JP3475884B2 - Automatic photo vending machine - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus having a plurality of printing units, and more particularly to an automatic photo vending machine in which each printing unit has an image forming unit and a printing mechanism unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various printing apparatuses have been developed in order to realize faster printing processing. One of them is an automatic photo vending machine having a plurality of printing mechanisms.

FIG. 16 is a system configuration diagram of a printing apparatus having a plurality of printing mechanism units. As shown in the figure, the printing device 90 is configured to have an I / F (interface) unit 91, a storage unit 92, a main controller unit 93, and a plurality of printing mechanism units 94 as main parts. I / F section 91
Outputs print information input from the outside to the main controller unit 93, and the main controller unit 93 outputs the I / F unit 9
The print information output from 1 is temporarily stored in the storage unit 92. The main controller 93 reads out the print information from the storage unit 92 in a predetermined time, to create the image data based on the print information, and transfers this to a <br/> Re or not have of the plurality of printing mechanism 94 . Each printing mechanism unit 94 actually prints on paper based on the image data transferred from the main controller unit 93. With such a configuration, the printing device 90
Then, a plurality of printing mechanism units 94 can perform processing in parallel.

[0004]

[0006] However, in such a printing apparatus 90 performs the creation of image data in one place of the main controller 93, the created image data a plurality of printing Organization portion 94 Neu for those to be transferred without Re to whether, during the creation image data, it is impossible to perform the creation and transfer image data for subsequent print information.

Accordingly, when the inputted number of the print information from the outside can take a long time to finish the creation and transfer all their image data, it has been likened a number of printing mechanism 9 4 However, they could not be used efficiently. Further, the printing mechanism section 94 is
It is fixedly installed in the printing device 90 and consumed individually.
The condition of the printing mechanism is
It does not change, and it matches the condition of special and consumable items.
There was no need for print distribution control. Therefore, especially consumables
The print execution process to multiple printing units while identifying the remaining amount of
There is no control to distribute the
Consumed intensively and frequently used by administrators to refill paper
It may be necessary to go to the printing device, or vice versa
Consumables are often used up, and many printing parts are erased.
The consumables replacement work will be performed at the same time, and the printing equipment will be stopped.
The time to stop it becomes longer, and it causes inconvenience to users.
Was becoming.

In view of the above situation, an object of the present invention is to provide a housing.
In contrast, it has multiple printing units that are detachably replaceable and have built-in paper.
Automatic copy to be replaced in each printing section when replenishing the number of sheets
In a true vending machine, each printing unit has an image forming unit and a printing mechanism unit.
By providing the above, it is possible to provide an automatic photo vending machine that realizes higher-speed printing processing and that can perform maintenance work of consumables very efficiently.

[0007]

[0008]

[0009]

The invention according to claim 1 is
In an automatic photo vending machine that has a plurality of printing units that are detachably attached to the housing and that have built-in paper and that are exchanged for each printing unit when replenishing paper , a recording medium installed in the insertion port
User who reads the image information from the
Operation input means for receiving a print designation from
From the image information read by the output means to the print designation
Therefore, create a print job for each unit screen and store it in the temporary storage means.
The print job creating means to be stored and the paper of each printing unit
The printing unit having a sheet remaining amount identifying unit for identifying the remaining amount, and identifying whether or not each of the printing units is in an operable state
Operating state identification means and the temporary storage means
The residual paper identification unit 及 reads the print job position screen
Based on the conditions identified by finely the operating state identification means
Most often said the mark to print part of the operation possible and remaining amount of paper
Distribution control means for distributing printing jobs, and the distribution control means
Image data based on the print information distributed by
Image data generating means provided in each of the printing units
And image data generated by the image data generating means
Markings provided on each of the printing units that perform printing based on
It is an automatic photo vending machine provided with a printing control means .

As a result, the print information can be distributed based on the remaining amount of paper in the printing unit, so that the print information is distributed and controlled according to the operating status of the printing unit, the state of consumables, the paper size, and the like. can do. Also multiple prints
From the copy section, print information is given priority to the print section with the most paper remaining.
Information can be distributed, so paper from multiple printing units
Used on average, resulting in nearly simultaneous paper refill
It becomes a term. Therefore, the administrator needs to replenish the paper for all printing units.
Can be done at the same time, and many times to refill the paper
You don't have to go to an automated photo vending machine.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the detachable exchange is performed with respect to the housing.
Paper that has multiple printing units that can be exchanged and that have built-in paper
For automatic photo vending machines that are exchanged in print units when replenishing
Image information from the recording medium installed in the insertion slot.
Read-out method to read out and print designation from the user
The operation input means for receiving and the reading means for reading
For each unit screen according to the print designation from the image information
Print jobs that create print jobs for the
For identifying the remaining amount of paper in each printing unit
The printing unit including the remaining paper amount identifying unit and each of the printing units
Operating status identification means for identifying whether or not the operating status is possible
And the print jobs of the unit screens sequentially from the temporary storage means.
Read out the remaining paper amount identification means and the operating state identification
Paper can be operated based on the state identified by the means
Starting from the printing unit with the smallest remaining amount,
The print jobs are sequentially sent to different printing units according to the distribution order.
Distribution control means for distributing the
The mark for generating image data based on the arranged print information
Image data generating means provided in each printing unit, and the image
Based on the image data generated by the image data generation means
Print control hands provided in each of the printing units for printing
An automatic photo vending machine, characterized by comprising steps.

As a result, each printing unit can generate image data from the distributed print information and actually print on paper based on this image data, so that the print information can be processed without delay. it can. This also allows
From the multiple printing units, select the printing unit
After that, print information is divided according to a predetermined number order.
Since it is distributed, the amount of remaining paper is the smallest for each print information.
Paper is distributed from the printing unit, and as a result, paper is printed for each printing unit.
Disappears. Therefore, one-time maintainer for paper replenishment
Time can be shortened, and waiting time for users
You can save time. Also, for a certain printing department
Even if the paper runs out, if there is paper for other printing
Since there is no need to refill the paper later, when there are few users
You can also replenish the interzone. If you do this,
In terms of quality, it is possible to eliminate the waiting time of the user.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the detachable exchange is performed with respect to the housing.
Paper that has multiple printing units that can be exchanged and that have built-in paper
For automatic photo vending machines that are exchanged in print units when replenishing
Image information from the recording medium installed in the insertion slot.
Read-out method to read out and print designation from the user
The operation input means for receiving and the reading means for reading
For each unit screen according to the print designation from the image information
Print jobs that create print jobs for the
It is possible to load different types of paper with
Sheet type identification means for identifying the type of the formed sheet, and
Remaining amount of paper identifying means for identifying the amount of remaining paper in each printing unit
And a state in which each of the printing units can operate.
Used for printing and operating status identification means to identify whether or not
Receiving means for receiving the designation of the type of paper
Read print jobs of unit screens sequentially from the temporary storage means.
Seed type of paper accepted by the operation input means
Paper identified by the type and the paper type identification means
Based on the type of paper and the operating state identification means and the paper
Based on the state of the printing unit identified by the remaining amount identification means,
Selectively distributes the print job to the printing unit
Distribution control means and a mark distributed by the distribution control means
Each of the printing units that generate image data based on printing information
Image data generating means provided therein, and the image data generation means.
Printing based on the image data generated by the composition means
Print control means provided in each of the printing units
It is an automatic photo vending machine characterized by

Thus, for example, the paper specified by the user
Based on the type of paper (paper size, glossy paper, special postcard paper, etc.)
Distribution control of print information to the printing unit equipped with this paper.
Therefore, it is possible to meet a wide range of user requests. Also, each mark
Distributing control of print information after identifying the operating status of the printing unit
It is possible that you are currently in operation (printing) or malfunction
The print information is not distributed to those inside.

