JP4178921B2 - Photo printer - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image printing apparatus for printing an image taken with a digital camera.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  In recent years, digital cameras have become widespread. Accordingly, various printers for printing images taken with a digital camera have been developed. Those printers(Image printing device)One of them is a vending machine type printer (hereinafter referred to as a print vending machine). This is because the user directly inserts a medium (PC card (registered trademark), compact flash (registered trademark), etc.) storing the captured image into the print vending machine, and prints the contents of the storage medium. A predetermined printing fee is collected. This print vending machine does not require the user to purchase a printer body, and is similar to the conventional system flow from shooting to development in silver halide photography. It is expected to spread.
[0003]
A general print vending machine is composed of a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) that functions as a main controller and a thermal printer that performs an actual printing process, and both are connected by a communication cable. A thermal printer that performs color printing generally prints using an ink ribbon in which three primary colors of yellow, magenta, and cyan are sequentially applied.
[0004]
The processing in the print vending machine is generally as follows. A personal interface performs image reading from a recording medium, image processing (JPEG decompression, size conversion, image quality adjustment, color conversion (RGB → YMC), etc.), etc., and transmits raster image data to a printer. The printer prints the received raster image data.
[0005]
By the way, in a print vending machine, it is necessary to print with various sizes (sizes) of printing paper according to user needs. In such a case, when a plurality of printers are conventionally built in one printing vending machine and printing of different sizes such as L size and 2L size is possible, a printer equipped with L size printing media is For L size printing, a printer equipped with 2L size print media prints only 2L size.
[0006]
In the case as described above, for example, when printing a plurality of L sizes, there is a problem that the printing time becomes long without the printer for 2L size being operated although a plurality of printers are incorporated.
In addition, when L size printing is performed one by one with L size printing media, the printing paper is actually printed from the part that feeds the printing paper, and the ink ribbon is actually printed from the sensor mark of the ink ribbon. There is a problem that a portion to be performed is wasted, for example, there are more wasted portions than printing two L sizes on a 2L size print medium.
[0007]
Therefore, an L-size printer and a 2L-size printer are prepared, and a printer loaded with a 2L-size ribbon is used for the 2L-size print designation, and an L-size is designated for the L-size print designation. In a printer system for printing using a printer loaded with a ribbon of 2 L, when the ribbon of the printer loaded with an L size ribbon runs out, a printer system capable of printing with a printer loaded with a 2L ribbon is provided. It is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1).
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-234202 (Pages 7-8, FIGS. 11-14)
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, in Patent Document 1, L size (12.7 × 8.90 (cm)) and 2L size (12.7 × 17.8 (cm)) printing are optimally distributed while incorporating a plurality of printers. Processing can be performed at high speed by distributing to multiple printers.Image printing deviceNo control method is disclosed.
[0010]
  The present inventionImage printing deviceIn the printer, a plurality of printers loaded with ribbons of different sizes are built in, and the most efficient and high-speed printer capable of high-speed printing is automatically selected according to the designated number of prints for print processing.Image printing deviceI will provide a.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a unit image printing unit that prints a unit area image and a real multiple area image that is an image having a positive real number N times the unit area image are printed. In an image printing apparatus provided with real number area printing means,
  The unit image printing means and the real multiple area image printing means mounted in the image printing apparatusWhether or not can be usedA printing designation size designated by the user, a designated printing number for each size,Identification result by identification meansAnd a print job assigning means for assigning a print job to the unit image printing means and / or the real multiple area image printing means. The print job assigning means designates an odd number of prints of the unit area image. In this case, one unit of print job is assigned to the unit image printing unit, and the remaining even number of unit area images are printed.If the real number area image printing means is in a usable state, a print job of the real number of unit area images is performed.In the real number times area image printing meansIf the real number multiple area image printing means is in an unusable state, one unit area image print job is printed.In the unit image printing meansAllocation, then repeat the same allocation procedureThis can be achieved by providing an image printing apparatus characterized by executing printing processing.
[0015]
  With this configuration, when printing an odd number of sheets, a fractional sheet is printed by unit image printing means, for example, a printer for L size printing, and wasteful consumables such as ink ribbons are wasted. Can be prevented.
  According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a unit image printing means for printing a unit area image and a real multiple area image which is an image having a positive real number N times the unit area image. In the image printing apparatus including the real number multiple area image printing unit, the unit image printing unit and / or the real number multiple area image printing is performed in accordance with a print designation size designated by the user and a print designation number for each size. A printing job assigning means for assigning a printing job to the means, and when the printing of the unit area image and the printing of the real number multiple area image are mixed, the printing job assigning means designates only one printing job of the unit area image. While not being held, the unit image printing means holds without assigning, and waits until two sheets are collected, and then the unit area image print for the two sheets is printed as the real number multiple area image print. Executing a printing process assigned to the stageIf two or more print jobs of the unit area image are not collected until the print process by the user is completed, the print job of the unit area image is assigned to the unit image printing unit and the print process is performed.This can be achieved by providing an image printing apparatus.
[0016]
  By configuring in this way, for example, when there is only one page of L-size print data, it waits until two pages are collected, and when two pages are collected, the print data for the two pages is aggregated and used for 2L size. Can be printed by printerThe
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a schematic external view of a print vending machine according to the present invention. The print vending machine 1 is installed at, for example, a store or a street corner, and is connected to a management center or a server via Ethernet (registered trademark) or the like.
