JP3517587B2 - Book vending system - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic book selling system for customizing and selling books in accordance with the demands of individual purchasers.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, books are sold to general buyers by displaying various books wholesaled by a publisher at a vending machine or a bookstore. In addition, recently, order sales have also been performed on the Internet for accepting book orders from purchasers.

On the other hand, the publisher side uses a POS (point-of-sale information management system) or the like to predict the number of books to be sold in the future based on the past sales record for each book, and to meet the prediction result. It is normal to stock only stock items.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional book sales form, the general purchaser side is given the right to select a purchased book from various standard books planned by each publisher side. You can only be That is, since there is no room for individual selection of book configurations such as book composition, binding (cover design, binding, background design and other book designs), paper size, character size, etc. It is not always possible to purchase a book in a form that completely meets your needs.

Further, even when a book desired by the purchaser is published, there are limits to the types and quantities of books that can be handled by the vending machine or the bookstore. You can't always buy the book you want. For example, if a buyer makes a book reservation at a bookstore,
Generally, after the bookstore has completed the book ordering procedure with the publisher, the book generally arrives at the purchaser's hand a few days later.

[0006] Further, since the actual number of sales books does not always change as predicted by the publisher using the POS and the like, it is difficult to completely eliminate the stock shortage on the publisher side and the return from bookstores. Is.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic book selling system for customizing and selling books in accordance with the demands of individual purchasers. In this way, both inconvenience on the purchaser side and inconvenience on the publisher side are solved.

[0008]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention binds books by
An automatic book selling system for selling, for each search category, a first database storing category name data of the search category and title data of works belonging to the search category, and for each work Respectively, the second data base storing the title data of the work and the digitized data of the work, and the classification name data of each of the search classifications are output, and one of the classification name data is classified. First selection receiving means for receiving selection of name data and title data corresponding to the classification name data selected by the first selection receiving means from the first database are output and output from the title data. Second selection receiving means for receiving selection of one or more title data,
The history information of the selection received by the second selection receiving means is recorded.
A history information storage means to be stored and a printing means for taking out the digitized data corresponding to the title data received by the second selection receiving means from the second database, and printing the information represented by the digitized data on a sheet. And a bookbinding unit that binds the sheets printed by the printing unit and ejects the book , the printing unit including the history information.
For a certain number of copyrighted works determined based on
The digitized data corresponding to the title data of the copyrighted work is
The digitized data is retrieved from the second database
Provided is an automatic book selling system, which is characterized in that a predetermined number of copies of the indicated information are printed .

[0009]

[0010]

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, the basic structure of the book automatic vending system according to the present embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the present book automatic selling system includes a bookbinding instruction system 2 for a purchaser to place an order for a book, a book database in which copyright data of a copyrighted work is registered. System 1, printing / bookbinding system 3 for customizing books ordered from purchasers, point-of-sale information management system 4 for collecting and managing book sales, etc.
(Hereinafter, referred to as POS 4) is realized by interconnecting on the network 10. However, here, a more realistic system configuration, that is, as shown in FIG. LAN for connecting the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a and the POS 4 to each other
An example will be described in which the LAN 10a is constructed and the LAN 10a and the book database server 1 managed in the publishing company or the like are interconnected by the Internet 10b. In this system configuration, the information processing device 2b (for example, P
C, WS, etc.), the same processing as the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a (described later)
By installing the driver software for executing, the purchaser can naturally place an order for books on the Internet 10b from home or the like without using the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a of the retail store. In this system, a printer device with a bookbinding function is installed on the status monitoring monitor 5 placed on the accounting counter at a place distant from it so that the clerk can immediately respond to the inconvenience. Three
The state of a (paper jam, necessity of paper supply, failure, presence or absence of book receipt, etc.) is displayed.

Now, when the book database server 1 in the present book display automatic sales system receives a search request from the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a or the information processing device 2b, it searches the database using the search key included in the search request. Then, the search results (copyright data, cover image data, background pattern image data, price information, etc.) are transmitted as bookbinding information to the printer apparatuses 3a and 3b with bookbinding function. On the other hand, when the database administrator requests registration of new computerized data of the copyrighted work, the computerized data is newly registered in the database.

In order to realize such a function, the book database server 1 is, as shown in FIG. 3, a hard disk device 18 in which a database in which computerized data of a literary work and a management table described later are registered is stored. (A magnetic disk device, a semiconductor disk device, etc.), a hard disk controller 18a that performs read / write processing on the hard disk device 18, an OCR scanner 11 that captures image data of a new copyrighted work at a printer resolution, O
Scanner controller 11a for digitally converting the image data captured by the CR scanner 11, input device 12 such as a mouse and keyboard, keyboard / mouse controller 12a for converting input data from the input device 12 into control codes, and output from the scanner controller 11a After converting the pixel data on the CPU 13, the CRT monitor 15 and the CRT monitor 15 and the frame buffer, which executes the database processing such as registration of the registered digital image data and other control processing, the frame buffer and the like, the CRT monitor 15, A graphic (video) controller 15a for transmitting to the CRT monitor 15, a network controller 16 for executing communication control on the Internet 10b, a system bus 17 for mutually connecting these, and the like are provided.

The database stored in the hard disk device 18 has a management table 3 shown below.
0, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 are registered.
However, the information registered in each management table shown below is just an example, so the database administrator may add new information or delete unnecessary information as needed at the site. It is desirable to do.

In the cover data management table 40, as shown in FIG. 4, for each cover design, a unique cover ID number 40a assigned to the cover design,
Cover name information 40b indicating the name of the cover design, address confirmation information 40c (data in the drawing) of cover image data (low resolution) displayed on the monitor in the content confirmation window of the binding instruction terminal 2a and the binding setting window (described later). Address information 40d of cover image data to be printed on a sheet by a printer with a bookbinding function (data omitted in the figure), and access history information 40e recording the access frequency of the cover design are registered. Therefore, by using the cover name or cover ID number as the search key, the address information 40c and 40d related to the cover design and the access history information 40e of the cover design can be retrieved from the cover data management table 40.
Note that the cover image data for displaying the monitor such as the content confirmation window of the bookbinding instructing terminal 12a has a low resolution because the purchaser who is remotely operating on the bookbinding instructing terminal 12a has to wait, that is, the Internet. This is to prevent a delay in data transfer on 10b.

The background pattern data management table 50 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, for each base pattern, the unique base ID number 50a assigned to the base pattern, the base pattern name information 50b representing the name of the base pattern, the contents confirmation window of the bookbinding instruction terminal, and the bookbinding setting. Address information 50c (data omitted in the figure) of background pattern image data (low resolution) displayed on a window (described later) on the monitor, address information 50d of background pattern image data printed on paper by a printer with a bookbinding function (see FIG. The data is omitted), and access history information 50e that records the frequency of access to the underlying pattern is registered. Therefore, if the base pattern name or the base pattern ID number is used as the search key, the base pattern data management table 5
Address information 50c, 5 related to the base pattern from 0
0d or the access history information 50e of the underlying pattern can be taken out.

In the author-specific management table 60, as shown in FIG. 6, for each author, a unique author ID number 60a assigned to the author, author name information 60b representing the name of the author, Registered is the katakana / alphanumeric notation information 60c representing the katakana / alphanumeric notation of the author's name, and the work ID number list 60d of the author's work. Therefore, if the author's name or author ID number is used as the search key, the author ID number of the author's work group written by the author can be retrieved from the author-specific management table.

In the publisher management table 70, as shown in FIG. 7, for each publisher, a unique publisher ID number 70a assigned to the publisher and a publisher representing the name of the publisher are displayed. The company name information 70b, the katakana / alphanumeric notation information 70c representing the katakana / alphanumeric notation of the name of the publisher, and the book ID number list 70d of the publication group of the publisher are registered. Therefore, if the name of the publisher or the publisher ID number is used as the search key, the book ID number of the publication group of the publisher can be retrieved from the publisher name management table.

In the field-specific management table 80, as shown in FIG. 8, a field ID number 80a unique to each field, field name information 80b representing the name of the field, Registered is katakana / alphanumeric information 80c representing katakana / alphanumeric notation of a field name, and a book ID number list 80d of publications belonging to the field.
Therefore, if the book field name or field ID number is used as the search key, a book ID number list of publications belonging to the field can be retrieved from the field management table.

