JP2006171417A - Photographic package and printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographic package which makes it possible for an orderer to check the charge for at least photographic prints of one order and the contents of the photographic prints of one order without breaking a seal, and to provide a printing system. <P>SOLUTION: The photographic package comprises photographic prints of one order, an index print of one order, an order print on which the charge for at least the photographic prints of one order has been recorded, and an at least partly transparent bag holding a stacked body obtained by stacking the index print, the order print and the photographic prints of one order. In the stacked body, the photographic prints of one order are put between the index print with an image recorded surface thereof outward and the order print with a charge recorded surface thereof outward. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a photo pack in which at least one order of photo print fee and the contents of one order of photo print can be confirmed without opening, and a print system for producing the photo pack.

  Conventionally, a photographic print and an index print in which all the images of the photographic print are recorded on a single recording medium are collected in a sorter and then manually packed in a DP bag (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In Patent Document 1, after printing one order of photographic prints, index prints having a size larger than that of the photographic prints are continuously baked and accumulated in a stacking unit. A method for accumulating photographic prints that facilitates the bagging operation is disclosed.

However, it is troublesome to manually pack the photo print DP bag into the DP bag. In view of this, a packer has been proposed in order to eliminate the operation of filling the DP bag by the operator (for example, see Patent Document 2).
Here, the packer means that the photographic prints and index prints collected on the sorter are put together in a transparent bag and sealed. In this case, an order print with a barcode is placed at the top, so that payment can be made easily.

  In Patent Document 2, a recording medium on which a fee is recorded (hereinafter referred to as fee print) is arranged immediately before and after a photo print, and the fee print is arranged on the sorter so as to be on the photo print. A product production system is disclosed. The photographic product production system of Patent Document 2 is accommodated in a photo bag having a transparent upper surface so that the fee print can be seen from the outside with the fee print placed on the top of the photo print.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-26660 Japanese Patent No. 3551402

  However, when the customer receives a finished photographic print, the customer checks the contents to see if the photographic print is his or her own. This collation is done by turning the photographic prints one by one. For this reason, in the photo product production system of Patent Document 2, the charge print is placed at the top, so if the photo bag is not opened, the content photo print cannot be confirmed, resulting in a photo There is a problem that print verification cannot be performed.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and it is possible to check the price of at least one order of photo prints and the contents of one order of photo prints without opening. And providing a printing system.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an order print in which a photographic print for one order, an index print for the one order, and a charge for at least the photographic print for the one order are recorded. And at least a part of a transparent bag for storing a laminate formed by laminating the index print, the order print, and the one-order photographic print, and the laminate is an image record of the index print. Providing a photo pack characterized in that the one-order photo print is sandwiched between the index print and the order print with the order print charge side facing outward It is.

In the present invention, it is preferable that at least customer information and order contents are recorded in the order print.
In the present invention, it is preferable that the charge for the one-order photo print is recorded by a barcode.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving means for receiving an order for one order of a customer including order information data relating to the contents of a print order, and the order for the one order based on the order for the one order of the customer. Charge calculation means for calculating the charge for the photo print of the image, and on the basis of the order information data received by the reception means, the one-order photo print, the one-order index print, and at least the one-order print A printer for producing an order print in which a charge for a photographic print is recorded, and the index print and the order print have the above-mentioned index print and the order print, the index print and the order print. At least a part of the layered product with the order of photo prints sandwiched in a transparent bag There is provided a printing system characterized by having a packing means for packing.

  In the present invention, the printer includes an image recording unit that records an image on one side of a recording medium, and a switchback unit that reverses the front and back of the recording medium, and reverses the index print or the order print. It is preferable that

  In the present invention, the printer includes a first image recording unit that records an image on one side of a recording medium, and a second image recording unit that records an image on the other side of the recording medium. The index print or the order print preferably records the image recording surface of the index print and the charge recording surface of the order print in different image recording units.

  According to the photo pack of the first aspect of the present invention, the index print and the order print are sandwiched with one order of photo prints, with the index print image recording surface on the outside and the order print charge recording surface on the outside. By storing the laminated body in a transparent bag at least partially, the image recording surface of the index print and the charge recording surface of the order print on which the charge for the photo print for at least one order is recorded are identified from the outside of the bag. can do. Thereby, it is possible to confirm the charge for one-order photo print and the contents of the photo print without opening the transparent bag.

  Further, according to the printing system of the second aspect of the present invention, based on the order for one order of the customer, the index print image recording surface is on the outside and the order print charge recording surface is on the outside, and the index print A photo pack in which at least a part of a laminate in which one order of photographic prints is sandwiched between order prints and stored in a transparent bag can be produced. Thereby, the image recording surface of the index print and the charge recording surface of the order print on which the charge of the photo print for at least one order is recorded can be identified from the outside of the bag. Thereby, it is possible to confirm the charge for one-order photo print and the contents of the photo print without opening the transparent bag.

Hereinafter, a photo pack and a printing system of the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a printing system for producing a photo pack of the present invention.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the print system 10 includes, for example, receiving machines (receiving means) 12 a and 12 b, an order controller 14, a single-sided image forming apparatus 16, a double-sided image forming apparatus 18, and a payment machine 20.

