JP4843962B2 - Photo printing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a plurality of print order receiving devices for generating print order information including order data for a series of image data input by an operation input by a customer and link data for associating image data corresponding to the order data, and image data A print comprising: an exposure processing unit that exposes a photosensitive material based on the photosensitive material supply unit; a photosensitive material supply unit that supplies the photosensitive material to the exposure processing unit; and a development processing unit that develops the photosensitive material exposed to the exposure processing unit. A photographic printer comprising a processing unit and a job management unit for managing a print job based on the print order information, wherein the print order receiving device and the photographic printer are connected via a communication line; Based on print order information input from the print order receiving apparatus via the communication line. Photograph printing system that generates the door, printing processing method by the photographic printing system, the print order receiving apparatus, and a photographic printer.

  Mobile phones equipped with digital cameras and high-quality digital camera functions are rapidly spreading, and there is an increasing demand for photographic printing of photographic images taken with such cameras. In order to meet such demands, a lab store that develops and prints a photographic film, and the customer inputs image data to the store using a recording medium such as a memory card on which a photographic image is recorded. An automatic reception apparatus for setting and inputting print order information is installed. Such an automatic acceptance device accepts only a print order and outputs a receipt slip printed with an order management number, finish date and time, fee data, etc., and the customer brings the receipt slip at the specified finish date and time. The print can be obtained after paying the fee.

  In recent years, a data processing apparatus for photographic prints has been installed in which a photographic printer is connected to the above-mentioned automatic reception apparatus so that photographic prints can be obtained on the spot so that the prints can be obtained on the spot. Such a data processing device is positioned as a concept similar to a multimedia kiosk, that is, as a vending machine.

  In addition, a service equivalent to the copy service, where a data processing device is installed at the store, where an order is input using a recording medium in which a computer processed output file is recorded in addition to a photographic image, and printed on the spot. Is also considered.

  Such a data processing apparatus has a small memory card such as a CF card or an SD memory card in which processing target data photographed or created by a customer is stored loaded in a media driver as a data input means, and is read. While visually checking the processing target image displayed on the liquid crystal display device, operate the touch panel, keyboard, mouse, etc. as the job request input means, and print size and number of prints, as well as required image correction, etc. By inputting the request, a job such as a photo print output corresponding to the job request is executed, and a product can be obtained on the spot.

For example, as shown in FIG. 22, a vending machine 91 installed in a store such as a photo lab shop has a print order receiving device 93 installed in the upper part of a case 92 and an ink jet accommodated in the case 92. The printer includes a photographic printer 94 such as a printer or a sublimation printer, and the photographic printer 94 is operated after the charge for the photographic print inputted by the print order receiving device 93 is settled. A photographic print is output to the print take-out port 95.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-102035 JP 2002-351628 A

  When an inkjet printer or a sublimation printer is used as a photographic printer as in the prior art described above, the processing capacity is about 200 to 300 sheets / hour, and the customer is satisfied with the photographic print output waiting time. In order to obtain prints on the spot, the processing capacity was still insufficient. In other words, in order to fully satisfy the customer, it is necessary to allocate at least one photo printer to one print order receiving apparatus, resulting in an expensive vending machine. There was a problem. Also, photographic prints processed by inkjet printers and sublimation printers still have inferior image quality and reliability of image quality compared to photographic prints processed by the silver salt method. It was.

  On the other hand, the silver salt type photographic printer has a processing capacity of about 2000 to 3000 sheets / hour, and even with respect to the photographic print output waiting time, even if orders are received from a plurality of print order receiving apparatuses, sufficient processing is possible. Although there is a capability, when a plurality of print order receiving devices are connected to the silver salt type photo printer, when processing for orders from a plurality of print order receiving devices is executed, a series of images for each customer is processed. It is processed in a batch of order information units, and the order from a specific print order receiving device is preferentially executed, and the waiting time until the photo print is output varies greatly depending on the print ordering device to be used. Therefore, there was room for further improvement in order to construct a photo print system.

  In view of the above-described conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to quickly and automatically receive a high-quality photo print while a customer is on the spot in response to an order from a print order receiving apparatus by a customer. A photographic print system, a print processing method using the photographic print system, a print order receiving apparatus, and a photographic printer are provided.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a first characteristic configuration of the print processing method according to the present invention is a settlement form for a series of image data input by a customer as described in claim 1 of the claims. and order data containing data, and the exposure processing unit for exposing a plurality of print order receiving apparatus for generating a print order information including the link data for associating the image data corresponding to the order data, the photosensitive material based on image data, A print processing unit including a photosensitive material supply unit that supplies a photosensitive material to the exposure processing unit, a development processing unit that develops the photosensitive material subjected to the exposure processing in the exposure processing unit, and printing based on the print order information and a photographic printer comprising a job management unit for managing jobs, the plurality of print order receiving apparatus and the photographic printer communication Are connected via an in-the printer is a printing processing method in a photographic printing system for generating a photographic print based on the print order information inputted from the print order receiving apparatus via the communication line, the settlement When the form data is prepaid, the print order information is composed of a set of block order information obtained by dividing the integrated order information for a group of image data groups into a plurality of groups. Thus, the block order information is used as a unit, and distributed processing is performed so that print jobs for each print order receiving apparatus are processed uniformly .

According to the above configuration, when a plurality of print order information by the prepaid method is input to a single photo printer from a plurality of print order receiving apparatuses that can specify either the prepaid method or the postpaid method , the print The order information is composed of a set of block order information divided into a plurality of pieces of integrated order information for a group of image data, and the print job for each print order receiving apparatus is processed uniformly with the block order information as a unit. Since the distributed processing is performed, it is possible to continuously provide the customer with photo prints in each print order information, and only the print job from a specific print ordering device is prioritized and the photo print is not output. No matter which print ordering device you use, there are multiple customers Much turn-around time from order processing to the photographic print is output in is shortened, it is possible to perform a photographic print while having fun.

For example, based on the settlement form data, the price is postpaid and the price is set to be received at a later date, and the price is determined to be prepaid and the price is received on the spot. For print order information such as receiving photo prints in exchange for payment at a later date, there will be a delay in the execution of the print job, so after other high priority print order information has been processed Since the print job can be performed, the priority of the print order information is lowered, and the priority of the print order information that needs to be immediately executed such as receiving the photo print on the spot with payment in advance is given. As a result, the print job can be executed more efficiently .

As described in the second aspect, in addition to the first feature configuration described above, the second feature configuration is automatically applied to the print providing unit of the corresponding print order receiving apparatus for the photographic print generated by the print processing unit. It is in the point to convey.

According to the above-described configuration, the photographic print corresponding to the photographic print order is reliably provided to the print providing unit of the print order receiving apparatus in which the photographic print order has been placed, that is, the customer who has ordered the photographic print. It is possible to obtain a photographic print system that can be used.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the first characteristic configuration of the photo print system according to the present invention is the order data including the settlement form data for the series of image data input by the customer as described in claim 3; A print order receiving device that generates print order information including link data that associates image data corresponding to the order data, an exposure processing unit that exposes a photosensitive material based on the image data, and a photosensitive material that is applied to the exposure processing unit. A print processing unit including a photosensitive material supply unit to be supplied; a development processing unit that develops the photosensitive material subjected to the exposure processing in the exposure processing unit; and a job management unit that manages a print job based on the print order information. and a photographic printer comprising a said plurality of print order receiving apparatus and the photographic printer is connected through a communication line A photograph printing system in which the photographic printer to produce a photographic print based on the print order information inputted from the print order receiving apparatus via the communication line, the print order receiving apparatus, the settlement form data prepaid The print order information is generated as a set of block order information obtained by dividing the integrated order information for the group of image data into a plurality of pieces, and the job management unit prints each print using the block order information as a unit. The distributed processing is performed so that the print job for the order receiving apparatus is processed uniformly .