In the publication management table 90, as shown in FIG. 9, for each publication, a unique book ID number 90a assigned to the publication and the name of the publication.
Book name information 90b representing (for example, magazine title, book title, engineering book title, etc.), katakana / alphanumeric information 90c representing katakana / alphanumeric notation of the name of the publication, and VOL number of the publication VOL information 90d, publication year information 90e indicating the publication year of the publication, comment information 90f about the publication (data omitted in the figure), and katakana of keywords for searching the publication.
Keyword information 90g (alphanumeric notation) (data omitted in the figure), address information 90h (data omitted in the figure) of the cover image data displayed on the monitor in the content confirmation window of the bookbinding instruction terminal and the bookbinding setting window (described later) ), Address information 90i (data is omitted in the figure) of cover image data printed on a sheet with a printer having a bookbinding function, and a work ID number 90j of a publication group constituting the publication are registered. Therefore, the publication name and VOL
If a number or the like is used as a search key, a work ID number list of works that make up the publication can be retrieved from the publication management table.

The work data management table 30 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, for each work, a unique work ID number 30a assigned to the work, work name information 30b representing the name of the work, price information 30c of the work, and the work Comment information 30d (data omitted in the figure) such as an outline, keyword information 30e representing katakana / alphanumeric notation of keywords (for example, subtitle, character name, etc.) for searching the copyrighted work, and the copyrighted work Data address information 30f, a color page list 30 showing color page numbers included in the copyrighted work
g, page number information 30h indicating the total number of pages of the work, and access history information 30i recording the access frequency are registered as reference information for setting the price of the work. However, if the work is a series, etc., the title information 30b representing the name of the work is added to the title of the work and a subtitle for identifying the first story of the work. Etc. must be included.

To register new data in these management tables, the database administrator simply takes in the image data of the literary work by the OCR scanner 11, and the data is automatically processed by the arithmetic processing of the CPU 13 as shown in FIG. To be executed. In S430, the OCR scanner 11
When the image data of the literary work taken in from is converted into digital data, in S431, the CPU 13 cuts out the character image and the background image in the image represented by the digital image data, and the character image is converted by the OCR program.
Encode into character information such as character code / character size / coordinate position / typeface. Since this encoding process is for making it possible to print on any paper size without any jaggedness, it is of course not executed if the image represented by the digital image data does not include a character image.
Then, in step S432, the CPU 13 sets the data including the character image and the background image or the data including only the background image not including the character image to the page description language (for example, A
Dobe PostScript Page Description Language and Porta
ble Document Format: PDL). Then, the above process is repeated to convert the image data of all pages (one page for the cover and background) into PDL, and then S4
At 33, the image data is recorded in the hard disk device 18, and new data is registered in the management table corresponding to the current captured image data. However,
In the case of reading the cover design or the background pattern, it is also necessary to record the image data scanned at the monitor resolution in the hard disk device 18 for monitor display on the content confirmation window of the bookbinding instruction terminal 12a.

Further, the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a in the book automatic selling system is a GU that supports the purchaser's ordering procedure.
While providing I, the purchaser transmits the search key set on the GUI to the book database server 1. In order to realize such a function, the bookbinding instructing terminal 2a is configured as shown in FIG.
As shown in, a CPU 20 for controlling the entire terminal, a memory device 21 having a frame buffer, etc. mounted therein, a network controller 22 for controlling communication with the book database server 1, a GUI to be described later, and a flat panel display. A touch panel 23 that receives a touch input, a touch panel controller 23 that converts pixel data on a frame buffer into a color video signal and then transmits the color video signal to the touch panel 23, and digitally converts a position signal from an analog resistance sheet of the touch panel 23.
a, a system bus 97 for interconnecting the CPU 20 and the controllers 22, 23a and the like.

Under the control of the CPU 20, the touch panel 23 has a GU for supporting the purchaser's ordering procedure.
The following window is displayed as I.

At the start of the purchaser's ordering procedure, FIG.
A search classification selection window 120 as shown in is displayed. The search category selection window 120 has five buttons 120 for accepting the selection of the search category from the purchaser.
a, 120b, 120c, 12d, 120e are arranged.

Then, the buttons 120a, 120b, 120c, 12d, 120e in the search classification selection window 120 are displayed.
When any one of the above is touched, a work configuration setting window corresponding to the button is displayed. For example, a “search by book name” button 120 in the search category selection window 120
When a is touched, a work configuration setting window 130 as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. In this work composition setting window 130, a screen return button 135 for returning to the search classification selection window 120 when a search classification needs to be reselected, and a search key (name, year of issue, VOL number) necessary for the search. Input field 132 for sequentially accepting input of characters, character set 131 for katakana / alphanumeric characters and symbols input to input field 132, and input field 1
A blank button 134a for entering a space into 32, a delete button 134 for deleting the character at the cursor position in the input field 132 and for deleting the name selected in the list box
b, a move button 134c for moving the cursor in the input field 132, and an enter button 134 for confirming the input to the input field 132 and confirming the selection in the list box.
d, a list of the names of the works that make up the publication to be searched, and a list box 133 that accepts the selection of one or more names from the list, and comment information when the selection is accepted in the list box 133a. An output field to be displayed, a list box 138 from which the name of the work selected from the list of the list box 133b is taken out, an OK button 137b for confirming the selection of the work taken out to the list box 138, each list box 133, A scroll bar or the like for scrolling the 138 is arranged.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, when the decision button 134d is touched without inputting the VOL number in the input field 132c, the names of one or more corresponding publications are listed in the list box 133. Since it is displayed, the purchaser can select a publication from this list and display the names of the works constituting the publication in the list box 133. A reference button 139 is arranged.

Even when the other buttons 120b, 120c, 120d and 120e in the search classification selection window 120 are touched, the work composition setting window 1 shown in FIG.
A work composition window similar to that of 30 is displayed. However,
Buttons 120b, 120c, 120d other than the "Search by book name" button 120a in the search classification selection window 120,
In the work composition setting window displayed when 120e is touched, a tool unnecessary when searching for a publication by only the author name, publisher name, field name, or keyword, for example, an input that accepts a search key input Of the fields 132, the input fields 132b and 132c for receiving the input of the VOL number and the issuing year are hidden.

When the OK button 137 in the work composition setting window 130 is touched, the bookbinding setting window 150 as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. In the bookbinding setting window 150, a screen return button 151 for returning to the work configuration setting window 130 when it is necessary to reset the work configuration content, a paper size selection button 152 for selecting a paper size, and binding. , A list box 153 for displaying a list of selectable cover design icons 153a and accepting the selection of an arbitrary icon from the icon list, and a list box 153 for selecting an icon from the list box 153. Icons for the cover previewer 155a that roughly displays the cover design corresponding to the icon, the list of selectable background pattern icons 154a, and the selection of any icon from the icon list. Select from the list Pre viewer 158 for schematically displaying an underlying pattern corresponding to icons, OK button 157 to confirm the settings in this window is located.
When the default icons in the list boxes 153 and 154 are touched, the standard cover design and the background pattern planned by the publisher are selected.

In the present embodiment, only the tools for setting the binding are arranged in the bookbinding setting window 150, but a character size selection button for selecting the character size, etc., if necessary. May be placed.

Then, O in the bookbinding setting window 150
When the K button 157 is touched, a content confirmation window 160 as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. In this content confirmation window 160, a screen return button 161 for returning to the bookbinding setting window 130 when it becomes necessary to reset the bookbinding setting content, etc., and a confirmation title for displaying the name of the work constituting the ordered book. A tag 163, a confirmation viewer 164a that displays the cover design of the ordered book, a confirmation viewer 164b that displays the background pattern of the ordered book, an output field 165 that outputs the binding type name of the ordered book,
OK button 16 to finalize all settings
2 are arranged.

Finally, the content confirmation window 1
When the OK button 162 in 60 is touched, a book ordering window 170 as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. In the book order window 170, the content confirmation window 16 is displayed when it is necessary to change the previously set content.
A screen return button 171 for returning to 0, a display field 172a for displaying the price of a book, an input field 172b for receiving an input of a personal identification number (characters allowed) for receiving a book, a katakana to the input field A character set 174 for inputting alphanumeric characters and symbols, a blank button 176a for inputting a space in the input field, and a delete button 176 for deleting a character at the cursor position in the input field.
b, a move button 176c for moving the cursor in the input field, a decision button 176d for confirming the input to the input field, and a display field 172 for displaying the receipt number.
b, a display field 172c for displaying an estimated time until the end of bookbinding, and an OK button 173 for instructing book order with the setting contents so far.

Then, the printer devices 3a and 3b with the bookbinding function in the book automatic selling system print and bind the ordered book and execute a process for smoothly proceeding with the receipt of the book. In order to realize such a function, in the present embodiment, two types of printer devices with a bookbinding function that are different in the book receiving method, that is, a printer with a bookbinding function dedicated to books ordered from the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a in the store A printer 3b with a bookbinding function exclusively for books ordered from the apparatus 3a and the information processing apparatus 2b such as the purchaser's house
And are installed in the store.

