JP4844754B2 - Photo printing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a photo print system in which a plurality of terminals are connected to one photo processing apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a photo print system capable of interrupt processing during which an order having a higher priority than that order is interrupted and processed during photo print processing of an arbitrary order.

  As a configuration of the photographic print system, there is a system including one photographic processing apparatus and a plurality of terminals connected to the photographic processing apparatus via a network. Examples of the terminal include an online order receiving terminal, a user dedicated receiving terminal installed in a store, an operator dedicated terminal, and the like. In these terminals, order information including image data related to photo print processing, order data, and the like is stored in a memory according to the order reception order or the print processing order for each order.

  On the photographic processing apparatus side, a large-capacity memory (for example, hard disk, large-capacity DRAM, SDRAM, etc.) is provided, and order information transmitted from each terminal is stored in the large-capacity memory in units of orders. Then, the order of the photo print processing is constructed according to the priority or the customer delivery time, for example, by the operator's instruction or the order control unit having the function of constructing the order sequence.

  By the way, there is a demand for mini-lab stores (photo processing stores) to execute interrupt print processing such as express finishing. When executing such an interrupt process, the order information of the accepted interrupt order is transmitted to the photo processing apparatus and stored in the large-capacity memory at the terminal. Then, the photo print process being processed by the photo processing apparatus is interrupted, interrupt processing is performed, or when the number of unprinted sheets is small, interrupt processing is not performed, but interrupt processing is performed before the next order. ing.

  In the above, the interrupted order is configured to be preferentially resumed after the interruption process is completed. As a system having such a configuration, the following Patent Document 1 by the present applicant is known. The photo processing apparatus includes an order data storage unit that stores order data including image data for creating a photo print in order units, and a photo print in order units based on the order data stored in the order data storage unit. A print processing unit to be created, a photo processing command based on order data at the time of photo print creation, and a print processing control unit for transmitting the requested print number, and a photo according to the print request number from the print processing control unit A print creation control unit that sends a completion notification to the print processing control unit that the processing has been completed each time a print is created, and the print processing commanded by the print processing control unit is interrupted, and an order with high priority The priority processing means for executing the print processing and the processing interrupted by the priority processing means An information storage control unit that stores information on the number of printed pages of the suspended order generated based on the received completion notification, and when the suspended order is resumed, the print processing The control unit issues a print processing instruction based on the stored order data, and transmits information regarding the stored print processed number of sheets to the print generation control unit. The print generation control unit The print processing unit is controlled to restart the print processing based on the information regarding the print processing.

  According to this configuration, when resuming an interrupted order, the print processing control unit selects the interrupted order, issues a print processing command based on the order data to the print creation control unit, and completes the print processing. Information on the number of sheets is transmitted to the print creation control unit, and the print creation control unit determines the frame number and the number of print processed sheets of unprocessed image data based on the information on the number of print processed sheets. The print creation control unit can control the print processing unit so that the print processing is started from unprocessed image data.

JP 2007-94316 A

  However, the configuration including a large-capacity memory for storing a large amount of order information in the photo processing apparatus is one of the high cost factors of the apparatus itself. Due to the recent strong demand for lowering the cost of photographic processing apparatuses, a configuration without a large-capacity memory or a high-spec personal computer is being studied in order to reduce the cost of the photographic processing apparatus.

  Further, the conventional interrupt processing is composed of two modes, a normal processing mode and an interrupt processing mode. When executing the interrupt processing, the normal processing mode is switched to the interrupt mode, and when the interrupt mode is completed, the normal processing mode is switched. So-called binary switching. In such a configuration, for example, interrupt processing with higher priority cannot be performed during interrupt processing, and it is necessary to switch to the interrupt mode again after switching to the normal processing mode. For example, when the interrupt processing is completed, there is a case where there is an order whose delivery date is earlier than the interrupted order in the case where the processing of the interrupted order is preferentially resumed. This is particularly noticeable in a photo print system in which a plurality of terminals are connected to one photo processing apparatus. In such a case, if the modes are switched in the order of normal processing mode / interrupt mode / normal processing mode / interrupt mode, the time required for switching is wasted, the work is complicated, and improvement is desired. It was.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is not necessary to store all or a large amount of order information on the photo processing apparatus side, and the order of the photo print processing can be determined according to the priority of the order. An object of the present invention is to provide a photo print system that can determine the processing order including the order waiting for processing when the order interrupted by the interrupt processing is resumed.