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

[0020]

[0021]

[0022]

[0023]

[0024]

[0025]

[0026]

[0027]

[0028]

[0029]

[0030]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is an example in which the printing apparatus of the present invention is applied to an automatic photo vending machine. The automatic photo vending machine is installed, for example, in a building such as a street corner or office building.

FIG. 1 is a view showing the external arrangement of the automatic photo vending machine of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic photo vending machine 1 has a display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2, a key input unit 3, a recording medium insertion port 4, an LED 5, an amount display unit 6, and a fee insertion port 7 on the front of the device. A stop button 8, a receipt insertion slot 9, a receipt ejection slot 10, a charge return slot 11, and a takeout slot 12 are provided. Auxiliary display units 13 are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the automatic photo vending machine 1, respectively.

The display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2 is composed of a display unit of a liquid crystal display and an operation unit for operating keys, buttons, icons and the like displayed on the liquid crystal display with, for example, a finger. The display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2 displays thumbnails of image information captured by a digital camera, for example.
A selection icon for the pay mode or the free mode is also displayed. Further, according to the above display of the display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2, for example, the user selects the image information displayed in the thumbnail and individually designates the number of prints, and also selects the pay mode or the free mode. To do. Note that these input operations can be similarly performed using the key input unit 3.

The auxiliary display unit 13 is composed of a liquid crystal display, on which the same contents as those displayed on the liquid crystal display of the display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2 are displayed, or advertisements are made. Etc. are displayed. That is, the auxiliary display unit 13 normally displays advertisements or the like for sales promotion to those who are waiting for the use of the automatic photo vending machine 1 and those in the vicinity, or a plurality of users share the automatic photo vending machine 1 together. When used for, the same contents as those displayed on the liquid crystal display of the operation / display unit (display & touch panel) 2 are displayed, and the same contents are displayed to a person other than the user who is actually operating. Consideration is given so that objects can be displayed. The display contents can be switched by the user's display / operation unit (display & touch panel).
2 and the key input unit 3 can be operated.

The recording medium insertion openings 4a to 4e are insertion openings for a plurality of types of recording media (information storage media), and are a flash memory card insertion opening 4a, a smart media card insertion opening 4b, and a memory stick insertion opening 4c.
A PC card insertion slot 4d and a floppy disk insertion slot 4e. The recording medium insertion port 4 has a built-in data reading device compatible with various recording media so as to be compatible with various media. In addition, a static elimination brush for removing static electricity is provided in consideration of damage to each recording medium and damage to the apparatus body due to static electricity.

Each recording medium insertion port 4 is provided downward. This is because, when each recording medium is inserted, the tip of the recording medium is located at a position higher than the recording medium insertion port 4 by a predetermined amount. Therefore, the connector portion inside each recording medium insertion port 4 connected to each recording medium is also arranged downward. Such a structure is a structure for preventing dust and the like from adhering to the contact portion of the connector and ensuring electrical connection. In addition, a fan may be provided near the connector to prevent dust and the like from adhering. With such dustproof measures, the reliability of the device can be ensured even in an environment such as an outdoor environment where there is a lot of dust.

Further, digital image information photographed by a digital camera or the like is written in the recording medium as a plurality of unit screen information. The digital image information written in these recording media may be data obtained by converting image data read from a scanner or the like into digital image data.

The LEDs 5a to 5e are provided corresponding to the respective recording medium insertion openings 4a to 4e, and when the recording medium corresponding to each recording medium insertion opening 4 is inserted, the LED 5 corresponding thereto is turned on. It lights up. For example, when the memory stick is inserted, the LED 5c corresponding to it is turned on, which allows the user to confirm that the memory stick is inserted. In the case of a memory stick, the stick mounting part (not shown) is constructed so that it can be pulled out from the main body.
A memory stick is mounted on the stick mounting portion and the mounting portion is mounted inside the apparatus main body.

The charge insertion slot 7 and the charge return slot 10 are used when the automatic photo vending machine 1 is used for a fee, and bills are inserted from the charge insertion slot 7a and coins are inserted from the charge insertion slot 7b. throw into. At this time, the deposited amount is displayed on the amount display unit 6. In addition, a charge is returned to the charge return port 10 or when the user stops using the change in the middle.

The stop button 8 is a button pressed when the user wants to stop using the automatic photo vending machine 1 on the way. Further, the receipt paper ejection port 10 is a paper ejection port for ejecting a receipt on which predetermined information is printed, and the receipt insertion port 9 is an insertion port into which the receipt is inserted.

The take-out port 12 is a box for taking out the print output, and the printed print paper (photograph) is collected in the take-out port 12. 2 (a), (b), and (c) are diagrams for explaining the internal structure of the automatic photo vending machine 1 having the above-described external configuration. FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of the automatic photo vending machine 1. As shown in FIG. 1A, the automatic photo vending machine 1 includes a front unit 20, a paper duct 21, and a rear unit 22. The front unit 20 includes a main controller that controls the automatic photo vending machine 1 as a whole, the operation / display unit (touch panel & liquid crystal display) 2 described above, and the like. The paper duct 21 is a component for guiding the printed paper to the paper exit 12. The rear unit 22 also includes a plurality of detachable printer units 23, a power supply unit (not shown), and the like. Each printer unit 23 slides on a slide rail 24 and is mounted at a predetermined position on the rear unit 22. Therefore, in each printer unit 23, when the consumables such as print paper are used up, the printer unit 23
Since it can be removed and replaced easily, it is possible to replace it in a short time if the printer unit 23 supplemented with consumables is prepared in advance.

Further, each printer unit 23 is provided with a connector portion at the rear thereof, and at the same time as mounting, this connector portion is connected to the connector portion provided on the rear unit 22. The connector portion of the rear unit 22 is also electrically connected to the front unit 20 when the automatic photo vending machine 1 is assembled. Therefore, each printer unit 23 supplies the power supply voltage from the power supply unit and transmits / receives various signals to / from the front unit via the connector.

FIG. 6B is a front view of the rear unit. In this embodiment, eight printer units 23 can be mounted on the rear unit 22 as shown in FIG.
FIG. 6C is a sectional view taken along the line AA ′ of FIG. Same figure
As shown in (c), the paper P printed from each printer unit 23 is printed on the paper duct 2 as shown by the arrow in FIG.
1 and is collected at the outlet 12.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the system configuration inside the automatic photo vending machine. This system mainly includes the main controller 30, peripheral circuits, and the printer unit 2.
It is composed of three.

