JP2008304804A - Information input device and reception terminal machine including the same, print order reception system, and information input processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide: an information input device and a reception terminal machine including the same, which allow an operator to easily recognize the content to be subjected to input processing next; a print order reception system; and an information processing input program therefor. <P>SOLUTION: The print order reception system 1 includes a display control part 32, a touch panel 23, a time measurement part 36, and a display changing part 37. The display control part 32 displays an input screen for accepting an input from the operator. By the touch panel 23, information is input with respect to an input area in the input screen. The time measurement part 36 measures an elapsed time since the information is input to the input area by the touch panel 23. The display changing part 37 changes a display mode of the input area requesting the next input processing in the input screen on the basis of the elapsed time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information input device for inputting various commands and information by a user performing an input operation, a reception terminal including the information input device, a print order reception system, and an information input processing program.

  Conventionally, when printing digital photographic image information taken with a digital camera, a recording medium (media) storing and storing the image information is handed over to a DP store clerk to place a print order. However, in recent years, a method in which a customer himself / herself operates as an operator to perform a print order with respect to a print order receiving apparatus installed at a store is becoming common. The print order receiving device installed in such a store has an operator who is using it for the first time and an operator who is not used to input operation because of its low frequency of use (hereinafter, these operators are referred to as beginner operations). Since it does not understand exactly which operation button should be operated, it takes time to move to the next order screen due to the input operation.

Therefore, a print order receiving apparatus equipped with an information input device that supports input for the operator as described above is disclosed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a print order receiving device equipped with an information input device that displays guidance information related to an input operation so that even a novice operator can understand the operation when an order screen is displayed. ing.
JP 2003-76930 A

However, the conventional information input device has the following problems.
In other words, even if guidance information related to input operations is displayed, it is not possible to know where the points to be input on the display screen are actually pointing, or to understand the points to be input on the display screen. May take time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and makes it possible for an operator to easily grasp the content to be input next, an information input device including the information input device, and a print order reception A system and an information input processing program are provided.

  An information input device according to a first invention includes a display control unit, an input operation unit, a time measurement unit, and a display change unit. The display control unit displays an input screen for receiving input from the operator. The input operation unit can input information to the input area on the input screen. The time measuring unit measures an elapsed time after information is input to the input area by the input operation unit. The display change unit changes the display method of the input area for which input processing is next requested on the input screen based on the elapsed time.

Here, the display changing unit changes the display method of the input area for which input processing is next requested on the input screen based on the elapsed time. For example, if there is no input to the input area even after a predetermined time has elapsed after being input by the operator, the input area to be input next is enlarged and displayed.
Here, the input area means, for example, a text box, a button, a check box, or the like that forms an input screen (GUI: Graphical User Interface) displayed on the display screen. The operation by the operation input unit includes not only inputting information into a text box or the like but also an operation of clicking a button or the like.

Here, for example, when requesting an operator to input order information at a store terminal installed at a store, it is not easy for a novice operator to operate the store terminal.
Conventionally, by installing an information input device capable of displaying guidance information that can be understood by a novice operator at the same time as displaying an order screen, the above-mentioned operator can Assisted with input. However, even if the guidance information about the input operation is displayed, it is not possible to know where the part to be input on the display screen actually points, or to grasp the part to be input on the display screen. There was a problem that took time.

Therefore, in the information input device of the present invention, the display changing unit changes the display method of the input area that requires the next input processing on the input screen based on the elapsed time measured by the time measuring unit.
As a result, if there is no input in the next input area that requires input even after a certain period of time has elapsed since the input by the operator, the display change unit is an input area, such as a text box or button. The display can be enlarged.
As a result, it is possible to attract the operator to the input area whose display method has been changed, so that the input area to be input next can be easily grasped.

An information input device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the information input device according to the first aspect of the present invention, and the display changing unit enlarges and displays the input area.
Here, the display changing unit enlarges the display of a text box, a button, etc., for example, if there is no input in the next input area even after a certain time has passed since the input by the operator. Yes.
This makes it possible for the operator to easily grasp that the display method has been changed.

An information input device according to a third invention is the information input device according to the first or second invention, and the display changing unit causes the input area to blink.
Here, if there is no input in the input area that requires the next input even after a certain period of time has elapsed since the input by the operator, for example, the display changing unit blinks the display of a text box, button, etc. Yes.
This makes it possible for the operator to easily grasp that the display method has been changed.