The book ordered from the bookbinding instructing terminal 2a in the store usually appears by the purchaser immediately after the bookbinding is finished. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19, on the exterior of the printer device 3a with a bookbinding function exclusively for books ordered from the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a in the store, an LCD 193 for displaying the progress of the bookbinding and a purchaser calling sound after the bookbinding is completed. , A plurality of lock bookstores 192 for storing books whose books have not been paid for, and a reception number of the books stored on each lockable book store 192.
A CD 191 and a touch panel 194 for accepting an input of a personal identification number for unlocking the locked book storage 192 and displaying a book price, an interface of a billing mechanism (payment insertion slot 1 for payment of an order fee.
95, coin insertion slot 196, insertion amount display LCD 19
7, a return lever 198, a change outlet 199, etc.) are provided. On the touch panel 194, a personal identification number matching window 180 as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed. In this secret code number collating window 180, an output field 181 for displaying a receipt number of a book being stored corresponding to each lockable book storage 192 and accepting selection of one of the receipt numbers, a secret code ( Input field 182 for inputting (including characters and symbols), character set 184 for inputting katakana / alphanumeric characters and symbols to input field 182, blank button 18 for inputting space to input field 182
6a, a delete button 186b for deleting the character at the cursor position in the input field 182, a move button 186c for moving the cursor in the input field 182, a confirmation for confirming the input to the input field 182 and a confirmation for the selection in the output field 181. Button 186d, output field 181
A display field 183 for displaying the price of the book corresponding to the reception number selected in is arranged. Further, the lock mechanism of each lockable book storage 192 is disclosed in JP-A-6-3.
It has a configuration similar to that of Japanese Patent No. 29328. That is, as shown in FIG. 23, by rotating the hook 241b attached to the rotating shaft 243 in the storage by the electromagnetic escapement latch 240, the hook 241a attached to the back side of the opening / closing door 192 is engaged. It is possible to combine them. Further, a book insertion slot for inserting a book A conveyed by a belt mechanism of a conveyance tray 400 of a book conveyance unit 256, which will be described later, is opened on a wall surface on the back side of each lock-equipped book storage 192. . Further, in order to prevent the book A being stored from bending due to its own weight, inside each lock-equipped book storage 192, a book support plate 2 for supporting the book 244 slid from the book insertion slot on one side as a whole is provided.
44 is provided.

In the present embodiment, the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a is provided separately from the patch panel 194 of the printer device 3a with bookbinding function in order to take out the book with the person who is going to perform the ordering procedure. This is to prevent people from sharing with each other.

On the other hand, a book ordered from the information processing device 2b such as the home of the purchaser usually appears to the purchaser after a while after the bookbinding. Therefore, if an order from the information processing device 2b such as the purchaser's house is handled by the printer device 3a with the bookbinding function in FIG.
2 may be occupied. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20, on the exterior of the printer device 3b with a bookbinding function exclusively for books ordered from the information processing device 2b at the purchaser's house, as shown in FIG. A speaker 202 that outputs a sound, a book outlet 200 through which a clerk can freely take out a book, and an LCD that displays a receipt number of a book ejected to the book outlet 200
204, a man-machine interface such as a touch panel 203 dedicated to maintenance processing is provided.

If this printer device 3b with a bookbinding function is installed in a store, books ordered from the information processing device 2b such as the purchaser's house can be stored in another appropriate place. .. However, in order to handle such a book, the clerk needs to use the bar code reader and the register of the POS 4 to settle the payment and verify the purchaser. A bar code in which numbers and the like are coded, a reception number, and reception date and time are printed (see FIG. 21). The bar code also encodes a work ID number or the like transmitted from the POS 4 to the book database server 1 at the time of payment for updating the access history information such as the cover data management table described above.

By the way, these two types of printer devices with a bookbinding function 3a, 3b are common in that the book is customized according to the specification required by the purchaser and the book is ejected. Therefore, the internal structure is common. There are many elements.
The functions of the printer device with a bookbinding function 3b in FIG.
Since it is included in the function of the printer device 3a with the bookbinding function of 9, the internal configuration thereof is realized by adding a design change for reducing the function to the internal configuration of the printer device 3a with the bookbinding function of FIG. Therefore, the internal configuration of the apparatus for realizing the functions will be described by taking the printer apparatus 3a with the bookbinding function of FIG. 19 as an example.

Inside the printer device 3a with a bookbinding function, a printer engine for customizing a book as requested by the purchaser and carrying it to the book storage 192, and a control system for controlling this device are built-in. .

As shown in FIG. 24, the configuration of the printer engine is such that a paper feeding unit 253 for accumulating various sizes of paper, a high resolution color printing section 252, and a cover sheet prepared in advance by the color printing section 252. Storage unit 251 for storing the background, high-speed monochrome printing unit 2
50, a finishing unit 255 that binds a bundle of sheets after printing, a sheet conveying unit 254 that conveys sheets between them, and a finishing unit 2
Books finished by 55 can be roughly classified into a book transport unit 256 that carries the books into the lock-equipped book storage. Details of the configuration of each of these units are as follows.

As shown in FIG. 25, the paper feed unit 253 has a plurality of paper feed trays 26 for storing papers to be supplied to the color printing section 252 in the subsequent stage for each size.
0, a drive roller 261 that carries out a sheet from each sheet feed tray 260. Inside each paper feed tray 260, a paper end face positioning member 260a for positioning the end face of the paper, and a paper support plate 26 having a link mechanism for pressing the paper against the drive roller 261 during picking.
0b is attached.

In the color printing section 252, as shown in FIG. 25, a four-color image is printed by rotating the intermediate transfer drum four times.
A pass color printing type laser printer is used. In the four-pass color printing method referred to here, in the configuration shown in FIG. 25, the photoconductor belt 267 is fed by the rotation of the intermediate transfer drum 268, and the photoconductor belt 267 is sent for each color.
A toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer drum 268 by sequentially forming a toner image on the intermediate transfer drum 268, and the four-color toner image visualized on the intermediate transfer drum 268 is transferred onto a sheet by the secondary transfer roller 261a. It is a method to do. Therefore, the color printing unit 252 mainly includes the intermediate transfer drum 268, the photoconductor belt 267, the corona charger 264 that charges the photoconductor belt 267, the exposure device 265 that exposes the photoconductor belt 267 as an image, and the photoconductor. Belt 26
7, the developing device 266 for each color (K: black, C: cyan, M: magenta, Y: yellow) to which toner is attached, the primary transfer roller 261b, the paper sent from the paper feed tray unit, and the intermediate transfer drum 268. A secondary transfer roller 261a that applies a bias voltage between the two, a fixing device 269 that fuses and fixes the toner image on the sheet, and a cleaning roller 263 that removes the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer drum 268 without being transferred to the sheet. A cleaning blade 262 for removing the toner remaining on the photosensitive belt 267 without being transferred to the intermediate transfer drum 268 is provided.

In this embodiment, such a laser printer is used as the color printing section 252.
Instead of the laser printer, other types of printers such as a silver flame photographic type, a sublimation type, and an inkjet type may be adopted.

As shown in FIG. 26, the depositing unit 251 includes a plurality of depositing trays 270 for storing a cover sheet and a base formed by the upstream color printing unit 252 for each size, and each depositing unit 270. A drive roller 271 for replenishing the cover 270 and the like to the tray 270 and sending out the cover 602 from each of the stocking trays 270, and a variable gate 272 for picking the cover etc. sent by the sheet conveying unit 254 described later are provided. . Inside each stocking tray 270, there are provided a paper end face positioning member 270a for positioning the end face of a cover sheet and the like, and a paper support plate 270b having a link mechanism for pressing the cover sheet against the drive roller 261 during picking. It is installed.

As shown in FIG. 26, the monochrome printing unit 250 has a corona charger 274, an exposure unit 275, a K (black) developing unit 276, a photosensitive drum 273, a transfer roller 279, and a fixing unit as main components. 277, cleaning roller 2
It is equipped with 78 etc. Then, by rotating the photosensitive drum 273, a general Carlson process is performed.
The black toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 273 according to (charging → exposure → K development → transfer → fixing) is transferred by the transfer roller 279 to the paper sent by the transfer belt 304 of the paper transfer unit described later. And fix it with the fixing device 256 kept in a cold state. The transfer roller 279 is disposed on the back surface side of the conveyor belt 303, and the conveyor belt 3 is provided.
It is possible to move back and forth with respect to the back surface of 03.

