JP2006065075A - Image formation system and hand-over system using same image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation system capable of easily collating a DP bag and a photographic film having been developed and to provide a hand-over system capable of informing a customer of accurate time when photographic prints etc., are delivered. <P>SOLUTION: The image formation system is equipped with a writing means 13 of recording order information as tag information in an IC tag attached to at least one of the DP bag 12 and photographic film F, an IC tag reader 29 which reads the tag information recorded in the IC tag, a tag information analyzing means 30 of analyzing the tag information read by the IC tag reader 19, and a monitor 24 which displays the order information included in the tag information analyzed by the tag information analyzing means 30. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system with an improved collation method between a DP bag and a developed photographic film. The present invention also relates to a delivery system for delivering an image forming medium such as a photo print created using the image forming system to a customer.

  Usually, in a lab store, when an order such as simultaneous printing or reprint is received from a customer, the photographic film deposited from the customer is put in a dedicated delivery bag and stored until the printing process is started. This delivery bag is generally called a DP bag. On the outer surface of the DP bag, order information such as the customer's name and contact information, whether or not simultaneous printing is performed, the print size, the number of prints, etc. is entered at the time of order reception. The photographic film deposited from the customer is an undeveloped photographic film in the case of simultaneous print order, and is a developed photographic film in the case of print order.

  When starting the printing process (an example of the image forming process), the operator takes out the photographic film from the DP bag, performs image processing as necessary, and creates a photographic print. If the order is for simultaneous printing, the undeveloped photographic film deposited by the customer is developed before the printing process. When creating a photo print, the operator creates a photo print of a predetermined size and number based on the order information entered in the DP bag. The finished photographic print is stored in the same DP bag where the photographic film was stored when the order was received, and delivered to the customer together with the developed photographic film.

  As described above, since the DP bag for storing the finished photographic print is determined in advance, it is necessary to collate the finished photographic print with the DP bag. Therefore, it is necessary to first collate the image of the photographic print with the image of the developed photographic film, and further collate the developed photographic film with the DP bag. Conventionally, collation between the developed photographic film and the DP bag has been performed based on a label with an identification number called a check label attached to both at the time of order reception (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

  However, in lab stores that accept a large number of orders, the number of photographic films to be kept and the number of DP bags that store them increases. The work to do was very complicated work. Further, at the time of print processing, it is necessary for the operator to find a DP bag in which order information is entered in order to confirm the print size, the number of prints, and the like. As a result of the large number of collation operations as described above, a collation error may occur, which is a problem.

  On the other hand, a system is known in which an order such as simultaneous printing can be received unattended by indirectly delivering a photographic film. In such a system, when a customer deposits a photographic film in a dedicated box installed on the street or the like, a lab store collects the photographic film and applies a process as necessary to create a photographic print. The finished photographic print is delivered to the box along with the developed photographic film. The customer can receive a finished photographic print by visiting the box after a predetermined date and time has elapsed from the order.

However, a customer who ordered the creation of a photographic print with such a system could not know the exact time, although the rough time zone when the photographic print was delivered was known. On the other hand, the lab shop may contact the customer one by one at the time of delivery, but this is not a preferable method because the work becomes complicated. On the other hand, the lab store has had a lot of trouble because it was necessary to visit the box and confirm directly that the customer received the photo print.
JP 2002-341464 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming system capable of easily comparing a DP bag and a developed photographic film. Another object of the present invention is to provide a delivery system capable of notifying a customer of an accurate time when a photographic print or the like is delivered.

  The above problems can be solved by the present invention as described below. That is, the image forming system of the present invention includes a writing means for recording order information as tag information on an IC tag attached to at least one of the DP bag and the photographic film, and a first for reading the tag information recorded on the IC tag. A reading unit; a first analyzing unit that analyzes tag information read by the first reading unit; and a display unit that displays order information included in the tag information analyzed by the first analyzing unit.