The main controller 30 has a CPU inside
A central processing unit is provided, and drive control of the automatic photo vending machine 1 of the present embodiment is performed in accordance with a program. For example, print information for one print sheet is distributed to any of the printer units 23 based on predetermined conditions. To do.

A storage unit 31 is provided in the main controller 30, and the storage unit 31 stores the control program executed by the main controller 30 described above. In addition, other information such as user information, printing condition information, and information about the printer unit 23 is stored and transferred to a center described later as necessary. Further, the storage unit 31 also stores advertisement information and the like sent from the center, and this advertisement information is updated at predetermined time intervals.

Further, the main controller 30 includes a display control section 32, a touch panel control section 33, a key input section 34, a card interface (hereinafter referred to as a card I /
35, a charge management unit 36, a receipt interface (hereinafter referred to as a receipt I / F) 37, a transmission / reception unit 38, and a printer unit 23 are connected.

The display control unit 32 controls the output of the display information displayed on the display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2 and the auxiliary display unit 13, and displays / displays the display information output from the main controller 30.
Display control is performed on the operation unit (display & touch panel) 2 and the auxiliary display unit 13.

Further, the touch panel control section 33 controls the main controller 30 to output an operation signal according to the operation of the touch panel by the user. Also, the key input control unit 3
Reference numeral 4 controls output of an operation signal to the main controller 30 according to the operation of the key input unit 3 by the user.

The card I / F 35 is an interface for reading digital image information from each recording medium inserted into each recording medium insertion port 4 and controlling the output to the main controller 30.

Further, the charge management unit 36 calculates the amount of money deposited from the above-mentioned charge insertion port 7, displays it on the amount display unit 6, and confirms that the charge corresponds to the designated number of prints. . Further, the main controller 30 designates a pay mode or a free mode, and the processing is performed according to this designation. It also manages change.

A receipt printing section 44 and a receipt reading section 45 are connected to the receipt I / F 37. The receipt printing unit 44 controls printing of predetermined information on the receipt, and the receipt reading unit 45 controls reading of the information printed on the receipt. Receipt I / F37
Is an interface for controlling output of predetermined information sent from the main controller 30 to the receipt printing unit 44, and controlling output of information read by the receipt reading unit 45 to the main controller 30. The receipt printing unit 44 is, for example, a thermal printer.

The transmitter / receiver 38 exchanges information with the base station 39a using a PHS line, and the base station 39a is connected to the center 39c using a public line network 39b or the like. The center 39c, for example, has contracts with various companies,
A lot of advertisement information is stored in the storage unit 39d. In addition, the storage unit 39d also stores user information, printing condition information, and the printer unit 23 sent from each automatic photo vending machine 1.
Information and the like are stored. That is, the server 39e transmits the advertisement information, the user information, and the like stored in the storage unit 39d to the public line network 39b as necessary, and also the public line network 3
The user information and the information of the printer unit 23 supplied via 9b are received.

On the other hand, the automatic photo vending machine 1 includes eight printer units 23-1 to 23-8, and the printer units 23-1 to 23-8 have the same configuration. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the printer unit 23. Each printer unit 23 includes a thermal head 50, a large-capacity ribbon 51, a winding roll 52, a roll-shaped print paper 53, and a plurality of feed rolls. The print paper 53 is sent to the thermal head 50 by the feed roll 54 and cut into a predetermined length of print paper by the cutter 55. As the print paper 53 formed in a roll shape, a recording paper having a maximum width of 102 mm can be used, and has a roll length capable of printing, for example, 500 sheets.

The large-capacity ribbon 53 is provided with printing ribbons of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and a surface coating agent, which are repeatedly connected in sequence one screen length at a time, for example, 500. It is wrapped as a printing ribbon for screen printing.

Further, the feed rolls 56 and 57 are rolls for superposing the large-capacity ribbon 51 and the print paper 53 and feeding them to the thermal head 50.
The ink ribbon on which the printing process is completed is wound by the winding roll 52.

The thermal head 50 has a resolution of 32.
2DPI (dots / inch), 13 in the main scanning direction
A heating element of 44 dots (about 106 mm width) is arranged.
Image data is supplied to the thermal head 50, and this image data is created based on the print information for one print sheet transferred from the main controller 30 to each of the printer units 23-1 to 23-8. It is a thing.

FIG. 3A is a diagram showing the system configuration inside the printer unit 23. Each of the printer units 23-1 to 23-8 includes a control unit 40, an interface (hereinafter, I / F) 41, a print data storage unit 42, and a print mechanism unit 43.

The control section 40 receives the print information for one print sheet supplied from the main controller 30 via the I / F 41, and temporarily stores the print information in the print data storage section 42. Further, the advertisement image data is also received from the main controller 30 via the I / F 41 and synthesized and developed in the print data storage unit 42. The control unit 40 receives the print density from the main control unit 30,
When the designation information such as the color tone and the arrangement of the composite image is sent, the processing for correcting or correcting the image data corresponding to the designation information is processed using the print data storage unit 42. The printing mechanism unit 43 is the printing mechanism having the configuration shown in FIG.
The thermal head 50, the large-capacity ribbon 51, the print paper 53, and the like.

The control unit 40 is the print data storage unit 4
The print information for one sheet of print paper is read out from No. 2, and the image data is created based on this print information.
Output to 0. Therefore, the control 40 is also an image data generator. The thermal head 50 drives the heating element in accordance with the supplied image data, transfers the yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) inks on the ribbon onto the paper and sublimates the image on the paper. Form.

Thus, the automatic photo vending machine 1 of this embodiment is
Is a control unit 40 that generates image data based on print information for one print sheet and a printing mechanism unit 43 that performs printing based on the image data for each printer unit 23.
It is the structure provided with.

In addition to the above, each printer unit 23 includes a print sheet width sensor for detecting the sheet width of the print sheet 53, a print sheet presence sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the print sheet 53, and an ink ribbon for detecting the presence or absence of an ink ribbon. A sensor, an abnormality detection sensor for detecting an abnormality inside the printer unit 23, and a print sheet remaining number counter for counting the remaining number of print sheets 53 are provided. First, the print paper 53 and the ink ribbon 51 corresponding to the same number of prints are set in the printer unit 23, and the print paper remaining number counter is counted (down count) each time printing of one print paper is completed. This is the configuration. Alternatively, the remaining number of print sheets may be detected by a sensor.

The output detected by these sensors and the remaining number of print sheets output from the counter are notified to the control section 40 as needed. The control section 40 outputs these pieces of information to the main controller 30 as status information of the printer unit 23. However, each printer unit 23 has a registration number (No.
No. 23-8) is added, and when each printer unit 23 outputs the status information to the main controller 30, it outputs together with this registration number. The status information of the printer unit 23 may be output spontaneously by the control unit 40, or may be the main controller 30.
The inquiry may be answered.

