JP2008176552A - Method and system for quickly outputting multiple images - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a system capable of quickly delivering images, on which requests of respective customers are reflected, to a plurality of customers having electronically recorded image data. <P>SOLUTION: The method and the system for quickly outputting images to a plurality of customers can process image data obtained from the plurality of customers according to requests of respective customers while interacting with respective customers through a display, quickly print out images and provide the printed images to the customers by using at least an electronic image data reading means, a data input means, an image display means, a data output means, and a server for controlling and operating these means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for quickly outputting a plurality of images using one or more printers and a system therefor, and more particularly to efficiently processing a plurality of orders received from a plurality of customers with different numbers and images. The present invention relates to a method for quickly outputting a plurality of images and a system for the same.

  With the widespread use of digital cameras and higher image quality, services that output photographic images taken with digital cameras have become popular. However, since there was no system for quickly responding to multiple customers, the color of the finished photo was adjusted to the customer's preference for multiple customers, and titles and messages were added as needed. There was a drawback that it was not possible to provide photos quickly.

  Accordingly, as a result of intensive studies to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, the present inventors quickly displayed thumbnails on the display based on the image data requested by the customer, and based on the thumbnail image shown on the display, the customer's Listen to the order and not only enlarge / reduce the image according to the customer's order, but also perform processing such as adjusting the color tone and writing a message if necessary, and use one or more printers for each customer quickly As a result, the present inventors have found that orders can be processed quickly so that satisfaction can be obtained from all customers.

Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide a method capable of quickly delivering an image reflecting each customer's request to a plurality of customers having electronically recorded image data. It is in.
It is a second object of the present invention to provide a quick output system for electronically recorded digital images that requires little latency.

The above-mentioned objects of the present invention are to process image data obtained from a plurality of customers while interacting with each other through a display, and to quickly print out and provide them to the customers. A method for quickly outputting an image to a plurality of customers using an electronic data reading means, a client computer having an input means, a display, a printer and a server capable of outputting an image corresponding to the data at high speed, and the method (1) A procedure for reading image data provided by a customer via image electronic data reading means and storing the read data in a server together with a customer name and / or a number / symbol that identifies the customer instead of the customer name, (2) Access to the server from the client computer to receive orders from customers And a procedure for quickly displaying thumbnails of images corresponding to the image data obtained from the customers as appropriate on at least a display installed on the customer side. (3) According to the thumbnail display, the customer can use the display via the display as necessary. (4) causing the server or client computer to process the target image data corresponding to the contents of the order as necessary, and displaying the result on the customer side (5) causing the server or client computer to calculate a fee corresponding to the order content and allowing the customer to check the details of the fee. Display at least on the customer's display in real time to let the customer confirm and within the order if necessary (6) When the customer's order is finalized after the modification of the order contents is completed, all the orders including the orders of other customers are processed most efficiently in consideration of the current job status. And a method for quickly outputting a plurality of images using a computer, comprising the steps of causing the server to calculate and outputting the result as an output command to each printer, and
At least image electronic data reading means capable of processing image data obtained from a plurality of customers according to each customer's request while interacting with the customer via a display, and quickly printing out and providing to the customer An image output system having a data input means, a display, a printer and a server capable of outputting the image at high speed, wherein the system is (1) means for distributing an ID card to a customer, and (2) a customer's Image electronic data reading means for reading image data, (3) a server for storing the data read via the reading means in correspondence with the ID card, and the reading means arranged as necessary and read (4) at least a display that stores data stored in the server. (B) a customer table having the ID card reader and (5) a system for outputting an image in response to an output command issued from the server, the customer ID and customer image data read by the table (A) automatically displaying thumbnails of images corresponding to customer data on the display provided in the table, and (b) responding to customer orders based on the thumbnail display, as required. The processed image is displayed as a thumbnail on the customer's display and the details of the fee are displayed as necessary. (C) When the order of the customer based on the thumbnail display is completed and the customer's order is confirmed, Taking into account the customer's orders and job status, the most efficient calculation of all image output, d) The results, and characterized in that out as an output instruction to each printer, which is achieved by the rapid output system of a plurality of images using a computer.
In the present invention, it is preferable that the display on the customer side is a touch panel that can be ordered by touching with a finger, and an output command is issued from the server to the printer so that priority is given to the work of a small number of orderers. It is preferable to put out.

  According to the present invention, image output ordered from a plurality of customers can be quickly processed, and a large-scale and quick image output service can be provided, so that drinks and / or snacks are provided. When combined with services, etc., new business development that has never been possible before will become possible.