A reception terminal according to a fourth invention includes the information input device according to any one of the first to third inventions.
Here, a reception terminal installed at a store or the like includes the information input device described above. Note that the reception terminal mentioned here includes things connected to the photo printing apparatus via a network, and those having a print function in the reception terminal itself.
As a result, when the operator operates the reception terminal, he / she does not hesitate about the content to be input next, which leads to a reduction in usage time. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time that must be waited to use the reception terminal.

A print order reception system according to a fifth aspect includes the reception terminal according to the fourth aspect and a photo print system connected to the reception terminal via a network.
Here, the present invention is specified as a print ordering system including the above reception terminal and a photo print system connected to the reception terminal via a network.
Thereby, even in a print order receiving system that receives a photo print order, it is possible to easily grasp the input area to be input next in the receiving terminal.

  An information input processing program according to a sixth invention causes a computer to execute a processing method including first to fourth steps. The first step displays an input screen for receiving input from the operator. In the second step, information input to the input area displayed in the first step is acquired. In the third step, an elapsed time after detecting that the information is acquired in the second step is measured. In the fourth step, the method for displaying the input area for which input processing is requested next on the input screen is changed based on the elapsed time measured in the third step.

Here, in the fourth step, the display method of the input area for which input processing is requested next on the input screen is changed based on the elapsed time. For example, if there is no input to the input area even after a predetermined time has elapsed after being input by the operator, the input area to be input next is enlarged and displayed.
Here, the input area means, for example, a text box, a button, a check box, or the like that forms an input screen (GUI: Graphical User Interface) displayed on the display screen.

Here, for example, when an operator is requested to input order information at a store terminal installed at a store, the person who handles the store terminal for the first time, or a person who is not familiar with handling such a machine, It is not easy to operate a storefront terminal.
Conventionally, by installing an information input device capable of displaying guidance information that can be understood by a novice operator at the same time as displaying an order screen, the above-mentioned operator can Assisted with input. However, even if the guidance information about the input operation is displayed, it is not possible to know where the part to be input on the display screen actually points, or to grasp the part to be input on the display screen. There was a problem that took time.

Therefore, in the information input processing program of the present invention, in the fourth step, the display method of the input area that requires the next input processing on the input screen is changed based on the elapsed time measured in the third step. Yes.
As a result, when there is no input in the next input area that requires input even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the input by the operator, in the fourth step, the input area, such as a text box or button, is provided. Can be enlarged and displayed.

  As a result, it is possible to attract the operator to the input area whose display method has been changed, so that the input area to be input next can be easily grasped.

  With the information input device according to the present invention, it is possible to make the operator easily grasp the contents to be input next.

A print order receiving system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[Configuration of the entire print order reception system 1]
As shown in FIG. 1, a print order receiving system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a receiving terminal (information input device, receiving terminal) 2 and a photo printing device 5, and includes a receiving terminal. The machine 2 and the photo printing apparatus 5 are connected to each other via a network 8 so as to be communicable.

  The print order receiving system 1 of this embodiment is constructed by adding a network 8 and two receiving terminals 2 to an existing photo printing apparatus 5 in a DP store. In the print order receiving system 1 of the present embodiment, the customer himself / herself makes an order as an operator. Specifically, the operator sets a recording medium M1 (hereinafter referred to as media) in which digital photographic image information is stored and stored in the media drive 24 (see FIG. 2) in the receiving terminal 2. Next, an input operation for placing a print order is performed on the ordering screen displayed on the display 22 (see FIG. 2) as display means. As a result, items (such as the number of prints and image correction information) necessary for the print order are received, and the order information is transmitted to the photo print device 5. The photo print device 5 prints image information on the photographic paper P based on the order information transmitted from the receiving terminal 2.

Then, after the operator's print order is completed, a receipt certificate re (see FIG. 2) is issued by the reception terminal 2. The operator can receive a finished print p printed by the photographic printing apparatus 5 based on the order information input at the reception terminal 2 from the DP point clerk in exchange for the receipt certificate re.
Specific examples of the media M1 include smart media, compact flash (registered trademark), memory stick (registered trademark), a PC card that functions as a media attachment, a CD-ROM or MO in which the operator himself stores image information. Etc.

[Configuration of reception terminal 2]
As shown in FIG. 2, the reception terminal 2 includes a housing 21 and a liquid crystal display 22.
The display 22 is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 21. The display 22 has a touch panel (input operation unit) 23 as an input means on the image display surface. The touch panel 23 is configured to output an input operation signal when an operator touches and performs an input operation, and outputs an input operation signal that varies depending on a portion that the operator contacts.