The main controller 30 manages the status information of each printer unit 23 thus obtained,
This is stored in the storage unit 31. Or, based on this status information, the PHS base station 39a is periodically sent to the center 39C.
Through the automatic photo vending machine 1, a registration number for self-other identification, alarm code information indicating consumables alarm status, failure information, replacement instruction, replacement instruction for large-capacity ribbon, and printing paper Send information such as exchange instructions.
Alternatively, the above information may be transmitted in response to an inquiry from the center 39c.

At the center 39c, for example, when the received information is failure information, the manager is immediately notified, and the manager replaces the corresponding printer unit 23.

In the automatic photo vending machine 1 having the above structure,
The processing operation of this example will be described below. 5 and 6 are flowcharts illustrating the processing operation of this embodiment. In addition, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the processing operation of the present embodiment.

First, the user goes to a place where the automatic photo vending machine 1 of this embodiment is installed, and, for example, attaches a flash memory card in which a digital image taken by a digital camera is stored in the recording medium insertion slot 4a. (Step (hereinafter, indicated by S) 501 is YES.)

Next, the main controller 30 reads out image information from the mounted flash memory card (member number 60 shown in FIG. 7) via the card I / F 35 (process B shown in FIG. 7). In addition, flash memory card 6
Border identification information is added to the image information read from 0, whereby the unit screen information can be identified.
The main controller 30 temporarily stores the read image information in a buffer A (not shown) (a part of the storage unit 31).

Next, the main controller 30 displays the unit screen information on the basis of the boundary identification information, and the display controller 3
2 to the display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2 to display image information in thumbnail form (S50
2), specify the number of prints by the user and pay /
The selection of the free mode and the like are accepted (process C shown in FIG. 7).

That is, the user operates the touch panel of the display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2 or the key input unit 3 while looking at the thumbnail-displayed unit screens to specify the number of prints for each unit screen (S50).
3). At this time, printing conditions such as brightness, contrast, and color tone can be set at the same time. By this operation, the operation signal of the touch panel or the like is supplied to the main controller 30, and the unit screen information, the data of the corresponding print instruction number, the print condition information, and the like are written in the storage unit 31.

Next, the main controller 30 performs billing calculation according to the designation of the number of prints and displays the calculation result /
It is displayed on the operation unit (display & touch panel) 2 and the amount display unit 6 (S504). The calculation result is obtained by, for example, multiplying the designated number of prints by the print size, and adding the consumption tax or the like.

Next, pay / free mode selection is performed (S
505). This is selected by the selection icon displayed on the display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2. For example, it is performed at the same time as the result of the above-mentioned billing calculation is displayed, and the user selects either one. For example, when the user selects the free mode (S506 is free),
When the composite printing of the advertisement information is designated (S507), the pay mode is selected (S6 is charged), the payment is identified (S508), and when the payment is correctly made (S50).
8 is YES) Composite printing of advertisement information is prohibited (S50).
9) If the payment is not correct (S508 returns N
O), display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2
A warning process such as displaying the fact on the liquid crystal display is performed (S510).

After completing the acceptance process as described above, the main controller 30 displays the unit screen information,
A print job is created from print instruction number information, print condition information, free / paid information, etc.
(Member number 61 in FIG. 7, part of the storage unit 31),
The process moves to the distribution control process (process D shown in FIG. 7). Advertising information is added to the print job when the user selects the free mode.

Next, the distribution control process shown in FIG. 6 will be described. The main controller 30 first sets the buffer B6
If there is a print job in No. 1 (S601 returns Y
ES), make an inquiry to each printer unit 23,
The operable printer unit 23 is extracted (S60
2). Therefore, those that are currently in operation (printing) and those that are out of order are not extracted.

Next, each operable printer unit 23
The remaining number of print sheets (counter value: CNT) is checked for each printer unit 23 (S603), and the printer unit 23 having the largest remaining number of print sheets is selected from among the operable printer units 23 (S604). .
However, when a plurality of printer units 23 are selected because the remaining number of print sheets is the same, the printer unit 23 with the smallest registration number is selected from among them.

Next, the selected printer unit 23
Then, the print information for one print sheet is transferred based on the print job (S605). When the transfer is completed (S606
Is YES), the process returns to the processing of S601, and the processing for the print information for the next one print sheet is started. After that, similarly, until the processing of the print job is completed, the processing of S601 to S606 is repeated for each piece of print information for one print sheet.

On the other hand, each printer unit 23, as shown in FIG. 3A, prints the print paper 1 through the I / F 41.
The print information for the number of sheets is received, and the print data storage unit 42 receives the print information.
Remember once. The control unit 40 creates image data based on the print information for this print sheet. However, when the free mode is designated, the advertisement data is added to create the image data. The created image data is output to the printing mechanism unit 43, and the thermal printing process on the print paper 53 by the thermal head 50 is performed.

An example of the print result is shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b). Figure (a) is the print result in the free mode, and figure (b) is
Is the print result in the pay mode. As shown in FIG. 9A, in the free mode, the image data 65 for advertisement is further added to the image data 65 of the user.

As described above, the printing is performed in sequence, and as shown in FIG.
, The printer units 23-1 to 23-8 are sequentially discharged, and the paper duct 21 is used to take out the discharge port 1
Collected in 2.

As described above, the automatic photo vending machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that each printer unit 23 is provided with the control section 40 for generating an image and the printing machine rear section 43 for printing on paper. An image can be generated for each printer unit, and high-speed printing processing is possible.

In the distribution control process of this embodiment,
The printer unit 23 having the largest remaining number of print sheets is extracted from the operable printer units 23 for each print information for one print sheet, and is transferred to this. 23 can be operated without a break, and high-speed printing processing can be performed for the automatic photo vending machine 1 as a whole.

Further, since the ink ribbon 51 and the print paper 53 of each printer unit 23 are used almost uniformly by such a distribution control process, the consumables are replaced at about the same time. Therefore, the administrator can go to the place where the automatic photo vending machine 1 is installed once to replace the consumables for all the printer units 23 in a lump sum. This is a very effective distribution control process when the administrator cannot frequently go to the installation position of the automatic photo vending machine 1.

However, it is effective to apply such a distribution control process to an automatic photo vending machine that meets the above conditions, but it is effective when it is installed in a downtown area such as a large city. I can't say. That is, since the consumables of all printer units 23 must be replenished collectively,
The replenishment time requires a long time, and the sales must be stopped for a long time. Therefore, the distribution control process is not suitable in a place where there are many users.

Therefore, when the automatic photo vending machine 1 is installed in a place where there are many users, it is necessary to apply a process different from the above-mentioned distribution control process. This will be described below.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for explaining a distribution control process different from the distribution control process shown in FIG. The processing of S901 to S903 shown in FIG. 9, that is,
Confirm that there is a print job in the buffer B61 (S9
When 01 is YES, an inquiry is made to each printer unit 23 to select an operable printer unit 23 (S
902), and confirm the remaining number of print sheets (S903).
The processing is the same as the processing of S601 to S603 shown in FIG.

