a photo print (surface quality, manufacturer, etc.), print size, image data source (data from a digital camera or negative film, etc.), etc. It is a thing. Therefore, if you want to create a photo print of a specific print size based on image data obtained from a digital camera, you need to select a print channel that is suitable for it, and for that purpose such a print channel Must be set in advance. Other setting data includes the amount of change per key operation when correction data is input from the keyboard during image processing operations. For example, when a specific key on the keyboard is pressed once, the Y color can be set to change by “+1.5” when it changes by “+1”.

  Next, the image processing substrate 20 will be described. The image processing board 20 is provided with a reception memory 21, an image processing means 22, a transmission memory 23, and firmware 24. The image processing board 20 has a function of generating image data that is actually used for exposure. The reception memory 21 receives the transmitted image data and correction data. Unlike the image processing unit 12 of the first image processing unit 10, the image processing unit 22 is based on hardware. Based on the correction data, the processing content by the firmware 24 can be set, and based on this, processing for generating exposure image data is performed. As described above, since the image processing board 20 is configured with hardware as a core, image processing by the image processing board 20 is performed at high speed.

  The image processing performed in the image processing means 22 not only generates corrected image data having a color / density corrected based on the correction data, but also becomes data having the same size as the print size to be created. Enlargement processing or rotation processing that converts the image's height and width, special corrections such as red-eye correction and backlight correction that are performed as needed, color matching correction to match the color of the finished photo print with the color on the monitor screen, development Examples include corrections that take into account the type of processing liquid and changes over time. In addition, processing for expanding image data in a compressed file format such as JPEG into a bitmap is also performed. The exposure image data obtained as a result of processing by the image processing means 22 is sent to the transmission memory 23.

  The image processing data transmitted to the image processing board 20 includes those created inside the photo processing apparatus 1 and those transmitted via the network 3. Therefore, the processing selection means 25 is provided, and image processing data from either one can be received. As described above, the photo processing apparatus 1 can selectively set the first print mode and the second print mode. In the first print mode, image processing data generated inside the photo processing apparatus is received, and the second print mode is received. In the print mode, image processing data from the network 3 is received and print processing is executed. Note that the process selection means 25 switches functions in terms of software, and is conceptually shown in FIG. The mode can be switched by displaying a mode setting screen on the monitor 15 and selecting one of the print modes.

  Next, the configuration of the printer processor unit of the photo processing apparatus will be briefly described. In the paper magazine 30, a long paper, which is a photographic photosensitive material, is accommodated in a form wound on a roll. A plurality of paper magazines 30 can be attached to the photographic processing apparatus 1. Thereby, a plurality of types having different paper sizes can be prepared in advance. The paper drawn from the paper magazine 30 is configured to be conveyed along a predetermined conveyance path, and is cut into a predetermined print size by a paper cutter 31 provided along the conveyance path. The cut paper is conveyed to an exposure engine 32 (corresponding to an image exposure unit). The exposure engine 32 uses the exposure image data transferred from the transmission memory 23 of the image processing board 20 to expose and form an image on the emulsion surface of the paper. The exposure engine 32 forms a latent image by scanning the exposure light in the main scanning direction on the paper conveyed in the sub-scanning direction at a constant speed. As the exposure engine 32, those having various structures can be adopted. For example, a laser engine, a PLZT engine, a CRT engine, or the like can be adopted.

  The paper on which the image has been baked and exposed by the exposure engine 32 is sent to the development processing unit 33 and subjected to development processing, and then subjected to drying processing in the drying processing unit 34, and a finished photographic print is produced from the paper discharge unit 35. It is discharged outside. The discharged photographic prints are accumulated in an accumulation unit (not shown) in units of one order.

<Functional block configuration of terminal processing device>
Next, functions of the terminal processing device 2 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. Similar to the photo processing apparatus 1, a second image processing unit 40 for performing image processing is provided. The second image processing unit 40 is configured by software, and includes a GUI 41, an image processing unit 42, and a module that functions as the network control unit 43. The GUI 41 and the image processing unit 42 have the same functions as the GUI 11 and the image processing unit 12 of the first image exposure unit 10 of the photographic processing apparatus 1. That is, the photo processing apparatus 1 and the terminal processing apparatus 2 use the same software except for the hardware control means 13 and the network control means 43 modules. Image processing data obtained in the terminal processing device 2 can be transmitted to the photo processing device 1 via the network 3 based on the function of the network control means 43. The network control unit 43 corresponds to a process request unit that requests the photo processing apparatus 1 to make a print processing request.