On the front surface of the housing 21, there are provided an insertion slot for setting the medium M <b> 1 in each media drive 24 and a thermal transfer type receipt certificate printer 25 for issuing a receipt certificate re.
Inside the housing 21, a controller 20 as a control means and a hard disk 26 as a data storage unit are incorporated.
The function of the controller 20 is substantially the same as that of a general-purpose computer having a network function. The photo printing apparatus 5 is based on the exchange of information with the plurality of media drives 24 and the touch panel 23 and the input operation by the operator's touch panel 23. Order information used for print output by the printer, management of storage in the hard disk 26, control of the receipt printer 25, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the controller 20 includes a CPU 27 and a memory 28 as a general term for a RAM type semiconductor memory in which a work area is formed and a ROM type semiconductor memory in which programs and parameters are stored. . Further, the controller 20 reads the information input processing program PG stored in the ROM into the RAM, and as shown in FIG. 4, the image information processing unit 31, the display control unit (first step) 32, and the input A detection unit (second step) 33, an order information processing unit 34, an acceptance certificate issuance processing unit 35, a time measurement unit (third step) 36, and a display change unit (fourth step) 37 The provided functional block is formed. The functional block is in a state that can be executed by the controller 20.

  The image information processing unit 31 displays image information (JPEG, TIFF, etc.) read from the medium M1 inserted in the media drive 24 in the thumbnail format (hereinafter referred to as a thumbnail image) on the display 22 as an ordering screen. Function. The image information processing unit 31 displays a thumbnail image when the medium M1 includes a thumbnail image. If the thumbnail image does not exist, the image information processing unit 31 generates a thumbnail image from the original image information and displays it on the display 22. To do.

The display control unit 32 displays a plurality of order screens on the display 22 urging the operator to perform an input operation for placing a print order for image information read by the media drive 24. This ordering screen includes image information (thumbnail image) read from the medium M1, buttons for confirming various commands, buttons for inputting the number of prints, and the like.
The input detection unit 33 functions to receive the input operation signal output from the touch panel 23 and recognize the coordinate information on the touch panel 23 touched by the operator. Based on the coordinate information recognized by the input detection unit 33, the display control unit 32 compares the coordinate information on the touch panel 23 and the screen displayed on the display 22 to determine the content of the input operation of the operator. To display the corresponding screen.

The order information processing unit 34 creates order information from the print size set by the operator's input operation, image information to be printed, the number of prints, etc., and stores the order information in the hard disk 26 with the order number and the like. The certificate issuance processing unit 35 functions to print the order details, terminal ID, order ID, and the like with the receipt certificate printer 25 and output the receipt certificate re after the print order of the operator is completed. This receipt certificate re is used for exchanging with the finished print p at the service counter.

The time measurement unit 36 measures the passage of time after the operator performs an input operation using the touch panel 23. That is, the time measuring unit 36 measures the elapsed time after receiving the input signal output from the touch panel 23.
The display changing unit 37 changes the display of the input area displayed by the display control unit 32 based on the time measured by the time measuring unit 36. In the present embodiment, the display change unit 37 enlarges and displays the input area.

  With the functional blocks shown above, all items necessary for the print order are set according to the contents of the input operation by the operator, and order information including image information to be printed is created by the set items. Then, the order information is stored in the hard disk 26, and the receipt certificate re is printed by the receipt certificate printer 25, and the order information is transferred to the photo print device 5.

The controller 20 of the receiving terminal 2 is connected to the photo printing apparatus 5 via a LAN (Local Area Network) and configured to be able to access information with each other using a TCP / IP protocol.
[Configuration of Photo Printing Device 5]
The photographic printing apparatus 5 is a digital photographic printing apparatus that prints image information on a silver salt type photographic paper P as a recording sheet. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, an operation station 6 and a printing station are used. 7.

(Configuration of operation station 6)
As shown in FIG. 1, the operation station 6 has a film scanner 61, a media reader 62, a monitor 63, a keyboard 64, a mouse 65, and a personal computer PC arranged on a desk.
The film scanner 61 takes in an image corresponding to the photographed frame developed on the photographic film F as image data.

The media reader 62 is mounted on a personal computer PC that functions as a controller (not shown) of the photo print system 5, and stores image data captured by a digital camera or the like as a memory card, various semiconductor memories, a CD-R, or the like. Capture from.
The personal computer PC is connected to the reception terminal 2, the print station 7, the film scanner 61, the monitor 63, the keyboard 64 and the mouse 65.