Hereinafter, the rapid output method and system for a plurality of images using the computer of the present invention will be described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to these specific contents.
In the present invention, the image data to be processed may be a digital image, and is usually an image taken with a digital camera. The image data brought in by the customer is read by the image data reading means. In this case, the data reading means may be an independent means or may be incorporated in the client computer device.

  Since the customer is not necessarily a new customer, it is preferable to create a data folder for each customer and store and store the data read for each order in the same data folder for the same customer. Therefore, in the present invention, it is preferable to automatically check whether the customer is a new customer or a customer who has previously received an order.

  The flow of the procedure for explaining the method for quickly outputting a plurality of images using the computer of the present invention is as shown in FIG. 1, and the interrelation between the operations is as shown in FIG. In the present invention, the exchange between the customer and the contractor is in principle performed through the customer side display 3 and the contractor side display 3 '. In both the above displays, the read customer data is stored in a server, and the customer images thumbnailed by a server or a client computer (not shown) accessing the server are displayed together with question items for ordering. Alternatively, each question item is quickly displayed on the customer side display 3.

  The same contents may be displayed at the same time on the customer side display 3 and the orderer side display 3 ′, but basically the contents displayed on the orderer side display 3 ′ are next displayed on the customer side display 3 ′. It is preferable to allow the server to perform processing so as to be shifted in time so that the order can be received and placed smoothly. For example, the thumbnail images of the customers confirmed first on the contractor side are sequentially displayed on the customer side display 3 together with possible order items, and when the customer places an order based on the displayed image, the contractor side display 3 It is preferable to display the result of processing according to the customer's order in order, and then display the image on the customer side display so that the customer can confirm. The ordering / ordering screen may be capable of displaying several images at once or may be one image at a time. The details of the fee may be displayed at the same time as the order, or may be displayed after all the orders have been completed. In addition, it is preferable that the order contents can be changed as appropriate so that customers can place orders with peace of mind. These are all design items in the server function.

  Examples of order menus include selection of images, number of output sheets, adjustment of color tone for each image, enlargement / reduction of images, type of output paper, addition of messages and titles, and the like. When the contractor needs to process the image, such as adjusting the color tone, enlarging / reducing the image, adding a message or title, etc., the contractor usually causes the server to perform this operation, but it is up to the client to display it on the customer's display. It is also possible to store the results of the job in a server and store them after the computer confirms the customer's confirmation. In particular, when a new input is required, such as adding a message or a title, it is preferable that the customer himself input using a client computer having an input means.

  When the customer's order is finalized, the contractor finalizes the processed and processed image data, saves and stores it on the server, and considers all customer orders and the current status of the job, taking into account the most up-to-date printer operation. The server is operated so as to improve efficiency, and the result is output from the server to the printer as an output command and output to the printer. In the present invention, it is preferable to display the customer's order content and its processing status as icons on the customer's display from time to time, and in particular, it is possible to display a list of all customer's order content and its processing status on a large display. preferable.

  In outputting, it is preferable to give priority to a small number of customer jobs in order to obtain satisfaction of many customers. Prioritizing small customer jobs can be done easily by comparing the order quantity of each customer and prioritizing the smaller job, especially when outputting many. In addition, from the viewpoint of enabling a small number of jobs to be interrupted without stopping the printer, a large number of jobs are divided in advance into jobs each packed in a certain small number of sheets. It is preferable to collect a small number of jobs in a pack.

  The above-mentioned “dividing a large number of jobs into small number of packs in advance” means that, for example, when there are as many as 106 jobs of one customer, this is made up of 10 sheets in one pack. This means that the job is divided into a job consisting of one pack and a job consisting of six sheets or one pack containing the six sheets. If the order quantity of two or more customers is equal, it is fair to give priority to the customer who ordered earlier. When a fraction of 10 sheets or less is packed, the actual number of the packs can be compared, but the comparison of the pack unit or less may not be possible.

  In this way, interrupt printing is easy. For example, if 5 new jobs are entered during the output of the 32nd page of the customer who ordered the 106 sheets, the printer is paused after 40 jobs that are pack breaks. Without making it possible, it is possible to interrupt the five new jobs, which are fewer than 10 that make up the pack. The unit of the pack may be set as appropriate according to the situation, such as 7 sheets or 3 sheets. Further, if the number of new jobs is 15, for example, this job can be interrupted at the break of the pack being processed if 90 of the 106 orders are not completed. When the new job ends, return to the original job without pausing the printer.