  Unlike image processing software that is generally commercially available, image processing software used in the photographic processing apparatus 1 has various functions necessary for photographic processing. In terms of usability, improvements have been made compared to general software. The software used in the photographic processing apparatus 1 and the terminal processing apparatus 2 is almost the same, and the image processing work in the terminal processing apparatus 2 can be made exactly the same as in the photographic processing apparatus 1.

  A monitor 44 and a keyboard 45 are provided for performing image processing and other photographic processing operations. The setting data file storage unit 46 stores a setting data file, which is basically the same as the setting data file stored in the photo processing apparatus 1. Thereby, work such as image processing can be performed under the same conditions in the photographic processing apparatus 1 and the terminal processing apparatus 2, and the same processing is performed regardless of whether the photographic processing apparatus 1 or the terminal processing apparatus 2 performs image processing. Quality photo prints are obtained.

  The image input device 47 is a device for acquiring image data from a storage medium of a digital camera or other recording media. The input image data is temporarily stored in the image data storage unit 48. The image processing operation by the second image processing unit 40 is the same as that already described in the photo processing apparatus 1, and the configuration example of the monitor screen can be the same as that in FIG. The correction data obtained by the image processing by the second image processing unit 40 is temporarily stored in the correction data storage unit 49. The image data storage unit 48 and the correction data storage unit 49 are the same as the image data storage unit 8 and the correction data storage unit 17 in FIG. The image data storage unit 48 and the correction data storage unit 49 are collectively defined as a data storage unit 58.

  A photographic print is created from the image processing data obtained by the image processing by the second image processing unit 40. However, it is not necessary to immediately perform the printing process, and the data is stored and the printing process is performed later. You can also do it all together. For this purpose, an order data storage unit 50 is provided, in which order data can be stored. This is the same as the case of the order data storage unit 9 in FIG. That is, it is possible to easily cope with re-baking processing and re-printing processing.

  The image processing function in the terminal processing device 2 is only the second image processing unit 40 configured by software, and hardware (image processing board) as provided in the photographic processing device 1 is not provided. Since the image processing board becomes expensive in cost, it is not preferable to install the image processing board in each of a plurality of terminal processing devices because the cost required for system construction increases considerably.

  The terminal processing device 2 can perform image processing work intensively regardless of the operating status of the photo processing device 1. While the terminal processing device 2 performs image processing, the photo processing device 1 can perform print processing separately from this, so that the processing efficiency of the entire image processing system is improved. Even if the power of the photo processing apparatus 1 is turned off, the image processing can be performed only by the terminal processing apparatus 2. For example, image processing can be performed collectively at night when the photo processing apparatus 1 is not operating, order data can be accumulated, and print creation processing can be performed collectively the next morning, so that work efficiency can be improved.

  If the image processing work can be performed only by the photo processing apparatus 1, even if it is desired to perform the image processing, if another operator is using the photo processing apparatus 1, it cannot be used because it is not possible to perform its own work. A long waiting time. According to the present invention, such a useless waiting time does not occur.

  When print processing is performed, the image processing data is sent to the network 3 via the data communication unit 55. The image processing data is transmitted to the photo processing apparatus 1 via the network 3, and image data for exposure is generated on the image processing board 20 of the photo processing apparatus 1, and a photo print is created based on this.

  The image data writing device 56 is a device for writing image data on a recording medium such as a CD-R or a DVD. In this case, the image data output from the data communication unit 55 is transferred to the image data writing device 56. The data transferred to the image data writing device 56 is not the image data and the correction data, but the corrected image data corrected by the correction data. The processing for generating the corrected image data is performed by software in the terminal processing device 2. The image data writing device 56 does not need to be provided in all the terminal processing devices 2 provided in plural, and may be provided only in a specific terminal processing device 2.