According to the above-described configuration, the plurality of print order information by the prepaid method that is output to one photo printer from the plurality of print order receiving apparatuses that can designate either the prepaid method or the postpaid method is combined with the print order information. consists of a set of blocks order information obtained by dividing the integrated order information into a plurality of image data groups unity, since the printer performs a print job the block order information as a unit, of a photographic print in the print order information It is possible to provide a photographic print system that can be continuously provided to each customer and a plurality of customers can enjoy photographic printing.

In the second feature configuration, as described in claim 4, in addition to the first feature configuration described above, the job management unit improves print processing efficiency based on print size data included in the order data. In this way, distributed processing is performed.

  According to the above-described configuration, even if a customer orders photographic prints of various print sizes, the printing process is executed more efficiently, so that the photographic printing system has a low waiting time for obtaining a photographic print. Is possible.

In the third feature configuration, as described in claim 5, in addition to the first or second feature configuration described above, the prints generated by the print processing unit are sorted based on the print order information. It is in the point provided with the classification processing part.

  According to the above configuration, since the photographic prints processed in units of divided blocks are sorted based on the print order information, there is a disadvantage that photographic prints generated based on a plurality of print order information from different customers are mixed. This makes it possible to obtain a photo print system that can be avoided.

In the fourth feature configuration, in addition to the third feature configuration described above, the photographic prints sorted by the print sorting processing unit are added to the print providing unit of the corresponding print order receiving apparatus as described in claim 6. It is in the point provided with the conveyance processing part to convey.

  According to the above-described configuration, the photographic print corresponding to the photographic print order is reliably provided to the print providing unit of the print order receiving apparatus in which the photographic print order has been placed, that is, the customer who has ordered the photographic print. It is possible to obtain a photographic print system that can be used.

According to the fifth feature configuration, in addition to the first or second feature configuration described above, the photographic print generated by the print processing unit is provided as a print providing unit of each print order receiving device. And a conveyance processing unit that conveys the photographic print to a print providing unit of a corresponding print order receiving apparatus based on the print order information when the payment form data is prepaid. The control unit is provided.

  According to the above-described configuration, the photographic print corresponding to the photographic print order is reliably provided to the print providing unit of the print order receiving apparatus in which the photographic print order has been placed, that is, the customer who has ordered the photographic print. It is possible to obtain a photographic print system that can be used.

The sixth characterizing feature of the can, as noted in the claim 8, in addition to the fifth characterizing feature described above, the conveyance control unit, the settlement form data when a postpaid, for each print order receiving apparatus The point is to control conveyance of the photographic print to a specific print providing unit other than the print providing unit .

  According to the above-described configuration, for example, based on the settlement form data, it is determined whether the price is postpaid and the photo print is received later, or the price is prepaid and the photo print is received on the spot. In response to print order information such as paying the price later and receiving a photo print in exchange for the price, the transfer control unit controls the transfer of the photo print to a specific print providing unit so that the operator can Upon receipt of the photographic print, the customer can make a highly versatile photographic print system in which the photographic print can be received later in exchange for a price via an operator.

In the seventh feature configuration, in addition to any one of the first to sixth feature configurations described above, the print order information managed by the job management unit includes the print order. Receiving device management data for identifying a receiving device, order management data for identifying integrated order information, block management data for identifying block order information included in the integrated order information, order data included in block order information, and corresponding The image data includes link data for identifying an image and image data. The order data includes any one of print size data, print number data, and settlement form data.

  According to the above-described configuration, since the order data for the series of image data input by the customer from each print order receiving apparatus and the image data are reliably associated print order information, each print order information The photo print generated based on the print order information is reliably generated as a photo print according to the customer's order, and the generated photo print is ordered by the photo print. This makes it possible to provide a photo print system that can be surely provided to the customer who has performed.

In order to achieve the above object, the first characteristic configuration of the print order receiving apparatus according to the present invention is the photographic print having any one of the above first to seventh characteristic configurations as described in claim 10. A print order receiving apparatus incorporated in a system, an image input unit for inputting image data recorded on a recording medium, and an image for displaying the image data input by the image input unit in a predetermined order on an order reception screen A display unit; an order input unit that inputs order data for each image displayed on the image display unit; and link data that associates the order data input by the order input unit with image data corresponding to the order data and order information generation unit for generating a print order information, and order information storage unit for storing the generated print order information, payment side of any of the price for deferred payment and prepaid And a payment method selection unit for selecting, said order information generating unit, if the prepaid is selected by the payment method selection section, in the print order information for each block obtained by dividing the image data group of a collection into a plurality The block order information is generated in time series, and integrated order information for the image data group is generated from the set of block order information.

According to the above-described configuration, when advance payment is selected by the payment method selection unit , block order information including print order information for each block obtained by dividing a group of image data groups into a plurality of times is generated in time series. Thus, since the predetermined process, for example, the printing process with a photographic printer, can be performed at the stage where the block order information is generated, the predetermined process can be efficiently executed, and the block order information In order to generate the integrated order information for the image data group by the set of the print order, the print order receiving apparatus capable of determining the print order information for each print order information for the group of image data groups and executing the predetermined processing It becomes possible.

In the second feature configuration, as described in claim 11 , in addition to the first feature configuration described above, the order information generation unit is configured to provide order data for image data displayed on one screen of the image display means. The block order information is generated with a block as one block.

  According to the above-described configuration, the order data for the image data displayed on one screen is generated as one block, and the block order information is generated. Therefore, the order data as one block can be easily determined by a screen switching operation or the like. This makes it possible to provide a print order receiving apparatus that can be used.

In the third feature configuration, as described in claim 12 , in addition to the first feature configuration described above, the order information generation unit sets the order data for a predetermined number of image data set in advance as one block. The block order information is generated.

  According to the above configuration, the order data for the predetermined number of image data set in advance is generated as one block, and the block order information is generated. Therefore, the order data as one block can be easily generated based on the predetermined number of image data. Can be determined, and a print order receiving apparatus capable of making the load in a predetermined process executed based on the order data as one block constant can be provided.

In the fourth feature configuration, as described in claim 13 , in addition to any of the first to third feature configurations described above, the order information generation unit is made via the order input means. The block order information is generated using an order confirmation operation for confirming the order contents as a trigger.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a print order receiving apparatus that can reliably generate the block order information based on the customer's intention.

In the fifth feature configuration, as described in claim 14 , in addition to any of the first to fourth feature configurations described above, the print order information includes order management for individually identifying integrated order information. Data, block management data for individually identifying block order information included in the integrated order information, link data associating order data included in the block order information and corresponding image data, and image data. In the point.

  According to the above-described configuration, the order data for the series of image data input by the customer from the order receiving apparatus and the image data can be reliably associated with the print order information.

In the sixth feature configuration, as described in claim 15 , in addition to any of the first to fifth feature configurations described above, the order information generation unit is made via the order input unit. The block order information is confirmed by an order confirming operation for confirming the order contents, and then the print order information is confirmed by an order end confirming operation for confirming the order end made through the order input unit.

  According to the above-described configuration, block order information including print order information for each block obtained by dividing a group of image data groups into a plurality of blocks can be easily generated in time series.

The seventh characterizing feature of the, as described in the claim 16, in addition the first aforementioned Sixth any feature configuration of, after the order completion confirmation operation is performed, the order for the image data group A reorder receiving operation that allows returning to the receiving screen is possible.

  According to the above-described configuration, the print order receiving apparatus that inputs additional order data without requiring a complicated operation even after order data for a series of image data input by a customer is confirmed. It becomes possible.