The reception machines 12a and 12b are installed on the counter of a lab shop, for example, on a counter, and are used by an operator to input and receive order information data such as order contents and order items in order to receive customer orders. Usually, it is composed of a personal computer (PC) having a monitor display screen.
The accepting machines 12a and 12b accept image data of an image to be printed, for example, at the same time as a customer order. Note that the image data is not limited to the data recorded on one side of the recording medium, and the image data may be formed on both sides of the recording medium.

  In the receiving machines 12a and 12b, when the order information data is input and the order is confirmed, for example, a receiving number is given to the order information data and the receiving date and time is recorded. In addition, the order information data is collated, and if the customer is a previously input customer, a customer ID assigned in advance is assigned. On the other hand, if the customer has not been input before, a new customer ID is assigned. In this manner, the receiving machines 12a and 12b give the order information data the reception number, the reception date and time, and the customer ID, and output the order information together with the image data for which the print order has been placed.

The receiving machines 12a and 12b may be used by customers themselves for receiving and registering simple orders, and are usually constituted by a personal computer (PC) having a monitor display screen. In addition to the monitor (display), the PCs constituting the receiving machines 12a and 12b include a memory or a storage device (HDD) that temporarily stores input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, order information, and software. Of course, a printer for printing a voucher issued when an order is confirmed is provided. Furthermore, a media drive for reading image data from a medium such as a memory card, CD, MO, or FD may be provided.
Alternatively, the film that has been shot may be received by a counter or the like provided with the receiving machines 12a and 12b. The photographed film may be developed, and the developed film may be read with a film scanner to produce image data.

  In addition, the installation place of the receiving machines 12a and 12b is not specifically limited. Further, the accepting machines 12a and 12b may be accessible via a network such as the Internet. Moreover, the form of the voucher is not particularly limited, and it is only necessary to record the date and time when it can be received.

  In this embodiment, the order information data input to the receiving machines 12a and 12b is customer information such as the customer's name, the customer's telephone number, and the customer's address. In addition, the order information data includes print processing contents (order contents) such as the type, size and number of prints, the finished image to be printed, and the presence or absence of decorative prints.

  The order controller 14 manages order information data and image data input to the receiving machines 12a and 12b. The order controller 14 includes an image processing unit (not shown), and converts image data of an image to be printed into image data for printing.

Further, the order controller 14 edits fee information based on the order information data, and also serves as a fee calculation means of the present invention. Further, the order controller 14 also outputs fee data for one order to the settlement machine 20 as will be described later.
The order controller 14 stores, for example, a price database (FIG. 5) that stores charges related to print processing contents, such as a charge for one print, a charge for image correction, a charge for decorative printing, or a charge when a special recording medium is used. Not shown). The order controller 14 calculates a fee based on the fee information with reference to a price database (not shown). This fee data is managed as, for example, order information data.

  Further, the order controller 14 transmits image data for one order to a single-sided printer capable of single-sided printing or a double-sided printer capable of double-sided printing connected to the printing system 10 based on the order information data. That is, job distribution control is performed according to an order for one order.

  Further, the order controller 14 creates index image data in which each image for one order is reduced and recorded collectively from the print image data by the image processing unit, and further, based on the order information data and fee data. As a result, order print image data in accordance with the order print format is created. As described above, in the order controller 14, the print image data, the index image data, and the order print image data are combined into one print order information. This print order information data is output to the single-sided image forming apparatus 16 or the double-sided image forming apparatus 18.

In this embodiment, as will be described later, on the structure of the photo pack (see FIG. 5B), images are printed in the order of index print, photo print and order print, or order print, photo print and index print. Is preferably formed. For this reason, the print order is also determined in the print order information.
In addition, when print order information is output to the double-sided image forming apparatus 18, it is also determined whether a photographic print, an index print, or an order print is recorded on either side of the recording medium.

  The single-sided image forming apparatus 16 and the double-sided image forming apparatus 18 receive print order information data from the order controller 14, and based on the print order information data, one-order photo prints (see FIG. 5A) and index prints. (See FIG. 6 (a)) and order print (see FIG. 6 (b)) are produced, and a laminate S (see FIG. 5 (a)) in which photographic prints, index prints, and order prints are laminated. Collectively, at least a part is packed in a transparent bag.

  The single-sided image forming apparatus 16 includes at least a single-side printer 30 capable of forming an image on one side of a recording medium, and a photographic print, an index print, and an order print produced by the single-side printer 30 as a laminate S. It has a packer (packing means) 32 that partially packs it in a transparent bag. The single-sided printer 30 and the packer 32 will be described in detail later.

  The double-sided image forming apparatus 18 includes a double-sided printer 34 capable of forming images on both sides of a recording medium, and a photographic print, an index print, and an order print formed by the double-sided printer 34 as a laminate S at least. And a packer (packing means) 36 for packing in a partially transparent bag. These double-sided printer 34 and packer 36 will be described in detail later.