[0020]
In the same figure, 2 is an operation display unit, 3 is a recording medium insertion slot, 4 is a printed photograph outlet, 5 is a display for deposits, 6 is a coin insertion slot, 7 Is a bill insertion slot, and 8 is a change outlet. The operation display unit 2 is a color liquid crystal display device with a touch panel, and displays necessary keys. The operation display unit 2 displays various displays such as a thumbnail display when selecting a photographic image.
[0021]
Various media such as a CompactFlash (registered trademark), a Memory Stick (registered trademark), an SD memory card, a smart media (registered trademark), and a PC card (registered trademark) are inserted into the recording medium insertion slot 3, respectively. A photographic image is read out by 11) shown in FIG.
[0022]
The coin insertion slot 6 and the banknote insertion slot 7 are places where a user inserts a fee, and after the fee is inserted, the amount is displayed on a display for deposit. The change outlet 8 is a place where change is returned. In addition, a photographic image designated by the user is printed out at the printed photograph outlet 4.
[0023]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the internal system of the print vending machine 1. The print vending machine 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 9a, a memory 9b, a monitor and operation buttons 2 (color liquid crystal display device with a touch panel), a memory card reader 11, a money transfer mechanism 13, and a printer 20. In the figure, the CPU 9a is controlled by the information in the memory 9b, and the CPU 9a reads the data of the memory card by the memory card reader 11 and displays the image on the monitor. When payment is confirmed by the money transfer mechanism 13, the printer starts printing.
[0024]
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an internal circuit of the printing vending machine 1 having the above-described appearance configuration. The print vending machine 1 includes a main controller 10, members and circuits corresponding to the operation display unit 2, the recording medium insertion slot 3 (memory card reader 11), and the printed photograph outlet 4. The main controller 10 includes the CPU 9a and the memory 9b shown in FIG. For example, the operation display unit 2 corresponds to the touch LCD 2a, and the operation display unit 2 is a state in which a glass plate or the like is installed on the touch LCD 2a. The user operates a touch key displayed on the touch LCD 2 a to send a key operation signal to the main controller 10. The main controller 10 processes the key operation signal based on the operation input control.
[0025]
The main controller 10 is also connected to a maintenance key 15. The maintenance key 15 is used when performing a special setting that cannot be input on the touch panel 2, and instructs the main controller 10 when setting the amount or changing the setting of the printing vending machine 1. .
[0026]
The memory card reader 11 provided in the recording medium insertion slot 3 includes a plurality of card adapters 11 a to 11 e, and each card adapter 11 a to 11 e is connected to the USB of the main controller 10 via a USB HUB (universal serial bus HUB) 12. Connected to the port. The corresponding media are loaded in the card adapters 11a to 11e, and photographic images are read according to printer control of the main controller 10, and stored in, for example, the built-in hard disk (HDD) 10a. The built-in hard disk (HDD) 10a stores a photographic image processing control described later and a print control pattern program, and the main controller 10 performs a print control process described later according to this program. For example, print control for “Print all”, “Select print”, “Index print”, “Various prints”, “Calendar” print, “Multi” print, “Frame” print, “Handwriting” print, “Skin softening” print In addition, print control such as “hue” printing, print control according to print order information recorded in the DPOF format described later, and index image creation processing are performed.
[0027]
Further, when the main controller 10 displays a photographic image or the like on the operation display unit 2, the main controller 10 performs display control based on the display image control program, and also performs input amount and change management via the money adapter 13a. The receipt printer 14 issues a receipt based on fee settlement according to the control of the main controller 10.
[0028]
On the other hand, a speaker 16 is also attached to the main controller 10, and an audio signal is output from the main controller 10. The sound output from the speaker 16 is, for example, a description of the operation method of the print vending machine 1, and reports to the user based on the sound output control program. Further, the main controller 10 is also provided with a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FDD) 17 and a CD-R (CD-RW) 18 driver, and the drive is controlled based on a media input control program.
[0029]
Further, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System) 19 connected to the main controller 10 is configured to be managed via a network, and communicates with a center server (not shown) to maintain the print vending machine 1 and use the apparatus. Manage the state.
[0030]
The photographic printer 20 (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) performs a printing process according to the print data supplied from the main controller 10. Here, the print data is print data such as image information stored in the built-in HDD 10a, the above-described various processed image information, and a photographic image directly read from the medium.
[0031]
The print vending machine 1 is provided with fans 21 a and 21 b for adjusting the temperature in the apparatus, and is driven and controlled by the control of the main controller 10.
Furthermore, power is supplied from the switching power supply 22 to the touch LCD 2a, the main controller 10, the photo printers 20a to 20d, and the like. For example, + 24V power is supplied from the switching power supply 22 to the photographic printers 20a to 20d, and + 12V and + 3V power is supplied to the main controller 10. Of course, the electric power supplied to the switching power supply 22 is supplied through the breaker 23 of AC100V.
[0032]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of installation of a printer built in the print vending machine 1. In the figure, an example in which four printers 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are incorporated is shown. The printers 20a and 20b are loaded with L-size print media (L-size ink ribbons, etc.), and the printers 20c and 20d are loaded with 2L-size print media (2L-size ink ribbons, etc.). Has been. Hereinafter, a printer having an L size print medium is referred to as an L printer, and a printer having an L size print medium is referred to as a 2L printer.
[0033]
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the printer. The ink ribbon 46 and the printing paper 47 are sandwiched between the thermal head 40 and the platen roller 41. The printing paper 47 is conveyed from the left to the right in the drawing by the paper feed roller 43 and the pinch roller 42, and the ink ribbon 46 is conveyed by being wound around an ink ribbon winding core (not shown) to perform printing.
