JP3610432B2 - Photo printing vending machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that is loaded with a storage medium for recording image data photographed by a digital camera or the like, reads out the image data stored in the loaded storage medium, and prints a corresponding photographic print. The present invention relates to a photo printing vending machine that is prepared and can collect a fee for printing processing unattended.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In such a photo printing vending machine, display means for displaying image data read from a loaded storage medium as a so-called thumbnail image for each screen, and printing each screen while viewing this display An operation panel for designating the number of sheets is provided, and the user of the vending machine needs to designate and input a screen to be printed and the number of printed sheets in front of the vending machine.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if the user selects the screen to be printed one by one in front of the vending machine and inputs the designated number of sheets, it takes a long time only for the designation operation, and many users are lined up at the vending machine. If so, it will be annoying to other customers. Also, if input is performed in a hurry, there is a risk that the screen is specified or the number of sheets is input incorrectly.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 is a photo vending machine including a printing apparatus that generates a photo print based on image data stored in a loaded storage medium. Reading means for reading image data stored in the storage medium; display means for displaying thumbnail images of the read images; Written on the storage medium Specify how many screens to print Reading means for reading the print order designation information; Identification means for identifying whether there is print order designation information in the storage medium, and if the print order designation information is present, print according to the print order designation information or without using the print order designation information Whether to print full screen data in accordance with the number of sheets designated by the number-of-printing designation means when there is no print order designation information and the first selection designation means for selecting whether to print according to the newly designated selection designation , Selecting and setting the number of sheets while looking at the thumbnail display, and according to the designation, according to the designation, according to the second selection designation means, the print order designation identification means and the first and second selection designation means, Printing that outputs image data to be printed out of the image data stored in the storage medium to the printing apparatus and causes the printing apparatus to perform printing processing And control means This can be achieved by preparing. With this configuration, it is possible to print and receive a desired number of prints of a desired screen without any selection / designation operation by simply loading the storage medium into the vending machine.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
This embodiment is an example in which the printing apparatus of the present invention is applied to an automatic photo vending machine. The automatic photo vending machine is disposed in a building such as a street corner or office building, for example.
[0011]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an automatic photo vending machine according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the automatic photo vending machine 1 includes a display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2, a key input unit 3, a recording medium insertion slot 4, an LED 5, a charge display unit 6, a coin insertion slot on the front side of the apparatus. 7, a bill slot 8, a return lever 9, a change slot 10, and a print take-out slot 11 are provided. In addition, auxiliary display portions (not shown) are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the automatic photo vending machine 1.
[0012]
As shown in FIG. 2, the display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2 includes a display unit of a liquid crystal display and an operation unit that operates keys, buttons, icons, and the like displayed on the liquid crystal display with a finger, for example. ing. The display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2 displays, for example, image information captured by a digital camera as thumbnails, and displays a selection icon for a pay mode or a free mode. Further, according to the display on the display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2, for example, the user selects image information displayed as thumbnails, and individually designates the number of prints. These input operations can be similarly performed by the key input unit 3.
[0013]
In addition, auxiliary display units (not shown) provided on the left and right side surfaces of the automatic photo vending machine 1 are configured by a liquid crystal display, which is displayed on the liquid crystal display of the display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2. The same content is displayed, or an advertisement is displayed. That is, the auxiliary display section usually displays advertisements for sales promotion to those who are waiting for the use of the automatic photo vending machine 1 and the surrounding people, or a plurality of users bring the automatic photo vending machine 1 together. When using it, the same content as that displayed on the liquid crystal display of the operation / display unit (display & touch panel) 2 is displayed to the person other than the user who is actually operating. It is considered so that can be displayed. The display contents can be switched by the operation of the display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2 and the key input unit 3 by the user.
[0014]
The recording media insertion openings 4a to 4e are insertion openings for a plurality of types of recording media (information storage media). , A memory stick (MEMORY STICK; standard proposed by Sony Corporation) 4c, a PC card insertion slot 4d, and a floppy disk insertion slot 4e. The recording medium insertion port 4 incorporates a data reading device corresponding to various recording media so as to be compatible with various media. In addition, a static eliminating brush for removing static electricity is also provided in consideration of damage to each recording medium and damage to the apparatus main body due to static electricity.
[0015]
Each recording medium insertion slot 4 is provided downward. This is because, when each recording medium is inserted, the leading end of the recording medium is arranged at a position higher than the recording medium insertion port 4 by a predetermined amount. Therefore, the connector part inside each recording medium insertion slot 4 connected to each recording medium is also arranged downward. Such a configuration is a configuration for preventing the adhesion of dust or the like to the connector contact portion and ensuring electrical connection. In addition, a fan may be provided in the vicinity of the connector portion to prevent dust and the like from adhering. Such dust-proof measures can ensure the reliability of the device even in dusty environments such as outdoors.