<Operation status inquiry function>
Next, the operation status inquiry function will be described. As described above, the image data received by the terminal processing device 2 is subjected to image processing by the second image processing unit 40 of the terminal processing device 2, and the resulting image processing data is transmitted to the photo processing device 1. The Here, if there are a plurality of photographic processing apparatuses 1 connected to the network 3, it can be determined while confirming the operation status to which photographic processing apparatus 1 the image processing data should be transmitted. A function for this purpose is provided in the photo processing apparatus 1 and the terminal processing apparatus 2.

  First, functions provided in the photo processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, an operation status confirmation unit 39 is provided. The operation status confirmation unit 39 has a function of checking the operation status of each unit of the photographic processing apparatus 1. For example, whether or not image processing is currently performed, whether or not image exposure exposure by the exposure engine 32 is performed, whether or not development processing is being performed in the development processing unit 33, and reading of the negative film by the scanner device 6 is performed. Whether or not they are going. In addition, information on paper loaded from the paper magazine 30 (corresponding to information on photographic photosensitive material) can be acquired. For example, information on paper size and paper surface quality can be acquired. If there is paper size information, it can be determined whether or not a photo print of a desired print size can be formed by exposure. Note that the operation status confirmation unit 39 can be incorporated as a function of software (appropriate application or OS).

  When the operation status is inquired from the terminal processing device 2, the operation status confirmation unit 39 confirms the operation status of each unit and sends back a response signal to the inquired terminal processing device 2. The response signal includes paper information as described above. In addition, information regarding the place (first floor or second floor, etc.) where the photo processing apparatus 1 is installed may be included.

  Next, functions provided in the terminal processing device 2 will be described. An operation status inquiry unit 63 for inquiring the operation status is provided. The operation status inquiry unit 63 can be incorporated as a software function. For example, this function may be provided in software constituting the second image processing unit 40.

  The inquiry unit 63 a has a function of inquiring operation statuses to a plurality (all) of the photo processing apparatuses 1 connected to the network 3. The operation status inquiry signal is transmitted to each photo processing apparatus 1 via the network via the data communication unit 55. The analysis unit 63b analyzes the response signal returned from the photo processing apparatus 1 in response to the inquiry. The request destination determination unit 63c determines the photo processing apparatus 1 that requests the print processing based on the analysis result by the analysis unit 63b.

  For example, if it is found that a certain photo processing apparatus 1 is performing print processing but the other photo processing apparatus 1A is not performing any processing, the other photo processing apparatus 1A is requested to receive the print processing request destination. Can be determined as If all the photographic processing apparatuses 1 are performing the printing process, the information on the estimated end time of the printing process is acquired, and the photographic printing apparatus 1 that is expected to end the printing process earliest is determined as the request destination. can do. Further, if the response signal includes information indicating the installation location of the photo processing apparatus 1, this information can also be determined. For example, if the terminal processing apparatus 1 is installed on the first floor, it is preferable for work that the requested photo processing apparatus 1 is also installed on the same first floor. Since it is necessary to go to the photographic processing apparatus 1 for the finished photographic print, it is preferable that the photographic processing apparatus 1 to be requested is in a close place.

  The setting means 63d can preset the range of the photo processing apparatus 1 that inquires about the operation status. For example, only the photo processing apparatus 1 installed on the first floor can be inquired regarding the installation location of the photo processing apparatus 1 described above. If the type of paper loaded is known, the photo processing apparatus 1 that makes an inquiry based on this information can be set.

  Although the configuration for setting the range to be inquired in advance by the setting means 63d has been described above, it can be configured as follows instead. The inquiry may be made to all the photographic processing apparatuses 1 and analyzed by the analyzing unit 63b based on the setting contents set in the setting unit 63d.

  The display control unit 63e has a function of causing the monitor 44 to display information related to the inquiry. For example, as a result of the inquiry, the requested photo processing apparatus 1 is displayed. Thereby, the operator can know which photographic processing apparatus 1 is requested to perform the printing process.