The settlement machine 20 settles the charge for photo printing for each order. For example, the settlement machine 20 is provided in the lab store separately from the reception machines 12a and 12b.
In the present embodiment, for example, where the settlement machine 20 is installed, the delivery of the photo pack 114 is performed using, for example, a voucher. The fee is paid by looking at the price of the photo print for one order recorded in the order print.
Further, when a barcode (refer to FIG. 6B) associated with a charge for one-order photo printing is recorded in the order print, the barcode is read and the charge is settled. Good. Based on the fee data output from the accepting devices 12a and 12b, the settlement of the fee for the photo pack 114 is performed by the settlement device 20.

Hereinafter, the single-sided image forming apparatus 16 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a single-sided image forming apparatus for producing a photo pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a switchback portion of the single-sided image forming apparatus of this embodiment. is there. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram showing a packer of the single-sided image forming apparatus of this embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing a packing sheet used for the packer of this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the single-sided printer 30 of the single-sided image forming apparatus 16 is a recording apparatus that exposes and records a photosensitive material using light beam scanning exposure. For example, the long side wound in a roll shape A cut sheet-shaped photosensitive material (hereinafter also referred to as a sheet body) A that has been drawn out from the photosensitive material A by a predetermined length and cut is conveyed to an exposure position r, and is converted into printer image data supplied from the order controller 14. The light beam L modulated accordingly is deflected in the main scanning direction, and the photosensitive material A is scanned and conveyed in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. To form. In the photosensitive material A, a photosensitive layer is formed only on one surface.

The single-sided printer 30 includes a single-sided printer unit 40 and a processor 60 that develops the exposed photosensitive material A adjacent to the single-sided printer unit 40.
The single-sided image forming apparatus 16 is provided with a control unit 50 that controls the overall operation of the single-sided image forming apparatus 16.

  The single-sided printer unit 40 includes a supply unit 42, a back printing unit 48, an exposure unit 52, a distribution unit (not shown), and a carry-out unit 56 from the upstream side in the conveyance direction. A plurality of roller pairs 54 and 56 each including a driving roller and a nip roller paired with the driving roller are provided along the conveyance path.

The supply unit 42 supplies the photosensitive material A (sheet body). For example, a long photosensitive material A wound in a roll shape with the recording surface facing outside is accommodated in a light-shielding casing. The magazines 42a and 42b are loaded.
Magazines 42a and 42b usually store different types of photosensitive material A such as the size (width) of photosensitive material A, the type of photosensitive surface such as silk and mat, and the specifications (thickness and type of base). The In this embodiment, two magazines 42a and 42b are provided. However, in the present invention, the number of magazines is not particularly limited. In the present invention, the number of magazines may be one, or three or more.

The magazines 42a and 42b are provided with a pair of drawing rollers 44 for pulling out and transporting the photosensitive material A stored therein.
Further, a cutter 46 is provided at a position spaced a predetermined length from the outlets of the magazines 42a and 42b.
The drawing roller pair 44 stops the drawing after drawing the photosensitive material A by a predetermined length according to the print length in order to obtain a sheet body having a predetermined length by the cutter 46.

  The cutter 46 cuts the photosensitive material A drawn out from the magazines 42a and 42b based on a control signal sent from the control unit 50 of the single-sided image forming apparatus 16, and the control unit 50 cuts the photosensitive material A. The cut-out interval of the photosensitive material A is adjusted. The sheet body cut to a predetermined length by the cutter 46 is sent to the back printing unit 48. In the present embodiment, the supply unit 42 is not limited to the one that cuts the long photosensitive material A and supplies the sheet body, but supplies a sheet body that has been formed in a predetermined size in advance. You may do it. One cutter may be arranged for each magazine.

  The back printing unit 48 includes a photograph date, a print printing date, a frame number, a film ID number (symbol) on the non-recording surface (non-emulsion surface = back surface) of the sheet, the ID number of the camera used for photographing, and a photo printer. Are recorded (back printing) based on various information such as ID numbers, so-called back prints, based on control signals from the control unit 50, a pair of transport rollers for transporting the sheet body, and a back print head (not shown). ).

  While the sheet body is conveyed upward by the roller and the roller pair, the back print head 40 records the back print on the non-recording surface. As the back printing unit 48, a known print head such as an ink jet head, a dot impact print head, or a thermal transfer print head is used.

  The exposure unit 52 is a known light beam scanning device that uses, for example, a light beam such as a laser beam as recording light, and each of red (R) exposure, green (G) exposure, and blue (B) exposure of the sheet member. A light source that emits a light beam L corresponding to A, and an AOM (acousto-optic modulator) that modulates the light beam L emitted from the light source in accordance with image data for a printer after image processing supplied from the order controller 14 Modulating means such as a light deflector such as a polygon mirror that deflects the modulated light beam L in a direction (main scanning direction) perpendicular to the transport direction, and the light beam L deflected in the main scanning direction on the exposure position r And a mirror for adjusting the optical path of an fθ (scanning) lens that forms an image at a predetermined position with a predetermined beam diameter.