[0016]
Further, digital image information photographed with a digital camera or the like is written in the recording medium as a plurality of unit screen information. The digital image information written on these recording media may be data obtained by converting image data read from a scanner or the like into digital image data.
[0017]
The LEDs 5a to 5e are provided corresponding to the respective recording medium insertion openings 4a to 4e. When the recording medium corresponding to each recording medium insertion opening 4 is in a state that can be inserted, the corresponding LED 5 blinks. To display. For example, when the medium can be inserted, the LEDs 5a to 5e blink to guide the operation. When the user inserts the memory stick into the insertion slot 4c, the medium is recognized, and only the LED 5c is controlled to be lit. The The LEDs 5a to 5e also serve as operation buttons. When the loaded media is being read / printed and the process is interrupted and the user wants to remove the media, the LEDs 5a to e can be pressed by pressing the button with the LED lit. Processing can be stopped.
[0018]
In addition, the coin insertion slot 7, the bill slot 8, and the change slot 10 are configured to be used when the automatic photo vending machine 1 is used for a fee. throw into. At this time, the deposited amount is displayed on the charge display unit 6. In addition, a fee is returned to the change mouth 10 when the change is returned or when the user stops using the change.
[0019]
The print take-out port 11 is a box for taking out the print output, and the printed print paper (photograph) is collected in the print take-out port 11.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the internal structure of the automatic photo vending machine 1 having the above-described external configuration. As shown in the figure, the automatic photo vending machine 1 includes a front unit 20, a paper duct 21, and a rear unit 22. The front unit 20 includes a main controller that performs overall control of the automatic photo vending machine 1, the above-described operation / display unit (touch panel & liquid crystal display) 2, and the like. The paper duct 21 is configured to guide the printed paper to the print outlet 11. The rear unit 22 includes a plurality of detachable printer units 23 and a power supply unit (not shown). Each printer unit 23 slides on the slide rail 24 and is attached to a predetermined position of the rear unit 22. Accordingly, in each printer unit 23, when there is no consumable item such as print paper, the printer unit 23 can be removed and easily replaced. For example, if the printer unit 23 supplemented with the consumable item is prepared in advance, the printer unit 23 is short. Exchange becomes possible in time.
[0020]
Each printer unit 23 includes a connector portion at the rear, and the connector portion is connected to a connector portion provided on the rear unit 22 at the same time as the mounting. Further, the connector portion of the rear unit 22 is electrically connected to the front unit 20 in a state where the automatic photo vending machine 1 is assembled. Accordingly, each printer unit 23 is supplied with the power supply voltage from the power supply unit and transmits / receives various signals to / from the front unit via the connector portion.
[0021]
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a system configuration inside the automatic photo vending machine. This system includes a peripheral circuit and a printer unit 23 with a main controller 30 as a center.
The main controller 30 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) inside, and controls the driving of the automatic photo vending machine 1 according to the present embodiment according to a program. For example, based on predetermined conditions, print information for one sheet of printing paper is printed on the printer. Distribution control is performed to one of the units 23.
[0022]
The main controller 30 is provided with a storage unit 31, which stores a control program executed by the main controller 30 described above. In addition, user information, printing condition information, information about the printer unit 23, and the like are stored, and transferred to a center, which will be described later, as necessary. The storage unit 31 also stores advertisement information and the like sent from the center, and this advertisement information is updated at predetermined time intervals.
[0023]
The main controller 30 includes a display control unit 32, a touch panel control unit 33, a key input unit 34, a card interface (hereinafter referred to as a card I / F) 35, a fee management unit 36, a receipt interface (hereinafter referred to as a receipt I / F). 37), a transmission / reception unit 38, and the printer unit 23 are connected.
[0024]
The display control unit 32 controls the display information displayed on the display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2 and the auxiliary display unit, and displays the display information output from the main controller 30 (display & touch panel). ) 2 and display control on the auxiliary display unit.
[0025]
In addition, the touch panel control unit 33 controls the main controller 30 to output an operation signal according to the operation of the touch panel by the user.
The key input control unit 34 controls the main controller 30 to output an operation signal according to the operation of the key input unit 3 by the user.
[0026]
The card I / F 35 is an interface that reads digital image information from each recording medium inserted into each recording medium insertion port 4 and controls output to the main controller 30.
The fee management unit 36 calculates the amount deposited from the coin slot 7 and the bill slot 8 and displays it on the amount display unit 6 to confirm that the fee corresponds to the designated number of printed sheets. To do. It also manages change management.