(Configuration of print station 7)
As shown in FIG. 5, the print station 7 includes two photographic paper magazines 71, a sheet cutter 72, a back print unit 73, a print exposure unit 74, a processing tank unit 75, a conveyor 76, and a sorter. 77 (see FIG. 1) and a photographic paper transport mechanism 78.

The two photographic paper magazines 71 store roll-shaped photographic paper P one by one in the print station 7, and a necessary amount of photographic paper P is pulled out by the photographic paper transport mechanism 78 as appropriate.
The sheet cutter 72 is disposed adjacent to a part of the photographic paper transport mechanism 78 and cuts the photographic paper P drawn from the photographic paper magazine 71 into a print size.

The back print unit 73 is disposed downstream of the sheet cutter 72 and adjacent to the photographic paper transport mechanism 78. On the back side of the photographic paper P cut to the print size, the color correction information and the frame number are provided. The print processing information such as is printed.
The print exposure unit 74 is disposed adjacent to the photographic paper transport mechanism 78 on the downstream side of the back print unit 73, and exposes a photographed image to be printed on the surface of the photographic paper P cut to the print size. I do. The print exposure unit 74 has a line exposure head (not shown) that irradiates the photographic paper P conveyed in the sub-scanning direction with laser beams of three colors of RGB along the main scanning direction.

  The processing tank unit 75 is disposed on the downstream side of the print exposure unit 74, and a color developing tank 75a for storing a color developing processing liquid, a bleach-fixing tank 75b for storing a bleach-fixing processing liquid, and a stable storing for a stable processing liquid. A treatment layer 75c is provided. Then, the exposed photographic paper P is conveyed by the photographic paper conveyance mechanism 78 while passing through the processing tanks 75a to 75c in this order, so that a desired photographic print image is formed on the surface of the photographic paper P. The

The conveyor 76 is exposed at the top of the print station 7 and conveys the photographic paper P on which the photographic print image is formed on the surface and discharged after the drying process in the direction of the sorter 77 (see FIG. 1).
The sorter 77 is arranged in a state in which a plurality of trays are arranged in the vertical direction on the front side of the print station 7, and the printed photographic paper P conveyed by the conveyor 76 is distributed to each tray in units of orders (see FIG. 1).

  The photographic paper transport mechanism 78 pulls out the roll-shaped photographic paper P accommodated in the photographic paper magazine 71 inside the print station 7 and performs the photographic paper P cut to the print size on the photographic paper P. It is transported at a transport speed corresponding to various processing. The photographic paper transport mechanism 78 includes a chucker-type transport unit 78a disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the print exposure unit 74 in the transport direction of the photographic paper P, and a plurality of sandwiching transport roller pairs 78b. Yes.

[Reception processing at the reception terminal 2]
Next, basic reception processing by the controller 20 in the reception terminal 2 will be described in the order of processing. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of this process.
In step S1, the reception terminal 2 is in a standby state, and the display control unit 32 includes, as an initial screen, for example, the function of the reception terminal 2 and the logo mark of the DP store as shown in FIG. A standby screen is displayed on the display 22. A message “Please touch the screen” is displayed on the standby screen, and prompts the operator who places the print order to touch the touch panel 23. Then, when the operator touches the touch panel 23 with a finger, the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, the display control unit 32 causes the display 22 to display a “service selection screen” as shown in FIG. 8, for example, as the first order screen. On this screen, a print acceptance button 40 for accepting a print order and a media storage acceptance button 41 for accepting media storage are displayed together with a message “Please select a service”. Then, the operator is prompted to perform an input operation for selecting one of the two services, that is, an operation of touching one of the buttons 40 and 41.

If the operator performs a touch operation on the print acceptance button 40 on the “service selection screen”, the process proceeds to step S3.
On the other hand, when the operator touches the media storage acceptance button 41, the image information stored in the medium M1 is transferred to the photo print device 5 and stored in the CD-R or MO in the photo print device 5. Processing is performed. The subsequent processing is basically the same as the print order acceptance processing described later, and will not be described in detail here.

  In step 3, the display control unit 32 displays, for example, a “media selection screen” as shown in FIG. 9 on the display 22 as the next ordering screen. In this “media selection screen”, a message “Please select a media” and a plurality of media buttons 43, 43,... Are displayed, and the operator selects one of the plurality of media. Prompt for input operation. Then, after the input operation, the operator touches the media button 43 corresponding to the media set in the media drive 24, thereby proceeding to step S4 to execute the next process.