Also, transport directions of PDP (plasma display) array, ELD (electroluminescent display) array, LED (light emitting diode) array, LCD (liquid crystal display) array, DMD (digital micromirror device, registered trademark) array, laser array, etc. Digital exposure means using various light emitting arrays or spatial modulation element arrays extending in the main scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction may be used.
The main scanning width of the light beam L performed at the exposure position r of the exposure unit 52 is set so as to correspond to the width of the sheet member. The above operation of the exposure unit 52 is controlled by a control signal from the control unit 50.

The light beam L, which is recording light, is deflected in the main scanning direction (in FIG. 2, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface), while the sheet member is conveyed by the sub-scanning roller pair, so that the light modulated according to the image data. The sheet L is scanned and exposed two-dimensionally by the beam L, and an image is recorded.
Note that the configuration is not particularly limited as long as an image is recorded on the sheet being conveyed by performing scanning recording in the main scanning direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction.
The carry-out unit 32 conveys the sheet body that is two-dimensionally scanned and exposed by the light beam L.

  A processor 60 is provided on the downstream side of the carry-out unit 32. The processor 60 performs predetermined development processing, drying processing, and the like on a sheet body (photosensitive material) on which an exposed latent image is recorded, thereby obtaining a print in which an image photographed on the sheet body is reproduced. Is. Further, the processor 60 is provided with a plurality of conveyance roller pairs 66 for conveying the sheet member.

As shown in FIG. 2, the processor 60 includes a development processing unit 62 and a drying processing unit 70. The sheet body is developed and dried to form a photographic print.
As shown in FIG. 2, in the development processing unit 62, a developing tank 64a, a fixing bleaching tank 64b, a first water washing tank 64c, a second water washing tank 64d, and a third water washing tank 64e in order from the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction. And the 4th water-washing tank 64f is provided in the horizontal direction. The drying processing unit 70 is provided on the downstream side of the fourth washing tank 64f.
Above the developing tank 64a, the fixing bleaching tank 64b, and the first water washing tank 64c, there are provided rollers 66a for conveying the exposed sheet bodies into the respective tanks.

A developing solution is stored in the developing tank 64a, and a predetermined amount of fixing bleaching solution is stored in the fixing bleaching tank 64b. A predetermined amount of flush water is stored in the first flush tank 64c, the second flush tank 64d, the third flush tank 64e, and the fourth flush tank 64f.
Inside the developing tank 64a and the fixing bleaching tank 64b, there is provided a conveying device 66 composed of a plurality of rollers for conveying the sheet body in a substantially U shape within the tank.

  In addition, a partition wall (not shown) between the first water washing tank 64c and the second water washing tank 64d, a partition wall (not shown) between the second water washing tank 64d and the third water washing tank 64e, and a third water washing tank. A partition (not shown) between 64e and the fourth washing tank 64f is provided with a photosensitive material passage member (not shown) that allows passage of the sheet member and prevents passage of liquid. . The photosensitive material passage member is provided with a blade (not shown), and the passage of the liquid is blocked by the blade after passing through the sheet member.

  In the processor 60, the sheet body immersed in the developing solution in the developing tank 64a is then immersed in the fixing solution in the fixing bleaching tank 64b and conveyed to the first washing tank 64c. In this embodiment, the sheet member is conveyed at a predetermined conveying speed with the recording surface (emulsion surface) on the upper side and the non-recording surface on the lower side.

The sheet body fed into the first water rinsing tank 64c is washed with the rinsing water stored in the first water rinsing tank 64c. The sheet body washed with the first washing tank 64c is conveyed toward the second washing tank 64d, passes through a photosensitive material passage member (not shown), and is carried into the second washing tank 64d.
Thereafter, the sheet body is washed with each washing water in the second washing tank 64d, the third washing tank 64e, and the fourth washing tank 64f, and is conveyed to the drying processing unit 70 by the sandwiching roller pair 68a. The sheet body is dried by the drying processing unit 70.

Next, the drying processing unit 70 will be described. The drying processing unit 70 dries the developed sheet body.
For example, the drying processing unit 70 is provided with a heater (not shown) and a blower (not shown). By blowing air heated by the heater onto the sheet body as warm air, The developed sheet is dried.

A transport unit 72 is connected to the drying processing unit 70, and the packer 32 is connected to the transport unit 72. The transport unit 72 sorts photographic prints to be transported to the packer 32.
The transport unit 72 includes a first transport path 74 and a second transport path 76. The second conveyance path 76 is provided with a tray 78 at an outlet, and discharges a photographic print having a size that is not conveyed to the packer 32 onto the tray 78.
Further, in the transport unit 72, what is packed by the packer 32 is transported to the first transport unit 76. The selection of the photo prints by the transport unit 72 is performed based on the order information input to the control unit 50.

In this embodiment, a switchback unit 80 is provided near the entrance of the packer 32.
As shown in FIG. 3, the switchback unit 80 reverses the front and back of the index print 120 or the order print 130, and has a guide 82 and a pull-in unit 86.

  The guide 82 guides the index print 120 or the order print 130 to be reversed from the conveyance path D to the drawing section 86. The guide 82 is provided above the transport path D so as to be swingable in the α direction via the rotation shaft 84.

