JP2005254505A - Printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system which can increase the turnover of printing orders, and also, can effectively utilize a waiting time after a printing order. <P>SOLUTION: This printing system 2 is equipped with a self-operation type printing receiving device 10 which receives the printing order of an image, a printer 11 which performs the printing of the image on the site based on the printing order received by the printing receiving device 10, a sorting device 12 which sorts printing completed articles which are output from the printer 11 for each order, and a locker 14 for which a plurality of storage boxes 13 for respectively storing sorted printing completed articles for each order are arranged in a manner to be able to be pulled out. A customer need not wait on the site for receiving the finished printed article, and can enjoy other works during the printing. Also, a customer who waits for his/her turn can order his/her printing right after the completion of the printing order by the previous customer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a print system including a self-operation type print receiving apparatus that receives an image print order and a printer that prints an image on the spot based on the received print order.

  A digital print service that receives a recording medium such as a photographed photo film or a memory card on which image data is recorded and creates a high-quality print image based on the image data recorded on the recording medium has become widespread. A print system that provides such a service is installed in a DPE store on the street, etc., and a self-operating print accepting apparatus that accepts an image print order and an image print based on the accepted print order on the spot. Some printers are equipped with a printer (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-72194 A

  In the conventional printing system, not limited to the printing system described in Patent Document 1, the customer must wait on the spot from receiving the print order to receiving the printed product, and wait for the next order. Some customers cannot use the printing system until the previous customer receives the finished print. For this reason, the conventional print system may increase the number of customers who do not want to use the print system until the above-mentioned wasted time, and may reduce the number of users of the print system. there were.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing system that can increase the rotation rate of a print order and can effectively use the waiting time after the print order. To do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a printing system comprising a self-operating print acceptance device that accepts an image print order and a printer that prints the image on the spot based on the accepted print order. The present invention is characterized in that a sorting device that sorts the printed products output from the printer for each order and a plurality of storage boxes that each store the printed products sorted for each order are provided.

  In addition, a regulation device that regulates removal of the finished printed product from the storage box, identification information for identifying a storage box in which the finished print product is stored after the print order, and regulation by the regulation device It is preferable to provide an information presenting device that presents restriction cancellation information for canceling.

  In addition, it is preferable to provide a tray for discharging the printed product without passing through the sorting device when the printed product is stored in all of the plurality of storage boxes.

  According to the printing system of the present invention, since the sorting device for sorting the printed products output from the printer for each order and the plurality of storage boxes for storing the printed products sorted for each order are provided. There is no need for the customer to wait after ordering, the rotation rate of the print order can be increased, and the waiting time after the print order can be used effectively. Therefore, an increase in the number of users of the system can be expected, and a system with a high profit recovery rate can be provided.

  In FIG. 1, a print system 2 to which the present invention is applied is installed in a DPE store or a convenience store on the street, and a self-operating print accepting device 10 that accepts an image print order, and a print accepted by the print accepting device 10. Based on the order, the printer 11 that prints the image on the spot, the sorting device 12 that sorts the print finished product output from the printer 11 for each order, and the plurality of print finished products sorted for each order are stored. The storage box 13 is arranged so that it can be pulled out, and a host computer 15 that centrally manages these operations.

  In FIG. 2, the overall operation of the print acceptance apparatus 10 is comprehensively controlled by the system controller 20. The system controller 20 is connected to an image reading unit 21, an operation unit 22, a display 23, a receipt issuing unit 24, a fee settlement unit 25, an image memory 26, a ROM 27, a RAM 28, and an external communication I / F 29.

  The image reading unit 21 includes a film scanner that reads an image from a photographed photograph film, and a card reader that captures image data from a recording medium such as a memory card on which image data photographed by a digital camera is recorded. The operation unit 22 includes a keyboard and a mouse for inputting customer personal information, order information such as the number of prints and print size. The display 23 displays images acquired by the image reading unit 21 and various menu screens.

  The receipt issuing unit 24 issues a receipt 30 as shown in FIG. In addition to the order information input from the operation unit 22, the receipt 30 is restricted by the number 31 (identification information) of the storage box 13 in which the printed product is stored and the restriction device 52 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). A password 32 (regulation release information) for canceling is added. In addition, although not shown, the receipt 30 also includes a print completion scheduled time of a printed product derived by the host computer 15.

  In FIG. 2, the fee settlement unit 25 is a so-called automatic fee payment device installed in a vending machine or the like, and identifies the type of inserted bills or coins and returns the change according to the identification result. And collect usage fees according to the order information from the customer.