In order to solve the above problems, a photo print system according to the present invention is a photo print system in which a plurality of terminals are connected to one photo processing apparatus,
Photo processing equipment
When the photo print process is completed and the next photo print process is executed, a notification unit for notifying each terminal of notification information including the priority level of the order related to the end of the photo print process,
In accordance with the occupation request obtained as a response of the notification unit, an order determination unit that determines an order for the next photo print processing;
An occupancy permission notifying unit that performs an occupancy permission notification for permitting photo print processing of the determined order to a terminal that is a request source of the order determined by the order determining unit,
The terminal
An order information storage unit for storing order information including image data relating to photo print processing;
An occupancy request unit that returns an occupancy request including a priority level when there is an order that is equal to or higher than the priority level of the order related to the end of photo print processing included in the notification information;
An order processing control unit that controls to read the order information from the order information storage unit and transmit the order information to the photo processing device in accordance with the occupation permission notification.

  The operation and effect of such a photographic print system is as follows. That is, a plurality of terminals are connected to one photo processing apparatus. Examples of the terminal include an online order reception terminal, a user dedicated reception terminal installed in a store, an operator dedicated terminal, and the like, and are not limited to one each. The photographic processing apparatus has a function of processing photographic prints by exposing and developing image data, and further has the following functional configuration unique to the present application. That is, when the photo print process is completed (including the case where the photo print process of the interrupt order is completed) and the next photo print process is executed, the priority of the order related to the end of the photo print process is given to each terminal. A function for notifying the notification information including the level (notification unit), a function for determining the order for the next photo print processing (order determination unit) according to the occupation request (from the terminal) obtained as a response of the notification unit, A function (occupancy permission notifying unit) for notifying a terminal which is a request source of the order determined by the order determining unit, of permission permission for permitting photo printing processing of the determined order is provided. The “priority level” is a kind of determination condition for determining the processing order. For example, the priority level is divided into three levels, five levels, and the delivery date (time) to the orderer, order method (in-store reception terminal) Set by the operator or automatically, depending on the date and time of reception, etc.

  Each terminal connected to the photo processing device has a function (order information storage unit) for saving order information including image data related to photo print processing, and photo print processing included in the notification information from the photo processing device. When there is an order that is higher than the priority level of the order related to the order, the order information storage unit sends an order according to a function (occupation request unit) that returns an occupancy request including the priority level and an occupancy permission notification from the photo processing apparatus. A function (order processing control unit) for reading information and controlling the order information to be transmitted to the photo processing apparatus.

  As a result, the order information is stored on each terminal side, and the order information is transmitted to the photo processing apparatus side at the time of print processing. Therefore, a large-capacity memory is installed on the photo processing apparatus side. There is no need, and cost reduction of the device itself is achieved.

  In addition, since the priority level can be notified to each terminal from the photo processing apparatus side, and it can be confirmed whether there is a process waiting for the level or higher, priority is given to orders with higher priority levels or orders with shorter delivery times. Can be processed. Further, when the order related to the end of the photo print process is an interrupt order, it is possible to configure further interrupt processing even during the interrupt processing. In addition, an order having a higher priority can be processed prior to a process for resuming an interrupted and interrupted order. That is, the number of occupation cancellations of the photo processing apparatus can be reduced.

  Therefore, it is not necessary to store all or a large amount of order information on the photo processing apparatus side, and the order of the photo print processing can be determined according to the order priority. In particular, it is possible to provide a photo print system that can determine the processing order including orders waiting for processing when an order interrupted by interrupt processing is resumed.

In addition, as an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
When the order related to the end of the photo print processing is an interrupt order,
The order determination part
It is characterized in that an order having a priority equal to or higher than the priority of the interrupt order is determined for the next photo print processing.

  According to this configuration, an order having a priority equal to or higher than the priority of the interrupt order can be determined for the next photo print processing, so that the priority is higher than the restart processing for the interrupted and interrupted order. High order can be processed.

As an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a photo processing apparatus
A resumption request notifying unit for notifying the terminal of a resumption request for resuming processing of a suspended order of a specified level set in advance when the occupation request is not obtained within a predetermined time;
The terminal having the interruption order is
When there is an interruption order of the specified level, the occupation request unit makes an occupation request,
The order processing control unit is configured to transmit the interrupted order to the photo processing apparatus.

  According to this configuration, when an occupancy request is not obtained from the terminal within a predetermined time (when there is no order having a level higher than the priority level of the interrupt order), processing of a suspended order at a preset designated level is performed. The terminal having a suspended order can make an occupancy request indicating that a suspended order of a specified level exists, and transmits the suspended order to the photo processing apparatus. The processing of the suspended order can be resumed. The “designated level” is, for example, the level one level lower than the interrupt order level or the same priority level as the highest priority level among a plurality of suspended orders, and is automatically set by the function of the restart request notification unit. The configuration is preferable. According to this configuration, when there are a plurality of suspended orders, the suspended order restart process is performed in order from the highest priority level.