  Below the “media selection screen”, a cancel button 42c for canceling the process and an order screen displayed immediately before the currently displayed order screen (here, “media selection screen”). A return button 42d for returning to (here, “service selection screen”) is displayed. The stop button 42c and the return button 42d are also displayed at the same position on each order screen described later, and function in the same manner by a button touch operation.

  In step S <b> 4, the display control unit 32 displays a “media set guidance screen” (not shown) on the display 22 as the next ordering screen. This screen displays a specific image when the medium selected by the operator in step S3 is set, along with a message “Please set the media and press the OK button”. Then, when the operator sets a medium in the media drive 24 and operates an OK button (not shown), the process proceeds to step S5.

In step 5, the image information processing unit 31 reads image information from the medium M1, and then proceeds to step S6.
In step S6, the display control unit 32 causes the display 22 to display a “print size selection screen” as shown in FIG. This screen displays size designation buttons 45, 45,... Corresponding to a plurality of print sizes, together with a message “Please select a print size”. In addition to characters such as “L version” and “2L version” indicating the print size, the size designation buttons 45, 45,... Each include a numerical value indicating the print size, a print unit price, and a basic print charge. Is displayed. When the operator operates any one of the size designation buttons 45, the order information processing unit 34 stores the input print size in the memory 28. Then, it progresses to step S7 and performs the next process.

  In step S7, the display control unit 32 displays, for example, a “print number setting screen” as shown in FIG. 11 on the display 22 as the next ordering screen, and the operator selects image information to be printed. The number of prints is set and the image is corrected as necessary. On this screen, a message “Please set the number of prints” and thumbnail images S for a plurality of pieces of image information read from the medium M1 are displayed. In the present embodiment, eight thumbnail images S are displayed as one page.

  In the upper part of the frame 46 including the thumbnail images S on the “print number setting screen”, the name of the file specifying the image information, the extension indicating the file type, and the data size are displayed. A print number display area 47 for displaying a numerical value indicating the number of prints is formed in the lower part of the frame 46, and a plus button 47a for increasing the number of prints one by one at a position sandwiching the print number display area 47. And a minus button 47b for decreasing the number of prints one by one. Furthermore, a correction button 47c for changing to an “image correction screen” (not shown) is displayed below the print number display area 47 to correct the image.

The numerical value displayed as the number of prints in the print number display area 47 is “0” in the initial state. When the plus button 47a is operated, the number of prints of the image is increased by 1. When the minus button 47b is operated, the number of prints of the image information is decreased by 1, and the set number of prints is displayed in the print number display area 47. Is displayed.
Further, at the bottom of the “print number setting screen”, a cancel button 42c, a display order reverse button 46a for reversing the display order of the image information, and an overall plus button 46b for increasing all the print numbers one by one. , An overall minus button 46c that decreases the number of all printed sheets one by one, and completes the order (here, it means completion of the order for creating order information, and the operator's order is completely completed) The OK button 44 (when the OK button is operated in the “media removal guide screen” described later) and the page displayed immediately before the currently displayed page are displayed (operating during the display of the first page). When this is done, a return button 46d for returning to the “print size selection screen” and a forward button 46e for displaying the next page are displayed. A number indicating a page (a number indicating all pages and a number indicating a currently displayed page) is displayed between the overall plus button 46b and the overall minus button 46c. Further, an information area DE is displayed at the center position on the lower side of the screen. In this information area DE, information on the selected print size, the set total number of prints, the number of selected images, the unit price of one print, and the total amount required for printing are displayed.

  By operating the display order reverse button 46a, the image information can be displayed by switching the file name between ascending order and descending order. The display order reverse button 46a includes two buttons, a descending order button for displaying in descending order and an ascending order button for displaying in ascending order. When the image information is displayed in descending order, the ascending order button is “ascending order”. "Display" is displayed and functions as an operable button. The descending button is displayed as "Displaying in descending order" and functions as a display field indicating the current display order. On the other hand, when the image information is displayed in ascending order, the descending button is displayed as “display in descending order” and can be operated, and the ascending button is displayed as “displaying in ascending order” to indicate the current display order. Functions as a display field.

Further, when the operator operates the whole plus button 46b, the number of prints of all image information including images that are not displayed on the screen is increased by 1, and when the whole minus button 46c is operated, it is not displayed on the screen. The number of prints of all image information including images is reduced by one.
In the “print number setting screen”, by operating the correction button 47 c of the frame 46 of each thumbnail image S, the display control unit 32 displays an “image correction screen” (not shown) on the display 22 as an ordering screen. . The operator can correct the color, density, trimming position, size, etc. of each image on this screen.