  The image memory 26 stores image data read by the image reading unit 21. The ROM 27 stores programs and various data necessary for starting up the print acceptance apparatus 10. The RAM 28 stores the order information input from the operation unit 22. The external communication I / F 29 mediates data communication with the host computer 15.

  The image data ordered for printing is transmitted to the host computer 15 via the external communication I / F 29 together with the order information input from the operation unit 22. On the other hand, the host computer 15 transmits a storage box number 31, a personal identification number 32, and a scheduled print completion time to be added to the receipt 30.

  In FIG. 4, the overall operation of the printer 11 is comprehensively controlled by a system controller 40. The system controller 40 is connected to a print unit 41, an image memory 42, a ROM 43, a RAM 44, and an external communication I / F 45.

  The print unit 41 includes a known image printing apparatus that projects and exposes an image displayed on an LCD onto a photosensitive material, for example. The print unit 41 is provided with a tray 46 for discharging the printed product without passing through the sorting device 12 when the printed product is stored in all of the plurality of storage boxes 13. The tray 46 is provided with a take-out detection sensor (not shown) that detects take-out of a printed product.

  The image memory 42 stores image data transmitted from the host computer 15. The ROM 43 stores programs and various data necessary for starting up the printer 11. The RAM 44 stores order information transmitted from the host computer 15. The external communication I / F 45 mediates data communication with the host computer 15.

  The system controller 40 controls the operation of the print unit 41 and monitors the operation status of the print unit 41 in accordance with the order information from the host computer 15. The operating status of the printing unit 41 is transmitted to the host computer 15 via the external communication I / F 45. On the other hand, the host computer 15 transmits the above-described order information and image data, and a control command corresponding to the usage status of the locker 14.

  The sorting device 12 sorts the finished printed products for each order, and automatically puts the sorted finished products into the storage box 13 designated by the host computer 15. As a method of sorting the printed products for each order, the printer 11 prints a customer-specific ID separately from the image and reads it with the sorting device 12.

  In FIG. 5, an operation unit 50 for inputting a storage box number 31 and a password 32 attached to the receipt 30 is incorporated in the front of the locker 14. Each storage box 13 is numbered 51 in order, and is provided with a regulating device 52 that regulates the removal of the printed product.

  The restricting device 52 includes, for example, a locking claw and an engagement hole that engages with the locking claw and prevents the storage box 13 from being pulled out. An electronic locking device that releases the engagement is used. The restriction device 52 operates so that the restriction is released only when the finished printed product is taken out, and the storage box 13 is not pulled out in other cases.

  In FIG. 6, the entire operation of the locker 14 is comprehensively controlled by a system controller 60. The system controller 60 is connected to a collation unit 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, and an external communication I / F 64 in addition to the operation unit 50 and the restriction device 52 described above.

  The collation unit 61 compares the personal identification number input from the operation unit 50 with the personal identification number 32 generated by the host computer 15 when the receipt 30 is issued and appended to the receipt 30 to perform collation. . Various programs and data are recorded in the ROM 62. In the RAM 63, the code number 32 transmitted from the host computer 15 is stored in association with the number 51 of the storage box 13. The external communication I / F 64 mediates data communication with the host computer 15.

  The system controller 60 detects the usage status of the locker 14 from the operation history of the regulating device 52 and transmits the detection result to the host computer 15. On the other hand, the host computer 15 transmits the designated storage box 13 number, personal identification number, and the like.

  The host computer 15 receives the order information from the print acceptance device 10, specifies the storage box 13 for storing the printed product according to the usage status of the locker 14, and uses the control device 52 of the specified storage box 13. A password for canceling the restriction is created, and the scheduled print completion time of the printed product is derived from the operation status of the print unit 41 and the order information, and these are transferred to the print acceptance apparatus 10. In addition, the host computer 15 transfers the designated storage box 13 number and the created personal identification number to the locker 14. Further, the host computer 15 transmits a control command to the sorting device 12 so that the printed product is posted in the designated storage box 13.

  The host computer 15 transmits a control command to the printer 11 so as to discharge the printed product to the tray 46 when the printed product is stored in all of the plurality of storage boxes 13. At the same time, the host computer 15 displays a message indicating that the printed product is to be discharged onto the tray 46 on the display 23 of the print accepting apparatus 10, and detects that the printed product has been removed from the tray 46 using the detection sensor. A control command is transmitted to the print acceptance apparatus 10 so as not to accept a print order until it is detected.

  Next, a processing procedure of the print system 2 having the above configuration will be described. First, the customer brings a photographed photo film or a memory card with recorded image data to the store, enters the print accepting device 10, and enters the photo film or memory card in the image of the print accepting device 10. Set in the reading unit 21. In the image reading unit 21, image data is read from the set photographic film or memory card, and the read image data is transmitted to the image memory 26. The image data transmitted to the image memory 26 is displayed on the display 23 together with a menu screen for inputting order information.

