JP2005190128A - Print processing system and photograph processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system capable of continuing print processing in photograph processing even when causing trouble that it is impossible to transmit data for print preparation from a specific terminal processor. <P>SOLUTION: This print processing system is provided with the photograph processor 1 having an exposure engine 32 for executing print processing to paper, and a terminal 2 for preparing the data for print preparation for executing print processing by the photograph processor 1 which are connected to each other through a network 3. The photograph processor 1 can perform the print processing based on the data for print preparation transmitted from the terminal 2, and is provided with a terminal monitoring part 60 for monitoring the operating conditions of the terminal 2 connected to the network 3. The terminal monitoring part 60 is provided with a detection means 60a for detecting whether or not the data are normally transmitted from the terminal 2, and a terminal switching control means 60b for receiving data from the other terminal 2A when data are not normally transferred. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographic processing apparatus having an image exposure unit for performing a printing process on a photographic photosensitive material, a terminal processing apparatus capable of creating print creation data for performing a printing process in the photographic processing apparatus, and one or a plurality The present invention relates to a print processing system in which the photo processing apparatus and a plurality of terminal processing apparatuses can be connected via a network.

  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 apparatus for creating a photo print and a terminal computer are connected by a network means. In the 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 computer. 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.

  The order received by the terminal processing device is subjected to image processing by the terminal processing device as necessary. If the order is creation of a photo print, the print processing is requested to the photo processing device. The photographic processing apparatus is provided with an image exposure unit having a function of performing a printing process on a photographic photosensitive material. By transmitting print creation data from the terminal processing apparatus to the photographic processing apparatus via the network, the photographic print can be performed. Can be created.

In this case, there is no problem as long as the print creation data is normally transmitted from the terminal processing device to the photo processing device, but the data transmission may be stopped for some reason. For example, if the processing load on the terminal processing device is too large, data transmission may not be performed. In such a case, the print processing cannot be performed by the photo processing apparatus even though no trouble has occurred in the photo processing apparatus. Therefore, there is a problem in that the efficiency of the print processing is reduced when viewed as a whole system.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-241935 (FIG. 1, FIG. 2, etc.)

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem is that the print processing in the photo processing apparatus is continued even when trouble such as the inability to transmit print creation data from a specific terminal processing apparatus occurs. It is an object of the present invention to provide a print processing system and a photographic processing apparatus used in the system.

In order to solve the above problems, a print processing system according to the present invention provides:
PHOTO PROCESSING DEVICE HAVING IMAGE EXPOSURE UNIT FOR PRINTING PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIAL, TERMINAL PROCESSING DEVICE CAPABLE OF CREATING PRINT GENERATION DATA FOR PRINT PROCESSING BY PHOTO PROCESSING DEVICE, AND ONE OR MULTIPLE PHOTO PROCESSING DEVICES And a plurality of terminal processing devices configured to be connectable via a network,
The photo processing device can perform print processing based on print creation data transmitted from the terminal processing device, and
It has a terminal monitoring unit that monitors the operation status of the terminal processing device connected to the network, this terminal monitoring unit,
Detection means for detecting whether or not the print creation data is normally transmitted from the terminal processing device;
Terminal switching control means is provided for enabling printing data from another terminal processing apparatus to be accepted when data is not transmitted normally.

  The operation and effect of this print processing system will be described. A photo processing apparatus having a function of performing print processing and a terminal processing apparatus having a function of generating print creation data are connected by a network. By transmitting print creation data from the terminal processing device to the photo processing device, the photo processing device can perform print processing. In addition, the photo processing apparatus includes a terminal monitoring unit that monitors the operation status of the terminal processing apparatus connected to the network. The terminal monitoring unit includes a detection unit, and can detect whether or not print creation data is normally transmitted from the terminal processing apparatus. In addition, terminal switching control means is provided, and when the data is not transmitted normally, the terminal processing apparatus to be connected can be switched so as to accept print creation data from another terminal processing apparatus. it can. Accordingly, the print processing is interrupted (or stopped) with respect to the terminal processing apparatus in which the trouble has occurred, but since the print processing with respect to another terminal processing apparatus can be continued, the photo processing apparatus continues the print processing. Can do. As a result, it is possible to provide a print processing system capable of continuing the print processing in the photo processing apparatus even if troubles such as the inability to transmit print creation data from a specific terminal processing apparatus occur.

In order to solve the above problems, a photographic processing apparatus according to the present invention provides:
An image exposure unit that can be connected to a plurality of terminal processing devices capable of creating print creation data for performing print processing via a network and performs print processing based on print creation data transmitted from the terminal processing device A photographic processing apparatus comprising:
It has a terminal monitoring unit that monitors the operation status of the terminal processing device connected to the network, this terminal monitoring unit,
Detection means for detecting whether or not the print creation data is normally transmitted from the terminal processing device;
Terminal switching control means is provided for enabling printing data from another terminal processing apparatus to be accepted when data is not transmitted normally.