The drawing-in part 86 has a pair of drawing-in rollers 88 a and 88 b and a detection sensor 89.
The detection sensor 89 is, for example, an optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object by shading, and is configured by a pair of a light emitting element 89a and a light receiving element 89b.
The guide 82 and the pull-in roller pairs 88a and 88b are controlled according to the detection result of the index print 120 or the order print 130 by the detection sensor 89.

  In this embodiment, when the index print 120 or the order print 130 to be turned upside down is conveyed, the guide 82 lowers the leading end portion 82a toward the pulling roller pair 88a, 88b. Then, the pulling roller pair 88a, 88b is rotated.

  When the index print 120 or the order print 130 is guided by the guide 82 and pulled into the pull-in roller pair 88a, 88b and detected by the detection sensor 89, the guide 82 moves the leading end 82a upward along the transport path D. The pulling roller pair 88 a and 88 b are rotated in the reverse direction, and the index print 120 or the order print 130 is discharged from the pulling portion 86. As a result, the index print 120 or the order print 130 is reversed. Then, the paper is conveyed by the guide 82 to the packer 32 in an inverted state.

  When the switchback unit 80 according to this embodiment is reversed, the image is reversed also with respect to the conveyance direction. For this reason, it is preferable that the index print 120 or the order print 130 to be reversed by the switchback unit 80 is recorded with the image reversed in advance with respect to the transport direction.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the packer 32 sandwiches one order of photographic print between the index print and the order print, with the index print image recording surface on the outside and the order print charge recording surface on the outside. At least a part of the laminate formed by laminating is packed in a transparent bag. The packer 32 includes a packing sheet supply unit 90, a packing unit 94, a pair of conveyance rollers 96 a and 96 b, a photo pack extraction unit 98, a stock unit 104, and a gas supply unit 108.

  The packing sheet supply unit 90 supplies a packing sheet 110 that packs together a stacked body S (see FIG. 5A) formed by stacking index prints 120, one-order photo prints P, and order prints 130. There are provided a supply roller 92a around which a long packing sheet 110 is wound, and a carry-out roller 92b for sending the packing sheet 110 to the packing section 94.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the packing sheet 110 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and cuts 112 are formed on the surface 110a at regular intervals t in the length direction. Yes. The packaging sheet 110 is transparent, and is made of, for example, polypropylene, and has a thickness of 50 μm, for example.

  The packing unit 94 forms the photo pack 114 in which the index print 120, the one-order photo print P, and the order print 130 are stored. The packing sheet 110 is formed from the index print 120, the photo print P, and the order. While sealing in the state in which the print 130 was accommodated, the seal part 116 of the packing sheet 110 is cut in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the packing sheet 110.

The packing unit 94 includes a seal cut unit 100, an opening unit 102, and a gas supply unit 108.
The seal cut part 100 seals the packing sheet 110 and cuts the seal part 116 of the packing sheet 110 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the packing sheet 110. The seal cut part 100 includes a heat sealer (not shown) and a cutter (not shown) having a pair of heater parts 100a and 100b that can contact and separate in a direction perpendicular to the surface 110a of the packing sheet 110. .

  The opening means 102 expands the portion of the cut 112 of the packing sheet 110 to form an opening 112a. As the opening means 102, for example, a means having a suction cup (not shown) and a moving means (not shown) of the suction cup is used. The suction cup is adsorbed on the surface 110a below the notch 112 of the packing sheet 110, and the suction cup is moved by the moving means to form the opening 112a in the packing sheet 110.

  The gas supply unit 108 forms the opening 112a in the packing sheet 110, and is, for example, a gas cylinder or a compressor. The gas supply unit 108 is provided with a nozzle 108a. The nozzle 108 a is provided in the vicinity of the notch 112 of the packing sheet 110 when being transported by the transport roller 92. When the notch 112 is opened by the opening means 102, for example, air is blown into the opening 112a by the gas supply unit 108, and the packing sheet 110 is inflated.

  The conveyance roller pairs 96a and 96b are provided below the packing unit 94 and convey the packing sheet 110, and discharge the photo pack 114 to the photo pack take-out unit 98. The pair of transport rollers 96a and 96b can be contacted and separated in a direction perpendicular to the surface 110a of the packing sheet 110.

  The photo pack take-out unit 98 is for taking out the photo pack 114 formed by the single-sided image forming apparatus 16. A plate 98a is inclined and provided below the conveying roller pair 96b.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the stock unit 104 has the index print 120 and the order prints with the image recording surface 120a of the index print 120 on the outside and the recording surface (charge recording surface) 130a of the order print 130 on the outside. The laminated body S formed by laminating the photographic prints P for one order at 130 is held. The stock portion 104 is provided to be inclined with respect to the packing portion 94. The stock unit 104 is provided with a stopper 106 that holds the stacked body S so as not to move toward the packing unit 94.