The finishing unit 255, as shown in FIG.
Two types of finishing units 255a, 255b that reciprocate along the book trays of the book transport unit 256 described later.
Is equipped with. These finishing units 255a, 25
As shown in FIG. 27, 5b is a nip roller 280 that carries in a sheet sent by a sheet transport unit 254, which will be described later, while nipping it with a driven roller, a sheet that is sequentially carried in by a nip roller 280, or A stacking tray 281 for stacking a stack of temporary binding sheets A returned from a stacking tray 400 of a book transport unit 256 described later,
A rotary shaft 283 to which a pressing member 283a (see FIG. 28) for pressing both side corners of a cover placed on the stacking tray 281 is attached, and a rear positioning member 284a for aligning the end surface (back) of the sheet bundle on the stacking tray 281. And a flexible belt 284b, a lateral positioning pressure plate (not shown) for aligning the top and bottom of the stack of sheets on the stacking tray 281, a laminating device 282 for binding the stack of sheets on the stacking tray 281, and a book conveying unit 256 for storing books. A drive roller 2 for carrying and re-carrying in the temporary binding sheet bundle A returned from the book carrying section 256.
85, a swingable arm 286 that holds the rotation shaft of a driven roller that nips the book or temporary binding sheet bundle A between the drive roller 285, and an eccentric cam 287 that swings the arm 286. However, one finishing unit 2
The laminating device 282 of 55a is for binding the ends of the sheet bundle A on the stacking tray 281 with staples at once, and the laminating device of the finishing unit 255b on the other side is for the edges of newly loaded sheets. The adhesive is applied in strips or dots at any time, and finally the adhesive portions are collectively pressed.

As shown in FIG. 25, the paper transport unit 254 includes a transport guide 301a that forms a transport route from the paper feed unit 253 to the color printing unit 252, and a monochrome printing from the fixing device 269 of the color printing unit 252. A belt conveyance mechanism 260 that conveys a sheet to the fixing device 277 of the unit 251 by the conveyance belt 301, and the fixing device 27 of the monochrome printing unit 251.
A separation blade 308 for separating the sheet from the conveyor belt 301 in front of the entrance of 7, and a conveyance guide 301 that forms a conveyance route from the monochrome printing unit 251 to the finishing unit 255.
b, a plurality of paper transport rollers 300 provided along the respective transport guides 301a and 301b, and a variable gate 2 for switching the transport direction of the paper fed by the transport guide 301b.
63 (see FIG. 27). Further, in order to prevent contact between the photoconductor drum 273 where the toner remains and the paper that is not monochrome printed, the stain prevention belt is controlled to press the transport belt 301 when the transfer roller 292 of the monochrome printing unit 252 is retracted. A pressing device 307 is also provided. Then, the transport belt 304 of the belt transport mechanism 303
Is formed of a flexible dielectric material, is charged by ion irradiation of a corona discharger 306a arranged near the exit of the fixing device 269 of the color printing unit 252, and adsorbs a sheet on the upper surface thereof. Fixer 2 of monochrome printing unit 251
The corona discharger 306b arranged near the entrance of 77 removes electricity by ion irradiation, and the paper is released from the upper surface (see FIG. 26).

As shown in FIG. 25, the book transport unit 256 is provided with a plurality of transport trays 400 that move along the line of the book insertion slot of the lock-equipped book storage 192.
Other than one of the transport trays 400, a stack of temporary binding sheets of a work or a book that has been printed in advance when there is no order for a book (hereinafter, referred to as system suspension) is stored as stock. Used as a storage tray for storing. Therefore, one of these transport trays 400
As shown in FIG. 27, the table has a lockable book storage 1
A belt mechanism for transporting the book A toward the book insertion slot 92 is provided, and a belt mechanism for returning the paper bundle of the copyrighted work to the finishing section 255 is provided inside the storage tray. Has been.

In the present embodiment, the printing unit has a hybrid structure in which the high-speed monochrome printing unit 250 and the low-speed high-resolution color printing unit 252 are combined. By speeding up the printing process for monochrome pages (for example, pages with only black characters) and suppressing the printing process for infrequently colored pages to a low speed, it is possible to shorten the time to complete a book without increasing the overall size of the device. This is because Therefore, if both high-speed monochrome printing and high-resolution color printing can be realized with a compact configuration, the printing unit does not necessarily have to have a hybrid structure. For example, the diameter of a photosensitive drum for a monochrome developing device of a four-conductor photosensitive drum type color laser printer may be made larger than that of other photosensitive drums.

The operation of this printer engine has the following six modes.

(1) Normal color printing mode for color printing of covers, color pages, etc. Paper feed tray 26 corresponding to the paper size specified by the purchaser
Sheets are sequentially sent from 0 to the color printing unit 252.
Then, the color printing unit 252 prints an image image such as a color page on these sheets.

After that, the fixing device 26 of the color printing section 252.
The sheet sent from the sheet 9 is attracted to the transport belt 301 by the ion irradiation from the corona discharger 306a, and the transport belt 301 is sent toward the monochrome printing unit 250. However, at this time, in order not to stain the paper being conveyed by the photoconductor drum 273 where the toner remains,
The transfer roller 209 is retracted, and the roller of the stain prevention belt pressing device 307 is pressed against the conveyor belt 301, whereby the photosensitive drum 273 and the conveyor belt 301
And are separated. Then, the monochrome printing unit 252
Before the fixing device 277, the conveying belt 301 is discharged by the ion irradiation of the corona discharger 306b, the sheet on the conveying belt 301 is peeled from the conveying belt 301 by the peeling blade 308, and the monochrome printing unit 252 is fixed. Is supplied to the container 277.

After that, the fixing device 2 of the monochrome printing section 250
The paper sent from 77 passes on the conveyance guide 301b,
It moves toward the finishing unit 255. And finishing section 2
The variable gate 303 of 55 is operated, and the paper is carried into the finishing unit corresponding to the binding type specified by the purchaser.

The operation mode of the printer engine thereafter shifts to the finishing mode (4) described later.

(2) Normal monochrome printing mode for monochrome printing of monochrome pages, etc. Paper feed tray 26 corresponding to the paper size specified by the purchaser
Paper is sequentially sent from 0 to the color printing unit 252. However, in the case of monochrome printing on a plain paper, the color printing unit 250 at the relay point is not operated at this time, and the monochrome printing is performed on the color-printed base, in this case (1) Similarly, the color printing unit 252 is operated.

After that, the transfer roller 209 of the monochrome printing section 250 is moved forward, and the stain preventing belt pressing device 3 is further moved.
After the roller 07 is retracted, the paper sent from the fixing device 269 of the color printing unit 252 is sent toward the monochrome printing unit 250 in the same manner as in (1). Then, in the color printing unit 250, an image image such as a monochrome page is printed on these sheets.

After that, the fixing device 2 of the monochrome printing unit 250
The paper sent from 77 is as in (1).
The paper is carried into the finishing unit corresponding to the binding type specified by the purchaser.

Incidentally, the operation mode of the printer engine thereafter shifts to the finishing mode (4) described later.

(3) Cover-printing and base-printing printing mode The cover and the like created by color printing in the color printing section 252 are conveyed by the conveying belt 301 of the sheet conveying section 254. When the cover or the like passes through the variable gate 272 of the stacking tray unit 251, the variable gate 2
72 is pressed against the conveyor belt 301, and the conveyor belt 3
01 starts going backwards. However, at this time, the conveyor belt 3
The transfer roller 209 of the monochrome printing unit 250 is advanced and the roller of the stain prevention belt pressing unit 307 is retracted so that the variable gate 272 can be easily pressed against 01.

Then, the drive roller 271 of the storage-use tray dedicated to the cover or the base is driven to draw the cover into the tray.

When the cover stocked in the storage tray is used, the cover picked from the storage tray is the same as in the case of (1), and the monochrome printing section 25 is used.
After 0, it is conveyed to the finishing unit 252. However, at this time, the transfer roller 209 is retracted and the roller of the stain prevention belt pressing unit 307 is pressed against the conveyance belt 301 so that the sheet being conveyed is not contaminated by the photosensitive drum 273 where the toner remains. As a result, the photosensitive drum 273 and the conveyor belt 301 are separated.

On the other hand, when the substrate stocked in the storage tray is used, it is necessary to print a monochrome image on it. Therefore, as in the case of (2), the cover sheet picked from the storage tray is used. Is monochrome printed and then conveyed to the finishing unit 252.

(4) Book Finishing Mode The sheets fed into the finishing unit corresponding to the binding type specified by the purchaser by the operation of the variable gate 303 are nipped by the nip rollers 280 and stacked on the stacking tray 281. The flexible belt 284b is
It rotates while contacting the upper surface of the sheets on the stacking tray 281, and pulls in the cover sheet until it abuts the rear positioning member 284a. At this time, the arm 286 is retracted so that the driven roller does not come into contact with the paper.