  Similarly, if five new jobs are entered while the 92nd printout is being performed, the number of remaining sheets at the time of outputting 100 sheets, which is a break of 10 packs, is 6. Therefore, it is possible to interrupt 5 new jobs. If there are 7 new jobs, this is more than 6 and cannot be interrupted. In any case, it is convenient to change the output tray for each customer.

  In order for the contractor to quickly retrieve the ordered output image and deliver it to the customer's table as appropriate, for example, a lamp is placed on the tray on which the customer's image is output after all output is complete. It is preferable to display some warnings such as lighting.

  In the present invention, from the viewpoint of image quality and output speed, it is particularly preferable to use a silver salt photography high-speed developing machine as the printer. If two or more printers are used, a larger number of sheets can be processed quickly. In addition, even if the server consists of a collection of data servers that exclusively store and store data, image processing servers that process and process images, and print servers that distribute jobs to printers, these are integrated. It may consist of one server.

  Since the method of the present invention is premised on a large amount of processing, the customer needs a certain amount of waiting time. Therefore, in the present invention, it is preferable to allow a customer to order drinks and / or snacks via the display, for example, prior to the order relating to the image data or after the order details are confirmed. By doing so, it is possible to eat and drink the ordered drinks and snacks until the customer obtains the order image, and it is not necessary to worry about the waiting time.

  The multiple image rapid output system using the computer of the present invention is a system for automatically executing the above-described method of the present invention without intervention of the contractor side staff. In other words, a customer places an order while interacting with a display, and the order command is input to the server directly from the input means or via a client computer, and the server responds to each customer's request with image data obtained from a plurality of customers. It is a system that calculates the most efficient output order, issues an output command to the printer, automatically and quickly prints it out, and provides it to the customer.

The system of the present invention is an image output system having at least an image electronic data reading means, a client computer having a data input means, a display, a printer capable of outputting the image at a high speed, and a server. In order to operate rationally, it is preferable to assign a symbol that can identify the customer, such as an ID number, to each customer by a method such as assigning an ID card to all customers. It is preferable to have an automatic means.
Hereinafter, a preferred case where the system of the present invention is introduced into a drink and / or snack shop will be described in detail (see FIG. 3).

  First, an ID is assigned to each unit of a customer who visits a store via an ID assigning means. The customer to whom the ID is given arrives at a table having an ID reading means, an image data reading means, a display used for order dialogue and an input means for ordering, and causes the ID reading means to read his ID. As a result, among the tables registered in advance in the server, which table the customer having the ID is seated in is registered in the system. It is preferable to have one ID for each customer. Therefore, when the customer is a repeater, the ID assigned first is continuously used. In particular, in the case of a repeater, it is preferable to make the server function so as to provide a discount service corresponding to the cumulative order quantity as shown in the table below, for example.

  It is preferable to display drinks and snacks that can be ordered on the initial screen of the display arranged on the customer table. If the customer is only ordering drinks and / or snacks, he can select and order the desired menu from the display screen. This order is displayed on the display on the side of the contractor, and according to the order, the waitress carries drinks and / or snacks to the table and delivers the bill to the customer. When this order is processed separately from the order related to the image, the server does not necessarily have a processing function for this order. However, the customer information is accumulated or at the same time as the charge for the order related to the image is charged. When charging, it is preferable to add the processing function to the server.

  In the case of a customer who orders images, before or after ordering the drinks and / or snacks, the data brought in by the customer is read into the system via the image electronic data reading means. The system saves and stores the read data on the server, then automatically thumbnails the image and immediately displays it on the customer display.

Looking at the thumbnail image displayed on the display, the customer selects an image that he / she wants to output as a photograph (image), and he / she wants the number of copies, his / her color tone, size, and type of output paper such as photographic paper. In addition to ordering according to the menu displayed on the display, a message or title to be added at the time of output is input, and a font is also designated. These orders can be made possible by using a touch panel as a display, but it is natural that the order may be made using a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. Since a keyboard is usually used to input a message or title to be added, it is preferable to install a client computer having an image data reading means, a display, a keyboard, and a mouse in the customer table. In this way, the means required by the customer can be distributed all at once, and some of the functions provided to the server, such as thumbnailing, can also be provided to the client computer, so that the load on the server And the processing capacity of the entire system can be increased.
The order screen can be designed as appropriate.