  In the single-sided image forming apparatus 16 of the present embodiment, since the image recording surface is on the upper side, the recording surface 120a of the index print 120 or the recording surface 130a of the order print 130 printed first is directed outward. Inverted by the switchback unit 80 and conveyed to the stock unit 104. Other than that, the sheet is sequentially conveyed to the stock unit 104, and one-order photographic prints P and order prints or index prints are sequentially stacked with the image recording surface facing up. Accordingly, in the stock unit 104, for example, the order print 130, the photographic print P for one order, and the index print 120 are stacked in this order from the bottom. In this case, the image recording surface 120a of the index print 120 is directed outward. The recording surface 130a of the order print 130 is also directed outward. That is, the image recording surface 120a of the index print 120 and the recording surface 130a of the order print 130 are opposite to each other.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, for example, a laminate in which a photographic print P for one order is placed on the order print 130 and the index print 120 is placed on the top. By releasing the stopper 106 in the state S, the stacked body S is stored in the packing sheet 110 from the stock portion 104 through the opening 112a.

Here, when the single-sided printer 30 of this embodiment is conveyed to the packer 32, the image recording surface of the photographic print P is on the upper side. The image recording surface 120a of the index print 120 and the recording surface 130a of the order print 130 are also on the upper side.
For this reason, the switchback unit 80 inverts either the index print 120 or the order print 130 that is printed first among the prints for one order. Thus, the image recording surfaces 120a and the recording surfaces 130a of the index print 120 and the order print 130 can be accumulated on the stock unit 104 with the photographic prints P sandwiched (stacked body S).

Next, the operation of the packer 32 of this embodiment will be described.
Note that the stacked body S is already stored in the stock portion 104 and is stopped by the stopper 106.

In the packer 32, first, the packing sheet 110 is supplied to the packing portion 94, and the seal portion 116 is formed on the bottom portion of the photo pack 114 by the seal cut portion 100.
Next, the packing sheet 110 is conveyed by the conveying roller pairs 96 a and 96 b to a position where the notch 112 can be expanded by the opening means 102.

Next, the opening means 102 widens the notch 112 portion of the packing sheet 110 to form an opening 112a.
Next, for example, air is blown into the opening 112a to inflate the packing sheet 110.

Next, after the laminated body S is accumulated in the stock portion 104, the stopper 106 is released, and the laminated body S is accommodated in the inside from the opening 112a of the packing sheet 110.
Next, the packing sheet 110 is transported by the transport roller pairs 96 a and 96 b until the cut 112 comes to the position of the seal cut unit 100.

Next, the notch 112 is sealed by the seal cut portion 100 to form the seal portion 116 and the seal portion 116 is cut. Thereby, the photo pack 114 is produced.
Next, the photo pack 114 is transported to the photo pack take-out section 98 by the transport roller pair 96a, 96b. Thereby, the photo pack 114 can be taken out from the photo pack take-out unit 98.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the photo pack 114 of this embodiment has the index print 120 and the order print 130 with the image recording surface 120a of the index print 120 on the outside and the recording surface 130a of the order print 130 on the outside. The laminated body S formed by sandwiching the photographic prints P for one order is housed in a bag formed of a transparent packaging sheet 110. Therefore, both the image recording surface 120a of the index print 120 and the recording surface 130a of the order print 130 can be identified from the outside. As a result, the contents of the photo print P can be confirmed from the image recording surface 120a of the index print 120 without opening the sealed photo pack 114. From the contents of the recording surface 130a of the order print 130, one order worth can be obtained. The price of the photo print can be confirmed, and further, the customer and the order contents can be confirmed.

Here, as shown in FIG. 6A, the index print 120 is for grasping the contents of one-order photo prints P stored in the photo pack 114. This index print 120 is recorded on the image recording surface 120a, in which index images 122 obtained by reducing all the images of each photo print P for one order stored in the photo pack 114 are arranged in the order of shooting, for example. It is what.
Note that the arrangement method of the index image 122 in the index print 120 is not particularly limited. For example, the index image 122 may be arranged for each scene such as a person or landscape.

  The order print 130 is a record in which a charge for a photo print P for at least one order for which a print order has been placed is recorded. As shown in FIG. 6B, the order print 130 of the present embodiment records, for example, a title 132, order information data 134, and a barcode 136, which are recorded in accordance with a predetermined format. It is what is done.

  In the order print 130 of this embodiment, in addition to the charge for the photo print P for one order, for example, as the order information data 134, for example, the customer's telephone number 134d, the customer's name 134e, and the customer's address 134f Customer information is recorded on the left side of the recording surface 130a. Further, on the left side of the recording surface 130a, the reception number 134a, the reception date 134b and the customer ID 134c acquired at the time of ordering are also recorded as order information data. Further, a bar code 136 associated with the charge of the photo print P for one order is also recorded. That is, the charge for the photo print P is recorded in a barcode.

  Further, print processing contents (order contents) are recorded in a table 138 on the right side of the recording surface 130a. In the table 138, an image file name column 138a, subtotal columns 138b and 140b, a number of copies column 140a, and a print fee column 140c are provided. In each column, images corresponding to order information data and fee data are provided. The file name, number of sheets, and fee amount are recorded.