[0027]
The transmission / reception unit 38 exchanges information with the base station 39a using a PHS line, and the base station 39a is connected to the center 39c using a public line network 39b or the like. The center 39c makes contracts with various companies, for example, and stores a lot of advertisement information in the storage unit 39d. In addition, the storage unit 39d stores user information, printing condition information, information about the printer unit 23, and the like sent from each automatic photo vending machine 1. That is, the server 39e transmits advertisement information, user information, and the like stored in the storage unit 39d to the public line network 39b as necessary, and user information and printer unit 23 supplied via the public line network 39b. The information etc. are received.
[0028]
On the other hand, the automatic photo vending machine 1 includes eight printer units 23-1 to 23-8, and the printer units 23-1 to 23-8 have the same configuration.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the printer unit 23. Each printer unit 23 includes a thermal head 50, a large-capacity ribbon 51, a take-up roll 52, a roll-shaped print paper 53, and a plurality of feed rolls. The print paper 53 is fed to the thermal head 50 by a feed roll 54 and cut into a predetermined length of print paper by a cutter 55. Incidentally, as the printing paper 53 formed in a roll shape, a recording paper having a maximum width of 102 mm can be used. For example, the printing paper 53 has a roll length capable of printing 500 sheets.
[0029]
In addition, printing ribbons of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and surface coating agent are successively connected to the large-capacity ribbon 53 by one screen length sequentially, for example, for 500 screen printing. It is wound as a printing ribbon.
The feed rolls 56 and 57 are rolls for superimposing the large-capacity ribbon 51 and the print paper 53 and feeding them to the thermal head 50. The ink ribbon that has been printed by the thermal head 50 is taken up by the take-up roll 52. It is done.
[0030]
Here, the thermal head 50 has a resolution of 322 DPI (dots / inch), and 1344 dots (about 106 mm width) of heating elements are arranged in the main scanning direction. Image data is supplied to the thermal head 50, and the image data is created based on the printing information for one sheet of printing paper transferred from the main controller 30 to the printer units 23-1 to 23-8. Is.
[0031]
A shown in FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a system configuration inside the printer unit 23. Each of the printer units 23-1 to 23-8 includes a control unit 40, an interface (hereinafter referred to as I / F) 41, a print data storage unit 42, and a printing mechanism unit 43.
[0032]
The control unit 40 receives supply of print information for one print sheet supplied from the main controller 30 via the I / F 41 and temporarily stores it in the print data storage unit 42. Further, the advertisement image data is also received from the main controller 30 via the I / F 41 and synthesized and developed in the print data storage unit 42. When the control information is sent from the main control unit 30 such as print density, color tone, and layout of the composite image, the control unit 40 performs processing for correcting or correcting the corresponding image data in the print data storage unit 42. Use to process. The printing mechanism unit 43 is a printing mechanism having the configuration shown in FIG. 4 described above, and includes the thermal head 50, the large-capacity ribbon 51, the printing paper 53, and the like.
[0033]
The control unit 40 reads the print information for one print sheet from the print data storage unit 42, creates image data based on the print information, and outputs the image data to the thermal head 50. Therefore, the control 40 is also an image data generation unit. The thermal head 50 drives the heating element in accordance with the supplied image data, transfers the yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) ink on the ribbon to the paper, and sublimates the image on the paper. Form.
[0034]
As described above, the automatic photo vending machine 1 according to this embodiment includes, for each printer unit 23, the control unit 40 that generates image data based on the printing information for one print sheet and the printing mechanism unit that performs printing based on the image data. 43.
In the automatic photo vending machine 1 having the above configuration, the processing operation of this example will be described below.
[0035]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation of this example. First, the user visits a place where the automatic photo vending machine 1 of this example is installed, and starts the operation of the automatic photo vending machine 1. At the initial stage, the display shown in FIG. 7A or 7B is alternately performed on the display unit of the liquid crystal display (step (hereinafter referred to as S) 100). That is, the message “High-speed! Photo print, please insert a memory card or floppy disk into the designated slot” shown in FIG. 7A and “High-speed! Photo print, immediate print” shown in FIG. Can be displayed "is repeated at predetermined time intervals.
[0036]
In both displays, a function switch (hereinafter referred to as function SW) for switching between “English mode” and “Japanese mode” and a function SW for explaining “how to use” are displayed. Here, when the function SW of the “English mode” is instructed, the display is switched to English display. Further, when the “how to use” function SW is instructed, an explanation screen for an operation method of the automatic photo vending machine 1 of this example appears.