In addition, as an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the restart request notification unit
When the restart request is not obtained within a predetermined time, when interruption processing is performed at a level lower than the specified level, the restart request at the lower level is notified to the terminal,
The terminal having the interruption order is
When the low-level interruption order exists, the occupation request unit makes an occupation request,
The order processing control unit is configured to transmit the interrupted order to the photo processing apparatus.

  According to this configuration, when a restart request is not obtained within a predetermined time, and when interrupt processing is performed at a level lower than the specified level, the restart request at the lower level is notified to the terminal, and an interruption order is received. When this low-level interruption order exists, the terminal having a can make an occupancy request, transmit the interruption order to the photo processing apparatus, and can resume the interruption order processing. The “level lower than the specified level” is, for example, a value in a range from a level one level lower than the specified level to the same level as the lowest priority level in the suspended order. The priority level value of the suspended order is preferably stored in the memory as part of the information related to the suspended order and is read by the function of the restart request notifying unit. As a result, when there are a plurality of interruption orders, the interruption order is resumed in order according to the priority level, and the interruption order of the lowest priority level can be reliably resumed.

  Also, as an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when an occupancy request for the restart request at the low level is not obtained within a predetermined time, it is determined that there is no interrupted interrupt order, and is not occupied It has the unoccupied notification part which notifies a notification to each terminal.

  According to this configuration, when an occupancy request for a resume request at the lowest priority level among suspend orders is not obtained within a predetermined time, it is determined that there is no interrupted suspend order, and an unoccupied notification Can be notified to each terminal, and normal order print processing can be performed. As a case where the occupancy request cannot be obtained despite the presence of a suspended order, if the terminal power is turned off, data communication error, cancellation of suspended order, etc. can be considered. In such a case, each terminal This is because it is desirable to be able to process the normal order.

As an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the order determination unit
The order is determined by increasing the priority according to the delivery date included in the occupancy request.

  According to this configuration, the occupancy request includes the delivery date in addition to the priority level. For example, when the next order is determined based on the priority level, even if the priority level is the same or the priority level is low, the earlier delivery date can be determined. Therefore, even when there are a plurality of the same priority levels, the processing order can be appropriately determined by considering the delivery date as the second determination condition. Even at a low priority level, the processing order can be appropriately determined using the delivery date as the first determination condition.

As an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the terminal
It has an order management unit that sets the order of order processing.
The order management unit is characterized by resetting the priority level to a higher level as the delivery date approaches the current time.

  According to this configuration, the terminal side is in a state where a plurality of orders are accumulated, and the delivery date of each order approaches as time elapses. Therefore, the order management unit of the terminal moves the delivery date closer to the current time. Accordingly, the priority level is reset to a high level. In this case, the level setting at the time of order acceptance can be automatically set according to the delivery date, so that the burden on the operator is reduced and the priority level, which is the judgment condition for determining the next order, is always kept up to date. It is preferable because it can be configured.

As an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the terminal
An interrupt request unit for requesting a photo print processing interrupt request to the photo processing device;
The photo processing apparatus
In response to the interrupt request, an interrupt determination unit that determines whether interrupt is possible,
An interrupt determination result notifying unit for notifying the terminal of a determination result based on the determination result of the interrupt determination unit,
The interrupt determination unit makes an interrupt permission determination even when the interrupted order is an interrupt order.

  According to this configuration, each terminal requests a photo print processing interrupt request to the photo processing device (interrupt request unit), and the photo processing device determines whether or not an interrupt is possible according to the interrupt request. (Interrupt determination unit). The interrupt request preferably includes information on the priority level of the interrupt order. In the interrupt determination, the interrupt permission determination can be performed even when the interrupted order is an interrupt order. For example, if the priority level of the order related to the interrupt request is higher than the priority level of the interrupt order currently being processed, the interrupt order currently being processed is interrupted, and the order related to the interrupt request is processed with priority. be able to.

In addition, as an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
The notification unit, when there is no waiting for processing higher than the priority level of the order related to the end of the photo print processing, notifies that the occupation below the level is permitted,
The order determining unit determines an order having the highest priority from among the occupation requests including the priority level corresponding to the notification,
The occupancy permission notification unit notifies the occupancy permission notification to the request source terminal of the determined order,
The occupancy request unit returns an occupancy request including a priority level when there is an order lower than the priority level of the order related to the end of the photo print process included in the notification information,
The order processing control unit transmits order information to a photo processing apparatus in accordance with the occupation permission notification.