Then, the spine of the stack of sheets on the stacking tray 281 is book-stitched by the laminating device 282, and the book is finished. After that, the arm 286 descends and the sheet bundle is sandwiched between the driven roller and the driving roller 285. Then, the finishing unit moves to the side of the transport tray 400 which is determined depending on whether the finished book is for stock and is for storage. Then, the books on the stacking tray 281 are transported to the transport tray 400 by the rotation of the drive roller 285.

The work for stock is also temporarily bound by the same processing as described above, and then stored in the carrier tray 400 used as a storage tray dedicated to the work.

(5) The cover sheet sent to the finishing unit corresponding to the binding type designated by the purchaser by the operation of the finishing mode variable gate 303 of the temporarily bound works stored in the transport tray is nip roller 280. It is nipped and placed on the stacking tray 281. Then, the two corners of the cover on the stacking tray 281 are fixed by the pressing member 283 in order to prevent the subsequent bending due to the stacking of the copyrighted works.

After that, the finishing unit moves to the side of the transport tray 400 in which the purchaser-specified works are stocked, and the work is returned from the transport tray 400 to the finishing unit. Then, the arm 286 descends,
The work is sandwiched between the driven roller and the driving roller 285. Then, by rotating the drive roller 285, the copyrighted works are stacked on the stacking tray 281. And
The arm 286 retracts.

Thereafter, the flexible belt 284b rotates while contacting the upper surface of the work on the stacking tray 281.
The work is drawn in until it hits the rear positioning member 284a.

By repeating such processing, when all the works designated by the purchaser are stacked on the stacking tray 281, the pressing member 283 is pulled out from between the cover and the work. Then, the laminating device 282
Then, the copyrighted work on the stacking tray 281 and the spine of the cover are book-bound and finished as a book. After that, as in the case of (4), the finishing unit moves to the side of the predetermined transport tray 400, and the book is transported onto the transport tray 400.

Incidentally, the operation mode of the printer engine thereafter shifts to (6) book transport mode described below.

(6) Book Transport Mode to Locked Book Storage Cabinet The transport tray 400 containing the books finished by the finishing unit 255 is the currently unused lockable book storage cabinet 192.
Move next to the book insertion slot. Then, the electromagnetic escape type latch 240 is driven so that the opening / closing door of the lockable book storage port 192 is locked.

After that, the conveyor belt is fed toward the book insertion slot by the rotation of the driving roller. Then, when a book is loaded from the book insertion port, the transport belt stops.

On the other hand, the control system is, as shown in FIG. 29, a system controller 290 and a printer controller 29.
1 and the engine controller 292.
The system controller 290 transmits a search request by the search key received from the bookbinding support terminal 2a to the book database server 1, controls the printer controller 291 based on the information obtained as a result, and a man-machine provided on the exterior of the device. Control the interface. The printer controller 291 is the system controller 29.
The control signals, cover data, etc. transmitted from 0 are converted into a form that can be processed by the engine controller 292. The engine controller 292 controls the operation mode of the printer engine based on the control signal and the video signal transmitted from the printer controller 291.

A so-called personal computer motherboard as shown below can be used for these controllers.

On the motherboard of the system controller 290, as shown in FIG. 30, a network for controlling communication with the memory device 231, which has a frame buffer, audio memory, etc., the book database server 1 and the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a. The controller 232 converts the pixel data on the frame buffer into a color video signal and then transmits the color video signal to the touch panel 194 and the touch panel 19
4, a touch panel controller 239a that digitally converts the position signal from the analog resistance sheet, and a selector 239 that switches the connection destination of the touch panel controller 239a to the printer controller 291 during maintenance.
b, a charging mechanism controller 238 for controlling the charging mechanism,
Electromagnetic escape latch 24 for each lockable book store 192
Book take-out section controller 237 for controlling 0, LCD
An indicator controller 236 for performing display control of 191, 193, a sound controller 234 for converting audio digital data on an audio memory into a speaker sound, a CPU 230 for executing control processing of the entire board, and a system bus interconnecting each of these. 235 is mounted.

On the motherboard of the engine controller 292, as shown in FIG. 32, a CPU 320 for executing control processing of the entire board based on a control signal from the printer controller, a memory device 321, and a color video signal received from the printer controller 291 are stored. Color printing unit controller 3 for controlling color printing unit 252 based on
25, a monochrome printing unit controller 326 that controls the monochrome printing unit 250 based on the monochrome video signal received from the printer controller 291, the paper feeding unit 2
A paper feeding unit controller 322 for controlling 53, a stocking unit controller 324 for controlling the stocking unit 251, a paper transporting unit controller 327 for controlling the paper transporting unit 254, a finishing unit controller 323 for controlling the finishing unit 255, and a book transporting unit. A book transport unit controller 328 that controls 256 and a system bus 329 that connects them are mounted.

On the motherboard of the printer controller 291, as shown in FIG. 31, a memory device 311 having a frame memory and the like mounted therein, and a system controller 290.
CPU 310 that executes image processing such as dot expansion of the cover data received from the frame memory on the frame memory and control processing of the entire board, and after converting the pixel data on the frame memory into a color video signal or a monochrome video signal An engine interface 31 that sends to the engine controller 292 and gives a control signal from the system controller 290 to the engine controller 292.
3. A system bus 312 that connects these components to each other is mounted. However, the memory device 311 of this board
In order to decide popular covers etc. to prepare in advance,
Management tables 330, 340, 350, 360 shown below,
Further, 370, 380, 390, 400, 410, 420 are stored.

Storage tray management table 33 for base pattern
As shown in FIG. 33, 0 indicates a unique tray ID number 331 assigned to each storage stacking tray 251 dedicated to the base, and sheet size information 332 indicating the size of the sheet in that tray. , The background pattern ID number 333 of the background pattern in the tray is registered. When the storage tray 251 is empty, a NULL code is registered in the paper size information column 332 and the base ID number column 333 corresponding to the tray ID number of the tray.

Cover storage tray management table 340
34, as shown in FIG. 34, for each of the storage stacking trays 251 dedicated to the cover, a unique tray ID number 341 assigned to the tray, sheet size information 342 indicating the size of the sheet in the tray, The cover ID number 343 of the cover design in the tray is registered. If the storage tray 251 is empty, a NULL code is registered in each of the paper size information column 342 and the base ID number column 343 corresponding to the tray ID number of that tray.

Storage tray management table 350 for works
As shown in FIG. 35, a unique tray ID number 35 assigned to each of the transport trays 440 used as a storage tray for the author is assigned to the tray.
1, the sheet size information 352 indicating the size of the sheet in the tray, and the work ID number 353 of the work in the tray are registered. When the transport tray 440 is empty, the paper size information column 352 and the base ID number column 353 corresponding to the tray ID number of the tray are respectively set.
A NULL code is registered.

Book storage tray management table 360
36, for each transport tray 440 used as a book stacking tray, a unique tray ID number 361 assigned to that tray,
Paper size information 36 indicating the size of the paper in the tray
2. The book ID number 363 of the book in the tray is registered. If the storage tray 440 is empty,
In the paper size information column 362 and the base ID number column 363 corresponding to the tray ID number of that tray, respectively,
The LL code is registered.

The book storage management table 370 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, for each lockable book storage 192,
Each unique vault I assigned to that vault
The D number 371 and the reception number 372 of the book stored in the storage are registered. In addition, a lockable book storage 1
When 92 is empty, the NULL code is registered in the reception number column 372 corresponding to the storage ID number of the storage.

In the background cache management table 380, as shown in FIG. 38, for each combination of a background pattern and its paper, paper size information 381 indicating the paper size, and a background pattern ID number of the background pattern are shown. 382, address information 383 of a page memory area (hereinafter referred to as a background pattern page memory area) that stores the page image of the background pattern, and access history information 384 that records the access frequency for the combination within a predetermined period. There is.

In the cover cover cache management table 390, as shown in FIG. 39, for each combination of cover design and its paper, paper size information 391 showing the paper size, cover ID number 392 of the cover design,
Address information 393 of a page memory area (hereinafter referred to as a cover page memory area) that stores a page image of the cover design, and access history information 394 that records the access frequency within a predetermined period for the combination are registered.