  The operation and effect of the photo processing apparatus having such a configuration is as described above, and even if trouble such as the transmission of print creation data cannot be transmitted from a specific terminal processing apparatus, the print processing can be continued. .

  The photo processing apparatus according to the present invention preferably includes data acquisition means for acquiring print creation data stored in a terminal processing apparatus connected to a network in a predetermined order.

  When sending print creation data, it can be sent after a print processing request is sent from the terminal processing device side, but the print creation data stored in the terminal processing device from the photo processing device side can be sent. It is preferable to obtain. In the terminal processing device, it is only necessary to store print creation data to be printed on a hard disk or the like, and there is no need for special work for starting the print processing. Since a plurality of terminal processing devices are connected to the network, the photo processing device can acquire data in a predetermined order. For example, it can be acquired in order from the oldest storage date.

  The terminal monitoring unit according to the present invention preferably includes an operation status monitoring unit that monitors the operation status of the terminal processing apparatus connected to the network.

  When accepting transmission of print creation data from the terminal processing device, the determination can be made based on the operating status of the terminal processing device. The operating status includes, for example, data on the operating rate in addition to whether or not a trouble has occurred.

  The terminal switching control means according to the present invention preferably switches the connection so as to accept print creation data from another terminal processing apparatus when a trouble occurring on the terminal processing apparatus side cannot be resolved within a predetermined time.

  Even when the print processing data is no longer transmitted from the terminal processing device, it is preferable to wait for a predetermined time instead of immediately switching to another terminal processing device. This is because the trouble may be resolved early.

  The detecting means according to the present invention has a function of detecting that the trouble on the terminal processing device side has been solved, and the terminal switching control means is based on the detection result, from the other terminal processing device to the original terminal processing. The switching is preferably controlled to return the connection to the device.

  By detecting trouble resolution on the terminal processing device side, the connection can be returned to the original terminal processing device, and the interrupted (cancelled) print processing can be resumed.

  A preferred embodiment of an image 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>
In FIG. 1, in an image processing system, a photographic processing device 1 and a terminal processing device 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.

  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. On the other hand, the terminal processing device 2 can be configured by a personal computer, and it is conceivable to install general image processing software. However, in this case, there are the following problems.

  If the image processing software differs between the photographic processing device 1 and the terminal processing device 2, a plurality of types of software must be learned, which increases unnecessary work. Photo shops often hire part-time workers and part-timers, and if there are many types of software, the training time for these store staff also increases, which wastes the work time that should be spent on the original photo processing. It will also be. Therefore, by making the software used in the photo processing device 1 and the terminal processing device 2 substantially the same, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary work of learning how to use the software. Therefore, the image processing operation in the terminal processing device 2 can be performed in exactly the same manner as in the case of the photo processing device 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. <Monitoring function for terminal processing device>
Next, a monitoring function (terminal monitoring unit 60) for the terminal processing device 2 provided in the photo processing device 1 will be described. The detection means 60a of the terminal monitoring unit 60 can monitor the operation status of the terminal processing device 2 connected to the network 3 in real time. In particular, when image processing data (corresponding to print creation data) is transmitted from the terminal processing device 2 to the photo processing device 1, it is detected that some trouble has occurred and the image processing data is no longer transmitted. Can do. For example, if a trouble on the network line or a processing load on the terminal processing device 2 becomes large, image processing data may not be transmitted normally, and this is detected.

  Moreover, the detection means 60a has a function which detects this, when the trouble which generate | occur | produced in the terminal processing apparatus 2 is eliminated. The detecting means 60a detects the operating status of other terminal processing devices 2. For example, the operation rate can be detected. The operation rate detects how much processing is performed per unit time (for example, one hour). Therefore, it can be detected that no processing is performed. In this connection, the CPU usage rate can also be acquired.

  The data acquisition means 60c has a function of acquiring order data (one order of data including image processing data) stored in the order data storage unit 50 of each terminal processing device 2 via the network. That is, the second image processing unit 40 performs image processing on the image data input in the terminal processing device 2, and the image processing data obtained as a result is stored in the order data storage unit 50 as order data. A configuration is adopted in which image processing data is taken up by the function of the data acquisition means 60c of the apparatus 1. Therefore, the operator of the terminal processing device 2 does not have to perform a special work of requesting the photo processing device 1 for print processing. The order data for which the image processing operation has been completed may be stored (spooled) in the order data storage unit 50. If the configuration is such that the image processing data is transmitted to the photo processing apparatus 1 only after the print processing request is made, the print processing starts immediately when the photo processing apparatus 1 is performing another order print processing. I can't let you. Therefore, there is a complexity such as requesting the print processing again.