Further, the order print 130 of the present embodiment may include information such as a film ID number, a frame number, a print size, a lab store ID number, and a print date / time other than these. Regarding the contents recorded on the order print 130, a plurality of formats of the order print 130 may be prepared, and may be changed as appropriate in accordance with the order information data input from the receiving machines 12a and 12b. It is not particularly limited.
Further, in the order print 130 of this embodiment, the order information data may be recorded in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode in addition to characters, numbers, or symbols. In addition to the information acquired at the time of ordering, such as the reception number, the reception date and time, and the customer ID print, the order print 130 includes the processing device ID number generated in the print processing process, and the processing performed. A symbol or the like indicating the content may be recorded.

  According to the single-sided image forming apparatus 16 of this embodiment, by providing the packer 32 having the reversing mechanism (switchback unit 80), the index print 120 and the order print 130 can be formed even if the image can be formed only on one side of the recording medium. With the image recording surface 120a and the recording surface 130a facing outward, the photographic prints P for one order can be sandwiched and packed. Thereby, even from the outside of the photo pack 114, the contents of the index print 120 and the order print 130 can be identified from the outside. For this reason, it is possible to confirm the order contents such as the charge and the number of sheets by the order print 130 without opening the photo pack 114, and further to confirm the contents of the photo print P for which the print order has been ordered by the index print 120. Can do.

  Note that the packing sheet 110 only needs to be able to identify the image recording surface 120a of the index print 120 and the recording surface 130a of the order print 130 from the outside, and does not have to be all transparent. Therefore, the image recording surface 120a and the position corresponding to the recording surface 130a may be transparent so that the image recording surface 120a of the index print 120 and the recording surface 130a of the order print 130 can be identified from the outside. , At least a part may be transparent.

Next, the double-sided image forming apparatus 18 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the double-sided image forming apparatus 18 includes a double-sided printer 34 and a packer 36.
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a double-sided image forming apparatus for producing a photo pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the double-sided image forming apparatus 18 shown in FIG. 7, the same components as those in the single-sided image forming apparatus 16 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the double-sided printer 34 of this embodiment is an electrophotographic printer, and can record images on both sides of a recording medium M. The double-sided printer 34 includes a supply unit 42, a first image forming unit (image recording unit) 150a, a second image forming unit (image recording unit) 150b, a secondary fixing unit 152, and a control unit 50a. The supply unit 42 is different in that the recording medium M to be supplied is not the photosensitive material A, and the other configuration is the same as that of the single-sided printer 30.

  Further, the packer 36 of the double-sided image forming apparatus 18 is different from the packer 32 of the single-sided image forming apparatus 16 in that it does not have the switchback unit 80, and the other configuration is the packer 32 of the single-sided image forming apparatus 16. Since the configuration is the same as that in FIG.

The two image forming units, the first image forming unit 150a and the second image forming unit 150b, are provided with the conveyance path of the recording medium M interposed therebetween. The first image forming unit 150a and the second image forming unit 150b form a monochrome or color toner image on the recording medium M, and are not particularly limited.
The secondary fixing unit 152 fixes the toner images formed by the first image forming unit 150a and the second image forming unit 150b to the recording medium M.

With the double-sided printer 34 of this embodiment, an image can be formed on both sides or any one side of the recording medium M. For this reason, when producing the photo pack 114, it is not necessary to invert one of the index print 120 and the order print 130. Thereby, a reversing mechanism becomes unnecessary and the mechanism of the packer 36 can be simplified.
In the double-sided printer 34 of this embodiment, the index print 120 or the order print 130 is an image recording surface 120a of the index print 120 and an image recording surface 120a of the index print 120, which are different image forming units of the first image forming unit 150a or the second image forming unit 150b. The recording surface 130a of the order print 130 is recorded.

Also in the double-sided image forming apparatus 18 of the present embodiment, the configuration of the stock portion of the packer 36 is the same as that of the packer 32 of the single-sided image forming apparatus 16. Therefore, either the index print 120 or the order print 130 printed first is formed on the surface opposite to the image forming surface of the photographic print P on the recording medium M.
Thus, when the stacked body S is accumulated in the stock section (not shown), the index print 120 and the order print 130 are placed with the image recording surface 120a and the recording surface 130a facing outward, and the photographic print P is sandwiched between them. It can be.
Next, the photo pack 114 is produced by the packer 36, which is the same process as the packer 32 of the single-sided image forming apparatus 16, and therefore detailed description thereof is omitted.
In this way, a photo pack similar to the photo pack 114 produced by the single-sided image forming apparatus 16 can be produced.

Next, a method for forming the photo pack 114 by the print system 10 of this embodiment will be described.
First, order information data is input to the accepting machine 12a by the customer. At this time, for example, image data of an image to be printed is also received simultaneously with the order information data.
When the order is confirmed, the reception machine 12a gives the reception number, the reception date and time, and the customer ID to the order information data, and is output from the reception machine 12a to the order controller 14 together with the image data for which the print order has been placed. . When the order is confirmed, a voucher is issued by the accepting machine 12a.

  Next, the order controller 14 considers at least one of the delivery date and productivity based on the contents of the order information data and the order table in which the processing order of other already entered order information data is recorded. The order of the order information data is determined, and the order table is updated.

  Further, the order controller 14 calculates a charge for one-order photo printing based on the order information data. The calculated charge data of the photo print charge for one order is managed as order information data and is output to the settlement machine 20.