  The operation and effect of the image forming system of the present invention will be described. In this system, an IC tag is used to record information. An IC tag is equipped with a micro-sized IC chip, and information can be read and written through an antenna mounted with the IC chip. The image forming system of the present invention includes writing means for recording order information on an IC tag attached to at least one of the DP bag and the photographic film. The method for attaching the IC tag includes a method using an adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a method using a tape, and the like, but is not limited to a specific attachment method. And according to the structure of this invention, the tag information recorded on the IC tag can be read and analyzed, and the order information contained in the tag information can be displayed. Accordingly, the DP bag can be easily compared with the developed photographic film. For example, the check label can be omitted and the order receiving operation can be simplified. In addition, when the IC tag on which order information is recorded is attached to the photographic film, the operator who performs the printing process reads the tag information recorded on the IC tag of the photographic film without looking at the DP bag. The order information such as the print size and the number of prints can be confirmed, and the processing efficiency can be improved.

  In the above, it is preferable to include a setting change unit that changes a setting related to image formation so as to correspond to the order information included in the tag information based on the result of the analysis by the first analysis unit.

  Conventionally, an operator who performs processing has confirmed the order information entered in the DP bag and changed the settings relating to image formation to correspond to the order information. According to the above configuration, the DP bag or the photographic film is used. By reading the tag information of the IC tag attached to the image, settings relating to image formation can be changed. Here, examples of settings relating to image formation include the number of prints, print type, and print channel.

  In the above, it is preferable that the writing means records price information related to the order on the IC tag as tag information.

  According to the above configuration, when collecting the price, it is possible to obtain the price information related to the order by reading the tag information of the IC tag attached to the DP bag or the photographic film. Can do.

  In the above, when the first reading unit reads the tag information of the IC tag attached to both the DP bag and the photographic film, it is determined whether or not the order information included in the tag information matches. What comprises a determination means is preferable.

  According to the above configuration, since it is possible to determine whether or not the order information matches by reading the tag information of the IC tag attached to both the photographic film and the DP bag, the DP bag and the developed photographic film Thus, it is possible to easily and accurately perform the collation, thereby preventing the occurrence of a collation error.

  Further, the delivery system of the present invention includes any one of the above-described image forming system, a storage container for temporarily storing a finished image forming medium until delivery to a customer, a DP bag stored in the storage container, A second reading means for reading the tag information recorded on the IC tag attached to the photographic film stored in the DP bag; a second analyzing means for analyzing the tag information read by the second reading means; (2) notification means for notifying the ordered customer based on the order information included in the tag information analyzed by the analysis means.

  The operation and effect of the delivery system of the present invention will be described. This system includes an image forming system according to the present invention and a storage container for temporarily storing a finished photo print (an example of an image forming medium) until it is delivered to a customer. The storage container is installed on the station premises or on the street. A customer who wants to order simultaneous prints, reprints, etc. deposits undeveloped photographic film or developed photographic film in a storage container. The lab store collects the photographic film deposited in the storage container and creates a photographic print with the image forming system. The finished photographic print is delivered to the storage container in a DP bag together with the developed photographic film, and temporarily stored until it is delivered to the customer. The customer can receive a finished photographic print by visiting the storage container after a predetermined date and time has elapsed from the order.

  Further, according to the delivery system of the present invention, the order information can be recorded on the IC tag attached to the DP bag or the photographic film by the writing means provided in the above-described image forming system. The finished photographic print delivered to the customer is stored in the DP bag together with the developed photographic film and temporarily stored in a storage container. The tag information recorded on the IC tag attached to the DP bag in the storage container or the developed photographic film can be read by the second reading means. The read tag information is analyzed by the second analysis means, and the customer is notified based on the order information included in the tag information. Thus, the customer can know the exact time when the finished photographic print was delivered, and by visiting the storage container after the notification, the customer can surely receive the finished photographic print.