  The system that has received the customer's order automatically selects and processes an image in accordance with the contents of the order on the server or client computer, or inputs an instructed message, etc. On the display. It is preferable that the displayed image can be expanded by the customer as desired in view of confirmation of the message content and the like. This display is preferably performed quickly for each order such as image selection, reduction / enlargement, color adjustment, etc., but the order for each item should be processed together. Of course it is good.

  The customer looks at the displayed order result, corrects the order contents, or places an additional order, and feedbacks again to confirm the displayed image. The order and confirmation are repeated until the order details are finally confirmed. As the order is confirmed, the system automatically calculates a fee for each order and displays the details and total amount on the customer display, which the customer confirms. Also at the time of this confirmation, it is preferable to be able to modify the order or make an additional order.

  Each time a customer order is finalized, the server automatically calculates the printing order so that the efficiency of all received orders is maximized, and issues an output command to each printer so as to execute the calculation result. The maximum efficiency is also the maximum operating efficiency of the printer. Therefore, in the present invention, every time a new order or additional order is confirmed, the output order is reviewed. In the above-described processing by the server, the order quantity for each customer is compared, and a program is made so that a smaller number of jobs are given priority. In particular, it is preferable that a small number of prints can be interrupted without stopping the printer during mass output.

In the present invention, for example, the number of sheets set to 3 sheets, 5 sheets, or 10 sheets is set as one pack, and the order number of each customer is divided and managed as described above, thereby interrupt printing. Preferably it is possible. In this way, for example, when the number of new orders is 2 packs, a new order can be interrupted if the number of remaining orders currently being printed is 3 or more. If you can not interrupt.
If the number of sheets constituting one pack can be changed as appropriate, it is convenient because the way of interruption can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the number of customers.

  It is preferable to display an icon on the display of the customer table so that the customer can understand the processing status of his / her order at a glance. When the number of processed sheets is in progress, the number of processed sheets may be displayed sequentially. It is also a preferable aspect that the icon for the processed order is deleted or changed to an icon indicating completion or receipt.

  The multiple image rapid output method and system using the computer according to the present invention can quickly process the output of images ordered from multiple customers, and can provide a large-scale image printout service that has never been available before. Therefore, new businesses can be developed by combining with services that provide drinks and / or snacks.

It is a flowchart explaining the procedure which comprises the method of this invention. It is a figure explaining the operational relationship in the method of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the process process by the server of the system of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Customer 2 Contractor 3 Customer Display 3 'Contractor Display 3 "Light Eating Order Display 4 Image Data Delivery and Image Order Station 5 Customer Table 6 Main Server 7 Data Server 8 Image Processing Unit 9 Printer

Claims (22)