  According to this configuration, on the photo processing apparatus side, when there is no processing waiting higher than the priority level of the order related to the end of the photo print processing (when the occupation request is not received within a predetermined time), the occupation below the level is permitted. Notification (function of the notification unit) is received, occupancy requests (including priority level information) are received from each terminal, and the order with the highest priority among the received occupancy requests (including priority level information) is determined (Function of the order determination unit), and notifies the terminal of the requester of the determined order of the occupation permission notification (function of the occupation permission notification unit). Then, when there is an order lower than the priority level of the order related to the end of the photo print processing included in the notification information, the terminal side returns an occupation request including the priority level (function of the occupation request unit) and responds to the occupation request. Order information is transmitted to the photo processing apparatus in accordance with the corresponding occupation permission notification (function of the order processing control unit). Therefore, it is possible to appropriately process an order less than the priority level of the order related to the end of the photo print process.

  In the present invention, the “order” is an order unit when a photographic print is created. “One order” refers to a group of image data related to a print order for one film, one recording medium, and one image data folder, but is not limited to this, and is one order. The concept can be appropriately set by the operator and the orderer. The same applies hereinafter.

  An example of an embodiment of a photographic print system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of the entire photo print system.

<Overall system configuration>
In this embodiment, the photo processing apparatus 2 is connected to a plurality of terminals via a network such as a LAN. In this system, a recording medium reading device, an online print order server for ordering photo prints, an orderer PC, and the like are connected via a network. Examples of the terminal include an OP terminal 1a for an operator, a reception terminal 1b for an orderer installed in a store, a network reception terminal 1c, and the like. Note that the number of installed OP terminals 1a, reception terminals 1b, and net reception terminals 1c is not limited to one, and a plurality can be installed as necessary. Further, a scanner (not shown) for reading image data from the developed negative film may be disposed in the photographic processing apparatus 2 or may be configured to be connected to an operator OP terminal 1a.

  The OP terminal 1a is constituted by an information processing device such as a personal computer, and is configured to be able to perform data communication with a photo processing device 2 connected via a network. The OP terminal 1a relates to operation commands, various setting commands, and photo print processing for the photo processing device 2. It has a function of transmitting order information including image data to the photo processing apparatus 2 side.

  The reception terminal 1b is installed at, for example, a store and can receive image data stored in a recording medium of a digital camera or other recording media. The reception terminal 1b is mainly operated by a customer, and may insert a recording medium brought by the customer to select image data to be created as a photo print or set the number of prints. it can. Further, it has a function of transmitting order information including image data related to the photo print processing to the photo processing device 2 side.

  The net reception terminal 1c is configured by an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, and has a function of receiving an online print order via the Internet. Such a print order is accepted through an online print order server installed on the Internet. That is, the image data relating to the print order is uploaded from the orderer PC to the server, downloaded to the network reception terminal 1c at an appropriate timing, and used for the print processing. Further, it has a function of transmitting order information including image data related to the photo print processing to the photo processing device 2 side. Since such a system for accepting print orders online is well known, detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition to the function of reading image data from the recording medium, the recording medium reader has a function of writing image data, order data, and the like transmitted from the controller terminal 1a to the recording medium.

  The photographic processing device 2 creates a photographic print based on order information (including correction data in some cases) including image data transmitted from the controller terminal (OP terminal) 1a, the reception terminal 1b, or the network reception terminal 1c. It has a function. Examples of the image data include image data of a developed negative film frame image acquired from a scanner, image data received at each terminal, image data transmitted via a network, and the like. These image data may be configured such that image processing based on correction data such as pre-judge processing is executed in each terminal, and is provided to the photo processing apparatus 2 as order information including the image data and the correction data. The image processing apparatus 2 may be configured to execute image processing. Features of the present invention will be described later.

<Functional configuration of terminal>
The terminal functions of the present invention include an OP terminal 1a, a reception terminal 1b, and a network reception terminal 1c. Hereinafter, the OP terminal 1a will be described for explanation. The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the following, and may be configured such that a plurality of OP terminals 1a are installed or the order information of the reception terminal 1b or the network reception terminal 1c is transferred to the OP terminal 1a. Good.

  The OP terminal 1a is composed of an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, and includes an order information storage unit 11 that stores order information including information such as image data and order data related to a photo print order, and an order for managing and controlling the order information. And a management unit 13. Further, an image processing unit or an image processing board for performing image processing on the image data in the order information based on the correction data may be provided. In addition, it has a data transmission unit that transmits the order information to the photo processing apparatus 2 in order units. The image processing board may be installed on the photo processing apparatus 2 side, and may be configured to transmit image data and correction data that have not undergone image processing from the OP terminal 1a.

  In addition, a pre-judge processing unit that performs pre-judge processing on the image data of the order information and associates the correction data of the pre-judge with the order information and stores it in the order information storage unit may be provided. Further, the image data received from the scanner or the like may be data after pre-judge processing.