  While viewing the image data and menu screen displayed on the display 23, the customer operates the operation unit 22 to select an image for ordering prints and input order information. When the input of the order information is completed, the input order information and image data are transmitted to the host computer 15.

  In the host computer 15, the storage box 13 for storing the finished printed product is designated according to the usage state of the locker 14, and a password for releasing the restriction by the restriction device 52 of the designated storage box 13 is created. Further, the scheduled print completion time of the finished print product is derived from the operation status of the printer 11 and the order information. The number of the storage box 13, the personal identification number, and the scheduled print completion time are transferred to the print acceptance apparatus 10.

  In the print acceptance apparatus 10, after the usage fee is collected by the fee settlement unit 25, a receipt 30 with the storage box 13 number 31, password 32, and scheduled print completion time received from the host computer 15 is issued. Issued from part 24.

  After the receipt is issued, image data is transmitted from the host computer 15 to the printer 11. In the printer 11, the image data transmitted from the host computer 15 is printed by the printing unit 41 based on the order information. Printed finished products output from the printer 11 are sorted for each order by the sorting device 12 and automatically placed in the storage box 13 designated by the host computer 15.

  Here, when the printed products are stored in all of the plurality of storage boxes 13, a message indicating that is displayed on the display 23 of the print receiving apparatus 10 by the control command from the host computer 15, and the tray 46. The printed product is discharged from the printer. At this time, the print accepting apparatus 10 does not accept a print order until it is detected by the take-out detection sensor that a finished print product has been taken out from the tray 46.

  The customer brings the receipt 30 at the scheduled print completion time attached to the receipt 30 and visits the store again. The number 31 of the storage box 13 and the personal identification number 32 attached to the receipt 30 are displayed on the operation unit 50 of the locker 14. To enter. In the locker 14, the personal identification number input from the operation unit 50 by the collation unit 61 and the personal identification number 32 created by the host computer 15 and appended to the receipt 30 are collated. And when collation is taken, the restriction | limiting by the control apparatus 52 is cancelled | released and the storage box 13 will be in the state which can be pulled out. The customer pulls out the storage box 13 and takes out the printed product inside.

  With the configuration as described above, the customer does not have to wait on the spot to receive the printed product, but can enjoy other work during printing, such as shopping, and waits for the next turn. The customer can also place a print order immediately after the previous customer finishes the print order. In addition, since the restriction device 52 for restricting the removal of the printed product is provided and the restriction is released by the personal identification number, the security for the security is ensured and the printing system 2 can be used with confidence. . Furthermore, when the print completion products are stored in all of the plurality of storage boxes 13, the print completion products are discharged to the tray 46, so that the printing system 2 can be used continuously.

  Instead of the personal identification number 32, a barcode representing the personal identification number 32 is printed on the receipt 30, and the locker 14 is provided with a sensor for optically reading the barcode, and the barcode is held over the sensor. The restriction by the restriction device 52 may be released, and the storage box 13 may be automatically pulled out. Further, information attached to the receipt 30 may be transmitted as electronic data to a mobile phone carried by the customer and displayed on the display of the mobile phone.

  In the above embodiment, the printer 11 and the sorting device 12 are provided separately. However, the sorting device 12 may be incorporated in the printer 11 and integrated.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a print acceptance apparatus. It is a figure which shows the information attached to a receipt. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a printer. It is a front schematic diagram of a locker. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a locker.

Explanation of symbols

2 Printing System 10 Print Accepting Device 11 Printer 12 Sorting Device 13 Storage Box 14 Locker 15 Host Computer 20, 40, 60 System Controller 22, 50 Operation Unit 24 Receipt Issuing Unit 30 Receipt 31 Number 32 PIN Number 41 Printing Unit 46 Tray 52 Restriction Device 61 Verification unit

Claims (3)

In a printing system comprising a self-operating print acceptance device that accepts an image print order and a printer that prints the image on the spot based on the accepted print order,
A sorting device for sorting the printed products output from the printer for each order;
A printing system comprising: a plurality of storage boxes each storing printed finished products sorted for each order. A regulating device for regulating the removal of the printed product from the storage box;
After the print order, there is provided an information presenting device for presenting identification information for identifying a storage box in which the finished printed product is stored, and restriction release information for releasing the restriction by the restriction device. The printing system according to claim 1.   3. The tray according to claim 1, further comprising a tray that discharges the printed product without going through the sorting device when the printed product is stored in all of the plurality of storage boxes. 4. Printing system.

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