[0034]
The ink ribbon sensor mark is detected by the ink ribbon sensor 48, and the ink ribbon is sent to the sensor mark position before printing. Reference numerals 44 and 45 denote printing paper cutting mechanisms. The printing paper 47 on the table 45 can be cut by moving the cutter 44 forward from the back of the drawing.
<First Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the present invention relates to a printer that can be selectively loaded with either a L-size or 2L-size photo printable ribbon. In particular, the printer is equipped with a plurality of printers, and these printers are arranged in parallel. A photo printing vending machine capable of operating and printing photos of different sizes at high speed will be described.
[0035]
A printer loaded with a 2L size printing ribbon can print both L size and 2L size photos. Roll paper is used as printing paper, and the roll paper has a length that can print 500 sheets of L size and 250 sheets of 2L size.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 6A, the 2L size ink ribbon has an ink area Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) having an area corresponding to the 2L size (slightly larger than the 2L size). , CT (overcoat layer) are sequentially repeated. A ribbon mark indicating the initial position is provided every time one set of Y, M, C, and CT ends.
[0037]
In the case of printing a 2L size photo with a 2L size ink ribbon, printing is performed using the ink ribbon so as to correspond to one 2L size photo 51 for each ink 50 as shown in FIG. When an even number of photographs are printed, the ink ribbon is used so as to correspond to two L-size photographs 52a and 52b for each ink 50 as shown in FIG. 6B.
[0038]
However, when an odd number of L size prints are specified using a 2L size ink ribbon, as shown in FIG. 6C, only the first half portion 53 of the 2L size ink area is provided for one half end portion. Is used, and the latter half 54 remains unused.
[0039]
For this reason, a printer loaded with an ink ribbon for L size printing is also built in, and the odd-numbered portions are printed using a printer loaded with an ink ribbon for L size printing. In order to perform this printing process at a high speed, two printers of both sizes are built in the print vending machine 1 by two units or a combination of three units for 2L size and one unit for L size.
[0040]
FIG. 7 shows a conceptual processing flow of the first embodiment. Although “RET” (RETURN) is depicted at the bottom of FIG. 7, when the flow reaches “RET”, it does not clearly indicate which process to return to, but each time the explanation below, State the destination.
[0041]
First, the user uses the touch panel 2 to specify printing such as how many photos are printed in which size. The designation information is transmitted to the main controller 10 and the designated processing is performed by the main controller 10 (initially, all the information on which photo, which size and how many sheets are printed) is recognized (step) S1 (hereinafter step is abbreviated as S)).
[0042]
The main controller 10 reads image data from the recording medium inserted into the recording medium insertion slot 3 according to the designation information (S2). Then, it is recognized whether the print designation size of the read data is L size or 2L size (S3).
In the case of 2L size (proceeding in the “2L” direction in S3), the read image data is expanded as it is in the frame memory 9b (S4). If the 2L printer is printing, it waits until printing is completed (proceeding in the “N” direction in S5), and if the 2L printer is free (proceeding in the “Y” direction in S5), this 2L printer is And printing (S6).
[0043]
When it is determined that the size is L size in S3, it is determined whether the remaining print size of the L size is an even number or an odd number (S7). If it is determined in S7 that the number is an even number (the process proceeds to the “Y” direction in S7), the process proceeds to S8. If it is determined in S7 that it is an odd number of sheets (proceed to the “N” direction in S7), one sheet is always printed by the L printer, so if L size data is received, one sheet is unconditionally printed by the L printer. (S13). After the process of S13, if there is no subsequent print data, the print process is terminated, and if not, the process proceeds to S8.
[0044]
Next, it is determined whether there is subsequent print data (S8). If there is no subsequent print data (proceed to the “N” direction in S8), printing is performed in S13. When there is subsequent print data (proceeding in the “N” direction in S8), it is identified whether or not the 2L printer is used (S9). If the 2L printer is in use and is not available (goes to “N” in S9), printing is performed in S13.
[0045]
If the 2L printer is relatively free (going to the “Y” direction in S9), printing is performed by the 2L printer. However, the printing process may be faster when printing multiple L printers in parallel. . Accordingly, at this time, it is also determined whether the printing process is faster when the L printer is used or whether the printing process is faster when the 2L printer is used.
[0046]
When it is determined in S9 that printing is performed using a 2L printer, it is determined whether there is waiting data in a buffer built in the main controller 10 (S10). If there is no waiting data (proceed to “N” in S10), the L-size print data Data1 is stored in the buffer, and then the process of S10 is performed on the subsequent print data Data2. At this time, because there is waiting data Data1 in the buffer (proceed to "Y" in S10), the L size print data Data2 and the waiting data Data1 stored in the buffer are combined and expanded in the frame memory (S12) and stored in the buffer. The waiting data Data1 being deleted is deleted. Thereafter, the contents (Data1, Data2) developed in the frame memory in S6 are printed.
[0047]
The above processing is repeated until there is no print data.
Here, what was touched in S9 will be described in further detail. For example, when the 2L size is designated as M (M is a positive number) and the L size is designated as N (N is a positive number), the main controller 10 calculates the 2L size M 2L printer printing completion time. When the L size is printed in parallel by the L printer, the remaining number of L size prints is calculated, and whether it is faster to print to the 2L printer is calculated.