[0037]
In the display state, the user inserts the brought media into the corresponding insertion ports 4a to 4e (S101). For example, in the case of a compact flash memory card that stores digital images taken with a digital camera, it is inserted into the aforementioned media insertion slot 4a. In the case of smart media, it is loaded into the aforementioned media insertion slot 4b. On the other hand, when a plurality of media are inserted, the media inserted first is automatically recognized, and the corresponding LEDs 5a, 5b, etc. are turned on.
[0038]
Further, only the read device corresponding to the inserted medium is validated (S102). Then, data detection processing is performed (S103).
Next, it is determined whether the data read from the inserted medium is valid data (S104), and if valid, it is determined whether DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) is specified (S105).
[0039]
Here, DPOF is a function that allows the digital camera side to designate designation information when placing an order for printing an image taken by the digital camera in the medium. For this reason, when DPOF is not designated (S105 is NO), the display shown in FIG. 8A is performed (S107). For example, the message “There are 24 images on the memory card” is displayed. On the other hand, when DPOF is specified (S105 is YES), the display shown in FIG. 8B is performed (S108). In this case, it is possible to recognize how many sheets should be printed simply by identifying the DPOF information in the medium. For example, “24 prints are specified on the memory card” is displayed. .
[0040]
Here, if DPOF is not specified, either all or selection shown in FIG. 8A is specified (S109), and if all are specified, the number of sheets is specified (S112). Further, when designating the selection, a thumbnail is displayed (S111). FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining the operation in the thumbnail display.
[0041]
First, FIG. 6A shows an image selection screen, for example, displaying the first thumbnail image of 24 sheets and designating the number of prints (S114, S116). In this case, when the “number of sheets” function SW is designated, the screen shifts to the screen shown in FIG. 5B, and the “number of prints” is designated by designating the “SW” or “Herasu” function SW.
[0042]
For example, when printing two sheets of the first photographed image, the “Fuyasu” function SW is designated twice, and when printing three sheets, the “Fuyasu” function SW is designated three times. Next, by returning to the “Return” function SW, the screen shown in FIG.
[0043]
Next, the function thumbnail “SW” is designated to display the next thumbnail image. If only the first photographed image is designated for printing, the “End” function SW is designated and the image selection is completed (YES in S118). However, normally, the second and subsequent shot images are also designated, and the number of prints on the selection screen is designated while alternately displaying the screens shown in FIGS.
[0044]
On the other hand, if DPOF is specified, either all shown in FIG. 8B or selection is specified (S108). In this case, if all are specified, the process immediately proceeds to the next deposit process. Further, when it is necessary to change information designated in DPOF in advance and a print image is selected, thumbnail display is performed in the same manner as described above (S110), and the display shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B is performed alternately. At the same time, each photographed image is selected and the number of prints is designated (S113, S115). Finally, the end of the selection operation is determined (S117).
[0045]
When the selection of the print image and the designation of the number of sheets are completed as described above, the display shown in FIG. 10 is performed. The display shown in the figure is a display when all 24 photographed images are instructed to be printed. In this case, if the charge for one print is 30 yen,
30 x 24 = 720 yen
Is displayed (S119).
[0046]
Next, the user sees the display and inputs a necessary fee (S120 is YES). This fee is input by inserting coins from the coin insertion slot 7 and inserting bills from the banknote slot 8. Then, it is determined whether the total deposit exceeds “H” (S121). Here, “H” is 720 yen in the above case, and when the deposit is 720 yen or more, a message such as “Start printing (24 sheets)” is displayed (S125).
[0047]
In addition, during the deposit process, if there is no deposit after waiting for a certain period of time (S120, S122), it is timed out (YES in S122), and a message “Please remove media” is displayed (S123). Thereafter, it is confirmed that the medium has been removed, and the process is terminated. In order to prevent forgetting to remove the media, an alarm such as a sound may be generated if the media is not removed after a predetermined time.
[0048]
On the other hand, when the printing process is started by designating the function switch “Yes” according to the display of FIG. 11A (YES in S126), the automatic photo vending machine 1 performs the printing process (S127). Further, during this printing process, the remaining number of printed sheets is displayed (S129). FIG. 11B shows a display example.
[0049]
In addition, once the process such as setting the number of prints is performed, if the print process is not performed for some reason, the “No” function SW is designated from the display state of FIG. (S128). In this case, a price return process is performed (S130).
[0050]
On the other hand, if the paper is insufficient during the printing process, the printing process is interrupted. In this case, it is determined that there is a print interruption (S131), and it is determined whether printing can be continued as it is due to the reason for the print interruption (S132). For example, if the paper is insufficient, normal printing cannot be continued, and the printing process is stopped (YES in S131). In this case, the reception of new media is canceled (S134), and the equivalent amount excluding the valid printing amount is paid back (S135). In this case, the display shown in FIG.