  When acquiring the order data from the terminal processing device 2 connected to the network 3, the data acquisition unit 60c acquires the order data spooled in the order data storage unit 50 based on a predetermined rule (order). can do. As this predetermined order, for example, it can be acquired from the oldest spooled date and time (including the time). For example, it is possible to determine whether the spool date is new or old by checking the file name of the order file in which the order data is stored. For example, when automatically assigning a file name, a combination of a serial number and a date can be used as the file name. Based on this file name, it is possible to determine which order data (order file) is the oldest.

In addition, it is possible to preferentially perform a print process with a file name given a specific symbol. For example, it is a case where a photographic print must be finished on an express. Instead of the spooled date and time, an order may be given to the terminal processing devices 2 connected to the network in advance, and order data may be acquired based on this. For example, in FIG. 3, order data spooled in the order of the terminal processing device 2 → 2A → 2B may be acquired. Next, the function of the terminal switching control means 60b will be described. The terminal switching control means 60 b has a function of switching control of the terminal processing device 2 connected via the network 3. As described above, the terminal processing device 2 from which order data is to be acquired is controlled to be switched based on a preset rule. Further, even when the order data from the specific terminal processing device 2 is not transmitted by the detecting means 60, the connection can be switched to another terminal processing device 2 in which no trouble has occurred.

  When the terminal monitoring unit 60 detects that the order data is no longer transmitted from the terminal processing device 2, the notification unit 61 notifies the operator. For example, display with a buzzer or a lamp is performed. In addition, the operator can be notified via the monitor 15. That is, the display control unit 62 is provided, and it is possible to display that a data transmission error has occurred on the monitor screen. Furthermore, regarding the terminal processing device 2 in which the trouble has occurred, it can be displayed that the trouble has been solved. In addition to the error display, the operating status of the terminal processing device 2 may be displayed.

  Data communication between the terminal monitoring unit 60 and the terminal processing device 2 is performed via the data communication unit 36. Order data (image processing data) transmitted via the network is also input via the data communication unit 36. The terminal monitoring unit 60 can be constructed by software, for example, but is not limited thereto. You may incorporate as a part of function of the software which comprises the 1st image process part 10. FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 3, functions related to the terminal monitoring unit 60 on the terminal processing device 2 side will be described. The operation status confirmation unit 57 has a function of confirming the operation status of the terminal processing device 2. Necessary data is sent back to the photo processing apparatus 1 in response to the confirmation request from the terminal monitoring unit 60 of the photo processing apparatus 1. Data exchange with the photographic processing apparatus 1 is performed via the data communication unit 55.

<Print processing procedure>
Next, the procedure when the photo processing apparatus 1 performs print processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In order to perform print processing, order data (image processing data) must be acquired via the network. First, the terminal processing device 2 that is the acquisition destination is searched (# 01). Based on the function of the detection means 60a, the terminal processing device 2 connected to the network 3 is searched, and the order data spooled in the order data storage unit 50 is checked. Among them, the terminal processing device 2 in which the oldest order data is spooled is determined as a connection target (# 04).

  If the terminal processing apparatus 2 is searched but there is no terminal processing apparatus 2 to be connected, an error is displayed and the process ends (# 02, 03). For example, the terminal processing device 2 connected to the network 3 is all turned off, or the power is turned on, but some error has occurred.

  When a specific terminal processing device 2 is determined as a connection target, order data (image processing data) is transmitted from the terminal processing device 2 and acquired (# 05). The detecting means 60a checks whether or not the order data has been transmitted normally (# 06). If a trouble occurs such that the order data is not transmitted halfway though the transmission of the order data has not been completed, it is first determined whether or not a predetermined time has passed (# 07). In other words, it is configured to wait for a predetermined time for the time being when trouble occurs. It is assumed that an operator can appropriately set how long the predetermined time is to be set.

  After a predetermined time has elapsed, the detection means 60a detects whether or not the trouble in the terminal processing device 2 has been resolved. If it is determined that the trouble has been resolved, the process returns to step # 05 to return the order data Transmission starts again. If the trouble has not been resolved despite waiting for a predetermined time, the process returns to step # 01 to search for another terminal processing device 2. Then, the print processing of the terminal processing device 2 in which a trouble has occurred is interrupted. A search for another terminal processing device (indicated by 2A and 2B in FIGS. 2 and 3) is performed to determine the other terminal processing device 2A.

  If it is determined in step # 06 that the data has been normally transmitted, it is detected whether or not the transmission of the order data for the terminal processing device 2 has been completed (# 09). When order data is acquired from the terminal processing device 2, the order (for example, one order refers to a unit of print processing for one storage medium and one negative film) is not limited to one, Usually, order data for multiple orders is acquired.