[0048]
As described above, by uniformizing the number of print processes, the print process time, or the operation rate of a plurality of printers built in the print vending machine 1, it is possible to eliminate the uneven print process load and perform high-speed process control. .
By the way, inside the print vending machine 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, two 2L printers and two L printers are usually installed. Each printer 20 is configured to be detachable with respect to the main body of the printing vending machine 1. Assuming that the mounting position according to the type of each printer 20 is fixed, for example, as shown in FIG. The ink ribbon) needs to be loaded according to its size.
[0049]
When the ink ribbon is loaded into the printer and a mark is detected, it can be recognized whether it is for L or 2L, and if an incorrect consumable is loaded, an alarm is generated and printing cannot be performed. In this case, since the printer type is determined by the installation location, when the controller of the vending machine main body performs distribution transfer control of print data to each printer, distribution control is performed according to the installation location of the printer.
[0050]
On the other hand, when a printer disposed anywhere can be freely loaded with an L size or 2L size consumable, the printer recognizes the type of the consumable loaded and the main controller 10 recognizes which printer. Will send consumable type information so that it can know what kind of consumables are loaded. Based on the sent information, the main controller 10 performs distribution control processing of print data.
[0051]
In this case, at least one of the four printers needs to exist for the L size or 2L size consumables. Therefore, when exchanging consumables, if all the four printers are loaded with 2L or all of the printers are loaded with consumables of L size, control is performed so that an alarm is generated.
[0052]
The first embodiment will be described below based on more specific examples.
Example 1
The printer vending machine used in this embodiment and the printer built therein are assumed to use those described above. The number of printers built in the printing vending machine is four.
[0053]
FIG. 8 is a processing flow more specifically showing the processing of FIG. The user uses the touch panel 2 to designate printing such as how many photos are printed in which size. The designation information is transmitted to the main controller 10, and the main controller 10 has information on which photo, which size and how many sheets are printed at the time of “print start” in FIG. 8.
[0054]
Then, the main controller 10 inspects the status of each printer built in the print vending machine 1 (S20). In S20, it is inspected whether or not the printer is usable (print paper / ink ribbon is left, printer is broken, etc.).
[0055]
As a result of the inspection in S20, it is determined whether or not the printer 20 built in the print vending machine 1 can be used (S21). If all the printers 20 cannot be used in S21 (proceeding in the “None” direction in S21), the printing process is terminated. When one or more printers 20 can be used in S21 (proceeding in the “Yes” direction in S21), the printers are ordered in descending order of available consumables (ink ribbon, printing paper, etc.). (S22).
[0056]
Next, print image data generation processing is performed (S24). In S24, image processing such as JPEG decompression and change of the aspect ratio (aspect ratio) of the print image data is performed based on the number of pixels of the printer 20, the print designation size, and the like. The print image data after image processing is stored in a built-in hard disk (HDD) 10a. When the image processing is completed for all the designated print image data, the sub-process of S24 ends.
[0057]
  S24In parallel, the main controller 10 assigns a print job to each printer 20 (S23). In the processing in S23, JOBs are preferentially assigned in the order given in S22 based on the remaining amount of consumables of each printer 20. For example, if the designated number of prints is 10 and the number of usable printers is 4 (printing paper remaining number printer 20a: 50 sheets, printer 20b: 50 sheets, printer 20c: 2 sheets, printer 20d: 1 sheet) The number of prints assigned to each printer by JOB is printer 20a: 4 sheets, printer 20b: 3 sheets, printer 20c: 2 sheets, and printer 20d: 1 sheet. That is, regarding the printer 20c and the printer 20d, the remaining number of print sheets is two and one, respectively, so no more print jobs are assigned.
[0058]
When the print job assignment process of S23 and the print image data generation process of S24 are completed, each printer 20 prints it (the print image data processed in S24) based on the assigned print job (S26, S27). , S28, S29). At this time, the print processing of each printer 20 is independent from each other, and each process acquires print image data subjected to image processing from the built-in hard disk (HDD) 10a based on the assigned print job. . When the assigned print job ends, the sub-process of each process (S26, S27, S28, S29) ends.
[0059]
At this time, there may be a case where all printing cannot be performed for some reason (jam, deviation of internal counter, etc.) during printing, and such a case is monitored (S25), and all printing is completed. It is determined whether or not (S30). If all printing has been completed (proceeding in the “no remaining” direction in S30), the printing process ends. If all printing has not been completed (the process proceeds to the “remaining” direction in S30), the process returns to S20, and the above process is repeated for the unprinted portion.
[0060]
The above is the outline of the processing flow of the present embodiment. Here, the print job assignment processing of S23 will be described in detail below.
FIG. 9 is a processing flow of S23. First, the designated print size is determined (S40). If the print size is 2L size (proceeding in the "2L size" direction in S40), 2L size allocation processing is performed (S42). In this case, a print job is assigned to the 2L printer based on the remaining amount of consumables for the 2L size printer. If the print size is the L size (the process proceeds to the “L size” direction in S40), an L size assignment process is performed (S41). The L size allocation process will be described with reference to FIG. When the process of S41 or S42 ends, the JOB allocation process (S23) ends.
[0061]
Next, the L size allocation process (S41) will be described with reference to FIG. As long as the print vending machine 1 has a combination of four L printers and two L printers in this embodiment, these printers may be installed in the print vending machine 1 at any ratio. Therefore, first, it is necessary to confirm how many L printers are installed. First, the number of installed L printers is determined (S50).