The eighth characterizing feature of the can, as noted in the claim 17, in addition the first above the seventh one characteristic feature of the photo the print order information stored in the order information storage unit printer The order information output unit outputs the order information when a predetermined number of block order information stored in the order information storage unit is accumulated.

  According to the above-described configuration, the generated print order information can be surely output to the photo printer, and the photo printer can be a print order receiving apparatus that outputs print order information with a certain load. is there.

The ninth characterizing feature of the can, as noted in the claim 18, in addition the first above the seventh one characteristic feature of the photo the print order information stored in the order information storage unit printer The order information output unit outputs block order information stored in the order information storage unit based on a request from the photo printer.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a print order receiving apparatus that reliably outputs the generated print order information according to the photographic printer.

To achieve the above object, a first characteristic feature of the printer according to the present invention, as described in the claim 19, pictures are incorporated from the first described above the photographic printing system according to the seventh one of a printer, developed an exposure section for exposing the photosensitive material based on image data, and the exposure processing photosensitive material supply unit for supplying a photosensitive material unit, a photosensitive material to the exposure process in the exposure processing unit A plurality of print order receiving devices connected via communication lines, and a print processing unit including a development processing unit, and a job management unit that manages print jobs based on print order information. double a plurality of print order information input, which is composed of a set of block order information obtained by dividing an integrated order information for the image data group a collection into a plurality of Against the print order information and the block order information as a unit in terms of distributed processing as a print job for each print order receiving apparatus is uniformly treated.

  According to the above-described configuration, even when a plurality of print order information is input from a plurality of print order receiving devices, the print order information is distributed and executed, so that a print from a specific print order receiving device is executed. This makes it possible to provide a photo printer that can avoid a biased execution state such as executing only order information.

In the second feature configuration, as described in claim 20 , in addition to the first feature configuration described above, a plurality of the print processing units are provided, and the job management unit is connected by a plurality of communication lines. A plurality of print order information input from the print order receiving apparatus is distributed and processed by a plurality of print processing units, so that a photographic printer capable of executing print processing more efficiently can be provided.

In the third feature configuration, as described in claim 21 , in addition to the first or second feature configuration described above, a print that sorts a photographic print generated by the print processing unit based on the print order information. There is a sorting processing unit and a transport processing unit that transports the photographic prints sorted by the print sorting processing unit to a corresponding print order receiving apparatus .

  According to the above configuration, since the generated photographic prints are sorted based on the print order information, a photographic printer that can easily associate the generated photographic prints with the print order information can be obtained. It is.

In the fourth feature configuration, in addition to the first or second feature configuration described above, the transport for transporting the photographic print generated by the print processing unit to the print order receiving device is provided. A processing unit and a transport control unit configured to transport the photographic print to a corresponding print order receiving apparatus based on the print order information, and the print order reception processing unit corresponding to the photographic print is surely provided. Therefore, it is possible to provide a photographic printer that can be transported to the camera.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in view of the above-described conventional problems, in response to an order from a print order receiving apparatus by a customer, a high-quality photo print can be quickly made while the customer is on the spot. A photo print system that can be automatically received, a print processing method using the photo print system, a print order receiving apparatus, and a photo printer can be provided.

  The case where the photo print system according to the present invention is applied to a vending machine that purchases the goods and services by operating the print output based on the digital image data, processing, storage in a recording medium, etc. by the customer will be described below. . As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the general configuration of the vending machine 01 as the photo print system is a plurality of print order receiving devices 02 that are installed on the top of the placement case 07 and receive photo print orders. A photo that is installed inside the case 07 and executes predetermined processing based on the print order information from the print order receiving device 02 and the print order receiving device 02 via the communication line, and outputs a photographic print. Between the print order receiving device 02, the partition 65 that partitions the space between the printer 65, a region AZ for receiving a print order of a photograph from a customer by the print order receiving device 02, and a region BZ for performing a maintenance operation of the print processing unit 03 described later. Installed with a partition 08 to protect privacy among customers It is configured Te. The photo printer 65 includes a print processing unit 03 that executes photo print processing based on print order information from the print order receiving device 02, and a photo print that is output by the print processing unit 03. A conveyance processing unit 04 that conveys the image to the apparatus 02 and a job management unit 21 that manages a print job based on the print order information are configured.

  The placement case 07 is provided with the plurality of print order receiving devices 02 in the upper part thereof, and the print processing unit 03 and the transport processing unit 04 as the photographic printer 65 are disposed in the interior thereof with high transport efficiency. Is to improve the processing efficiency of the vending machine 01 and reduce the size of the vending machine 01 so that it can be installed in a relatively small space. A print providing unit 06 for receiving a photographic print output based on the print order information received by the print order receiving device 02 is formed below the position where the print order receiving device 02 is installed. Has been. When the vending machine 01 includes a plurality of print order receiving devices 02, for example, three print order receiving devices 02a, 02b, and 02c, the print providing unit 06 includes each print order receiving device. Correspondingly, print providing units 06a, 06b, and 06c are formed as the print providing units of the respective print order receiving apparatuses.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the appearance configuration of the print order receiving apparatus 02 is a digital image that becomes photo print target data stored in various portable recording media such as CD, CF card, and SD memory card possessed by the customer. A plurality of types of media drivers 09 as image input units for reading and inputting image data, a liquid crystal display unit 10 as an image display unit for displaying photographic print target data input by the media driver 09 as an image, A touch panel 11 serving as an order input unit arranged on the surface of the liquid crystal display unit 10 for inputting order data such as the number of prints and a print size for an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 10, and a photographic print price are settled. Reservation information, etc. in the case of making a reservation with the money input unit 34 and a photo print order A recording medium output unit 35 for outputting such reservation slip 35p serving as a recording medium is configured by a reception management unit 66 for controlling each function block. The reception management unit 21 includes a CPU that controls each functional block, a memory that stores an execution program of the CPU, and the like. The execution program is installed in advance on a hard disk and is executed under a predetermined operating system. It is configured to be executed.

  The print processing unit 03 performs a silver salt type print process, and the general configuration of the print processing unit 03 is as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. Two systems of photographic paper magazines 12 supplying the photographic paper P as a supply unit, a sheet cutter 13 for cutting the photographic paper P supplied from the photographic paper magazine 12 into a predetermined print size, and the photographic paper after cutting A back print unit 14 for printing print information such as an image number on the back surface of P, an exposure processing unit 15 for exposing the photographic paper P based on the photographic print target data, and developing the photographic paper P after the exposure processing; A plurality of processing tanks 16a, 16b, 16c filled with processing solutions for bleaching and fixing are arranged along the conveying path of the photographic paper P, and dried after the development processing. A lateral feed conveyor 17 from which the photographic paper P is discharged, and a sorter 18 as a print sorting processing unit in which a plurality of photographic papers (photo prints) P stacked on the lateral feed conveyor 17 are sorted by photo print order unit. It is prepared for. The exposure processing unit 15 includes an exposure head that exposes light beams of three primary colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) while feeding the photographic paper P based on print target data. In some cases, the photographic printing paper P is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction, and exposure is performed in a line along the main scanning direction in synchronization with the conveying speed. As the exposure head, a fluorescent beam method, a liquid crystal shutter method, a DMD method, a FOCRT method, or the like can be adopted depending on the exposure specification.

  That is, the print processing unit 03 conveys the roll-shaped photographic paper P stored in the two photographic paper magazines 12 and cuts it into a print size, and applies the exposure processing unit to the photographic paper P thus cut. 15, an exposure process is performed, and the photographic paper P after the exposure process is sent to a development processing unit 16 having a plurality of development processing tanks for development. Then, after the developing process and the drying process, the photographic paper P, that is, the photographic prints P, sent to the sorter 15 from the lateral feed conveyor 14 in the upper part of the print processing unit 03, will be described later on a plurality of trays of the sorter 18. It is configured to accumulate in a state sorted by unit order of photographic prints.