  6. The delivery system according to claim 5, wherein the notifying unit notifies a predetermined notification destination when the DP bag is taken out from the storage container instead of or in addition to the notification to the customer.

  According to the above configuration, the lab store can notify the lab store when the delivered photographic print is taken out from the storage container. Can be confirmed.

<Configuration of image forming system>
A preferred embodiment of an image forming system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming system of the present invention. The system is installed, for example, in a lab shop. In the lab store, customers who want to order simultaneous prints or reprints will receive undeveloped photographic film or developed photographic film, create photographic prints based on the functions of the system, or record media such as CD-Rs. To record images.

  For example, when a developed photographic film F (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as photographic film F) is deposited from a customer who wants to order a reprinted print, the photographic film F is stored in the DP bag 12 and starts processing. Is stored. The image forming system of the present invention includes a tag attaching unit 4 and can attach an IC tag to at least one of the DP bag 12 and the photographic film F. If an order for simultaneous printing has been received, it is necessary to carry out development processing on the deposited undeveloped photographic film. In such a case, the IC tag may be attached before or after the development processing. .

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state when the IC tag T is attached to the DP bag 12 by the tag attaching means 4. IC tags are used in various industrial fields in recent years. The IC tag is provided with an IC chip having a size of 1 mm square or less, and data can be written and read by radio waves. If it is a type not equipped with a battery, it can be miniaturized and is a size that does not pose a problem for attaching to a DP bag.

  The tag attaching means 4 has a function of attaching the IC tag T to an appropriate place on the back surface or the front surface of the DP bag 12, and as shown in FIG. 2, the IC tag T is attached to an elongated tape-like base film 40a at a predetermined interval. Is attached. An adhesive material or an adhesive is applied in advance to the surface of the tape. A cut line 40b is introduced around the IC tag T. Therefore, by pressing the base film 40a against the DP bag 12, the IC tag T can be attached to the DP bag 12 together with the area inside the cut line 40b. The base film 40a is fixedly fed by a drive mechanism (not shown). The used base film 40a is taken up by a take-up roller. In addition, when attaching IC tag T to the photographic film F, it can carry out in the same way. The method of attaching the IC tag T (form for attaching the tag) and the attachment position of the IC tag are not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications can be considered.

  When the IC tag T is pasted, the order information is written as tag information by the writing means 13. Examples of order information include the customer's name and contact information, whether or not simultaneous printing is performed, print size and number of prints, whether or not index prints are created, whether or not to save media, and image frame numbers. Such order information is sent to the writing means 13 from a reception terminal (not shown). The tag information may be written before the IC tag is attached to the DP bag 12 or the photographic film F.

  The information written in the IC tag preferably includes price information related to the order. As a result, at the time of price aggregation, for example, by reading the tag information of the IC tag attached to the DP bag 12 or the photographic film F at the cash register, the price aggregation work can be easily performed.

  The IC tag reader 29 (corresponding to the first reading means) has a function of reading tag information recorded on the IC tag. The tag information analysis means 30 (corresponding to the first analysis means) has a function of analyzing the contents of tag information read by the IC tag reader 29. The order information included in the tag information analyzed by the tag information analyzing unit 30 is displayed on the monitor 24 (corresponding to the display unit), and the operator who performs the processing can visually recognize the contents.

  When the IC tag reader 29 reads the tag information of the IC tag attached to both the DP bag 12 and the photographic film F, the determination means 14 determines whether or not the order information included in the tag information matches. It has a function to judge. The determination result is displayed on the monitor 24. Thereby, after the image forming process, the DP bag 12 and the photographic film F can be collated easily and accurately, and the occurrence of a collation error can be prevented. Therefore, in order to simplify the verification process, it is preferable to record the order information on the IC tags of both the DP bag 12 and the photographic film F. Note that the determination by the determination unit 14 is not limited to the target for all order information included in the tag information. For example, by matching the order numbers included in the order information, the order information matches. It may be that which determines whether or not.