[0062]
As a result of the determination in S50, when the number of L printers is zero (all four are 2L printers), the processing of S51 is performed (detailed processing contents will be described with reference to FIG. 11). If the result of determination in S50 is one L-size printer (three are 2L printers), the processing in S52 is performed (detailed processing will be described with reference to FIG. 12). If the result of determination in S50 is that there are two L size printers (two are 2L printers), the processing of S53 is performed (detailed processing will be described with reference to FIG. 13). As a result of the determination in S50, when there are three L size printers (one is a 2L printer), the processing of S54 is performed (detailed processing contents will be described with reference to FIG. 14). If the result of determination in S50 is that there are four L size printers (no 2L printer), the processing of S55 is performed (detailed processing content will be described with reference to FIG. 15).
[0063]
FIG. 11 shows the processing when there are no L size printers (S51). First, it is determined whether the designated number of prints is an even number (S60). If it is an odd number in S60 (proceeding in the "odd number" direction in S60), the process ends as an error. The reason for terminating the error here is to save consumables. As described with reference to FIG. 6C, when L size printing is performed using a 2L size ink ribbon, only half of the ink region 53 of each ink 50 on the ink ribbon is used, and half of that area is used. This is because the ink area 54 is not used, leading to waste of ink ribbon resources.
[0064]
If it is determined that the number is even in S60 (proceeding in the "even" direction in S60), the remaining amount of consumables in the 2L printer is confirmed (S61). If there is no remaining amount of consumables for the 2L printer that can be printed as many as the designated number of prints (proceeding in the direction of “not enough prints” in S61), the process ends as an error. When the remaining amount of consumables of the 2L printer has an amount that can be printed as many as the designated number of prints (proceeding in the direction of “sufficient for the number of prints” in S61), the print jobs are sequentially allocated between the 2L printers in the order determined in S22 ( S62). After S62 ends, this flow (S51) ends.
[0065]
FIG. 12 shows the processing when there is one printer (S52). First, it is determined whether the designated number of prints is an even number (S70). If it is an odd number in S70 (proceeding in the "odd number" direction in S70), only the first one print job is assigned to the L printer (S71), and the process proceeds to S72. If it is an even number in S70 (proceeding in the "even" direction in S70), a print job is assigned in the order of 2L printer and L printer, and the L printer assigns a print job in units of two sheets (S72). After S62 ends, this flow (S52) ends.
[0066]
FIG. 13 shows the processing when there are two L printers (S53). First, it is determined whether or not the designated number of prints is an even number (S80). If it is an odd number in S80 (proceed to the "odd number" direction in S80), only the first one print job is assigned to the L printer (S81), and the process proceeds to S82. If the number is an even number in S80 (the process proceeds to the “even” direction in S80), the process proceeds to S82.
[0067]
Next, the process of S82 is shown below. Only when the designated number of prints is 2, one print job is assigned to each L printer. In other cases (the print designation number is 3 or more), the print jobs are assigned in the order of the 2L printer and the L printer, and the L printer assigns the print jobs in succession by 2 units. If there is no consumable for one L printer (out of print paper, etc.), a print job is assigned to the other L printer in units of two sheets. After S82 ends, this flow (S53) ends.
[0068]
FIG. 14 shows the processing when there are three L printers (S54). First, it is determined whether the designated number of prints is four or more (S90). If the number is 3 or less in S90 (proceeding to "up to 3" in S90), the print jobs are sequentially assigned in ascending order of the remaining amount of consumables for the L printer (S91). After S91 ends, this flow (S54) ends.
[0069]
If the number is 4 or more in S90 (proceeding to "4 or more" direction in S90), it is determined whether or not the designated number of prints is an even number (S92). If it is an odd number in S92 (proceeding in the "odd" direction in S92), only the first one print job is assigned to the L printer (S93), and the process proceeds to S94. If the number is an even number in S92 (the process proceeds to the “even” direction in S92), the process proceeds to S94.
[0070]
Next, the process of S94 is shown below. The print jobs are assigned in the order of 2L printer and L printer, and the L printer assigns print jobs in succession to three printers. If there is no consumable part for one L printer (out of print paper, etc.), a print job is assigned to the other L printer in units of two sheets. When the remaining number of prints is 1, the print job for one sheet is assigned to the L printer. After S94 ends, this flow (S54) ends.
[0071]
FIG. 15 shows the processing when there are four L-size printers (S55). Since there are only L printers, print jobs are allocated in order between the L printers in accordance with the order determined in S22 (S100). After S100 ends, this flow (S55) ends.
[0072]
As described above, by uniformizing the number of print processes, the print process time, or the operation rate of a plurality of printers built in the print vending machine 1, it is possible to eliminate the uneven print process load and perform high-speed process control. . In addition, waste of consumable resources can be prevented.
[0073]
(Example 2)
This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and uses a printing vending machine incorporating the printers (2L printer A, 2L printer B, L printer C, and L printer D) shown in the upper part of FIG.
[0074]
For example, when eleven L-size prints are designated, as shown in FIG. 16A, the print job is divided into 2L printers A and B by two pages, and only the last odd page print job is printed by the L printer C ( Or transfer to D).
As described above, since the L size printing can be performed two sheets at a time using the 2L printer built in the printing vending machine 1, the printing process can be speeded up and the waste of consumables can be prevented. .
[0075]
(Example 3)
This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and uses a printing vending machine incorporating the printers (2L printer A, 2L printer B, L printer C, and L printer D) shown in the upper part of FIG.