[0051]
On the other hand, if there is no print interruption, for example, if the print process is completed without any problem, or if there is a trouble that allows the print process to be continued for a short period of time, such as toner shortage, an instruction to end the print process is issued. The process is not performed (NO in S133), the display of FIG. 12B is performed, and the process is terminated (S136).
[0052]
By performing the processing as described above, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus in which a plurality of types of media can be loaded and a photographed image or the like can be printed by a simple operation.
In addition, the automatic photo vending machine 1 of this example is provided at a location where the insertion port of each medium is different, and can prevent erroneous mounting.
[0053]
On the other hand, the automatic photo vending machine 1 of this example is also provided with a recovery system in the event of a power failure. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the power failure process of this example.
First, a power failure is recognized (step (hereinafter referred to as ST) 1). Then, the current processing information is saved in the nonvolatile storage means (S2). For example, the automatic photo vending machine 1 is provided with an emergency power supply using a capacitor or a battery. When a power failure is detected, the automatic photo vending machine 1 receives power from these power sources for a certain period of time, and the data in the automatic photo vending machine 1 is nonvolatile. Retreat to storage means.
[0054]
Next, when the power is restored (ST3), the data saved in the non-volatile storage means is read and written in, for example, the RAM (ST4). Thereafter, recovery processing is performed according to the data written in the RAM, and the state of the automatic photo vending machine 1 before the power failure is restored (ST5).
[0055]
In the automatic photo vending machine 1 of this example, after the power failure is restored, a certain display is performed and the ongoing printing process is continued.
With this configuration, when a power failure occurs, if the media exists in the automatic photo vending machine 1, it is automatically ejected, and after the power failure is restored, a display that prompts continuation of printing can be performed.
[0056]
【The invention's effect】
Users no longer need to select the screen to be printed and enter and specify the number of prints in front of the vending machine, allowing many users to use the vending machine and improving sales. Also, since the print designation can be settled in advance at home or the like, there is no need to input the wrong designated image or number.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an automatic photo vending machine according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a display unit of the automatic photo vending machine.
FIG. 3 is an assembly drawing of an automatic photo vending machine.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration inside the automatic photo vending machine.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer unit.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of the present embodiment.
7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an initial display state of a display unit. FIG.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating a display state after the medium is mounted.
9A is an image selection screen, and FIG. 9B is a number designation screen.
FIG. 10 is a charge billing screen.
FIGS. 11A and 11B are screens during printing processing.
FIGS. 12A and 12B are also screens during printing processing.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating power failure processing.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Automatic photo vending machine 1
2 Display / operation unit (display & touch panel)
3 Key input part
4 Recording media insertion slot
5 LED
6 Price display section
7 Coin slot
8 Banknote slot
9 Return lever
10 Fishing counter
11 Print outlet
20 Front unit
21 Paper duct
22 Rear unit
23 Printer unit
24 Slide rail
30 Main controller
31 Memory unit
32 Display controller
33 Touch panel controller
34 Key input section
35 Card interface (Card I / F)
36 Charge Management Department
37 Receipt Interface (Receipt I / F)
38 Transceiver
39a base station
39b Public network
39c center
39d storage unit
40 Control section
41 Interface (I / F)
42 Print data storage
43 Printer rear
44 Receipt Printing Department
45 Receipt reader
50 Thermal head
51 Large capacity ribbon
52 Winding roll
53 Print paper
54 Feeding roll
55 cutter
56, 57 Feed roll

Claims (1)

In a photo vending machine with a built-in printing device that generates a photo print based on image data stored in a loaded storage medium,
Reading means for reading image data stored in the storage medium;
Display means for displaying a thumbnail image of the read image;
Reading means for reading print order designation information that is written in the storage medium and designates how many sheets are to be printed;
Identifying means for identifying whether there is print order designation information in the storage medium;
A first selection / designating unit for selecting / designating whether to print according to the print order designation information or to print according to a newly designated selection designation without using the print order designation information when the print order designation information is present; ,
If there is no print order specification information, select whether to print full screen data according to the number specified by the print number specification means, or to select and set the number while viewing the thumbnail display, and to print according to the specification A second selection / designating means,
According to the print order designation identifying means and the first and second selection designation means, image data to be printed out of the image data stored in the storage medium is output to the printing apparatus and printed on the printing apparatus. A photo printing vending machine comprising: a printing control means for processing .

Images