  The setting changing unit 15 has a function of changing the setting related to image formation so as to correspond to the order information based on the result of the analysis by the tag information analyzing unit 30. For example, by reading the tag information of the IC tag, you can set the number of prints specified in the order, or select the print type (normal photo print, index print, CD-R, etc.) Or In the case of ordering additional prints, a frame image related to image formation can be easily specified by including the frame number of the image in the order information. Here, the setting changed by the setting changing unit 15 includes the setting of the print channel. 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, in order to create a photo print of a specific print size, it is necessary to select a print channel suitable for the print and set it in advance.

  In the image forming system of this embodiment, a media image input unit 20 and a film scanner 21 are provided to acquire original image data for creating a photographic print. The media image input unit 20 has a function of inputting image data from various recording media such as a storage medium of a digital camera, a CD-R, or an MO disk. The film scanner 21 has a function of reading a frame image formed on the developed photographic film F and converting it into digital data.

  The image data storage unit 22 stores input image data. The input image data is subjected to image processing in the image processing unit 23 and then transferred to the image exposure apparatus 5 described later via the data transfer unit 28. A typical example of image processing in the image processing unit 23 is correction of color and density. The operator displays an image to be printed on the monitor 24, determines the color / density, and determines that the color / density is not printed properly, the color / density correction is performed via the correction data input unit 25. Data can be entered.

  When trimming the displayed image, the trimming information is set. The trimming information includes the size of the trimming frame and the coordinates of the frame position. In addition, special corrections such as red-eye correction, gradation correction, backlight correction, and image inversion (left / right / up / down) can also be performed. Furthermore, paper fitting can be performed. This is to adjust the difference when the aspect ratio of the input image data is different from the aspect ratio of the photo print.

  In the paper magazine 1, paper which is a photographic photosensitive material is accommodated in the form of a roll R. A plurality of paper magazines 1 can be detachably attached, and papers having different width dimensions can be set in advance. The paper is pulled out from one of the paper magazines 1. The advance roller 2 sends out the long paper drawn from the paper magazine 1 to the downstream side along the transport path. The paper cutter 3 cuts long paper into a predetermined print size. In the conveyance path, a conveyance device including a large number of rollers and the like for conveying the paper is provided.

  The image exposure apparatus 5 is an apparatus for printing and exposing an image on the emulsion surface of paper. When the image data is received, the image is exposed and formed by performing scanning exposure based on the received image data. The exposure engine 6 is a device that optically modulates image data, and a laser engine, a PLZT engine, or the like is used. The transport rollers 7a and 7b transport paper at a constant speed in order to perform scanning exposure. The paper on which the image is printed and exposed is sent to the development processing unit 9 by the transport roller group 8. The developed paper is dried by the drying processing unit 10 and then discharged from the paper discharge unit 11 as a finished photographic print.

  The finished photographic print is collated with the image of the developed photographic film F, and the developed photographic film F is collated with the DP bag 12. According to the image forming system of the present invention, the developed photographic film F and the DP bag 12 can be easily and accurately collated as described above.

<Processing procedure for image forming system>
Next, processing procedures relating to the image forming system will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, a photographic film is received from a customer (# 1), and an IC tag is attached to the photographic film (# 2). The IC tag is attached to at least one of a photographic film or a DP bag that houses the photographic film. Simultaneously with or before or after the pasting, order information is written to the IC tag as tag information (# 3). The photographic film is stored in a DP bag and stored until processing is started (# 4). When an order for simultaneous printing is received, the undeveloped photographic film is subjected to development processing.

  When starting the processing, the photographic film is taken out from the DP bag (# 5), and the IC tag reader 29 reads the tag information of the IC tag attached to the DP bag or the photographic film to analyze the information content (#). 6, 7). The order information included in the read tag information is displayed on the monitor 24, and the operator can know the order information without relying on the DP bag as in the prior art. Further, based on the order information, the setting relating to image formation is changed by the function of the setting changing unit 15 (# 8).