Next, in this distribution control process, the printer unit with the smallest remaining number of print sheets is selected from among the printer units 23 that can operate (S904). However, when the remaining number of print sheets is the same and a plurality of printer units 23 are selected, the printer unit 23 with the smallest registration number is selected. At the same time, the subsequent distribution order to each printer unit 23 is also determined. That is, the printer unit 23 selected in S904 is set as the first transfer destination, and thereafter, the transfer is performed in the order of the registration number of each printer unit 23. For example, if the registration number of the printer unit 23 selected in S904 is No.
23-5, the transfer order is No. 23-5
No. 23-6, ..., No. 23-8, No. 23
-1, No. 23-2, ... No. 23-4,
After that, this distribution order is repeated. Therefore, first, Two
The print information for one print sheet is transferred to the printer unit 23 of 3-5, and the printer unit 23-5 starts the print processing (S907). Then, when there is print information for the next one print sheet to be continued in the print job (YES in S908), the printer unit 23-6 in the next distribution order is selected (S909), and the process returns to S905. Then, the print information for the next one print sheet is transferred to the printer unit 23-6 (S905). Thereafter, similarly, the processing of S905 to S909 is repeated for each piece of print information for one print sheet of one print job.

On the other hand, in the processing of S908, when there is no print information for one continuous print sheet (S90).
8 is NO), the process returns to S901 to wait for the next print job (No in S901).

As described above, in the distribution control process shown in FIG. 9, the unit image information is transferred in the order of registration numbers from the starting point of the printer unit 23 having the smallest remaining number of print sheets in one print job. Therefore, the printer units 23 having the smallest remaining number of print sheets are always used in order, and the consumable items are consumed for each printer unit 23. Therefore, unlike the distribution control process shown in FIG. 6, the consumables of all the printer units 23 do not run out at about the same time, and the time required for replenishing the consumables of the printer unit 23 once can be shortened. At the same time, the sales suspension time can be shortened.

Alternatively, if the user is replenished while avoiding a time zone where many users are present, the user is not kept waiting even during the sales suspension time. For example, instead of immediately replenishing the consumables of a predetermined printer unit 23 when there are no more consumables in the daytime when there are many users, if there is another printer unit 23 that can be operated, at night when the number of users is low. Try to replenish at times.

In the distribution control process described above, each printer unit 23 has the same type of print paper 53. Therefore, next, each printer unit 23
The distribution control process will be described in which the print sheets 53 of different sizes are provided and the user can specify the print sheet size within the range.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining such distribution control processing. In the distribution control process shown in the figure, the automatic photo vending machine 1 includes printer units having different print paper sizes. Here, for convenience of description, the printer units 23-1 to 23-3 are provided with the “L size” print paper 53, and the printer unit 23
-4 to 23-6 are provided with "M size" print paper 53, and the printer units 23-7 and 23-8 are provided with "S size" print paper 53.

When each printer unit 23 is powered on, each control unit 40 notifies the main control unit 40 of the print paper size. The print paper size is detected and notified by a paper width sensor provided in each printer unit. This has a side plate that is displaced according to the width of the print paper loaded in the print paper loading section, and the width of the print paper is detected by detecting the position of the side plate. Thereby, the main control unit 40 recognizes the print paper size of each printer unit 23 (S1001). Alternatively, the main control unit 40 may make an inquiry to each printer unit 23 to recognize the print paper size of each printer unit 23.

Next, the user specifies the print paper size in the acceptance process (C shown in FIG. 7). This is the above-mentioned "L size", "M size", "S size" for each unit screen thumbnailed on the liquid crystal display of the display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2.
Specify one of the print paper sizes. here,
"M size" is automatically set if not specified by the user.
Set to (standard setting).

In this way, the specification of the print paper size by the user is completed, and the acceptance process (C shown in FIG. 7).
When is finished, the main controller 30 creates a print job and stores it in the buffer B61. Next, when the main controller 30 confirms that there is a print job in the buffer B61 (S1002), the main controller 30 proceeds to distribution control processing. First, the main controller 30 identifies the print paper size from the print information for one print paper to be transferred based on the print job, and extracts the operable printer unit 23 corresponding to this print paper size (S1004).

For example, when the designated print size is "L size", the printer units 23-1 to 23-3 are extracted. The extracted printer units 23-1 to 23-3
Which of the two is transferred is performed by the same method as the distribution control process shown in FIG. 6 or 9 (S1005). That is, based on the remaining number of print sheets, either the transfer to the printer unit 23 having the largest remaining number of print sheets or the transfer from the printer unit 23 having the smallest remaining number of printer units to the registration number order is performed. Perform control processing.

The printer unit 23 to which the print information for one print sheet has been transferred is based on this print information.
Perform print processing. (S1006). Through the above distribution control processing, it is possible to select the corresponding printer unit 23 based on the print paper size designated by the user and transfer the print information for one print paper to this.
In FIG. 10, the printer unit is selected based on the print paper size, but the printer unit may be selected based on the type of print paper (glossy paper, postcard special paper, etc.). . In this case, each printer unit 23 may include a sensor for identifying the type of print paper 53, in addition to the paper width sensor.

The automatic photo vending machine 1 has a function of warning the user when the remaining number of print sheets in each printer unit 23 is insufficient. FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining this function.

First, when the user approaches the automatic photo vending machine 1 in order to use it, the proximity sensor provided in advance in the automatic photo vending machine 1 detects the approach of the user (S10).
01). When the approach of the user is detected, the main controller 30 confirms the abnormality in the automatic photo vending machine 1 and the state of the consumables of each printer unit (the remaining number of print sheets, etc.) (S1102). As a result of the confirmation, when it is confirmed that the automatic photo vending machine 1 cannot be used (S1103)
Yes), the fact that the automatic photo vending machine 1 is not available to the user is displayed on the liquid crystal display of the operation / display unit (touch panel & liquid crystal display) 2 together with a warning alarm, and at the same time, the center 39c is notified and automatic photo sale Machine 1
To the administrator (S1104).

On the other hand, when no abnormality is confirmed in the automatic photo vending machine 1 (NO in S1103), voice guidance and similar guidance are displayed on the liquid crystal display of the operation / display unit (touch panel & liquid crystal display) 2. It is displayed (S1105).

The user follows the guide and the recording medium insertion slot 4
Insert the recording medium into the main controller 30
Recognizes this (S1106), reads out the image information stored therein (S1107), and displays it as a thumbnail on the liquid crystal display of the operation / display unit (touch panel & liquid crystal display) 2 (S1108).

Next, the user specifies the number of prints for each unit screen in the image information displayed in the thumbnail (S1109). At this time, the main controller 30
Every time the user specifies the number of printed sheets, the number of printed sheets is counted, and is compared with the remaining number of print sheets confirmed in S1102 at any time (S1109). That is, when the number of prints designated by the user becomes larger than the remaining number of print sheets (YES in S1110), the designation of the number of prints is interrupted, and the liquid crystal display of the operation / display unit (touch panel & liquid crystal display) 2 is displayed. A message indicating that the specified number of prints cannot be executed is displayed above, and the user can either print only the specified number of prints so far or cancel all the specified number of prints. A message indicating that is selected is displayed (S1111). At the same time, the center 39c is notified that the remaining number of printer sheets is small, and the administrator is notified.