[0076]
FIG. 16B shows a method of allocating a print job each time an L size print job occurs when L size and 2L size pages coexist.
In the designated printing, when L size and 2L size pages are mixed, as shown in FIG. 16B, the L size print job is transferred to the L printers A and B, and the 2L size print job is 2L. Transfer to printers C and D. Here, the page No. of FIG. A circle (○) indicates that the page is 2L size. Indicates an L-size page. Accordingly, L size printing can be performed by the L printers A and B, and 2L size printing can be performed by the 2L printers C and D.
[0077]
As described above, the printing process can be speeded up, and waste of consumable resources can be prevented.
Example 4
This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and uses a printing vending machine incorporating the printers (2L printer A, 2L printer B, L printer C, and L printer D) shown in the upper part of FIG.
[0078]
FIG. 16C shows a method of combining L size print jobs and printing them with a 2L printer when L size and 2L size pages coexist.
In the specified printing, when L size and 2L size pages are mixed, as shown in FIG. 16C, the 2L size print job is transferred to the 2L printers C and D. The printer waits until two pages of L-size print jobs are collected, and when two pages of print jobs are collected, it is printed by the 2L printer.
[0079]
As described above, the printing process can be speeded up, and waste of consumable resources can be prevented.
(Example 5)
The present embodiment is a modification of the fourth embodiment, and uses a printing vending machine incorporating the printers (2L printer A, 2L printer B, L printer C, and L printer D) shown in the upper part of FIG.
[0080]
FIG. 16D shows a method of performing ultra-high speed printing using both the L printer and the 2L printer when there are a large amount of L size printing. The L-size print jobs described in the fourth embodiment are merged and printed by the 2L printer while being printed by the 2L printer.
[0081]
As described above, by uniformizing the number of print processes, the print process time, or the operation rate of a plurality of printers built in the print vending machine 1, it is possible to eliminate the uneven print process load and perform high-speed process control. . In addition, waste of consumable resources can be prevented.
[0082]
<Second Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, for example, in the case of L size printing, on a printing medium whose length of one screen is n times the L size (n is an integer of 2 or more), L size printing is performed on one screen by n. A printing vending machine characterized in that it is performed once will be described.
[0083]
FIG. 17 shows an nL size print medium. The nL size is a size obtained by multiplying the length of the side in the horizontal direction of the L size by n. For example, the 3L size is three times the length of the horizontal side of the L size, and the 8L size is eight times the length of the horizontal side of the L size.
[0084]
By realizing the second embodiment, it is possible to reduce the waste of the portion where printing is actually performed from the portion to which the printing paper is fed for the printing paper, and the portion where printing is actually performed from the sensor mark of the ink ribbon for the ink ribbon. I can do it. In addition, since printing is performed by a printer other than a printer having an L size print medium, the printing time can be shortened even when a plurality of L size prints are performed. In addition, when two L size prints are performed with 2L size media, the distance for transporting the printing paper and the ink ribbon is shorter than when two L size prints are performed with the L size print media. Since the number of head ups and downs is also reduced, the printing time can be shortened. Note that at least one of a plurality of built-in printers is loaded with an L size print medium. As a result, even when there is a request to print only one L size, or a fractional number, it becomes possible to cope. Then, an Example is shown below.
[0085]
Example 1
The print vending machine 1 used in the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS. The printer built in the print vending machine 1 is the same as that shown in FIG.
[0086]
FIG. 18 shows an outline of the internal structure of the print vending machine 1 used in the present embodiment, in which four printers are built. The printer 61 is loaded with an L size print medium. Each of the printers 62, 63, and 64 is loaded with a 2L size print medium. When even-numbered printing is performed, the printers 62, 63, and 64 are used. When odd-numbered printing is performed, the printer 61 prints the fractional number. Further, when printing in 2L size, the printers 62, 63, and 64 are used.
[0087]
FIG. 19 illustrates the printing paper when L size printing is performed on an L size printing medium (FIG. 19A) and when printing is performed on a 2L size printing medium (FIG. 19B). Necessary parts and unnecessary parts are shown.
The area 71 is an unnecessary part that occurs due to the structure of the printer because there is a distance from the part that feeds the printing paper to the part where printing is actually performed. A region 72 is an actual print range. A region 73 is an unnecessary portion when the L size printing is performed twice on the 2L size medium, and is an unnecessary portion.
[0088]
As shown in the figure, in the printing paper, the length of the margin when the L size printing is performed twice on the 2L size media is longer than the portion where the printing paper is sent to the portion where the printing is actually performed. It is shorter than the length (FIG. 19 (b) is shorter than FIG. 19 (a) by the length 74). Therefore, the printing paper can be saved by this length difference.
[0089]
FIG. 20 shows an ink ribbon when L size printing is performed on an L size printing medium (FIG. 20A) and when printing is performed on a 2L size printing medium (FIG. 20B). Necessary parts and unnecessary parts are shown. The area 81 is an unnecessary part generated in the structure of the printer because there is a distance from the sensor mark 80 to a part where printing is actually performed. An area 82 is an actual print range. An area 83 is an unnecessary portion when the L size printing is performed twice on the 2L size medium, and is an unnecessary portion.
[0090]
Comparing FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B, the length between images when L size printing is performed twice on 2L size media is actually printed from the sensor mark of the ink ribbon. Is shorter than the length up to the portion where the process is performed (the length 84 in FIG. 20 is shorter than the length in FIG. 20A). Therefore, the ink ribbon can be saved by the difference in length per color.