  Next, the frame image formed on the photographic film is read by the film scanner 21 (# 9) and converted into digital data. The operator inputs correction data as necessary via the correction data input unit 25 (# 10). Based on the input correction data, image processing is performed on the read image data (# 11). The image data subjected to this image processing is transferred to the exposure engine 6 via the data transfer unit 28, and the image is printed on the paper (# 12). The paper subjected to printing exposure is subjected to development processing and drying processing, and then discharged to the outside of the apparatus (# 13, 14).

  The operator collates the image of the finished photographic print with the image of the developed photographic film, and further collates the developed photographic film with the DP bag. At this time, if the order information is recorded on the IC tag of both the developed photographic film and the DP bag, it is possible to determine whether the order information matches by reading and analyzing them. Can be collated easily and accurately (# 15-17). Even if the IC tag is attached only to either the photographic film or the DP bag, the order information can be displayed by reading the tag information of the IC tag. Work becomes simpler than verification. The verified developed photographic film is stored in a DP bag together with the finished photographic print (# 18) and stored until delivered to the customer.

<Configuration of delivery system>
Next, a preferred embodiment of the delivery system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing the delivery system according to the present invention. The delivery system 18 according to the present invention includes a delivery box 18 which is an aggregate of the storage box 19 (corresponding to the storage container). I have. Since the image forming system 17 is the same as that described above, description thereof is omitted.

  The delivery box 18 is installed, for example, on the station premises or on the street. A customer who wants to order simultaneous prints or reprints can deposit the photographic film F (undeveloped photographic film or developed photographic film) in the storage box 19 at any time. At this time, order information regarding the name, contact information, desired print size, number of prints, and the like is designated. The designation of the order information can be performed, for example, by filling the order form provided and depositing the order form together with the photographic film F into the storage box 19.

  The delivery box 18 of this embodiment is provided with automatic order receiving means 26 having a function of automatically receiving orders from customers. The automatic order receiving means 26 instructs the customer to deposit the photographic film F or the order form, or prompts the customer to input a fee. In addition, it is possible to accept input of order information via the input means 27 such as a touch panel. Further, when the photographic film F is deposited in the storage box 19, a predetermined deposit table is issued. In this deposit table, identification information for identifying an order is described.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the lab store collects the photographic film F and the like deposited in the storage box 19 and performs a film development process as necessary, and then the photographic print is performed in the image forming system 17. Create The finished photographic print 16 (corresponding to the image forming medium) is stored in the DP bag 12 together with the developed photographic film F, as shown in FIG. It is delivered to the storage box 19 that has been stored and temporarily stored until it is delivered to the customer. As described above, an IC tag is attached to at least one of the DP bag 12 and the developed photographic film F, and order information is recorded as tag information.

  FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the storage box. Each storage box 19 is provided with an IC tag reader 31 (corresponding to the second reading means) individually, and tag information recorded on the IC tag attached to the DP bag 12 or the developed photographic film F. Can be read. The tag information analysis means 32 (corresponding to the second analysis means) has a function of analyzing the contents of tag information read by the IC tag reader 31.

  The notification means 33 has a function of notifying the ordered customer based on the order information included in the tag information. The notification method is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a telephone message and e-mail transmission. The telephone number and e-mail address in such a case are included in the order information as customer contact information. According to the above configuration, the customer can be notified in a timely manner that the finished photo print has been delivered to the storage box 19.

  The notification means 33 has a function of notifying the predetermined notification destination when the DP bag 12 or the like is taken out from the storage box 19 instead of or in addition to the notification to the customer. Thus, by designating the lab store as the notification destination, the lab store can know at a time that the delivered photo print has been delivered to the customer without visiting the delivery box 18. Whether or not the DP bag 12 or the like has been taken out from the storage box 19 can be detected by the presence or absence of an IC tag to be read by the IC tag reader 31.