If the user selects to cancel all of the number of prints designated up to now (S1112).
), The remaining number of print sheets is displayed on the liquid crystal display of the operation / display unit (touch panel & liquid crystal display) 2 (S1113), and the user who uses it thereafter is warned that the remaining number of print sheets is low. To do.

On the other hand, when the user selects to print only the number of prints designated by the user (S1112), and when the user finishes designating the number of prints (S1114).
Yes), operation / display unit (touch panel & liquid crystal display) 2
Is displayed on the liquid crystal display to confirm the deposit by the user, and if necessary, the change is returned from the charge return port 11 (S1115). On the other hand, if the designation of the number of prints has not been completed or is changed (NO in S1114), S11
Returning to the processing of 09, the number of prints is designated again.

When the user acceptance processing (C shown in FIG. 7) is completed in this way, the main controller 30 creates a print job and performs distribution control, and the print processing is started in each printer unit 23 (S111).
6). The distribution control process is the same as the process shown in FIG. 6 or 9.

As described above, when the number of prints designated by the user exceeds the remaining number of print sheets, the user can select whether to print only the printable number or cancel all the prints. No extra charges will be collected to exceed.

In the automatic photo vending machine 1 described above, the printed print sheets are collectively collected in the take-out port 12 via the paper duct 21, but a plurality of take-out ports 12 are provided to take out each print job. A configuration in which a plurality of print jobs are processed in parallel by designating the mouth 12 is also conceivable. Next, this will be described.

FIG. 12 is a view for schematically explaining the mechanism of the outlet 12 of such an automatic photo vending machine 1.
Although only the printer units 23-1 to 23-4 are shown in the drawing, the printer unit 2 (not shown) is shown.
The same applies to 3-5 to 23-8.

The automatic photo vending machine 1 includes each printer unit 2
An outlet 70 is provided for every three. The front unit 20 is also provided with an indicator 71 for each take-out port 70, which has an ID indicating a print job executed by the user.
Is displayed. The user can confirm from the ID displayed on the indicator 71 whether the print sheet of his / her own is discharged to any of the outlets.

The user receives the ID (see FIG. 7).
It is issued when C) shown in FIG. 2 is finished, and is printed on the above-mentioned receipt together with the scheduled print end time and discharged from the receipt paper discharge port 10. The ID and the scheduled print end time are also displayed on the liquid crystal display of the operation / display unit (touch panel & liquid crystal display) 2.
Here, the scheduled print end time is a time calculated in consideration of the remaining print jobs and the operating status of each printer unit 23.

As a result, at the scheduled print end time, the user can remove his or her own print paper from the outlet 12 of the indicator 71 on which his or her ID is displayed. , You don't have to be near the automatic photo vending machine 1. Further, the next user can use the automatic photo vending machine 1 without waiting until the print paper executed by the previous user is discharged.

The paper duct 21 is provided with a rotatable guide plate 72 for each printer unit 23 (however, excluding 23-4 and 23-8). This is provided to guide the print sheet to each take-out port 70. As shown in the figure, each guide plate 72 is configured to be rotatable around a shaft 73, is normally closed at the position shown by the solid line in the figure, and when using the outlet 70,
It is opened at the position shown by the dotted line in the figure. By thus opening the guide plate 72, a stack portion 74 of print paper is formed. Therefore, each printer unit 23
The print paper discharged from (except 23-4 and 23-8) is guided to a predetermined outlet 70 (stack section 74) by opening a predetermined guide plate 72.

For example, all the (six) guide plates 72 are opened, and one printer unit 2 for one print job.
If 3 is used, 8 users can use the automatic photo vending machine 1 in parallel.

Further, for example, by opening only the guide plate 72-2 and the guide plate 72-6 (not shown), if two printer units 23 are used for one print job, four users will be in parallel. The automatic photo vending machine 1 can be used.

The control of the guide plate 72 and the distribution control process of the print information for one print sheet to each printer unit 23 are performed by the main controller 30.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart for explaining the distribution control process in the automatic photo vending machine 1 configured as described above. Here, the eight printer units 23 are grouped into two printer units 23-1.
23-4 are grouped as group 1 and the printer unit 23-
Groups 5 to 23-8 are group 2. Therefore, all the guide plates 72 are closed, and the printer unit 2 of the group 1 is closed.
The print sheet discharged by 3 is an outlet 70-4.
The print sheets collected by the printer unit 23 of the group 2 are collected in the take-out port 70-8.

For example, the acceptance process (C shown in FIG. 7) is performed by two users, a print job corresponding to each user is created, and two print jobs (print job 1 and print job) are stored in the buffer B61. Assume that job 2) exists. When the main controller 30 confirms the existence of the print job in the buffer B61, the main controller 30 proceeds to the distribution control process.

First, the main controller 30 confirms whether or not the current setting of the automatic photo vending machine 1 is the group (GRP) mode (S1301). The administrator sets the grouping mode in advance. If it is not the grouping mode (NO in S1301), that is, if it is the normal mode, the printer unit 23 is not designated, and the distribution control shown in FIG. 6 or 9 is performed in all eight printer units 23. Perform processing. (S1302). On the other hand, if it is the grouping mode (YES in S1301), it is determined whether or not the print job is switched next (S1303). At this time,
There are two print jobs in the buffer B61. First,
Since the process of the print job 1 is started, it is determined that the print job is switched (YES in S1303), and the group switching process is performed (S1304). In this process, either group 1 or group 2 is designated as the transfer destination, and group 1 is designated at the beginning. Based on the print job 1, the main controller 30 transfers the print information for one print sheet to any of the printer units 23 in the group 1. The distribution control process for the printer units 23 in the group 1 is performed by the distribution control process shown in FIG. 6 or 9 (S1305). When the transfer of print information for each print sheet 1 is completed, S13
Returning to the processing of No. 01, the processing for transferring the print information for the next one print sheet in the print job 1 is started. At this time, print jobs are not switched (S1303: N
O), the group switching process is not performed (S130).
6), the distribution control process is performed again in the group 1 (S13).
05). When the processing for the print job 1 is completed in this way, the processing for the print job 2 is executed next. At this time, since the job is switched from the print job 1 to the print job 2 (YES in S1303), the group 2 is designated in the group switching process (S1303).
1304), the distribution control shown in FIG. 6 or 9 is performed in the printer unit 23 of group 2 (S130).
7).

As described above, the print job 1 is distributed and controlled within the group 1, and the print job 2 is distributed and controlled within the group 2, so that two users can use the automatic photo vending machine 1 at the same time. You can

In this example, the eight printer units 23 are grouped into two every four units so that a maximum of two users can use them at the same time.
It may be configured such that every two devices are grouped into four and that a maximum of four users can use the devices at the same time.