  Further, the print processing unit 03 is installed inside the storage case 07, and the partition 05 is installed with the print order receiving device 02 to receive a photographic print order. By spatially separating the area where the photo print process is executed by the processing unit 03 or the area BZ where maintenance work such as replacement of the developer in the print processing unit 03 is performed, the print order receiving device 02 It is configured to be able to be installed close to the back part or the lower part. That is, an area AZ where the print order receiving device 02 is installed and accepts a photo print order, an area where photo print processing is executed by the print processing unit 03, or maintenance such as replacement of developer in the print processing unit 03 By spatially separating the area BZ where the work is to be performed, and by adopting a structure that can ensure safety that avoids the risk of customers being exposed to chemicals such as developer and the risk of being involved in complex machines, The print processing unit 03 can be arranged in the vicinity of the print order receiving apparatus 02. In addition, the print processing unit 03 can be installed in the back part or the lower part of the print order receiving device 02 by being installed in the placement case 07, and the above-mentioned safety can be ensured while ensuring the safety. The print order receiving device 02 and the print processing unit 03 can be combined into a small size, and is configured to be a miniaturized vending machine 01 that can be installed even in a small space.

  Further, the print processing unit 03 performs the maintenance work from the front surface or the upper surface of the print processing unit 03. For example, in the case of the development processing unit 16, as shown in FIG. By pulling out the developer tank 39 from the lower front surface of the printer, maintenance work such as replenishment of the processing liquid made of the developer or the like can be performed. The turn rack unit 41 and the like can be pulled out, and maintenance work such as cleaning and waste liquid can be performed. The print order receiving device 02 and the transport processing unit 04 are maintained for performing the above-described maintenance work. It is installed behind the print processing unit 03 so that a zone can be secured. The mounting case 07 is provided with an opening / closing door for easily performing the maintenance work.

  Note that the general configuration of the print processing unit 03 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 described above, and the print processing unit 03 may be arranged so as to fit inside the mounting case 07 as appropriate.

  The transport processing unit 04 is installed at the lower part of the print order receiving device 02, is installed at the back of the print processing unit 03, and is further provided with a side surface on which the print providing unit 06 is provided in the installation case 07 described above. By being installed on the side, the photographic print output by the print processing unit 03 is transported to the print providing unit 06 of the print order receiving apparatus 02 that has received the photographic print order.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the appearance configuration of the transport processing unit 04 includes a main conveyor 19 corresponding to each print order receiving device 02 and a main conveyor corresponding to the photographic prints output by the print processing unit 03. 19 includes a sorting unit 20 that is selectively conveyed. The main conveyor 19 corresponds to the print order receiving devices 02a, 02b, 02c, that is, the main conveyor 19 includes main conveyors 19a, 19b, 19c corresponding to the print providing units 06a, 06b, 06c. Photo prints sorted and placed on the main conveyors 19a, 19b, and 19c are respectively conveyed to the print providing units 06a, 06b, and 06c.

  The sorting unit 20 picks out the photographic print from the sorter 18 and places it on the main conveyor 19. The allocating unit 20 nips the photographic print, and rotates to control the direction of the nip 22. A moving part 25 that moves between the sorter 18 and the main conveyor 19 corresponding to the photographic prints according to the conveying rail 24. Configured.

  That is, the transport processing unit 04 extracts the photographic prints sorted for each unit order from the sorter 18 by the clamping unit 22 of the sorting unit 20, and moves the moving unit 25 to the photo according to the transport rail 24. It is moved to the main conveyor 19 corresponding to the print order receiving device 02 that has received the print order. Further, the rotating part 23 is rotated so that the clamping part 22 comes to a position above the main conveyor 19, and the photographic print is placed on the main conveyor 19. Further, the photographic print is transported to the print providing unit 06 by the rotation of the belt of the main conveyor 19 and dropped and supplied to the photographic print take-out unit 06.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, as a configuration including a plurality of belt-type transport blocks 26 arranged in cascade, and a transfer section 27 for transferring the photographic print from the sorter 18 to the belt-type transport block. Also good. The transfer unit 27 includes a holding unit 28 that holds the photographic print, and a rotating unit 29 that controls the rotation of the holding unit 28. The belt-type transport block 26 includes, for example, seven transport blocks 26a, 26b, 26c, 26w, 26x, 26y, and 26z, of which the belt-type transport blocks 26a, 26b, and 26c are respectively the print order receiving device. 02a, 02b, 02c, that is, corresponding to the print providing units 06a, 06b, 06c. When the photographic prints corresponding to the belt-type conveyance blocks 26a, 26b, and 26c are conveyed to the belt-type conveyance block 26, the belt-type conveyance block 26 temporarily stops the rotation of the belt, as shown in FIG. The belt-type transport blocks 26a, 26b, and 26c corresponding to the prints are inclined toward the photo print take-out units 06a, 06b, and 06c, so that the photo prints are dropped and supplied to the print providing units 06a, 06b, and 06c. It is configured as follows. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11, the belt-type transport blocks 26a, 26b, and 26c corresponding to the photographic prints are such that the transport direction due to the rotation of the belt is directed to the print providing units 06a, 06b, and 06c. The entire conveying block rotates and tilts toward the print providing units 06a, 06b, 06c, or the belt is rotated again and conveyed toward the print providing units 06a, 06b, 06c. The photographic print may be configured to be dropped and supplied to the print providing units 06a, 06b, and 06c.

  That is, the transport processing unit 04 extracts the photographic prints sorted for each unit order from the sorter 18 by the clamping unit 28 of the transfer unit 27, and the clamping unit 27 is connected to the belt by the clamping unit 28. The photographic print is placed on the belt-type transport block 26w by rotating it so as to be positioned above the transport-type transport block 26w. Further, by rotation of each belt of the belt type conveyance block 26, the photographic print is transferred from the belt type conveyance block 26w to the belt type conveyance block 26x and further to the belt type conveyance block 26a, and so on. When the belt-type conveyance block 26 corresponding to the print order receiving apparatus 02 that has been sequentially conveyed by the belt-type conveyance block 26 and has received the order for the photographic print is reached, the rotation of the belt of the belt-type conveyance block 26 is temporarily performed. It may be configured such that the photographic print is dropped and supplied to the print providing unit 06 by stopping and performing the predetermined operation described above. The arrival determination of the photographic print to the belt type transport block 26 corresponding to the print order receiving device 02 that has received the photographic print order is made by the transfer unit 27 to the belt type transport block 26w. It is possible to make a determination based on the timing at which the print is placed and the rotational speed of the belt of the belt-type transport block 26. That is, the transport speed of the photographic print is calculated from the rotational speed of the belt of the belt transport block 26, and the order of the photographic print is obtained from the transport speed and the belt transport block 26w on which the photographic print is placed. The transport time is calculated based on the distance to the belt-type transport block 26 corresponding to the print order receiving device 02 that has received the print order, and the determination is based on the time elapsed from the timing when the photo print was placed on the belt-type transport block 26w. be able to.

  In addition, if the print providing unit 06 is provided with a chute 38 for transporting the photographic print from the transport processing unit 04 to the print providing unit 06, the transport processing unit 04 surely supplies the print providing unit. Since the photographic print is conveyed to 06, it is convenient.

  The transport processing unit 04 includes a second transport processing unit that transports the photographic print to a second print providing unit different from the print providing unit 06 based on print order information from a customer. Also good. In the case of the conveyance processing unit 04 using the main conveyor 19 and the sorting unit 20 described above, a belt type conveyance block 26 and a transfer unit are provided by appropriately including a main conveyor corresponding to the second print providing unit. 27, the belt arranged in a cascade between the belt-type conveyance block corresponding to the second print providing unit and the belt-type conveyance block corresponding to the second print providing unit. By appropriately providing a type transport block, the photographic print can be transported to the second print providing unit.