  In the present invention, the pre-judgment process determines whether or not a photographic print having an appropriate image quality is created before creating a photographic print based on the image data. The operator makes a judgment on the image data. Functions are provided primarily by software. The pre-judge process is not necessarily performed, and the print process can be performed without the pre-judge process.

  Specifically, the pre-judge processing unit provides a function of inputting correction data for correcting the color and density, and the input of the correction data is set as necessary. Examples of other correction data settings include special correction settings such as red-eye correction and backlight correction.

  The number of prints is set to 1 by default for image data acquired from a scanner, but can be changed by an operator's input operation.

  In addition, the OP terminal 1a includes an input operation unit for various settings and operation instruction inputs, and a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal monitor) for various setting operation instruction displays. The input operation unit includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

  The order management unit 13 has a function of managing order information including image data related to photo print processing in units of orders, and the order processing order is set as the main function. The processing order is determined by the priority level, delivery date, acceptance date and time, ordering method, and the like, and the order management unit 13 functions to include priority level and delivery date information in the order information. The priority level and delivery date information can also be set by inputting instructions from the operator, orderer, etc., and the order management unit 13 can be configured to set the priority level according to the order reception date and time and delivery date. Furthermore, since the delivery date of each order approaches as time elapses, the order management unit 13 is configured to reset the priority level to a higher level as the delivery date approaches the current time. Further, the order management unit 13 can set an interrupt prohibition condition for an instruction input by an operator or an order of the highest priority level (highest level). For orders for which interrupt disable conditions are set, interrupt processing is prohibited and will not be interrupted. Further, when receiving a notification for the interrupted interrupted order from the photo processing apparatus 2, the order managing unit 13 manages the interrupted order information of the interrupted order as interrupting, and information on an unprinted frame number Can be managed at the same time.

  The interrupt request unit 15 issues an interrupt request to the photo processing apparatus 2 when an interrupt instruction input is received or when the order of the highest priority express finish order exists.

  The control unit 16 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the OP terminal 1a, and controls, for example, operations for various instruction inputs, operations on an operation display screen, data communication, and the like.

  The occupation request unit 12 makes an occupation request according to the notification information from the photo processing apparatus 2. For example, when there is an order that is higher than the priority level of the order included in the notification information (the order related to the end of the latest photo print process), an occupation request including the priority level can be returned. Further, when an order lower than the priority level is permitted, if there is an order lower than that level, an occupation request including the priority level can be returned. When receiving the occupation permission notification from the photo processing device 2 in response to this occupation request, the order processing control unit 14 reads the order information from the order information storage unit 11 and transmits the order information to the photo processing device 2 accordingly. Can be controlled.

  In addition, when the resumption request is received from the photo processing apparatus 2, the occupancy request unit 12 can make an occupancy request to the photo processing apparatus 2 when there is a specified order of interruption order included in the resumption request. it can. When receiving the occupation permission notification from the photo processing device 2 for this occupation request, the order processing control unit 14 reads out the corresponding interruption order from the order information storage unit 11 according to this, and the interruption processing information is read out from the photo processing device 2. Can be sent to.

  Further, when a restart request at a level lower than the specified level is received, the occupation request unit 12 can make an occupation request to the photo processing device 2 when there is an interruption order at the lower level. When receiving the occupation permission notification from the photo processing device 2 for this occupation request, the order processing control unit 14 reads out the corresponding interruption order from the order information storage unit 11 according to this, and the interruption processing information is read out from the photo processing device 2. Can be sent to.

  In addition, when an unoccupied notification is received from the photo processing device 2, the occupation request unit 12 sends an occupation request to the photo processing device 2 if the order information storage unit 11 has a normal order in the next processing order. Do.

<Functional configuration of photo processing device>
Next, the functional part of the present invention will be described in detail with respect to the functional configuration of the photo processing apparatus 2, and the other configuration will be briefly described. The photo processing device 2 is fed out from the magazine based on the data transmission / reception unit that receives order information from the OP terminal 1a, the data storage unit 23 that stores the received order information, and the image data of the order information. An exposure unit 30 for exposing the photographic paper P cut to a print size, a developing unit 31 for developing the exposed photographic paper P, and a drying process for the developed photographic paper P And a sorting / discharging unit (not shown) that discharges the photographic paper P that has been subjected to drying processing while sorting.

  Further, a control unit 20 for controlling the overall operation of the photo processing apparatus 2 is provided. Each functional configuration of the present invention (control unit 20, order determination unit 24, notification unit 22, occupation permission notification unit 25, restart request notification unit 26, unoccupied notification unit 27, etc.) can be configured with a dedicated circuit and firmware, Further, it can be configured by a cooperative action of a hardware resource such as a CPU and a memory and a software program that defines an operation procedure, or can be configured by a combination thereof. In the case of a configuration in which image data and correction data are received from the OP terminal 1a, a configuration in which an image processing board for creating print creation image data is provided on the photo processing apparatus 2 side may be employed.