  As a result, the image information to be printed is selected, the number of prints is set, the image information is corrected as necessary, and the operator touches the OK button 44 on the “print number setting screen”. The order information processing unit 34 creates order information from the image information to be printed, the number of prints and the image correction setting contents, and the print size stored in the memory 28, and stores the order information in the memory 28.

  That is, after the “print number setting screen” is displayed on the display 22 in step S7, it is determined whether or not the correction button 47c or the OK button 44 is operated in the “print number setting screen” in step S8. . When the correction button 47c is operated, the process proceeds to step S9 to display the “image correction screen” as described above, and when the OK button or the return button on this “image correction screen” is operated, Returning to step S7 again, the “print number setting screen” is displayed. In this way, the processing of step S7 to step S9 is repeated until the setting of the number of prints and the image correction are completed. When the OK button 44 on the “print number setting screen” is operated, the process proceeds from step S8 to step S10.

Here, the processing method of the display control unit 32 in step S7 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
In step S6, when the operator touches one of the size designation buttons 45, the display control unit 32 displays a “print number setting screen” as shown in FIG. Starts to measure the passage of time (step S71). In step S72, when the time measuring unit 36 confirms that the predetermined time has elapsed, the display changing unit 37 operates to change the display method of the next input point as shown in FIG. A message box 53 for confirming to the user is displayed (step S73). If the operator clicks the “Yes” button 54 in the message box 53, the process proceeds to step S 74. If the “No” button 55 is operated, the process proceeds to step S 7 without displaying a change. Return.

  In step S74, the display changing unit 37 changes the display method of the plus button 47a, the minus button 47b, and the correction button 47c. Specifically, first, the display change unit 37 enlarges and displays the plus button 47a, the minus button 47b, and the correction button 47c in the frame 46 including the thumbnail image S at the upper left, as shown in FIG. Thereby, it becomes possible to attract the operator's attention and prompt input.

  Then, when the operator touches any of the enlarged plus button 47a, minus button 47b, and correction button 47c, the time measuring unit 36 starts measuring the elapsed time again. When the time measuring unit 36 confirms that the predetermined time has passed without any input operation, the display changing unit 37 displays the first enlarged frame in step S74 as shown in FIG. 14B. The plus button 47a, the minus button 47b, and the correction button 47c adjacent to the right of 46 are enlarged and displayed. Thereafter, the above-described enlarged display is repeated for all the frames 46 displayed on the “print number setting screen”, that is, for all the images read from the medium M1.

  In step S <b> 10, the display control unit 32 displays a “name input screen” (not shown) on the display 22 as the next ordering screen. On this screen, a message “Please enter your name” is displayed and an input board (not shown) with a name display and a keyboard is displayed. Enter the name by touching the keyboard. To do. Then, the order information processing unit 34 stores the input name in the memory 21 as operator information.

  In step S <b> 11, the display control unit 32 displays a “phone number input screen” (not shown) on the display 22 as the next ordering screen. On this screen, a message “Please enter a phone number” is displayed, and a number board (not shown) is displayed, and the phone number is entered by touching the number board. The order information processing unit 34 stores the input telephone number in the memory 28 as operator information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S12.

In the present embodiment, the operator's name and phone number input operation as described above is not an essential input operation for placing a print order. Therefore, even if these operator information input operations are not performed, It is also possible to adopt a processing form that can shift to the above processing.
In step S <b> 12, the display control unit 32 causes the display 22 to display an “order content confirmation screen” (not shown) as the next order screen. On this screen, a message “Please confirm the contents of the order” is displayed, and details of the order information stored in the memory 28 and a list of the print charges are displayed. Then, when the operator operates an OK button (not shown) on the “order content confirmation screen”, all items necessary for the print order are completely set, and the process proceeds to the next step S13.

In step S13, the order information set in step S12 is transmitted to the photo print device 5. When the photo print device 5 receives the order information, the photo print device 5 executes printing according to the contents.
In step S <b> 14, the display control unit 32 displays a “media removal guide screen” (not shown) on the display 22 as the next ordering screen. On this screen, a message “Please remove media” is displayed. The operator takes out the medium M1 in accordance with this display and operates an OK button (not shown) to proceed to step S15.