  When the transmission of the order data to be acquired from the terminal processing device 2 is completed, it is determined whether or not the terminal processing device 2 has been switched in the past due to a trouble (# 10). This can be determined by setting a specific flag. If the flag is not set, the process proceeds to step # 13, where it is determined whether all print processes have been processed. If not all have been processed, the order data to be printed still remains, so the process returns to step # 01 and starts again from the terminal processing device 2 search.

  In step # 10, if the terminal processing apparatus 2 has been switched due to a trouble in the past, the process proceeds to step # 11, and it is determined based on the function of the detecting means 60a whether or not the trouble of the terminal processing apparatus 2 has been solved. To do. If the trouble has not been solved, the process returns to step # 01 to search for another terminal processing device 2 connected to the network 3. When it is detected that the trouble of the terminal processing device 2 has been solved, the connection with the terminal processing device 2 is restored. This is based on the function of the terminal switching control means 60b. Then, returning to step # 05, it is possible to acquire the order data from the terminal processing device 2 in which the trouble has been solved, and to resume the interrupted print processing.

  According to the above configuration, even if order data is no longer transmitted from a specific terminal processing device 2, the print processing can be continued by switching to another terminal processing device 2. Therefore, it is not necessary to reduce the processing efficiency of the entire system.

<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 this embodiment, image processing data (print creation data) including image data and correction data is transmitted from the terminal processing device to the photo processing device. This image data is the same as the image data when input to the terminal processing apparatus, but the corrected image data corrected by some correction parameters and the remaining correction data may be transmitted. Further, the second image processing unit 40 may generate image data for exposure in software and transmit it to the photo processing apparatus as print creation data.
(4) In the present embodiment, the configuration is such that the order data spooled in the terminal processing device 2 is acquired based on the control of the photo processing device 1, but the control of the terminal processing device 2 (for example, terminal processing) The order data may be transmitted to the photographic processing apparatus 1 based on a request signal from the apparatus 2 to the photographic processing apparatus 1.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photo processing apparatus 2, 2A, 2B Terminal processing apparatus 3 Network 8 Image data storage part 10 1st image processing part 13 Hardware control means 14 Setting data file storage part 17 Correction data storage part 20 Image processing board 25 Process selection means 32 Exposure Engine 36 Data communication unit 40 Second image processing unit 43 Network control means 44 Monitor 45 Keyboard 46 Setting data file storage unit 47 Image input device 48 Image data storage unit 49 Correction data storage unit 50 Order data storage unit 55 Data communication unit 57 Operation Status confirmation unit 60 Terminal monitoring unit 60a Detection unit 60b Terminal switching control unit 60c Data acquisition unit 61 Notification unit 62 Display control unit

Claims (6)

PHOTO PROCESSING DEVICE HAVING IMAGE EXPOSURE UNIT FOR PRINTING PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIAL, TERMINAL PROCESSING DEVICE CAPABLE OF CREATING PRINT GENERATION DATA FOR PRINT PROCESSING BY PHOTO PROCESSING DEVICE, AND ONE OR MULTIPLE PHOTO PROCESSING DEVICES And a plurality of terminal processing devices configured to be connectable via a network,
The photo processing device can perform print processing based on print creation data transmitted from the terminal processing device, and
It has a terminal monitoring unit that monitors the operation status of the terminal processing device connected to the network, this terminal monitoring unit,
Detection means for detecting whether or not the print creation data is normally transmitted from the terminal processing device;
A print processing system, comprising: terminal switching control means for allowing print creation data from another terminal processing apparatus to be accepted when data is not transmitted normally. An image exposure unit that can be connected to a plurality of terminal processing devices capable of creating print creation data for performing print processing via a network and performs print processing based on print creation data transmitted from the terminal processing device A photographic processing apparatus comprising:
It has a terminal monitoring unit that monitors the operation status of the terminal processing device connected to the network, this terminal monitoring unit,
Detection means for detecting whether or not the print creation data is normally transmitted from the terminal processing device;
A photographic processing apparatus, comprising: terminal switching control means for allowing print creation data from another terminal processing apparatus to be accepted when data is not transmitted normally.   3. The photo processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising data acquisition means for acquiring print creation data stored in a terminal processing apparatus connected to a network in a predetermined order.   4. The photo processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the terminal monitoring unit includes an operation status monitoring unit that monitors an operation status of a terminal processing apparatus connected to a network.   3. The terminal switching control unit switches a connection so as to accept print creation data from another terminal processing apparatus when a trouble occurring on the terminal processing apparatus side cannot be solved within a predetermined time. The photographic processing apparatus of any one of -4.   The detection means has a function of detecting that the trouble on the terminal processing device side has been resolved, and the terminal switching control means is changed from another terminal processing device to the original terminal processing device based on the detection result. 6. The photographic processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein switching is controlled so as to return the connection.

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