  The image processing board is constituted by, for example, an input memory, an image processing circuit unit, and a development memory, and predetermined image processing is performed in the image processing circuit unit. Specifically, color / density correction based on correction data such as pre-judge processing, data expansion / contraction processing according to a set print size, and the like.

  In the magazine, photographic paper P, which is a photographic photosensitive material, is accommodated in a roll shape. Two magazines can be installed (only one is shown in FIG. 1). For example, printing papers having different widths can be set in advance. The long photographic printing paper P drawn from the magazine is cut by a cutting means such as a cutter so as to have a set print size.

  The exposure unit 30 has an exposure engine and prints and exposes an image on the emulsion surface of the photographic paper P based on image data for print creation. The exposure engine is not limited to a specific type, and for example, a laser engine, a CRT engine, a PLZT engine, or the like can be used.

  The developing unit 31 performs a developing process on the photographic paper P on which an image is printed and exposed, and the drying unit 32 performs a drying process on the developed photographic paper P. In the sorting and discharging section, the finished photographic print is discharged to the outside of the main body of the apparatus, and can be stacked in order units by a predetermined stacking apparatus.

  A photographic paper sensor (not shown) detects the photographic paper P discharged from the sorting discharge unit, and detects whether or not all photographic prints of a certain order have been discharged. A sensor control unit (not shown) performs drive control of the photographic paper sensor and receives and analyzes a signal from the photographic paper sensor. When the sensor control unit detects that all the photographic prints for a certain order have been discharged, the control unit 20 deletes the order information stored in the data storage unit 23 of the order. Further, the control unit 20 may be configured to notify the OP terminal 1a or the like, set the order information for the order to the processed management state, and delete the order information from the order information storage unit 11. .

  The back printing means (not shown) has a function of printing an order identification ID, a frame number, the number of print processed sheets, the number of print requests, a correction data, etc. on the back of the photographic paper P. The back printing means is realized by, for example, a dot impact printer, a thermal transfer printer, an ink jet printer, or the like.

  The photo processing apparatus 2 includes an input operation unit for various settings and operation instruction inputs, and a display unit 21 for various setting operation instruction displays. The input operation unit includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. As the display unit 21, an inexpensive LCD module can be used.

  The memory 231 stores the priority level of the currently processed order, the priority level of the interrupted and interrupted order (interrupt order), and the priority level of the interrupt order. The data storage unit 23 has a small capacity and is configured to store only order information being processed. When the process is completed, the order information is deleted. Also, if the process is interrupted by interruption, it will be deleted. In the case of interruption, information on the number of unprinted sheets and an unprinted frame number is stored in the memory 231. In this case, when order information including all image data is received at the time of restart of interruption, the print processing can be started from the memory 231 from an unprinted frame number related to the interruption order. Further, it is also possible to configure such that information on an unprinted frame number is transmitted to a terminal of an interruption order, and to transmit only data from an unprinted frame number when suspension is resumed. The data storage unit 23 can be configured to store order information that does not include image data. In this case, it can be configured to receive order information not including image data from each terminal, store it in the data storage unit 23, and perform order management.

  When the photo print process is completed and the next photo print process is executed, the notification unit 22 can notify each terminal of notification information including the priority level of the order related to the end of the photo print process. Further, the notification unit 22 can notify notification information including the priority level of the interrupt order. In addition, when there is no processing waiting higher than the priority level of the order related to the end of the photo print processing, the notification unit 22 can notify that the occupation below the level is permitted. This notification means may be multicast or broadcast (hereinafter the same).

  The order determination unit 24 determines an order for the next photo print processing in accordance with the occupation request (occupation request transmitted from each terminal) obtained as a response of the notification unit 22. For example, the order determining unit 24 can determine an order having the same or higher priority as the priority of the interrupt order for the next photo print process. In addition, the order determination unit 24 selects an occupancy request including a priority level corresponding to a notification that permission to occupy less than the corresponding level when there is no waiting for processing higher than the priority level of the order related to the end of the photo print processing. The order with the highest priority can be determined. In addition, the order determination unit 24 can be configured to increase the priority according to the delivery date included in the occupancy request and determine the order. For example, when determining the next order with high or low priority levels Even when the priority level is the same or the priority level is low, the earlier delivery date can be determined.

  The occupancy permission notifying unit 25 sends an occupancy permission notification for permitting photo printing processing of the determined order to the terminal that is the request source of the order determined by the order determining unit 24. Order information to be processed next is transmitted by this occupation permission notification.