In the work cache management table 410, as shown in FIG. 40, paper size information 4 indicating the paper size of each combination of the literary work and its paper.
11, the copyright ID number 412 of the work, the address information 413 of the page memory area (hereinafter referred to as the color page memory area) in which the page image group of the color page of the work is stored, the monochrome page of the work Address information 414 of a page memory area (hereinafter, referred to as a monochrome page memory area) in which the page image group is stored, and access history information 415 that records the access frequency for a combination thereof within a predetermined period are registered.

In the book cache management table 420, as shown in FIG. 41, the paper size information 4 representing the paper size of each combination of the book and its paper is shown.
21, the book ID number 422 of the book, the list 423 of the work ID numbers of the works published in the book, and the access history information 424 in which the access frequency of the combination within a predetermined period is recorded are registered.

Next, considering the operation method of the purchaser,
The processing executed in the book vending system will be described. By such processing, each purchaser is bound according to his / her own preference, and
You can immediately get a book in which you edit only the works you want.

First, the processing from the purchaser's book ordering procedure to the book price payment will be described with reference to FIGS. 43 and 44. However, here, it is assumed that the system has already started up and the search classification selection window 120 is displayed on the touch panel 23 of the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a.

As shown in FIG. 43, the purchaser selects the buttons 12a, 12b, 12c, on the search classification selection window 120.
If you touch and select one of 12d and 12e,
On the touch panel 23 of the bookbinding instruction terminal 12a, the work composition setting window 130 defined by the button is newly displayed (S440).

When the purchaser touches the enter button 134d after entering the necessary search key in the input field 132 of the work configuration setting window 130, the bookbinding instructing terminal 2a causes the bookbinding instructing terminal 2a to display the book information (the cover page for monitor display). (Data, copyright information, comment information, price information, number of pages)
A search request for the book database server 1
(S441).

After that, the book database server 1 searches the database and retrieves information based on the search key included in the search request received from the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a (cover data for monitor display, copyright information, comments). (Information, price information, number of pages) is taken out and transmitted as book information to the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a (S442).
For example, when the purchaser touches and selects the "Search by book name" button 12a on the search classification selection window 120 and inputs the book name, the year of publication, and the VOL number in each of the input fields 132 of the work composition setting window 130. In the book database server 1, the list 9 of copyright ID numbers that match all of the book name, the publication year, and the VOL number is displayed.
0j is taken out from the publication management table 90, and the work name information and the like matching the work ID number contained in the list 90j are taken out from the work data management table 30.

After that, the bookbinding instructing terminal 2a displays a list of the copyrights included in the book information received from the book database server 1 in the list box 133 of the work composition setting window 130 (S443). The purchaser touches and selects the desired copyright name from the list, and the decision button 134
Each time the user touches d, the bookbinding instructing terminal 2a additionally displays the work name in the list in the list box 138, and stacks the work ID number corresponding to the work name in the work number stacker of the memory device 21. (S44
4). When a work title is touch-selected in the list box 133, the work name is highlighted each time, and comment information about the work name is displayed in the output field 13.
6 is output.

Through the above processing, when the purchaser completes the selection of the work to be published in the book and touches the OK button 137 of the work composition setting window 130, the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a is stacked on the work number stacker. The total number of pages of the copyrighted work, and the total number is the default value
If the number of sheets exceeds the binding limit number in the finishing section, a warning is output to the output field 136 or the like of the work configuration setting window 130 to instruct the reduction of the number of selected works.
(S445). On the other hand, if the total number is less than or equal to the default value, the prices of the works stacked in the work number stacker are totaled, and the total amount is stored in the memory device 21 as the book price and is currently prepared. Cover design and base pattern sample information (for each, name, I
A search request for the D number and the image data for monitor display) is transmitted to the database server 1 (S446). However, when the ordering procedure for the first purchaser is completed and the sample information is already stored in the memory device 21 of the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a,
At this time, it is not necessary to make another search request. Therefore, only in the case of the ordering procedure of the first purchaser, the book database server 1 uses the cover data management table 40 and the base pattern management table 50 for all the cover designs and the base patterns to display the name, ID number, and monitor display. The image data for use is taken out and transmitted as sample information to the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a (S447).

After that, the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a displays the bookbinding setting window 150 on the touch panel 23 and displays the icons 153a and 154b created based on the sample information stored in the memory device 21 in the list box 1.
53 and 154 are arranged (S448). When the purchaser touch-selects the desired paper size button 152, the desired cover design icon 153a, the desired background pattern icon 154a, and the desired binding finish button 156, and touches the OK button 157. (S449),
The bookbinding instruction terminal 2a displays a content confirmation window 160 on the touch panel 23, and sets the monitor display image data of the sample information stored in the memory device 21 on the confirmation previewers 164a and 164b. Display processing is performed (S450). Then, when the purchaser touches the OK button 162 of the content confirmation window 160 (S451), the bookbinding instructing terminal 2a operates the touch panel 23.
The book order window 170 is displayed on the top and the total amount stored in the memory device 21 in advance is output to the output field 172a (S452). Finally, when the purchaser touches the OK button 173 of the book order window 170 (S453), the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a causes the bookbinding information (list of copyright ID numbers, cover I
A printer device 3 with a bookbinding function including a bookbinding request together with a D number, a background pattern ID number, a paper size, a binding type, and a book price.
It is transmitted to a (S454).

After that, the system controller 290 of the printer device 3a with the bookbinding function transmits to the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a the reception number assigned to the job corresponding to the bookbinding request received from the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a, and print information
A search request for (authorized data group, color page list, cover image data for printing, background pattern image data for printing) is transmitted to the book database server 1 (S455).

After that, the book database server 1 searches the database, and the search key (work I
The information (work data group, color page list, cover image data for printing, background pattern image data for printing) extracted based on the D number list, cover page ID number, background pattern ID number) is taken out, and these are printed information. Is sent to the printer device 3a with a bookbinding function (S456). Specifically, from the cover data management table 40 and the background pattern data management table 50, the cover image data for printing and the background pattern image for printing that match the cover ID number and the background pattern ID number included in the search request At the same time as the data is taken out, the work data matching the work ID number included in the search request is taken out from the work data management table 30.

After that, the system controller 290 of the printer device 3a with the bookbinding function executes the printing / bookbinding process described later based on the print information, the bookbinding information and the like, and also displays the average processing time of the commands included in the print information. The estimated job end time, which is predicted based on the processing status of other jobs currently being processed, is transmitted to the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a (S45).
7). Then, the system controller 290 sends a completion report given from the printer controller 291 at a predetermined timing (for example, at the completion of the unfolding process, at the completion of the sheet transportation to the finishing unit, at the completion of the transportation of the book to the book storage, etc.). Based on this, the progress status from the start of printing to the completion of bookbinding is displayed stepwise on the LCD 193.

After that, the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a displays the output fields 172b and 172c of the book order window 170.
The receipt number and the expected end time are displayed on the screen, and the input of the personal identification number in the input field 175 is requested (S4).
58). In response, the purchaser enters the input field 17
When the personal identification number is input to 5 and the OK button 173 is touched (S459), the bookbinding instructing terminal 2a transmits the personal identification number to the printer device 3a with the bookbinding function, and
The search classification selection window 120 is displayed again on the touch panel 23 (S460). The system controller 290 of the printer device 3a with the bookbinding function stores the personal identification number in the memory device 231 in association with the receipt number and the book price.

Then, as shown in FIG. 44, the system controller 290 of the printer device 3a with the bookbinding function is
When the bookbinding completion report that specifies the receipt number of the book and the ID number of the lockable book storage where the book is stored is received from the printer controller 291, the book storage management table 370 is updated and a ringing sound is output from the speaker 190. It is output (S461). Furthermore, the touch panel 19
4 displays a password matching window 180, and a lockable book storage 19 in which new books have been ejected.
The receipt number of the book is displayed in the output field 181 associated with No. 2 (S462). Then, the purchaser touch-selects his / her receipt number from the output field 181 (S463), and then the system controller 290
Requests input of a personal identification number in the input field 182 (S464). Accordingly, the purchaser inputs his / her own personal identification number in the input field 182, and the decision button 186 is entered.
If you touch d (S465), the system controller 2
90 retrieves the book price corresponding to the receipt number and the personal identification number input from the purchaser from the memory device 231, displays the book price on the LCD 197 (S466), and accepts the payment from the bill insertion slot 195 or the like ( S467).
Furthermore, referring to the book storage management table 370, the electromagnetic escape type latch 240 of the lock-equipped book storage 192 that is associated with the receipt number input by the purchaser is driven to release the lock. The receipt number is displayed blinking on the LCD 191 of the lockable book storage 192.
(S468). As a result, the purchaser can take out the book ordered by himself / herself from the lock-equipped book storage 196 (S469).

Next, the printing / bookbinding process executed in S457 of FIG. 43 will be described.