In step S <b> 15, the display control unit 32 displays a “reception certificate issuance guidance screen” (not shown) on the display 22, for example. On this screen, the message “Receipt certificate is being issued. Please wait for a while” and “Please bring the receipt to the counter” are displayed. And when fixed time passes, it will progress to step S16.
In step S16, the receipt certificate re is printed by the receipt certificate issuance processing unit 35. When the receipt certificate re is issued in this way, all of the acceptance processing is completed and the screen returns to the standby screen. The receipt re is a form in which the receipt and the customer receipt are connected. The customer's name, phone number, reception ID, terminal ID, reception date, order number, and other details indicating the order details Printed. The operator exchanges the photo print at the store reception in exchange for the receipt certificate re.

[Features of Print Order Reception System 1]
(1)
In the print order receiving system 1 of the present embodiment, when the display measuring unit 37 confirms that the predetermined time has passed by the time measuring unit 36, as shown in FIGS. The display of the plus button 47a, the minus button 47b, and the correction button 47c, which are requested parts, is changed.

As a result, the operator can be alerted to the input area whose display method has been changed, so that the input area to be input next can be easily grasped.
(2)
In the print order receiving system 1 of the present embodiment, the display changing unit 37 enlarges and displays a plus button 47a, a minus button 47b, and a correction button 47c as shown in FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (b).

This makes it possible for the operator to easily grasp that the display method has been changed.
(3)
In the print order receiving system 1 of the present embodiment, when the display changing unit 37 confirms that the predetermined time has passed without any input operation by the time measuring unit 36, as shown in FIG. A message box 50 for confirming with the operator that the display method of the location is to be changed is displayed.

As a result, an operator who is familiar with the operation can operate the “No button” in the message box 50 to avoid changing the display, thereby eliminating the troublesomeness caused by the change display.
(4)
In the print order reception system 1 according to the present embodiment, the reception terminal 2 is arranged at a store or the like so that the customer can be an operator and place an order.

As a result, when the operator operates the reception terminal 2, he / she does not get lost about the contents to be input next, so that the usage time can be shortened. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time that must be waited to use the reception terminal 2.
[Other Embodiments]
As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary of invention.

(A)
In the print order receiving system 1 of the above embodiment, the controller 20 executes the information input processing program PG stored in the memory 28, and the function block shown in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the functional blocks shown in FIG. 4 may be constructed by combining functions of a plurality of hardware, a single hardware, computer software, and the like, and can be appropriately determined according to the processing capability and the like.

(B)
In the print order receiving system 1 of the above embodiment, the input area that the display changing unit 37 displays enlarged is applied to the plus button 47a, the minus button 47b, and the correction button 47c, as shown in FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (b). Explained with examples. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the target of the input area to be enlarged may be an order completion button 44 or a forward button 46e as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a size designation button 45 in the “print size selection screen” may be used. If it is an input area that requires the operator to input next, the same effect as the print order receiving system 1 according to the above embodiment can be obtained.

Further, the object to be changed and displayed may be not only the above-described various buttons but also a text box for inputting a numerical value or the like.
(C)
In the print order receiving system 1 of the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (b), the input area that is enlarged and displayed by the display changing unit 37 includes a plus button 47a, a minus button 47b, a correction button 47c, and the like. Next, the case where the number of locations requiring input is one has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  Next, the present invention can be applied even when two or more locations require input. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, a plurality of locations (print number display area 47 such as plus button 47a, minus button 47b and correction button 47c and order completion button 44) are enlarged and displayed in the above embodiment. The same effects as those of the print order receiving system 1 can be obtained.

(D)
In the print order receiving system 1 of the above embodiment, the display changing unit 37 enlarges and displays the plus button 47a, the minus button 47b, and the correction button 47c as shown in FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (b). explained. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, the display change unit may cause the input area to be requested next to blink. Also, the color of the input area that requires the next input may be changed.
(E)
In the print order receiving system 1 of the above embodiment, when the display changing unit 37 confirms that the predetermined time has passed without any input operation by the time measuring unit 36, for example, as shown in FIG. An example has been described in which the message box 50 for confirming to the operator that the display method of the portion to be changed is changed is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