  The resumption request notifying unit 26 can notify the terminal of a resumption request for resuming the processing of the interrupted order at a specified level set in advance when the occupation request is not obtained within a predetermined time. The “predetermined time” is a preset time, and is exemplified by about 1 second to 20 seconds, for example. “The case where the occupancy request cannot be obtained within a predetermined time” is, for example, a case where there is no order whose level is higher than the priority level of the interrupt order. The “designated level” is a level lower than the level of the interrupt order, and is preferably lowered step by step. For example, if the priority level of the interrupt order is “5”, the designated level is set to “4”. If the exclusive response at the designated level “4” is not within the predetermined time, the designated level is lowered from “4” to “3” and a restart request is made. According to this configuration, when there are a plurality of interruption orders, the interruption order restart process is performed in order from the higher priority level.

  The unoccupied notification unit 27, when an occupancy request for a restart request at “a level lower than a specified level (for example, the lowest priority level value among a plurality of suspended orders)” is not obtained within a predetermined time, It is determined that there is no interrupted interrupt order, and an unoccupied notification can be notified to each terminal. For example, even if there is an interruption order, the occupancy request cannot be obtained, the terminal power is turned off, data communication error, cancellation of the interruption order, etc. can be considered. It is preferable because the normal order of the terminal can be processed.

  The interrupt determination unit 28 can determine whether or not an interrupt is possible in response to an interrupt request from each terminal. The interrupt determination unit 28 can make an interrupt permission determination even when the interrupted order is an interrupt order. For example, if the priority level of the order related to the interrupt request is higher than the priority level of the interrupt order currently being processed, the interrupt order currently being processed is interrupted, and the order related to the interrupt request is processed with priority. be able to. Although it is possible to permit interrupts indefinitely, the maximum number of interrupts may be set in advance in accordance with the actual print processing situation, and the operator may be configured to set by instruction input. . Further, when the interrupt prohibition information is included in the order information, the interrupt permission determination is not made even when the priority level is low.

  The determination result notifying unit 29 can notify the terminal of the determination result based on the determination result of the interrupt determining unit 28.

<Processing Procedure of the Present Invention>
The specific operation of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when interrupt processing is accepted during normal processing. 3, 4, and 5 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure performed to start the next processing when the interrupt processing is completed. FIGS. 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure performed to start the next processing when the normal order processing is completed. The terminals (1, 2, 3, 4) in FIGS. 2 to 7 may be any of the above terminal examples.

  First, a normal occupation request is made from the terminal 1 to the photo processing apparatus (S1). In addition, when it is also performed from another terminal, the photo processing apparatus is configured to occupy the one with the earlier reception order. As another embodiment, when an occupancy request (including a priority level and a delivery date) is received from each terminal, the processing order can be determined according to the priority level and the delivery date. Note that a normal occupancy request does not mean an occupancy request related to interrupt processing.

  Next, when an occupancy request is received, the photo processing apparatus performs a normal occupancy process (S2). Then, a normal occupation response is made to the terminal 1 (S3). In response to this, the terminal 1 transmits order information (including image data, priority level, delivery date, etc.) to the photographic processing apparatus for printing (S4). The photo processing apparatus receives the order information and stores it in the data storage unit 23. Then, a photo print process is executed based on the image data included in the order information.

  If an interrupt request (interrupt occupancy request) (including priority level, delivery date, etc.) is made from the terminal 2 before the photo print processing is completed (S5), the photo processing apparatus determines whether or not an interrupt is possible. Perform (S6). This determination is made in consideration of the priority level or delivery date. The priority level information or delivery date information is stored in the memory 231 and is read out by the order determination unit 24 and used as a determination condition. If the interrupt is permitted as a result of the determination, an interrupt occupation process is performed (S7). Then, an interrupt notification (including information on an unprinted frame No.) is sent to the terminal 1 (the terminal 1 currently processing) (S8). Further, an interrupt occupation response (interrupt permission notice) is sent to the terminal 2 (S9). In response to this, the terminal 2 transmits interrupt order information (including information such as image data, priority level, and delivery date) to the photo processing apparatus (S10). The photo processing apparatus receives the order information related to this interruption and stores it in the data storage unit 23. At this time, the order information of the suspended order may be deleted in the data storage unit 23, and the order information of the suspended order may be overwritten. Then, a photo print process is executed based on the image data included in the order information of the interrupt order. When interrupt is not permitted (for example, when the priority level is lower than the order during the current process), the current process is executed without interruption, and the terminal 2 is notified of the interrupt not permitted.