The system controller 290 of the printer device 3a with the bookbinding function gives the book information transmitted from the book database server 1 and the bookbinding information transmitted from the bookbinding instruction terminal 2a to the printer controller 291 together with the print / bookbinding process start request. .

After that, the printer controller 291
By referring to the book storage management table 370, the storage ID number of the lock-based book storage that is currently unused is retrieved, and each savings tray management table is referenced to correspond to the ID number included in the book information. Take out the tray ID number. Then, a control signal for executing the bookbinding process using the bookbinding material stocked in each tray corresponding to the tray ID number is given to the engine controller 292. As a result, the bookbinding materials (cover, base material, and copyrighted material) stocked in each of the stocking tray 251 and the transport tray 400 are sequentially carried into the finishing unit 255, and the finishing unit corresponding to the binding type included in the bookbinding information. The book is bound in. Then, the transport tray 40 of the book transport unit
0 moves so as to be adjacent to the insertion opening of the currently unspecified lock-equipped book storage 192, and the finished book is inserted therein. After that, the printer controller 291
Storage Book The storage number of the book is registered in the relevant data column of the book storage management table 370.

On the other hand, when the ID number included in the book information is not registered in any of the storage tray management tables, the printer controller 291 executes the following processing. Each cache management table 38
The access history information associated with the paper size and each ID number included in the bookbinding information is updated with reference to each of 0, 390, 410, and 420 (the access frequency is incremented by 1). Further, the bitmap data stored in the memory area specified by the address information associated with each ID number is transmitted to the engine controller 292, respectively. However, at this time, if the corresponding combination of paper size and ID number is not registered in any of the cache management tables, the printer controller 291 sets the image data included in the book information to bitmap data. Expand to. For example, a cover cache management table 390
(Or the underlying pattern cache management table 380)
If the combination of the corresponding paper size and ID number is not registered, the cover image data (or the background pattern image data) included in the book information is set for each color (C, M,
A bitmap is developed for each Y, K) and stored in the cover page memory area (or background pattern page memory area) of the memory device 311 and then the cover cache management table 390 (or background pattern cache management table 3).
80), cover ID number, etc. (or base pattern ID number, etc.)
The predetermined information of is newly registered. If the corresponding paper size and ID number combination is not registered in the work cache management table 410, the color page and monochrome page in the work data included in the book information are expanded into a bitmap. , Respectively, after storing in the color page memory area (C, M, Y, K) and the monochrome page memory area (K) of the memory device 311, predetermined information such as the copyright ID number is stored in the work cache management table 410. Register new.

After that, the printer controller 291
Bit map data is OR-written between the page memory areas depending on the presence / absence of a background pattern, the presence / absence of a color page designation, and the like. For example, when creating the bitmap data of a color page with a background pattern, the bitmap data of the background pattern and the bitmap data of the color page are OR-written. In the printer device 3b with a bookbinding function that accepts book orders from the Internet 10b, a bar code image obtained by coding price information and the like is OR-written on the page image of the cover design.

After that, the printer controller 291
Bit map data stored in each page memory area is transmitted to the engine controller 292 in page units, and a control signal for controlling the printer engine is given to the engine controller 292.

After that, the engine controller 292
The printer engine is controlled based on the control signal to print / book the book ordered by the purchaser. Specifically, the paper is sent from the paper feed tray 260 corresponding to the paper size included in the bookbinding information to the printing unit, and by a predetermined printing process determined according to the presence or absence of color,
The front cover, background, monochrome page, and color page are printed. Then, they are sequentially finished by the finishing unit 255.
The finishing unit corresponding to the binding type included in the bookbinding information is used for bookbinding. Then, the transport tray 400 of the book transport unit moves so as to be adjacent to the insertion port of the currently unspecified lock-equipped book storage 192, and the finished book is inserted therein. After that, the printer controller 291 displays the storage book storage management table 370.
Register the receipt number of the book in the relevant data column of.

Next, referring to FIG. 22, an explanation will be given of the saving type processing which the printer device 3a with the bookbinding function appropriately executes when the system is stopped. Here, description of the above-described processing such as printing and bookbinding (temporary binding, bookbinding) is omitted.

When the system controller 290 determines that there are no jobs accumulated in the queue, the system controller 290 gives the printer controller 291 an instruction to start the accumulated printing process.

After that, the printer controller 291
By referring to the work storage tray management table 350, it is searched whether or not the NULL code is registered in any of the copyright ID number columns (S470).

At this time, N is set in any of the copyright ID number columns.
If the ULL code is not registered, the printer controller 291 continues the processing from S472.

On the other hand, NUL is set in any of the copyright ID number columns.
If the L code is registered, the printer controller 2
Reference numeral 91 retrieves the tray ID number and the paper size associated with the NULL code. Then, the printer controller 291 refers to the access number information of the work cache management table 410, and extracts the work ID number and the address information of the page memory area of the work having the largest access number among the works of that paper size.
(S471). After that, the printer controller 291
The engine controller 292 is controlled to print and temporarily bind a predetermined number of the copyrighted works, and these are stocked in the transport tray 400 having the tray ID number taken out in S471 (S472). Then, the work ID number of the work is registered in the corresponding work ID number column of the work storage tray management table 350. If the NULL code is also registered in the other copyright ID number column of the work storage tray management table 350, the printer controller 2
91 repeatedly executes the same processing as above.

Further, the printer controller 291 refers to the book stacking tray management table 360 to search whether or not the NULL code is registered in any of the book ID number columns (S473).

At this time, N is set in any book ID number column.
If the ULL code is not registered, the printer controller 291 continues the processing from S473 onward.

On the other hand, NUL is displayed in any of the book ID number columns.
If the L code is registered, the printer controller 2
Reference numeral 91 retrieves the tray ID number and the paper size associated with the NULL code. After that, the printer controller 291 refers to the access number information of the book cache management table 420, and extracts the book ID number and the address information of the page memory area of the book having the largest access number among the books of the paper size (S).
474). After that, the printer controller 291 controls the engine controller 292 to print and bind a predetermined number of the books, and stock them in the transport tray 400 having the tray ID number taken out in S473.
(S475). After that, the book ID of the book is entered in the corresponding book ID number column of the book storage tray management table 360.
Register the number. If the NULL code is also registered in the other book ID number column of the book storage tray management table 360, the printer controller 291.
Repeatedly executes the same processing as above.

Further, the printer controller 291 refers to the underlying storage tray tray management table 330 to search whether any NULL code is registered in any of the underlying ID number columns (S476).

At this time, N is set in any of the base ID number columns.
If the ULL code is not registered, the printer controller 291 continues the processing from S478 onward.

On the other hand, NUL is displayed in one of the base ID number columns.
If the L code is registered, the printer controller 2
91 fetches the tray ID number and the paper size associated with the NULL code. After that, the printer controller 291 refers to the access number information of the background cache management table 380, and the background pattern ID of the largest number of accesses among the background patterns of the paper size.
Retrieve address information of number and page memory area
(S476). After that, the printer controller 291
The engine controller 292 is controlled to print a predetermined number of bases, and these are stocked in the storage tray 251 having the tray ID number extracted in S476.
(S477). Then, the underlying pattern ID number of the underlying pattern is registered in the corresponding underlying pattern ID number column of the book storage tray management table 360. If the NULL code is also registered in the other book ID number column of the base storage tray management table 330, the printer controller 2
91 repeatedly executes the same processing as above.

Further, the printer controller 291 refers to the cover sheet storage tray management table 340 to search whether or not the NULL code is registered in any of the cover sheet ID number columns (S478). At this time, if the NULL code is not registered in any of the cover ID number columns, the accumulated hitting process is ended.

On the other hand, NUL is displayed in any of the cover ID number columns.
If the L code is registered, the printer controller 2
Reference numeral 91 retrieves the tray ID number and the paper size associated with the NULL code. Then, the printer controller 291 refers to the access number information of the cover cache management table 390, and extracts the cover ID number and the address information of the page memory area of the cover having the largest access number out of the covers of that paper size (S).
479). After that, the printer controller 291 controls the engine controller 292 to print a predetermined number of covers, and stocks them on the storage tray 400 of the tray ID number taken out in S478 (S).
480). Then, the cover ID number of the cover is registered in the corresponding cover ID number column of the cover saving tray management table 390, and the save processing is ended. When the NULL code is registered in the other book ID number column of the base storage tray management table 330, the printer controller 291 repeatedly executes the same processing as described above, and then the storage processing. To finish.

[0122] When the system is at rest, by executing such a saving process, by pre-stocking highly-selling copyrighted works, the waiting time of the purchaser who desires them can be shortened. At the same time, it is possible to achieve the effect that the utilization efficiency of the system is improved.