  The job management unit 21 includes a CPU that controls each functional block and a memory that stores an execution program of the CPU. The execution program is preinstalled in a hard disk and executed under a predetermined operating system. It is comprised so that.

Hereinafter, for the vending machine 01 as the photo print system, for example, a functional block configuration of the vending machine 01 provided with three print order receiving devices 02a, 02b, and 02c will be described. Since the three print order receiving devices 02a, 02b, and 02c have the same configuration, the detailed functional block configuration of the print order receiving device is shown as one of the print order receiving devices 02, and the others. The detailed block configurations of the two print order receiving apparatuses are omitted. As shown in FIG. 12, the functional block configuration of the vending machine 01 is such that the reception management unit 66 in the print order reception device 02 and the job management unit 21 in the photographic printer 65 are connected via a communication line L. It is a connected configuration.

  The reception management unit 66 displays the print order information and the image editing information on the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 10 and the semiconductor memory means 30 for temporarily storing the digital image data input from the media driver 09. A graphic user interface for generating various control commands based on input operations from the touch panel 11 on the displayed graphic operation screen and generation of a graphic operation screen for displaying operation icons for necessary data input A (GUI) unit 31, a receiving device management data generating unit 52 for generating receiving device management data for identifying the print order receiving device 02 as a print order receiving device 02 that has received a photo print order, and the money input Whether or not the money has been deposited in part 34 Based on the separate price discriminating means 36, the cumulative print order quantity storage unit 70 for storing the cumulative print order quantity for each customer, the input information input from the touch panel 11, and the price discrimination information from the price discriminating means 34. The order data generating unit 51 for generating the order data, the order data, the photo print target data which is the temporarily stored digital image data corresponding to the order data, the link data for associating them, the receiving device management data, An order information generating unit 67 for generating print order information including the above, a large-capacity storage device 50 such as a hard disk as an order information storage unit for storing the generated print order information, and the print order information for the photo printer 65. An order information output unit 53 for outputting to the communication line L An execution state information input unit 56 for inputting execution state information of the photographic printer 65 from the photographic printer 65 via the communication line L, and a payment medium such as a money paid into the money insertion unit 34 or an inserted prepaid card. The settlement processing unit 54 that executes the settlement process based on the print order information, and the recording medium output means 35 records and outputs the reservation information to the reservation slip 35p as the recording medium as the print order information. And a recording controller 55 that performs control based on the recording controller 55.

  The job management unit 21 includes an order information input unit 57 that inputs the print order information from the reception management unit 66 of each print order reception device 02 via the communication line L, and order information that stores the print order information. A large-capacity storage device 58 such as a hard disk as a storage unit, a job management unit 59 that executes and manages a predetermined process based on the print order information, and a predetermined value based on the print order information in the photo print target data Image processing means 33 for performing image processing, an image print data converting unit 63 for converting the photographic print target data subjected to the image processing into image print data, and print control of the print processing unit 03 based on the print order information The print control unit 60 for performing the print order information A transfer control unit 61 that controls the transfer of the transfer processing unit 04 based on the above, and a reception management unit in the print order reception device 02 that has input the print order information to the job management unit 21 with respect to the execution status information of the photographic printer 65 And an execution state information output unit 62 that outputs to 66.

The operation of the vending machine 01 as the photo print system will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 13, 14, 15, and 16. Each reception management unit 66 performs the same operation, and the job management unit 21 is configured to perform the same operation with respect to each reception management unit 66. The reception management unit will be described by paying attention to a specific reception management unit 66.

When the power supply of the above-described vending machine 01 is turned on, the liquid crystal display unit 10 of the print order receiving apparatus 02 is prepaid with a message “I welcome you” as shown in FIG. Then, the selection switches 42d and 42e for selecting the immediate receiving mode in which the photo print can be received immediately and the later receiving mode in which the photo print can be received at a later date can be displayed (SA1). ).

  When the “advance payment” switch 42d, which is a selection switch for the immediate reception mode, is selected by a touch operation with a finger (SA2), the touch panel 11 provided on the liquid crystal display unit 10 recognizes the operation location, and FIG. As shown in (b), a message “Please enter the price” is displayed (SA3). At this time, a charge table or the like may be displayed at the same time.

  When it is determined by the price determination means 36 that the cash is inserted into the money input section 34 or a prepaid card or the like has been inserted (SA4), the order data generation unit 51 (FIG. 18) As shown in a), an ID photo print order switch 37x for receiving prints of ID photos on the liquid crystal display unit 10, a photo print order switch 37y for receiving general photo prints, and a series of photo images as a recording medium such as a CD-R A mode selection switch such as an electronic album order switch 37z to be written and stored as an electronic album is displayed (SA5).

  When a customer has a memory card storing photographic image data taken by a digital camera, such as an SD memory card, and a customer requests general photographic printing, the photographic print order switch on the display screen shown in FIG. 37y is touched with a finger (SA6). The touch panel 11 provided in the liquid crystal display unit 10 recognizes the operation location, and a message “Please insert a digital camera card” is displayed in the message display area 37f as shown in FIG. 18B. At the same time, a photographic image display frame 37g and the like are displayed.

  When the customer inserts the SD memory card into the corresponding media driver 09 according to the message, the media driver 09 reads digital image data as photographic image data recorded therein and temporarily stores it in the memory means 30. When the reading of all the digital image data is completed, a message “Please remove the card” is displayed in the message display area 37f. Reading the digital image data from the recording medium is completed by removing the card accordingly. (SA7).

  At this time, the order data generation unit 51 sets the read digital image data as one unit integrated order, and generates order management data for individually identifying the integrated order as integrated order information (SA8).

  When the SD memory card is removed, as shown in FIG. 18C, a predetermined number of, for example, six thumbnail images based on the read photographic image data are displayed on the photographic image display frame 7g of the liquid crystal display unit 10. Is displayed, and "Please select an image to output and set the number of images" is displayed in the message display area 7f (SA9). The thumbnail images are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 10 in a predetermined order, for example, the order read from the media driver 09 or the order according to the shooting date and time.

  The customer touches and selects a thumbnail image desired to be printed, and touches the number setting switch 37h to set and input the number of prints (SA10). One touch is added each time the “+1” switch is touched, and one is subtracted each time the “−1” switch is touched. The set number is displayed at the lower right of the selected thumbnail image and is displayed in the number display area 371 at the lower left of the screen. When the set number is 0, “PASS” is displayed. That is, the image displayed as “PASS” is not printed. Further, under the number setting switch 37h, an all image number setting switch 37i for setting the number of prints to be added to all the photographic image data one by one, and resetting the number of prints to 0 for all the photographic image data. An all-image PASS switch 37j is provided.

  Similarly, by touching and selecting a thumbnail image desired to be printed and touching the color correction switch 37k, color correction of each photographic image can be performed (SA11). Although not described in detail, when the color correction switch 37k is touched, the selected photographic image is displayed in large size, and switches for adjusting each color component of yellow, magenta, and cyan are displayed. The color balance of the photographic image stored in the means 30 is adjusted, and an image reflecting the color correction is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 10.

  When the first “SET” switch 37n at the bottom of the screen is operated (SA12), the screen shifts to the output type setting screen shown in FIG. On the output type setting screen, a size selection switch 37p for selecting a desired print size from L size, PC size, index + L size, index + PC size, and a frame for selecting the number of frame images to be printed on one print. An image number selection switch 37q and a print type selection switch 37r for selecting monochrome printing or sepia printing are displayed.