  It has at least image electronic data reading means and input means for processing image data obtained from a plurality of customers according to each customer's request while interacting via a display, and quickly printing out and providing to the customer. A method for quickly outputting an image to a plurality of customers using a client computer, a display, a printer and a server capable of outputting an image corresponding to the data at high speed, the method being provided by (1) a customer The image data is read through the electronic image data reading means, and the read data is stored in the server together with the customer name and / or numbers / symbols for identifying the customer instead, (2) receiving an order from the customer To access the server from the client computer, at least on the customer side A procedure for quickly displaying thumbnails of images corresponding to the image data obtained from the customer as needed on the display, (3) According to the thumbnail display, the customer inputs characters from the input means via the display as necessary. (4) By causing the server or client computer to process the target image data corresponding to the contents of the order, if necessary, and displaying the result on the display on the customer side, (5) causing the server or client computer to calculate a fee corresponding to the order content and allowing the customer to calculate the fee details in real time at least on the customer side A procedure that asks the customer to check on the display and ask the customer to modify the order if necessary, ( ) When the customer ’s order is finalized after completing the modification of the order, the server calculates the most efficient processing of all orders including other customer ’s orders in consideration of the current job status, A method for quickly outputting a plurality of images using a computer, comprising a step of outputting the result as an output command to each printer.   The method for quickly outputting a plurality of images using a computer according to claim 1, wherein the display on the customer side is a touch panel that can be ordered by touching with a finger, and the customer order is made by the touch panel.   When reading the image data of the customer, the server is inquired whether it is the first customer, and if it is the first customer, a folder for the customer is newly created in the server, and the date and / or Or save the data read with other titles, and if it is the same as the past customer, read it with the date and / or other titles into the already created customer folder The method for quickly outputting a plurality of images using a computer according to claim 1, further comprising a procedure for storing and accumulating data.   When an output command is issued from the server to each printer, a predetermined output number is set as one pack, and when the order number is one pack or more, the total number is one or more packs and the fixed number. And a process for processing all packs belonging to one customer as one set belonging to the customer, and an output command for all images is issued in units of customers. A method for quickly outputting a plurality of images using the computer described in any of the above.   When issuing the output command, the method includes giving a priority to a customer's job with a small number of packs, and causing a server to perform a calculation so as to give priority to a previously ordered customer's job between jobs having the same number of packs. A method for quickly outputting a plurality of images using the computer according to Item 4.   5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising a step of giving priority to a job of a customer having a small number of packs and causing a server to give priority to a job having the same number of packs and having a smaller number not belonging to each pack. Method for quickly outputting a plurality of images using a computer.   The method for quickly outputting a plurality of images using a computer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a procedure of outputting the image output as a silver salt photograph image.   The method for quickly outputting a plurality of images using the computer according to claim 1, wherein a part of the function of the server is given to the client computer.   The computer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a procedure for causing a server to display an icon online on a part of a display on a customer side so that the customer's order contents and / or the situation thereof can be understood. A quick output method for multiple images.   As the order contents progress, the displayed icon is changed, and when the entire order contents are completed, the displayed icon is deleted or changed to an icon notifying completion. A method for quickly outputting a plurality of images using a computer according to claim 9, comprising a procedure.   Even after an output command is issued from the server to the printer, the server functions to accept an additional order from a customer related to the command and issue an additional command in addition to the previous output command. A method for quickly outputting a plurality of images using a computer according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a step of:   The method for quickly outputting a plurality of images using a computer according to any one of claims 1 to 11, including a procedure for causing a server to function so that a drink and / or a snack order can be received when the customer places an order.   The method for quickly outputting a plurality of images using a computer according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein an icon indicating the order contents and / or the status of the customer is displayed on a large display.   At least image data reading means capable of processing image data obtained from a plurality of customers according to each customer's request while interacting with the customer via a display, quickly printing out and providing to the customer, A rapid image output system having a data input means, a display, a printer and a server capable of outputting an image corresponding to the read data at high speed, and (1) distributing an ID card to a customer Means, (2) image electronic data reading means for reading customer image data, (3) a server for storing the data read via the reading means in correspondence with the ID card, and arranged as necessary. Client computer having the reading means and storing the read data in the server (4) a system comprising at least a display, an input means and a customer table having the ID card reading device, and (5) a printer which outputs an image in response to an output command issued from the server, and read by the table According to the customer image data read via the customer ID and image electronic data reading means, the server causes (a) an image corresponding to the customer data to be automatically displayed as a thumbnail on the display provided in the table, b) In response to a customer order based on the thumbnail display, the processed image is displayed as a thumbnail on the customer's display and the details of the charge are displayed as necessary. (c) Based on the thumbnail display When the customer's order is confirmed after the modification of the order details, (D) The result of each customer is output as an output command for each customer, and the customer's order is used for the customer. A multi-image rapid output system using a computer, characterized in that it is made by character input using a display arranged on a table and, if necessary, input means.   15. The multiple image swift method using a computer according to claim 14, wherein the output command for each customer issued from the server to each printer is output as data divided into small pack units each having a predetermined number of prints. Output system.   A drink and / or a snack can be ordered when placing an order for the customer's image, and the server functions to display an icon corresponding to the order of the drink and / or snack on the contractor's display. Item 16. A system for quickly outputting a plurality of images using the computer according to Item 14 or 15.   The contents of all orders are displayed as icons on the display of the customer table corresponding to each order, and the server functions to delete or change the icons as appropriate so that the processing status of each order is known. A rapid output system for a plurality of images using the computer according to any one of 14 to 16.   The multiple image rapid output system using a computer according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein a computer having an input means is arranged in a customer table, and a part of the function of the server is carried by the computer.   The multiple image rapid output system using a computer according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein two or more printers are arranged.   The multiple image rapid output system using a computer according to any one of claims 17 to 19, further comprising a large display for displaying an icon for displaying each order and its processing status.   21. The server according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the server has a function of determining whether or not the customer is a repeater at the time of reading the ID card, and if the customer is a repeater, the previous order contents are displayed as a thumbnail for reference. A rapid output system for a plurality of images using a computer as described above.   The system for quickly outputting a plurality of images using a computer according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the server has a discount service function for a repeater.