[0123] According to the book vending system according to the present onset Akira, in advance stock-selling copyrighted material such as Okuko
By reducing the waiting time for buyers who want these
You can

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system conceptual diagram of a book vending system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a realistic system configuration diagram of a book automatic vending system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the book database server of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing the data structure of a cover data management table.

FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing the data structure of a background pattern data management table.

FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually showing the data structure of an author-specific management table.

FIG. 7 is a diagram conceptually showing a data structure of a publisher-specific management table.

FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually showing the data structure of a field-based management table.

FIG. 9 is a diagram conceptually showing the data structure of a publication management table.

FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually showing the data structure of a work data management table.

FIG. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram of a bookbinding instruction terminal.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display screen (search classification selection window) of the bookbinding instruction terminal.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen (work configuration setting window) of the bookbinding instruction terminal.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display screen (work configuration setting window) of the bookbinding instruction terminal.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display screen (bookbinding setting window) of the bookbinding instruction terminal.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display screen (content confirmation window) of the bookbinding instruction terminal.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display screen (book order window) of the bookbinding instruction terminal.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display screen (personal identification number setting window) of the bookbinding instruction terminal.

FIG. 19 is an external view of a printer device with a bookbinding function exclusively for books ordered from the bookbinding instruction terminal in the store.

FIG. 20 is an external view of a printer device with a bookbinding function exclusively for books ordered from an information processing device outside a store.

FIG. 21 is an external view of a book ordered / printed by a printer device with a bookbinding function exclusively for books ordered from an information processing device outside a store.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart of the accumulated printing process executed by the printer device with bookbinding function.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of a lockable book storage.

FIG. 24 is a conceptual structural diagram of a printer engine.

FIG. 25 is a detailed structural diagram of a printer engine.

FIG. 26 is a detailed structural diagram of a monochrome printing unit and a storage tray unit.

FIG. 27 is an internal structure diagram of the finishing unit.

FIG. 28 is a partial view of the stacking tray of the finishing unit.

FIG. 29 is a conceptual configuration diagram of a control system of a printer device with a bookbinding function.

FIG. 30 is a hardware configuration diagram of a system controller.

FIG. 31 is a hardware configuration diagram of a printer controller.

FIG. 32 is a hardware configuration diagram of an engine controller.

FIG. 33 is a view conceptually showing the data structure of a stock pattern storage tray management table.

FIG. 34 is a view conceptually showing the data structure of a cover sheet storage tray management table.

FIG. 35 is a diagram conceptually showing the data structure of a storage tray management table for works.

FIG. 36 is a diagram conceptually showing the data structure of a book storage tray management table.

FIG. 37 is a diagram conceptually showing the data structure of a book storage management table.

FIG. 38 is a diagram conceptually showing the data structure of a background cache management table.

FIG. 39 is a diagram conceptually showing the data structure of a cover cache management table.

FIG. 40 is a diagram conceptually showing the data structure of a work cache management table.

FIG. 41 is a diagram conceptually showing the data structure of a book cache management table.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart of a database registration process of the book database server.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing data transmission timings between the bookbinding instruction terminal, the printer device with a bookbinding function, and the book database server from the start to the completion of the book order procedure by the purchaser.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing the timing of data transmission between the bookbinding instruction terminal, the printer device with the bookbinding function, and the book database server during the period from the completion of the book order procedure by the purchaser to the book payment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Book database system 1a ... Book database server 2 ... Bookbinding instruction system 2a ... Bookbinding instruction terminal 2b ... Information processing device 3 ... Printing / binding system 3a, 3b ... Printer device with bookbinding function 4 ... Point of sale information management system (POS) 5 ... Condition monitoring monitor 10 ... Network 10a ... LAN 10b ... Internet 11 ... OCR scanner 30 ... Work data management table 40 ... Cover data management table 50 ... Base pattern data management table 60 ... Management table by author 70 ... Publisher name management table 80 ... Management table by field 90 ... Publication management table 192 ... Locked book storage 250 ... Monochrome printing section 251 ... Saving unit 252 ... Color printing section 253 ... Paper feeding unit 254 ... Paper transport unit 255 ... Finishing department 256 ... Book carrier 290 ... System controller 291 ... Printer controller 292 ... Engine controller 330 ... Storage tray management table for base pattern 340 ... Storage tray management table for cover 350 ... Storage tray management table for works 360 ... Storage tray management table for books 370 ... Book storage management table 380 ... Base cache management table 390 ... Cover cache management table 410 ... Cache management table for works 420 ... Book cache management table

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Toru Miyasaka 7-1-1, Omika-cho, Hitachi-shi, Ibaraki Hitachi Ltd. Hitachi Research Laboratory (72) Inventor Shinya Kobayashi 7-1-1, Omika-cho, Hitachi-shi, Ibaraki No. 1 Hitachi Ltd., Hitachi Research Laboratory (72) Inventor Hiroshige Nakano 2-6-2 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Inside Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd. (72) Keisuke Nakajima 7-chome, Omika-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture 1st-1 Hitachi Ltd. Hitachi Research Laboratory (72) Inventor Tadashi Kitai 2-6-2 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Inside Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd. (72) Toshiaki Nakamura 7 Omikacho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture 1-1-1, Hitachi Ltd., within Hitachi Research Laboratory (56) References JP-A-61-97795 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB) Name) G07F 11/70 G06F 17/60

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A book vending system for binding, and sell the book, for each search classification, respectively, and the classification name data of the search classification, and title data of copyrighted material belonging to the search classification <br / >, A first database that stores therein>, a second database that stores, for each work, title data of the work and digitized data of the work, and classification name data of each of the search classifications. First selection acceptance means for outputting and accepting selection of one classification name data from the classification name data, and a title corresponding to the classification name data accepted by the first selection acceptance means from the first database. retrieve the data outputs, selects the second selection acceptance means for accepting a selection of one or more title data from among the title data, which is the second selection acceptance unit accepts Historical information serial
A history information storage unit to be stored, and a printing unit for taking out the digitized data corresponding to the title data received by the second selection receiving unit from the second database and printing the information represented by the digitized data on a sheet. And a bookbinding unit that binds the paper printed by the printing unit and ejects the book , the printing unit having a predetermined number of copyrighted works determined based on the history information.
Is the electronic content corresponding to the title data of the work in advance.
The converted data from the second database,
An automatic book selling system , wherein a predetermined number of copies of information represented by electronic data are printed . 2. The book vending system according to claim 1, wherein, for each binding type, a third database storing binding information necessary for finishing binding of the binding type, paper size and binding. A third selection receiving unit that receives a selection of a type; the printing unit prints the digitized data on a sheet having a size selected by the third selection receiving unit; An automatic book selling system, characterized in that binding information corresponding to the binding type selected by the third selection receiving means is fetched from the third database, and the printed paper is bound based on the binding information. 3. The book automatic selling system according to claim 1, wherein the correspondence information of each work includes price data of the work, and the book selling system is the second database. From the above, the second selection accepting means retrieves price data corresponding to the title data for which the selection is accepted, and comprises a selling price determining means for determining the selling price of the book based on the price data. Book sales system. 4. The book automatic vending system according to claim 1, further comprising a scheduled discharge time output means for outputting a scheduled discharge time of the book. Book automatic vending system. 5. Any one of claims 1, 2, 3 and 4
A book vending system according to claim, after the selection acceptance end by the second selection acceptance unit, the first
The selection acceptance means accepts the selection of the next classification name data, and the book automatic vending system further provides a service every time the selection acceptance by the second selection acceptance means ends.
With the receipt number issuing means for issuing the receipt number and the book ejection by the bookbinding means,
Release the reception number of the service
Books vending system comprising: the means. 6. The book automatic vending system according to claim 5 , wherein the personal identification information is received every time selection acceptance by the second selection acceptance means is completed.
Password setting accepting means for accepting the setting of the above, and for accepting the input of the password information when receiving the book.
The personal identification input receiving means for printing and the book output by the bookbinding means are stored and
When the password input receiving means receives the input of the password information,
Of the books in storage, the password that matches the input password information
Book storage means for opening books associated with identification information
An automatic book selling system, comprising: 7. The book vending system according to claim 6 , wherein two types of input devices are individually provided, and one of the two types of input devices is the second selection reception unit.
Means and the first selection receiving means, the other is the dark
An automatic book vending system having a certificate input receiving means . 8. Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
The book automatic vending system according to any one of (1) to (7) , wherein the printing means includes a color printer and the color printer.
Book sales system, which is equipped with a monochrome printer that is faster than the printer .