  When the output type desired by the customer is set (SA13) and the second “set” switch 37o is touched (SA14), the order data generation unit 51 stores the set number of images in the accumulated print number storage unit. The cumulative number So is updated by adding Sn to the cumulative number So that has been stored so far in correspondence with the order management data (SA15). Further, a basic price Ma for the set number of images Sn or print size is calculated, a discount price Ms is calculated according to the cumulative number So, and a final price Mf obtained by subtracting the discount price Ms from the basic price Ma is obtained. Calculate (SA16). That is, the order data generation unit 51 also functions as a discount processing unit for the price.

  The order data generation unit 51 confirms the deposit amount Mi inserted in the money input unit 34 by the price discriminating unit 36 (SA17), and the deposit amount Mi is input more than the calculated final price Mf. If so, the payment calculated by the payment processor 54 is settled (SA18). In addition, when the deposit amount Mi is not inserted more than the calculated final price Mf, the liquid crystal display unit 10 keeps the message with the message “The price is insufficient” as shown in FIG. A “prepayment” switch 42f for continuing the immediate receipt mode and a “postpay” switch 42g for shifting to the later receipt mode are displayed (SA19). When the “prepayment” switch 42f is selected, a message “please insert the price” is displayed, and the money input portion 34 is paid with cash or a prepaid card or the like with the final price Mf or more. Then (SA20), the order data generation unit 51 settles the price (SA18). If the non-deposited time Tn continues for a predetermined time Tth or more (SA21), the process returns to step SA1. When the “postpay” switch is selected and the mode is shifted to the later date reception mode, the process proceeds to step SC4 described later.

  When the payment in step SA17 is settled, the input information from the touch panel 11 by the customer is confirmed, and the order data generating unit 51 generates the order data. At this time, the order data generation unit 51 sets the order data based on the photo print target data determined by the selection of the second “set” switch 37 o as a unit block order, and the block order as the block order information. Block management data to be individually recognized is generated (SA22). Further, the order data generation unit 51 adds the block management data and the integrated order management data so as to be associated with the order data, and generates new order data (SA23).

  When the order data is generated, the order information generation unit 67 includes print order information including the order data, the photo print target data corresponding to the order data, link data for associating them, and the receiving device management data. (SA24), and the print order information is stored in the mass storage device 50 (SA25).

  When the print order information is stored in the mass storage device 50, the order information output unit 53 outputs the print order information to the job management unit 21 (SA26).

  In addition, in the read digital image data, the order data generation unit 51 returns to the step SA8 when the undisplayed digital image data remains on the liquid crystal display unit 10 (SA27), and reads the read An undisplayed thumbnail image based on the photographic image data is displayed.

  That is, the integrated order information for the group of digital image data read from the media driver 09 is composed of a set of block order information divided into a plurality of pieces, and the block order information is determined according to the amount information paid in advance. The unit order is a unit, and the block order information is generated in time series.

  The block order information as the unit order may be block order information of one unit based on order data corresponding to thumbnail images displayed on one screen of the liquid crystal display unit 10 or a predetermined number of screens. One unit of block order information may be used based on order data corresponding to a predetermined number of thumbnail images set in advance. In any case, it is more preferable if the unit of block order information can be generated so that the load in the print job in the photo printer based on the unit of block order information is uniform.

  When the print order information is input (SB1) and the print order information is stored in the large-capacity storage device 58 (SB2), the job management means 59, based on the print order information, the image processing means 33. To perform image processing. That is, image processing based on the order data is performed on the print target data (SB3). The print target data that has been subjected to the image processing is converted into image print data by the image print data converter 63 (SB4).

  The print processing unit 03 is controlled by the print controller 60 to execute print processing based on the converted image print data and the print order information (SB5). When print order information is input from the reception management unit 66 in the other print order receiving apparatus 02, photo print processing is sequentially executed in the order in which the print orders are received.

When a photographic print corresponding to each print order information is output from the print processing unit 03 by executing the print processing for each print order information (SB6), the transport processing unit 04 displays the transport control unit 04. 61. Based on the print order information, that is, based on the reception device identification data added to the print target data, the print provision unit 06 of the print order reception device 02 that has received the print order information receives the print order information. The photograph print is conveyed, and the photograph print providing unit 06 provides the photograph print to the customer (SB7).

In other words, when a plurality of print order receiving devices 02 accepts photo print orders in parallel , the print orders received by the respective print reception ordering devices 02 from the reception management unit 66 in the plurality of print ordering devices 02. When the information is input in a mixed manner, for example, as shown in FIG. 20A, print order information Da1, Da2, Da3 as block order information included in the integrated order information Da in the print acceptance order device 02a, Da4, print order information Db1 and Db2 as block order information included in the integrated order information Db in the print acceptance order device 02b, and print order information as block order information included in the integrated order information Dc in the print acceptance order device 02c Dc1, Dc2, Dc3, Dc4 intersect When the print order information is input, as shown in FIG. 20B, the print order information is received, that is, the order input to the job management unit 21 is “Da1 → Dc1 → Da2 → Db1”. → Dc 2 → Da 3 → Db 2 → Dc 3 → Da 4 → Dc 4 → Dc 5 ”, and as shown in FIG. 20 (c), the transport processing unit 04 performs print processing based on the print order information. By transferring the photographic prints to the print receiving device 02 that has received the print order information in the order of print processing, that is, the integrated order information received by each print receiving order device 02 is converted into a unit block order. A set of digital images received by each print order receiving device 02 is processed for each print order information that is information. The order of the photographic print to the data, is to process each dispersed. Further, the print order information is generated so that the load on the predetermined processing based on the print order information is equal, so that the processing can be further uniformly distributed.

  Furthermore, when printing processing is performed in an apparatus capable of transporting photographic paper in multiple rows by the exposure processing unit and the development processing unit, the individual print processing order included in the plurality of block order information is rearranged so as to improve the processing speed. Print processing is possible, and the waiting time of the customer can be shortened as much as possible by conveying it to the print order receiving apparatus based on the print order information associated with each photographic paper. it can.

  If the conveyance processing unit 04 is configured to convey the photographic prints one by one each time the photographic prints are output, the customer can obtain the photographic prints more quickly and continuously. Therefore, it is preferable to be a vending machine that can confirm the finish of the photographic print while enjoying it. Further, if the photographic prints output based on the print order information are collectively conveyed as a unit, the conveyance capability is improved, and the photographic prints output from the print processing unit 03 are transferred to the sorter 18. It is preferable because there is no delay. In any case, the photo providing processing capability as a vending machine is improved by appropriately setting the transport unit by the print processing capability in the print processing unit 03 and the transport processing capability in the transport processing unit 04. More preferable.

  When the photo print is conveyed to the print providing unit 06, the job management unit 59 indicates that the execution state information output unit 62 has completed a predetermined process based on the print order information. The information is output as a completion notification to the print order receiving apparatus 02 that has entered the job management unit 21 (SB8).

  The reception management unit 66 displays all thumbnail images based on the read digital image data on the liquid crystal display unit 10, and all reception of print order information based on the thumbnail images is completed, that is, integrated order information. Is completed, and the output of the photo print by the print processing unit 03 and the transfer of the photo print by the transfer processing unit 04 based on the received print order information are completed, so that all the photo prints are received by the customer. When provided (SA28), the settlement control unit 54 returns it by discharging the balance, or returns it by discharging the prepaid card (SA29), and returns to step SA1.

  In the read digital image data, undisplayed photographic image data remains on the liquid crystal display unit 10, and the photographic printer 65 continues predetermined processing based on previous print order information. If so, the liquid crystal display unit can be used so that the number of unprinted photo prints can be confirmed as shown in FIGS. 21 (a) and 21 (b) while step SA8 to step SA26 are repeated. The number of unprinted photo prints may be displayed in the unprinted number display frame 37d at the lower right of 10. Further, in the read digital image data, all the thumbnail images based on the read digital image data are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 10, and finally received in a state where all the print order information has been received. If the photo print processing based on the print order information before the print order information continues, as shown in FIG. 21C, the number of unprinted photo prints is displayed together with a message “Please wait”. The configuration may be such that the number of unprinted photo prints is displayed so that it can be confirmed.