  The customer can reliably receive the finished photo print by visiting the delivery box 18 after receiving the notification by the notification means 33. When receiving the finished photo print, the customer is authenticated based on the identification information described in the deposit table, and the storage box 19 is unlocked. When the customer takes out the DP bag 12, the notification means 33 notifies the lab store as described above.

<Processing procedure for delivery system>
Next, a processing procedure related to the delivery system will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. However, the procedure for creating a photo print is the same as that shown in FIG.

  First, the customer performs a predetermined operation in the delivery box 18 and deposits the photographic film F related to the order in the storage box 19 (# 20). The lab store collects the photographic film F deposited in the storage box 19 (# 21), and attaches an IC tag to at least one of the DP bag 12 and the photographic film F (# 22). Order information designated by the customer is written in the IC tag (# 23), and a photo print is created by the above-described procedure (# 24). The finished photographic print is delivered in the storage box 19 in a state of being stored in a DP bag together with the developed photographic film (# 25).

  When the finished photographic print is delivered to the storage box 19, the IC tag reader 31 reads the tag information from the IC tag attached to the DP bag 12 or the photographic film F, and analyzes the information (# 26, 27). Then, based on the read order information, the customer is notified (# 28). The customer receives the notification and visits the delivery box, so that the customer can surely receive the photo print. When the finished photographic print is delivered to the customer (# 29), it is detected that there is no object to be read by the IC tag reader 31, and a lab store is notified (# 30).

<Another embodiment>
(1) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which an IC tag is attached to a DP bag or a photographic film has been shown. However, in the present invention, a DP bag or a photographic film in which an IC tag is incorporated in advance may be used.

  (2) In the above-described embodiment, a system for creating a photographic print by developing paper, which is a photographic photosensitive material, has been described. The present invention can also be applied to a system. Further, image data read from a photographic film or the like by an image forming system may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-R. Such a recording medium is provided to the customer in the same manner as the finished photographic print.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system according to the present invention. Diagram showing how tags are pasted 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure relating to the image forming system of the present invention. The conceptual diagram which shows an example of a structure of the delivery system which concerns on this invention Conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a storage box The flowchart which shows the process sequence regarding the delivery system of this invention

Explanation of symbols

4 Tag attaching means 12 DP bag 13 Writing means 14 Judging means 15 Setting changing means 18 Delivery box 19 Storage box 21 Film scanner 22 Image data storage section 23 Image processing section 24 Monitor 25 Correction data input section 26 Automatic order receiving means 27 Input means 28 Data Transfer Unit 29 IC Tag Reader 30 Tag Information Analysis Unit 31 IC Tag Reader 32 Tag Information Analysis Unit 33 Notification Unit

Claims (6)

Writing means for recording order information as tag information on an IC tag attached to at least one of the DP bag and the photographic film;
First reading means for reading tag information recorded on the IC tag;
First analysis means for analyzing tag information read by the first reading means;
An image forming system comprising: display means for displaying order information included in the tag information analyzed by the first analysis means.   The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising: a setting changing unit that changes a setting related to image formation so as to correspond to order information included in the tag information based on a result of analysis by the first analyzing unit.   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the writing unit records price information related to the order on the IC tag as tag information.   Determining means for determining whether or not the order information included in the tag information matches when the first reading means reads the tag information of the IC tag attached to both the DP bag and the photographic film, respectively; The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. An image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A storage container for temporarily storing the finished image forming medium until it is delivered to the customer;
Second reading means for reading tag information recorded on an IC tag attached to a DP bag stored in the storage container or a photographic film stored in the DP bag;
Second analysis means for analyzing tag information read by the second reading means;
A delivery system comprising: notification means for notifying a customer who has ordered an order based on order information included in the tag information analyzed by the second analysis means. 6. The delivery system according to claim 5, wherein the notifying unit notifies a predetermined notification destination when the DP bag is taken out from the storage container instead of or in addition to the notification to the customer.

Images