[0091]
From the above, in digital photo vending machines with multiple printers, for example, at least one printer is loaded with L size print media, and other printers are loaded with nL size print media (n is an integer of 2 or more). By doing so, it is possible to perform any number of L-size prints without waste. In addition, by printing n sheets of L size for one screen with nL size print media, waste of print media can be reduced. Further, since a plurality of printers are operated, the printing time can be shortened. Furthermore, printing of nL size can also be performed.
[0092]
(Example 2)
FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of the internal configuration of the print 1 in this embodiment, and four printers are built in. The printer 91 is loaded with an L size print medium, the printer 92 is loaded with a 2L size print medium, the printer 93 is loaded with a 3L size print medium, and the printer 94 is loaded with a 4L size print medium.
[0093]
FIG. 22 shows a printer that operates when each L-size print is performed. Represents a printer in which a portion having a number in the number of printed sheets is operated. For example, when printing one sheet of L size, the printer 91 operates once, and when printing five sheets of L size, the printer 91 operates once and the printer 94 operates once, and six sheets of L size are printed. In this case, the printer 92 is operated once and the printer 94 is operated once. When the L size is printed seven sheets, the printer 93 is operated once and the printer 94 is operated once, and the L size is printed eight sheets. The printer 94 is operated twice, and when nine sheets of L size are printed, the printer 91 is operated once and the printer 94 is operated twice.
[0094]
When printing 2L size, the printer 94 is operated when the number of printed sheets is an even number, and when the number of printed sheets is an odd number, the printer 92 is operated for printing one fractional number.
By performing printing in this way, it is possible to perform printing while reducing more wasted parts of the print medium. In addition, since print media of different sizes such as L size, 2L size, 3L size, and 4L size are mounted, printing of each size can be performed.
[0095]
As described above, since print media of different sizes such as L size, 2L size, 3L size, and 4L size are mounted, when performing L size printing, any number of print media can be wasted. Can be printed.
Also, when printing 2L size, if the number of prints is an even number, the printer with 4L size print media is operated, and when the number of prints is odd, 2L size print media is installed. The printer is running and printing is performed. By performing printing in this way, printing can be performed without wasting more print media.
[0096]
In addition, since print media of different sizes such as L size, 2L size, 3L size, and 4L size are mounted, printing of each size can be performed.
(Example 3)
FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of the internal configuration of this apparatus, and shows an example in which four printers are incorporated. The printer 101 has an L size print medium, the printer 102 has a 2L size print medium, the printer 103 has a 4L size print medium, and the printer 104 has an 8L size print medium.
[0097]
FIG. 24 shows a printer that operates when each L-size print is performed. Represents a printer in which a portion having a number in the number of printed sheets is operated. For example, when printing 4 sheets of L size, the printer 103 operates once, and when printing 5 sheets of L size, the printer 101 operates once and the printer 103 operates once, and 11 sheets of L size are printed. In this case, the printer 101 is operated once, the printer 102 is operated once, and the printer 104 is operated once. When printing 15 sheets of L size, the printer 101 is performed once, the printer 102 is performed once, and the printer 103 is operated once. The printer 104 operates once and the printer 104 operates twice when printing 16 sheets of L size. The printer 101 operates once and the printer 104 operates twice when printing 17 sheets of L size. To do.
[0098]
FIG. 25 shows a printer that operates when printing each 2L size. Represents a printer in which a portion having a number in the number of printed sheets is operated. For example, when printing 2 sheets of 2L size, the printer 103 is operated once, and when printing 2 sheets of 2L size, the printer 102 is operated once and the printer 103 is operated once, and 5 sheets of 2L size are printed. When the printer 102 is operated once and the printer 104 is operated once and 6 sheets of 2L size are printed, when the printer 103 is operated once and the printer 104 is operated once and 8 sheets of 2L size are printed The printer 104 operates twice, and when printing 9 sheets of 2L size, the printer 102 operates once and the printer 104 operates twice.
[0099]
By performing printing in this way, printing can be performed without wasting more print media. In addition, since different sizes of print media such as L size, 2L size, 4L size, and 8L size are loaded, printing of each size can be performed.
[0100]
As described above, since print media of different sizes such as L size, 2L size, 4L size, and 8L size are mounted, when performing L size printing, any number of print media wasted parts can be reduced. Can be printed.
By printing in this way, when printing eight or more sheets, it is possible to perform printing without wasting print media more than in the second embodiment.
[0101]
Also, when printing in 2L size, printing can be performed without wasting print media because a printer equipped with 4L size and 8L size print media is operated for printing.
In addition, since print media of different sizes such as L size, 2L size, 4L size, and 8L size are mounted, printing of each size can be performed.
[0102]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, by using the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the uneven printing processing load by uniformizing the number of printing processes, the printing processing time, or the operation rate of a plurality of printers built in the printing vending machine, and to perform high-speed processing. Control can be performed. In addition, waste of consumable resources can be prevented.
[0103]
In addition, when printing an odd number of sheets, it is possible to prevent wasteful consumption of consumables such as an ink ribbon by printing a single fraction with a unit image printing unit, for example, a printer for L size printing.
Also, for example, when there is only one page of L-size print data, it waits until two pages are collected, and when two pages are collected, the print data for the two pages is collected and printed by a 2L-size printer. it can.
[0104]
In addition, since the print instruction is assigned to each printer within the range of the remaining amount of consumables, printing is not interrupted because the consumables run out during printing.