  Next, the order controller 14 creates image data for printing from the ordered image data to be printed. Further, index image data in which each image for one order is reduced and recorded together is produced from the print image data. Further, based on the order information data and fee data, order print image data in accordance with the order print format is created. The produced print image data, index image data, and order print image data are combined into one print order information.

Next, the order controller 14 outputs print order information to the single-sided image forming apparatus 16 or the double-sided image forming apparatus 18.
Then, the single-sided image forming device 16 or the double-sided image forming device 18 produces a print based on the print order information output from the order controller 14, and prints the index prints in a transparent bag for each case by the packers 32 and 36. 120 and the order print 130 are packed with each image recording surface 120a and the recording surface 130a facing outward, with the photographic print P sandwiched therebetween. In this way, the photo pack 114 is produced.

  In this embodiment, for example, where the settlement machine 20 is installed, the photo pack 114 is delivered to the customer in exchange for the voucher. Confirm the order print 130 and pay the fee. At this time, since the barcode 136 associated with the price of the photo print for one order is recorded in the order print 130, the bar code 136 is read to settle the price of the photo print for one order. May be.

  In this embodiment, the image data received when the customer places an order may be, for example, a photographed film. The photographed film is developed, and the developed film is read by a film scanner to produce image data. Even in this case, the same effect as the present embodiment can be obtained. However, for the film, it is necessary to return it to the customer separately or to obtain permission from the customer not to return it.

In the single-sided image recording apparatus 16 of the present embodiment, the reversing mechanism (switchback unit 80) is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this and is recorded by the exposure unit 32. You may make it provide the inkjet head 200 which records an image on the surface on the opposite side to a surface. In this case, the switchback unit 80 is not necessary. However, in the single-sided image recording device 16, in consideration of the image quality, it is preferable to record on the same surface as the image recording surface.
In the present embodiment, the image recording method of the single-sided image recording device 16 and the double-sided image recording device 18 is not particularly limited, and heat melting other than the silver salt method, the electrophotographic method, and the ink jet method is possible. A system according to an image quality required as appropriate, such as a system, or a print form can be used.

  The photo pack and print system of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements or changes may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a printing system for producing a photo pack of the present invention. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a single-sided image forming apparatus for producing a photo pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the switchback part of the single-sided image forming apparatus of a present Example. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows the packer of the single-sided image forming apparatus of a present Example, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the sheet | seat for packing used for the packer of a present Example. (A) is a typical perspective view which shows the laminated body comprised by an index print, a photographic print, and an order print, (b) is a typical sectional side view which shows the photographic pack of a present Example. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows the index print of a present Example, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the order print of a present Example. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a double-sided image forming apparatus for producing a photo pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Print system 12a, 12b Reception machine 14 Order controller 16 Single-sided image forming apparatus 18 Double-sided image forming apparatus 20 Payment machine 30 Single-sided printer 32, 36 Packer 40 Single-sided printer part 42 Supply part 48 Back side printing part 50, 50a Control part 52 Exposure unit 60 processor 62 development processing unit 70 drying processing unit 72 transport unit 80 switchback unit 82 guide 86 pull-in unit 86 detection sensor 90 packing sheet supply unit 94 packing unit 98 photo pack extraction unit 100 seal cut unit 102 opening means 104 stock unit 106 stopper 108 Gas supply unit 110 Packing sheet 112 Cut 112a Opening 114 Photo pack 116 Seal unit 120 Index print 120a Image recording surface 130 Order print 130a Recording surface 150a First image forming unit 150b First 2 image forming portion A photosensitive material L light beam M recording medium P photo print r exposure position S laminate

Claims (6)

One order of photo prints,
An index print for one order;
An order print in which a charge for a photo print of at least one order is recorded;
A transparent bag containing at least a part of a laminate formed by laminating the index print, the order print, and the one-order photographic print;
The laminated body sandwiches the one-order photographic print between the index print and the order print, with the image recording surface of the index print on the outside and the charge recording surface of the order print on the outside. A photo pack characterized by that.   The photograph pack according to claim 1, wherein at least customer information and order contents are recorded in the order print.   The photo pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a charge for the one-order photo print is recorded in a barcode. Receiving means for receiving an order for one order of a customer including order information data relating to the contents of a print order;
Charge calculating means for calculating a charge for the photo print for one order based on the order for one order of the customer;
Based on the order information data received by the accepting means, an order print in which the one-order photo print, the one-order index print, and at least the one-order photo print fee are recorded is prepared. A printer,
At least a laminated body in which the index print and the order print are sandwiched between the index prints and the order prints, with the image recording surface of the index print on the outside and the charge recording surface of the order print on the outside. A printing system comprising packing means for packing in a partially transparent bag.   5. The printer includes an image recording unit that records an image on one side of a recording medium, and a switchback unit that reverses the front and back of the recording medium, and reverses the index print or the order print. The printing system described in 1. The printer includes a first image recording unit that records an image on one side of a recording medium, and a second image recording unit that records an image on the other side of the recording medium, and the index print or the order 5. The print system according to claim 4, wherein the print is recorded on an image recording surface of the index print and a charge recording surface of the order print by different image recording units.

Images