In addition, the receipt port 1 is provided on the receipt.
Although the ID specifying 2 and the scheduled print end time are printed, the user information may be printed on the ID. That is, the printing condition information designated when the user uses the automatic photo vending machine 1 is stored in the storage unit 31 or the center 3.
The receipt is printed in the storage unit 39d of 9c, and at the same time, the user information for identifying the printing condition information is printed. Therefore, when the user wants to use the automatic photo vending machine 1 again under the same printing conditions, the automatic photo vending machine 1 is caused to read the receipt on which the user information is printed, and the storage unit 31 or the like stores the receipt based on the user information. The stored printing condition information is read out, and the printing process is performed based on this printing condition. This will be described below.

FIG. 15 shows user information printed on the receipt. As shown in the figure, a user ID, a password, and a bar code showing them are printed on the receipt.

The user designates print conditions such as brightness, contrast, and hue, and accepts the print condition (see FIG. 7).
When C) shown in FIG. 2 is finished, the automatic photograph vending machine 1 issues a receipt on which the above-mentioned user information is printed, and the above-mentioned printing condition information together with this user information is stored in the storage unit 31 of the automatic photograph vending machine 1 or a public line. Center 3 via net 39b
It is stored in the storage unit 39d of 9c. Therefore, when the user wants to use the automatic photo vending machine 1 again under the same printing conditions as when the user issued the receipt, the receipt is inserted into the automatic photo vending machine 1. That is, when the user inserts the receipt into the receipt insertion slot 9, the receipt reading unit 45 reads the user information on the receipt, and the receipt I / F 37 outputs it to the main controller 30. The main controller 30 searches the storage unit 31 based on this user information, or the storage unit 3 of the center 39c.
9d is inquired, the print condition information corresponding to the user information is read, a print job is created under the same print condition, and the print processing is executed. This frees the user from the trouble of inputting the same print condition, and since the input operation of the print condition is not performed, the usage time per user is shortened and the operation rate of the automatic photo vending machine 1 is reduced. Better, and better margin.

As described above, since the printing conditions are stored in the storage section 39d of the center 39c together with the user information, the automatic photo vending machine 1 used by the user is the automatic photo vending machine when the receipt is issued. Need not be 1,
Any automatic photo vending machine 1 that is communicatively connected to the center 39c may be used.

When the user information and the printing condition information stored in the storage unit 31 of the automatic photo vending machine 1 and the storage unit 39d of the center 39c are not used for a predetermined period,
A configuration in which this is deleted may be used. However, in this case, when the user information which has already been deleted is recognized by the automatic photo vending machine 1, the fact that the user information has been deleted because it has not been used for a predetermined period is operated /
It may be displayed on the liquid crystal display of the display unit (touch panel & liquid crystal display) 2, and subsequently, a message requesting the user to re-input may be displayed.

In the above example, the user information is printed on the receipt to notify the user. However, for example, the receipt is not issued and the operation / display unit (touch panel & liquid crystal display) 2 displays on the liquid crystal display. It may be configured to display this on the screen and notify the user. In this case, the user must remember the issued user information (user ID and password), and if he / she wants to use the automatic photo vending machine 1 again at the same printing condition on another occasion, the acceptance process (shown in FIG. 7). In C), this user information may be input from the operation / display unit (touch panel & liquid crystal display) 2 or the key input unit 3 to recognize the user information.

Image information may be stored in the storage section 31 or the storage section 39d of the center 39c in addition to the printing information in addition to the user information. In this case, the user does not need to carry the recording medium.

The receipt may be made of card such as cardboard or plastic in consideration of portability, in addition to paper. As a result, it is possible to prevent bending due to being carried and to prevent erroneous reading of the receipt reading unit 45. In this case, when the user information is printed on the card-shaped receipt, the thermal head of the receipt printing unit 44 is configured to move upward by the thickness of the card to perform printing.

In the automatic photo vending machine 1 described above, each of the printer units 23 is supplied with the power supply voltage from the power supply unit included in the rear unit 22, as described above. Generally, in a thermal printer, even if the same power supply voltage is supplied, the output characteristics may change due to variations in the components of the thermal head, and different printing results may be obtained.

Therefore, in order to prevent such different print results from being obtained, each printer unit 23 previously specifies a power supply voltage corresponding to the output characteristics of the thermal head 50 in a memory (not shown) in the control section 40. The value is stored. When the printer unit 23 is attached, the main controller 30 reads out the power supply voltage designated value and controls the power supply unit so as to supply the power supply voltage corresponding thereto.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the supply of power supply voltage to each printer unit. As shown in the figure, each printer unit 23 stores in advance head characteristic information 80 which is a power supply voltage designated value corresponding to the characteristic of the thermal head 50. When each printer unit 23 is attached to the automatic photo vending machine 1 and electrically connected to the main controller 30, the main controller 30 reads the head characteristic information 80 from each printer unit 23, and based on this, the power supply unit 81 is set. Control. Power supply unit 81
Under the control of the main controller 30, controls the power supply means 82 provided for each printer unit, and supplies the power supply voltage based on the head characteristic information 80 to each printer unit 23. As a result, each printer unit 2
The print results obtained from 3 do not differ, and the same print result can be obtained.

In addition, the automatic photo vending machine 1 of the present embodiment takes into consideration the power failure and the UPS (Uninterruptible).
The power supply unit 80 is provided with an uninterruptible power supply such as a power supply, and the power supply voltage is supplied from the UPS during a power failure. In this configuration, when a power failure occurs during the printing process and error printing occurs, the error-printed print paper is not ejected to the paper ejection port 70 and is stored in a dust box (not shown) included in each printer unit 23. It is configured to eject paper.

[0131]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, since each printing unit is configured to generate image data from print information and print the image data, the print information can be processed without delay. A faster printing device can be realized.

Further, in the distribution control according to the printing apparatus of the present invention, when the print information is distributed, the printing unit having the largest remaining amount of paper is selected from the operable printing units and distributed to this. The sheets of each printing section are used on average, and the sheet replenishment timings of all the printing sections are almost the same. Therefore, the administrator can replenish the paper for all the printing units at the same time. Further, since it is not necessary to repeatedly visit the printing apparatus to replenish the paper, it is very effective for the printing apparatus under the condition that the administrator cannot frequently go to the printing apparatus.

In another distribution control according to the printing apparatus of the present invention, when distributing one piece of print information, the printing section with the smallest remaining amount of paper is selected from the printing sections that can be operated, and this is the starting point. After that, since the sheets are distributed in the order of the numbers provided in advance in the respective printing units, the printing units having the smaller remaining amount of sheets are preferentially used, and it is almost time to replenish the sheets for each printing unit. Therefore, the time required for one sheet replenishment can be shortened, and the waiting time of the user during that time can be shortened. In addition, since the printing apparatus can be operated for a long time by this control, the paper replenishment timing can be collectively performed when the number of users is small.

Further, in another distribution control according to the printing apparatus of the present invention, when distributing the printing apparatus, it is necessary to recognize in advance the type of paper included in each printing unit, and to specify the paper specified by the user within this range. Select the corresponding printing section based on the type of and distribute it to this, so it is not limited to the same type of paper,
It can also handle multiple types of paper.

Further, in another distribution control according to the printing apparatus of the present invention, since a plurality of printing units are grouped and one print information is processed by one group, a plurality of print information by a plurality of users can be processed. Can be processed in parallel. In addition, since the paper ejection port can be designated for each print information corresponding thereto, the ejection ports of other users are not included.