In addition, optimal selection control can be performed so that the designated number of prints can be printed at high speed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the appearance of a print vending machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of an internal mechanism of a print vending machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal circuit of the print vending machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of installation of a printer built in a print vending machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a printer according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a 2L size ink ribbon. (A) is a case of printing a 2L size photo, (b) is a case of printing an even number of L size photos, and (c) is a case of printing an odd number of L size photos.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a conceptual processing flow in the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a conceptual overall processing flow in Example 1 of the first embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a print job assignment process in Example 1 of the first embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of L size allocation processing in Example 1 of the first embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an outline of processing when there are no L-size printers in Example 1 of the first embodiment;
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an outline of processing when there is one L-size printer in Example 1 of the first embodiment;
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an outline of processing when there are two L-size printers in Example 1 of the first embodiment;
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an outline of processing when there are three L-size printers in Example 1 of the first embodiment;
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an outline of processing when there are four L-size printers in Example 1 of the first embodiment;
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a printing example in Examples 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the first embodiment. (A) shows a printing example in Example 2, (b) shows a printing example in Example 3, (c) shows a printing example in Example 4, and (d) shows a printing example in Example 5. Show.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an nL size print medium.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an outline of the internal structure of a print vending machine in Example 1 of the second embodiment;
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a necessary part and an unnecessary part of the printing paper in Example 1 of the second embodiment; (A) is a case where L size printing is performed on an L size printing medium, and (b) is a case where printing is performed on a 2L size printing medium.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a necessary part and an unnecessary part of an ink ribbon in Example 1 of the second embodiment; (A) is a case where L size printing is performed on an L size printing medium, and (b) is a case where printing is performed on a 2L size printing medium.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an outline of the internal structure of a print vending machine in Example 2 of the second embodiment;
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the number of printed sheets and an active printer when performing L-size printing in Example 2 of the second embodiment;
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an outline of the internal structure of a print vending machine in Example 3 of the second embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the number of printed sheets and an active printer when performing L size printing in Example 3 of the second embodiment;
FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the number of printed sheets and an active printer when performing 2L size printing in Example 3 of the second embodiment;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Print vending machine
2 Operation display (with touch panel)
2a Touch LCD
3 Recording media insertion slot
4 Print photo exit
5 Display for input money
6 Coin insertion slot
7 bill insertion slot
8 change outlet
9a CPU
9b memory
10 Main controller
10a Internal hard disk (HDD)
11 Memory card reader
11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e Card adapter
12 USB HUB
13 Money transfer mechanism
13a Money adapter
14 Receipt printer
15 Maintenance key
16 Speaker
17 Floppy (registered trademark) disk (FDD)
18 CD-R (CD-RW)
19 PHS
20 (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) Photo printer
21a, 21b fan
22 Switching power supply
23 Breaker
40 Thermal head
41 Platen roller
42 Pinch roller
43 Paper feed roller
44 Printing paper cutting mechanism (table)
45 Printing paper cutting mechanism (printing paper cutter)
46 Ink Ribbon
47 Printing paper
48 Ink Ribbon Sensor
50 ink
51 Ink area used for printing one 2L size photo
52a, 52b Ink area used for printing large photos
53 First half of 2L size ink area
54 Second half of 2L size ink area
61 L printer
62, 63, 64 2L printer
71, 81 Unprintable area
72,82 Printable area
73,83 Cutting area
74,84 Difference between unprinted parts
80 Sensor mark
91,101 L printer
92,102 2L printer
93 3L printer
94,103 4L printer
104 8L printer
Y, Ya, Yb Yellow
M, Ma, Mb Magenta
C, Ca, Cb Cyan
CT, CTa, CTb Overcoat layer

Claims (2)

In an image printing apparatus comprising: a unit image printing unit that prints a unit area image; and a real number multiple area image printing unit that prints a real number multiple area image that is an image having a positive real number N times the area of the unit area image.
Means for the unit image printing unit and the real number area image printing means is mounted to the image printing apparatus to identify whether it is possible to use,
A print job that assigns a print job to the unit image printing unit and / or the real multiple area image printing unit according to the print designation size input by the user, the number of print designations for each size, and the identification result by the identification unit An allocation means,
The print job assigning means includes:
When printing the unit area image is an odd number,
First, one print job is assigned to the unit image printing means,
Print the remaining even number of unit area images.
If the real number area image printing unit is usable, the real number area image printing unit is assigned to the real number area image printing unit, and the real number area image printing unit is disabled. if the image printing apparatus characterized by assignment of the print JOB of one unit area image on the unit image printing unit to execute print processing by repeating the same allocation procedure later (however, the N = 2 And) . In an image printing apparatus comprising: a unit image printing unit that prints a unit area image; and a real number multiple area image printing unit that prints a real number multiple area image that is an image having a positive real number N times the area of the unit area image.
A print job assigning means for assigning a print job to the unit image printing means and / or the real multiple area image printing means according to the print designated size designated by the user and the designated number of prints for each size;
The print job assigning means includes:
When printing of unit area image and real area image printing are mixed,
While only one unit area image print job is designated, it is held without being assigned to the unit image printing means, and after waiting for two sheets to accumulate, the unit area image printing for the two sheets is printed in the real number multiple area. If two or more print jobs of the unit area image are not collected until the print processing by the user is finished, the print job assigned to the image printing means is executed. An image printing apparatus which performs printing processing by assigning to a printing means (where N = 2) .

Images