<Print processing procedure>
Next, a schematic procedure for requesting print processing from the terminal processing apparatus 2 to the photo processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When starting the printing process, before sending the image processing data, the function of the inquiry unit 63a is used to make an inquiry about the operation status to the photo processing apparatus 1 (# 01, 02). Unless the inquiry range is specifically set, the inquiry is made to all the photo processing apparatuses 1 connected to the network 3. In response to this inquiry, a response signal is returned from each photo processing apparatus 1 (# 03). The received response signal is analyzed by the analyzing unit 63b (# 04), and the photo processing apparatus 1 to which the print processing is requested is determined by the function of the request destination determining unit 63c (# 05). Image processing data (image data and correction data) is transmitted to the determined photo processing apparatus 1 (# 06). Data transmission is performed based on the function of the network control means 43.

  The image processing data sent to the network 3 is received by the reception memory 21 of the photo processing apparatus 1 (# 10), and final image processing is performed by the image processing board 20. The correction data includes data on the print size and the number of prints in addition to correction parameters for correcting the color and density. Based on these data, exposure image data is generated from the transmitted image data (# 11). The generated image data for exposure is transferred to the exposure engine 32 (# 12), and the image is printed on the paper. The paper on which the image is printed and exposed is subjected to development processing and drying processing (# 13), and is then discharged to the outside as a finished photographic print (# 14).

<Another embodiment>
(1) The photographic processing apparatus according to the present invention may not be an apparatus in which the image processing unit and the image exposure unit are integrated. For example, in FIG. 1, the scanner device 6 has a structure separated from the photographic processing apparatus main body. However, the image processing unit and the image exposure unit may be separated from each other in the same manner as this. When disconnected, it is connected by a communication line.
(2) The terminal processing apparatus can be configured by a general-purpose computer (personal computer), but is not limited thereto, and may be configured by a computer specialized for a specific function.
(3) In the present embodiment, the photo processing device 1 that has received the inquiry automatically checks the operating status of each unit by the function of the operating status confirmation unit 39 and automatically returns a response signal to the terminal processing device 2 Explained. It can replace with this and can comprise as follows. When the inquiry signal is received, the monitor 15 displays the inquiry. The operator may make a response to the inquiry (whether or not to reject the request) on this screen.

Schematic diagram showing the system overview Functional block diagram showing the configuration of the photo processing apparatus Functional block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal processing device The figure which shows the structural example of the monitor screen at the time of performing image processing work Flow chart showing the procedure of print creation processing

Explanation of symbols

1 Photo processing device 2 Terminal processing device 3 Network 8 Image data storage unit 10 First image processing unit 11 GUI
12 image processing means 13 hardware control means 20 image processing substrate 22 image processing means 32 exposure engine 36 data communication part 39 operation status confirmation part 40 second image processing part 41 GUI
42 Image processing means 43 Network control means (processing request means)
44 monitor 45 keyboard 47 image input device 48 image data storage unit 50 order data storage unit 55 data communication unit 63 operation status inquiry unit 63a inquiry unit 63b analysis unit 63c request destination determination unit 63d setting unit 63e display control unit

Claims (6)

A photographic processing apparatus having an image exposure unit for performing a printing process on a photographic photosensitive material;
A terminal processing device having processing request means for inputting image data to be printed and requesting the photo processing device to request a print processing;
A print processing system configured to connect a plurality of photo processing devices and one or a plurality of terminal processing devices via a network,
The terminal processing device
Means for inquiring the operation status to a plurality of photo printing apparatuses;
A print processing system, comprising: a request destination determination unit that analyzes a response signal from a photo processing apparatus in response to an inquiry and determines a photo processing apparatus to request print processing. A terminal processing apparatus connected by a network to a photographic processing apparatus having an image exposure unit for performing a printing process on a photographic photosensitive material,
Means for inquiring operation status to a photo processing apparatus connected to the network;
A terminal processing apparatus, comprising: a request destination determining unit that analyzes a response signal from a photo processing apparatus to an inquiry and determines a photo processing apparatus to request print processing.   The terminal processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the response signal includes information on a photographic photosensitive material attached to the photographic processing apparatus.   The terminal processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the response signal includes information on an installation location of the photo processing apparatus.   The terminal processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a setting unit that can set in advance a photo processing apparatus that inquires about an operation state.   The terminal processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a display control unit configured to display on a monitor which photographic processing apparatus has been determined as a print processing request destination.

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