Further, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, when the number of printed sheets designated by the user exceeds the number of sheets remaining in the apparatus, acceptance of the designated number of printed sheets is stopped and the user cannot specify the number of printed sheets more than this. Since it is possible to warn that it is possible, it is possible to prevent a wasteful operation in which the user continuously specifies the number of prints without noticing this. In addition, at this time, the user can freely select whether to print only those that have been accepted so far or cancel all of them, so that the degree of freedom of selection by the user is increased.

Further, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, since the power supply voltage can be supplied to each printing unit based on the printing characteristic information of the thermal head provided in each printing unit in advance, it is possible to prevent different printing results from printing unit to printing unit.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an automatic photo vending machine according to an embodiment.

2A is an exploded perspective view of the automatic photo vending machine 1, FIG. 2B is a front view of a rear unit, and FIG.
It is an AA 'sectional view of (b).

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration inside the automatic photo vending machine.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer unit.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of this embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of distribution control processing of the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the processing operation of this embodiment.

[Fig. 8] (a) is a print result in a free mode,
(b) is the print result in the pay mode.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of distribution control processing according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of distribution control processing according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a function of warning the user when the remaining number of print sheets of each printer unit is insufficient.

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating a mechanism of a plurality of outlets 12 of the automatic photo vending machine.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of distribution control processing according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating supply of a power supply voltage to each printer unit.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing user information printed on a receipt.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration inside a conventional printing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Automatic photo vending machine 1 2 Display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 3 Key input section 4 Recording media insertion slot 5 LED 6 Price display 7 Fee slot 8 Stop button 9 Receipt insertion slot 10 Receipt exit 11 Charge return port 12 Outlet 13 Auxiliary display 20 front unit 21 Paper duct 22 Rear unit 23 Printer unit 24 slide rails 30 Main controller 31 storage 32 Display control unit 33 Touch panel control unit 34 Key input section 35 card interface (card I / F) 36 Charge Management Department 37 Receipt interface (receipt I / F) 38 Transmitter / receiver 39a Base station 39b Public network 39c Center 39d storage 40 Control part 41 Interface (I / F) 42 print data storage unit 43 Rear of printing machine 44 Receipt Printing Department 45 Receipt reader 50 thermal head 51 large capacity ribbon 52 winding roll 53 Print paper 54 feed roll 55 cutter 56, 57 Feed roll 60 flash memory card 61 Buffer B 65 image data 66 Image data for advertising 70 Exit 71 indicator 72 Guide plate 73 axis 74 Stack part 80 Head characteristic information 81 power supply unit 82 Power supply means 90 Printing device 91 I / F (interface) section 92 memory 93 Main controller section 94 Rear of printing press

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-57-105380 (JP, A) JP-A-11-320987 (JP, A) JP-A-11-84523 (JP, A) JP-A-11- 39107 (JP, A) JP-A-11-15617 (JP, A) JP-A-10-233984 (JP, A) JP-A-10-181163 (JP, A) JP-A-9-70001 (JP, A) JP-A-8-217289 (JP, A) JP-A-7-107424 (JP, A) JP-A-6-8537 (JP, A) JP-A-5-69635 (JP, A) JP-A-4-287113 (JP, A) JP-A-4-112057 (JP, A) JP-A-3-221482 (JP, A) Actual development Sho 61-83374 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷⁾ , DB name) B41J 29/38

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A a plurality of printing portions is removably exchanged freely configured for housing a built-in paper <br/> automatic photo vending machine exchanged the printing unit unit upon paper replenishment, is mounted on the insertion opening Read image information from recording media
Read-out means, operation input means for receiving a print designation from the user, and the printing information from the image information read by the read-out means.
Create a print job for each unit screen according to the print specifications and temporarily record it.
A print job creating means for storing the憶unit, the printing unit comprising a remaining paper identifying means for identifying the remaining amount of sheets of the respective printing unit, the identification whether each printing unit is ready to operate Earn
The print jobs of the unit screens are sequentially read from the working state identification means and the temporary storage means.
And remaining paper can operate on the basis of the conditions identified by looking out the remaining paper identification unit and the operating state identification means <br/>
Most often the a distribution control means for distributing the print job into the print unit, image based on the print information distributed by the distribution control means
Images provided in each of the printing units that generate image data
Image data generating means, and an image data generating means based on the image data generated by the image data generating means.
Printing controls provided in each of the printing units that perform printing
Automatic photo vending machine, characterized in that it comprises a control means, the. 2. A paper sheet which is detachably attached to a housing and exchangeable.
It has a plurality of printing units with built-in
In an automatic photo vending machine that is exchanged in units, read image information from the recording media installed in the insertion slot
Read-out means, operation input means for receiving a print designation from the user, and the printing information from the image information read by the read-out means.
Create a print job for each unit screen according to the print specifications and temporarily record it.
A print job creating means to be stored in the storing means, and a remaining paper amount identifying means for identifying the remaining amount of paper in each printing section.
And a function for identifying whether or not each of the printing units is in an operable state.
The print jobs of the unit screens are sequentially read from the working state identification means and the temporary storage means.
Overhanging sheet remaining amount identifying means and operating state identifying means
And remaining paper can operate on the basis of the conditions identified by
Starting from the printing unit with the smallest number of
The print jobs are divided into different print units in sequence according to the arrangement order.
The distribution control means to be arranged and the image based on the print information distributed by the distribution control means.
Images provided in each of the printing units that generate image data
Image data generating means, and an image data generating means based on the image data generated by the image data generating means.
Printing controls provided in each of the printing units that perform printing
Automatic photo vending machine, characterized in that it comprises a control means, the. 3. A comprising a plurality of printing portions is removably exchanged freely configured for housing a built-in paper <br/> automatic photo vending machine exchanged the printing unit unit upon paper replenishment, is mounted on the insertion opening Read image information from recording media
Read-out means and printing from (66,67) users
Operation input means for accepting designation, and (68) reading out
According to the print designation from the image information read by the printing means.
Create a print job for each unit screen and store it in the temporary storage means.
Identification and print job creation means for paying, the (72) different types of possible loading of paper, the paper type identification means for identifying the type of the loaded the paper and the remaining amount of sheets of the respective printing unit
The printing section having separate sheet remaining amount identifying means , and an operation for identifying whether or not each of the printing sections is in an operable state.
The operation status identification means, the reception means for receiving the designation of the type of paper used for printing, and the temporary storage means for sequentially reading the print jobs of the unit screens.
Extrusion Based on the designation of the paper type accepted by the operation input means and the paper type identified by the paper type identification means, and the operation state identification means and the paper
Based on the state of the printing unit identified by the remaining amount identification means,
A distribution control means selectively dispensing control the print job into the printing unit can, images based on the print information distributed by the distribution control means
Images provided in each of the printing units that generate image data
Image data generating means, and an image data generating means based on the image data generated by the image data generating means.
Printing controls provided in each of the printing units that perform printing
Automatic photo vending machine, characterized in that it comprises a control means, the.