When a predetermined time has passed without any input operation, the display change unit may automatically change the display of the next input portion without displaying the message box.
In addition, when the operator touches the standby screen, that is, before starting a series of orders, a screen may be displayed that allows the user to set whether or not to change the display of the location to be input next.
(F)
In the print order receiving system 1 of the above-described embodiment, an example in which the two receiving terminals 2 are connected to the photo printing apparatus 5 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, there may be one reception terminal connected to the photo printing apparatus, or three or more reception terminals.
(G)
In the print order receiving system 1 of the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the receiving terminal 2 and the photo print device 5 are communicably connected via the network 8 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the present invention can be applied even to a reception terminal 80 in which a reception terminal 81 and a photo print device 82 are integrated. The reception terminal 80 integrated as described above includes a photographic paper magazine, a photographic paper transport mechanism, an exposure head, a development processing unit, and the like (not shown) in addition to the configuration of the reception terminal 2.
(H)
In the print order receiving system 1 of the above-described embodiment, each input operation of service selection, media selection, print size selection, print number setting, image correction, and operator information (name and telephone number) input is used for placing a print order. An example of input operation has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, other input operations such as template selection may be added, and the operator information input operation described above may be omitted.
(I)
In the print order receiving system 1 of the above-described embodiment, an example in which the display change unit 37 changes and displays the input area displayed on the display 22 by the display control unit 32 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the change display unit may perform a change display on an input area displayed on the Internet using the WWW system. According to this, even on a WEB page that accepts a print order or the like via the Internet, the operator can easily grasp an input area to be input next.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily grasp the input area to be input next, so that the present invention is particularly useful when applied to various terminal devices that are installed in stores or the like and are operated by the user himself / herself.

1 is an external view of a print order reception system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external view of a reception terminal included in the print order reception system in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram in the print order receiving system of FIG. 1. The functional block diagram formed in the print order reception system of FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a print station included in the print order reception system in FIG. 1. The flowchart which shows the reception process by the controller contained in FIG. The figure which showed the standby screen which the display control part contained in FIG. 4 displays. The figure which showed the service selection screen which the display control part contained in FIG. 4 displays. The figure which showed the media selection screen which the display control part contained in FIG. 4 displays. The figure which showed the print size selection screen which the display control part contained in FIG. 4 displays. The figure which showed the print number selection screen which the display control part contained in FIG. 4 displays. The flowchart which showed the detailed process (step S7) in the flowchart shown in FIG. The figure which showed the confirmation display which the display change part contained in FIG. 4 displays. (A), (b) is the figure which showed the enlarged display which the display change part contained in FIG. 4 displays. The external view of the reception terminal which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. The figure which showed the print number selection screen which the order reception system which concerns on other embodiment of this invention displayed.

Explanation of symbols

1 Print order reception system 2 Reception terminal (information input device, reception terminal)
5 Photo Printing Device 6 Operation Station 7 Print Station 8 Network 20 Controller 21 Case 22 Display 23 Touch Panel (Input Operation Unit)
24 Media Drive 25 Receipt Printer 26 Hard Disk 27 CPU
28 Memory 31 Image Information Processing Unit 32 Display Control Unit (First Step)
33 Input detection unit (second step)
34 Order Information Processing Unit 35 Receipt Certificate Issue Processing Unit 36 Time Measurement Unit (Third Step)
37 Display change section (fourth step)
40 Print acceptance button 41 Media save acceptance button 42d Back button 42c Cancel button 43 Media button 44 OK button 45 Size designation button 46 Frame 46a Display order reversing button 46b Whole plus button 46c Whole minus button 46d Back button 46e Forward button 47 Print number display Area 47a Plus button 47b Minus button 47c Correction button 53 Message box 54 Yes button 55 No button 61 Film scanner 62 Media reader 63 Monitor 65 Mouse 71 Printing paper magazine 72 Sheet cutter 73 Back print unit 74 Print exposure unit 75 Processing tank unit 75a Color development Developing tank 75b Bleach fixing tank 75c Stabilized layer 76 Conveyor 77 Sorter 78 Printing paper transport mechanism 78a Chucker transport unit 78b pair of conveying rollers DE information area M1 recording medium PC PC PG information input processing program P paper p finished print

Claims (6)

A display control unit that displays an input screen for receiving input from the operator;
An input operation unit for inputting information to an input area on the input screen;
A time measuring unit that measures an elapsed time after the information is input to the input area by the input operation unit;
A display changing unit for changing a display method of the input area to request input processing next on the input screen based on the elapsed time;
An information input device comprising: The display change unit enlarges and displays the input area.
The information input device according to claim 1. The display changing unit blinks the input area;
The information input device according to claim 1 or 2.   A reception terminal comprising the information input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A reception terminal according to claim 4;
A photo print device connected to the reception terminal via a network;
A print order acceptance system. A first step of displaying an input screen for accepting input from an operator;
A second step of acquiring information input to the input area displayed in the first step;
A third step of measuring an elapsed time after detecting that the information is acquired in the second step;
A fourth step of changing a display method of the input area to request input processing next on the input screen based on the elapsed time measured in the third step;
An information input processing program for causing a computer to execute a processing method comprising:

Images