  Further, based on the read digital image data, selection of whether or not the customer inputs print order information for the read digital image data again after acceptance of the print order information is completed. It is good also as a structure which can be. For example, when the “Yes” switch and the “No” switch are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 10 together with a message such as “Can I finish the print order?” Or the like and the “Yes” switch is selected, May be configured to return to step SA9, or to step SA1 when the “No” switch is selected. It is preferable because it is possible to save the trouble of reading digital image data again when ordering photo prints again for digital image data once ordered.

  When the “postpay” switch 42e, which is a selection switch for the later date reception mode, is selected by a touch operation with a finger in the step SA2, the liquid crystal display unit 10 has a price as shown in FIG. The mode selection switch screen as shown in FIG. 18A is displayed without displaying the deposit display screen (SC1).

  Similarly to the above, when a customer has a memory card storing photographic image data taken by a digital camera, for example, an SD memory card, and a customer requests a general photographic print, the display screen shown in FIG. When the photo print order switch 37y is touched with a finger (SC2), a message “Please insert a digital camera card” is displayed in the message display area 37f as shown in FIG. 18B. The photographic image display frame 37g and the like are displayed, and the SD memory card is inserted into the corresponding media driver 09 according to the message. The media driver 09 reads digital image data as recorded photographic image data and temporarily stores it in the memory means 30. When the reading of all the digital image data is completed, the message “Please remove the card” is displayed in the message display area 37f, and the reading of the digital image data from the recording medium is completed by removing the card accordingly. (SC3).

  At this time, the order data generation unit 51 sets the read digital image data as a unitary integrated order, and generates order management data for individually recognizing the integrated order as integrated order information (SC4).

When the card is taken out, a predetermined number of thumbnail images based on the read digital image data are displayed in the photographic image display frame 7g of the liquid crystal display unit 10 as shown in FIG. Rutotomoni, because the is displayed on the message display area 7f as "please set the number by selecting the image to be output" (SC5), the customer selects by touching the thumbnail image overlooking the print number setting The number of prints is set and input by touching the switch 37h (SC6). Further, the thumbnail image desired to be printed is selected by touching, and the color correction switch 37k is touched to perform color correction of each photographic image (SC7). When the first “SET” switch 37n at the bottom of the screen is operated (SC8), the print type selection switch 37r shown in FIG. 18D is displayed as described above.

  When the output type desired by the customer is set (SC9) and the second “set” switch 37o is touched (SC10), when undisplayed photographic image data remains on the liquid crystal display unit 10 (SC11). Returning to the step SC5, a thumbnail image not displayed based on the read digital image data is displayed.

  When all the thumbnail images based on the read photographic image data are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 10 and the final second “set” switch 37o is selected, the input information from the touch panel 11 by the customer is displayed. The order data is generated by the order data generation unit 51. At this time, the order data generation unit 51 selects all thumbnail images that have become print target data by selecting thumbnail images based on the read digital image data determined by the selection of the final second “set” switch 37o. The order data for the digital image data is set as a unit block order as a postpaid order, and postpayment management data for recognizing the block order as postpaid block order information is generated (SC12). Further, the order data generation unit 51 adds the post-payment management data and the integrated order management data so as to be associated with the order data, and generates new order data (SC13).

  When the order data is generated, the order information generation unit 67 includes print order information including the order data, the photo print target data corresponding to the order data, link data for associating them, and the receiving device management data. (SC14), and the print order information is stored in the mass storage device 50 (SC15).

  When the print order information is stored in the large-capacity storage device 50, the order data generation unit 51 calculates a basic price Ma for the set number of images Sp or print size, and further according to the number of images Sp. The discount price Ms is calculated, and the final price Mf obtained by subtracting the discount price Ms from the basic price Ma is calculated (SC16). In addition, the recording medium output means 35 is controlled by the recording controller 55, and a reservation slip 35p in which the date and time of delivery of the photo print based on the order received at a later date and the price is described is output from the recording medium output means 35. (SC17). Further, the order information output unit 53 outputs the print order information to the job management unit 21 (SC18).

  When the print order information is input (SB1) and stored in the large-capacity storage device 58 (SB2), the job management unit 21 executes steps SB3 to SB8 described above. However, at this time, the job management unit 21 lowers the priority of print processing based on the print order information including the postpayment management data so that the print processing is completed by the delivery date and time described in the reservation slip 35p. May be executed.

  Further, in the case of the later date receiving mode, when a photographic print corresponding to the print order information is output from the print processing unit 03, the transport processing unit 04 receives the print order based on the print order information. The output photographic print is conveyed to the second print providing unit different from any of the print providing units 06 of the apparatus 02 so that an operator can receive the photographic print.

  The customer can receive the photo print via the operator after the delivery date and time described in the reservation slip 35p, in exchange for the reservation slip 35p and the price at the delivery counter.

  Although not described in detail below, when the ID photo print order switch 37x is touched in step SA6 or SC2, the ID photo order setting screen is displayed, and the size, layout, number of prints, etc. of the ID photo are displayed. When a job request is set and input, a photo print is output in the same manner. When the electronic album order switch 37z is touched, when a job request such as selection of a photo image for album editing, color correction operation, selection of a recording medium, etc. is set and input, album data is received from the media driver 09. The recorded recording medium is output.

  Another embodiment will be described below. In the above description, the print order information is output from the reception management unit 66 to the job management unit 21 because the print order information is stored in the large-capacity storage device 50, and the order information output unit 53 The case of outputting to the job management unit 21 has been described, but the order information output unit 53 is configured to output the print order information to the job management unit 21 based on a request from the job management unit 21. Also good. It is preferable because it is possible to avoid accumulation of excessive print order information in the job management unit 21. In this case, the receiving device management data may be added to the print order information by the job management unit 21.

  In the above description, the output type setting screen for selecting the print size or the like of the photographic print shown in FIG. 18D is the selection screen for the photographic image data or the like for performing the photographic print shown in FIG. The case where it is displayed after the “set” switch 37n is operated has been described. However, the output type setting screen is a mode selection screen for displaying the mode selection switch shown in FIG. It is good also as a structure displayed after is selected. That is, a configuration may be adopted in which photographic image data or the like to be printed is selected after the print size or the like is selected first. By selecting the print size etc. in advance in advance, there is no need to select the print size etc. for each selection screen of photo image data etc. for photo printing, and it is possible to make a print order more easily. It is preferable because it is a photographic print system.

  In the above description, the print order information is processed in the order in which it is input to the job management unit 21. However, the print order information may be distributedly processed based on print size data so as to improve print processing efficiency. Since it is possible to reduce the frequency of switching the setting of the photographic paper magazine corresponding to each print size, even if the customer orders photo prints of various print sizes, the print processing can be executed more efficiently, and photo prints It is preferable that the photo print system has a low waiting time for obtaining the image.

Front view for explaining the general structure of a vending machine as a photo print system Side view for explaining the general structure of a vending machine as a photo print system Top view for explaining the general structure of a vending machine as a photo print system Illustration of the general structure of the print order acceptance device Explanatory drawing of the general structure of the print processing unit Explanatory drawing of the general structure of the print processing unit Explanatory drawing of maintenance work of development processing section in print processing section Explanatory drawing of the conveyance processing part provided with the main conveyor and the distribution part Explanatory drawing of the conveyance processing part provided with the belt type conveyance block and the transfer part Explanatory drawing of the supply operation for supplying a photographic print to the print providing unit by the belt type conveyance block Explanatory drawing of the supply operation for supplying a photographic print to the print providing unit by the belt type conveyance block Explanatory drawing of functional block configuration of vending machine as photo print system Flow chart for explaining the operation of the vending machine as a photo print system Flow chart for explaining the operation of the vending machine as a photo print system Flow chart for explaining the operation of the vending machine as a photo print system Flow chart for explaining the operation of the vending machine as a photo print system Flow chart for explaining the operation of the vending machine as a photo print system Illustration of the display screen displayed on the LCD Illustration of the display screen displayed on the LCD Explanatory drawing of execution timing of predetermined processing based on each print order information Illustration of the display screen displayed on the LCD Illustration of vending machine in the prior art

01: Photo printing system (vending machine)
02: Print order receiving device 03: Print processing unit 04: Transport processing unit 05, 08: Partition 06: Print providing unit 07: Placement case 10: Liquid crystal display unit 11: Touch panel 21: Job management unit 59: Job management unit 65 : Photo printer 66: Reception manager 67: Order information generator

Claims (22)

A plurality of print order receiving devices for generating print order information including order data including settlement form data for a series of image data input by a customer and link data associating image data corresponding to the order data;
An exposure processing unit that exposes a photosensitive material based on image data, a photosensitive material supply unit that supplies the photosensitive material to the exposure processing unit, and a development processing unit that develops the photosensitive material exposed to the exposure processing unit A photographic printer comprising a print processing unit and a job management unit for managing print jobs based on the print order information;
The plurality of print order receiving devices and the photo printer are connected via a communication line, and the photo printer generates a photo print based on print order information input from the print order receiving device via the communication line A print processing method in a photographic print system,
When the payment form data is prepaid, the print order information is composed of a set of block order information obtained by dividing the integrated order information for a group of image data groups, and the payment form data is postpaid. A print processing method that preferentially distributes the block order information as a unit so that print jobs for each print order receiving apparatus are uniformly processed. The print processing method according to claim 1, wherein the photographic print generated by the print processing unit is automatically conveyed to a print providing unit of a corresponding print order receiving apparatus . A print order receiving apparatus that generates print order information including order data including settlement form data for a series of image data input by a customer and link data associating image data corresponding to the order data;
An exposure processing unit that exposes a photosensitive material based on image data, a photosensitive material supply unit that supplies the photosensitive material to the exposure processing unit, and a development processing unit that develops the photosensitive material exposed to the exposure processing unit A photographic printer comprising a print processing unit and a job management unit for managing print jobs based on the print order information;
The plurality of print order receiving devices and the photo printer are connected via a communication line, and the photo printer generates a photo print based on print order information input from each print order receiving device via the communication line A photo print system
The print order receiving device generates the print order information as a set of block order information obtained by dividing the integrated order information for a group of image data groups when the payment form data is prepaid,
The job management unit is a photographic print system that performs distributed processing so that print jobs for each print order receiving apparatus are uniformly processed with the block order information as a unit . 4. The photo print system according to claim 3 , wherein the job management unit performs distributed processing so as to improve print processing efficiency based on print size data included in the order data. The photographic print system according to claim 3 , further comprising a print sorting unit that sorts the photographic prints generated by the print processing unit based on the print order information. The photographic print system according to claim 5, further comprising a conveyance processing unit configured to convey the photographic prints sorted by the print sorting processing unit to a print providing unit of a corresponding print order receiving apparatus. Based on the print order information when the photographic print generated by the print processing unit is transported to a print providing unit including a print providing unit of each print order receiving apparatus , and when the payment form data is prepaid The photographic print system according to claim 3, further comprising a conveyance control unit configured to convey the photographic print to a print providing unit of a corresponding print order receiving apparatus. The photographic print system according to claim 7 , wherein the conveyance control unit controls photographic prints to a specific print providing unit other than the print providing unit of each print order receiving apparatus when the payment form data is postpaid . The print order information managed by the job management unit identifies receiving device management data for identifying the print order receiving device, order management data for identifying integrated order information, and block order information included in the integrated order information. It comprises block management data, link data for identifying order data and corresponding images included in block order information, and image data, and the order data is any one of print size data, print number data, and settlement form data. photographic printing system according to any one of claims 3 to 8 comprising a. A print order receiving apparatus incorporated in the photographic print system according to any one of claims 3 to 9,
An image input unit for inputting image data recorded on a recording medium, an image display unit for displaying the image data input by the image input unit in a predetermined order on an order reception screen, and the image display unit An order input unit that inputs order data for each image; an order information generation unit that generates print order information including link data that associates the order data input by the order input unit and image data corresponding to the order data; An order information storage unit for storing the generated print order information, and a payment method selection unit for selecting a payment method for either postpayment or advance payment,
The order information generation unit generates block order information including print order information for each block obtained by dividing a group of image data groups into a plurality of times in a time series when advance payment is selected by the payment method selection unit. A print order receiving apparatus that generates integrated order information for the image data group based on the set of block order information. The print order receiving apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the order information generation unit generates the block order information with order data for image data displayed on one screen of the image display unit as one block. The print order receiving apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the order information generation unit generates the block order information by using, as one block, order data for a predetermined number of image data set in advance. The print order receiving apparatus according to any one of 10 to 12 , wherein the order information generation unit generates the block order information by using an order confirmation operation for confirming an order content made via the order input unit as a trigger. The print order information includes order management data for individually identifying integrated order information, block management data for individually identifying block order information included in the integrated order information, order data included in the block order information, and corresponding to the order management data. The print order receiving apparatus according to claim 10, comprising link data for associating image data and image data. The order information generating unit confirms block order information by an order confirming operation for confirming an order content made via the order input unit, and then confirms an order end made via the order input unit The print order receiving apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the print order information is confirmed by a confirmation operation. The print order receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 15 , wherein a reorder receiving operation that allows a return to the order receiving screen for the image data group after the order ending confirmation operation is performed is possible. . An order information output unit that outputs the print order information stored in the order information storage unit to a photographic printer is provided. The order information output unit stores a predetermined number of block order information stored in the order information storage unit. The print order receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 16 , which sometimes outputs them. An order information output unit that outputs the print order information stored in the order information storage unit to a photographic printer is provided, and the order information output unit is stored in the order information storage unit based on a request from the photographic printer. 18. The print order receiving apparatus according to claim 10, which outputs block order information. A photographic printer incorporated in the photographic printing system according to claim 3,
An exposure processing unit that exposes a photosensitive material based on image data, a photosensitive material supply unit that supplies the photosensitive material to the exposure processing unit, and a development processing unit that develops the photosensitive material exposed to the exposure processing unit A print processing unit, and a job management unit that manages print jobs based on print order information,
The job management unit includes a plurality of print order information input from a plurality of print order receiving apparatuses connected via a communication line, and a block order obtained by dividing integrated order information for a group of image data groups into a plurality of pieces. A photographic printer that performs distributed processing so that a print job for each print order receiving apparatus is uniformly processed with respect to a plurality of print order information configured by a set of information, with the block order information as a unit . Claim wherein the print processing unit is a plurality, the job management unit for distributed processing said plurality of print order information inputted from the plurality of print order receiving apparatus connected via a communication line in a plurality of print processing unit 19. The photographic printer according to 19 . A print sorting processing unit for sorting the photographic prints generated by the print processing unit based on the print order information; and a transport processing unit for transporting the photographic prints sorted by the print sorting processing unit to a corresponding print order receiving device. The photographic printer according to claim 19 or 20, further comprising: A transport processing unit configured to transport the photographic print generated by the print processing unit to the print order receiving device; and a transport control unit configured to transport the photographic print to a corresponding print order receiving device based on the print order information. 21. A photographic printer according to claim 19 or 20 .