  Next, processing for further permitting interrupt processing during interrupt processing will be described below. If an interrupt request is made from the terminal 3 during execution of the interrupt process from the terminal 2 (S11), the photo processing apparatus determines whether or not an interrupt is possible (S12). If the interrupt is permitted, an interrupt occupation process is performed (S13). Then, an interrupt notification (including information on an unprinted frame No.) is sent to the terminal 2 (terminal 2 currently processing) (S14). Further, an interrupt occupation response (interrupt permission notice) is sent to the terminal 3 (S15). In response to this, the terminal 3 transmits the order information of the interrupt order (including information such as image data, priority level and delivery date) to the photo processing apparatus (S16). The photo processing apparatus receives the order information related to this interruption and stores it in the data storage unit 23. Then, a photo print process is executed based on the image data included in the order information.

  In the following, a processing procedure for determining an order for executing the next photo print processing when the interrupt processing is completed will be described (see FIGS. 3, 4, and 5).

  In step S20 in FIG. 3, an interrupt print process by the interrupt order of the terminal 1 is performed in the photo processing apparatus. Next, when the print processing is completed, an interrupt release request (order information transmission completion) is made from the terminal 1 to the photo processing apparatus (S21). In response to this, the photo processing apparatus sends an interrupt release response (occupation release signal) to the terminal 1 (S22).

  Next, the photo processing apparatus determines whether or not an order having the same level as the priority level (level: 5) of the interrupt order (terminal 1) that ended most recently exists in each terminal (1 to 4). In order to do so, notification information (including information of priority level “5”) is notified to all the terminals (1 to 4) (S23). Immediately after this notification, timer measurement is started (S24). Each terminal (1 to 4) receives the notification information and determines whether there is an order of the same level (or higher) as the priority level “5” included in the notification information (order management unit) 13 functions).

  If there is an order of priority level “5” in the terminal 2, the terminal 2 returns an occupation request (including information such as priority level and delivery date) to the photo processing apparatus (S25). In response, the photo processing apparatus ends the timer measurement (S26). Next, an exclusive permission notification is sent to the terminal 2 (S27). In response to this, the terminal 2 transmits the order information of the corresponding order to the photo processing apparatus (S28). Then, the photo processing apparatus executes photo print processing based on the order information. When this photo print process is completed, the process returns to the operation of step S23 and the same operation is repeated. If the order of the priority level “5” does not exist, the operation after Step S30 shown in FIG. 4 (processing procedure for preferentially resuming the interrupted order) is performed.

  On the other hand, an occupation request may be transmitted to a photo processing apparatus from a terminal other than the terminal 2. In this case, if the priority level is the same, the one with the earlier delivery date is selected. If the delivery date is the same or there is no delivery date information, the photo processing apparatus selects the order from the terminal that first received the occupation request. Also, if the delivery date is the same or there is no delivery date information, if the occupancy request contains information on the order reception date and time, select the earlier reception date or time, or the occupancy request includes the order quantity If so, you can select the one with the least number of orders. The above order determination method is the same in the following operations.

  In FIG. 4, steps S20 to S24 are the same as those in FIG. A case where the timer is measured in step S24, but the occupancy request cannot be obtained from each terminal (1 to 4) within a predetermined time will be described below. When a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of timer measurement (S30), the photo processing apparatus sends a restart request notification to each terminal (1 to 4) (S31). Next, timer measurement is started (S32). The restart request notification includes information of a specified level (priority level “4”). The designated level is set one level lower than the priority level “5” of the interrupt order.

  If there is an interruption order with the priority level “4” at the terminal 3, the terminal 3 returns an occupation request (including information such as the priority level and delivery date) to the photo processing apparatus (S33). In response, the photo processing apparatus ends the timer measurement (S34). Next, an exclusive permission notification is sent to the terminal 3 (S35). In response to this, the terminal 3 transmits the order information (including unprinted image data) of the corresponding interrupted order to the photo processing apparatus (S36). Then, the photo processing apparatus executes a photo print process based on the order information of the suspended order (a process for resuming the suspended order is performed).

  When the suspended order restart process is completed, the process returns to the operation of step S23, and notification is made to determine whether an order (normal order) of the same level as the priority level (specified level) of the suspended order exists. When information (priority level “4”) is notified and an order of priority level “4” exists in each terminal, an occupation request is made. That is, among the orders of priority level “4”, the suspended order is restarted first, and then the normal order is processed, so that the suspended order can be processed quickly. When there is no order of priority level “4”, the designated level is lowered by one level (priority level “4” → “3”), and a restart request notification in step S31 is performed. If there is no occupancy response, notification information is sent to determine whether there is a normal order, and the above operations are repeated.

  When the designated level is lowered step by step, the final level value is the lowest priority level value in the interruption order stored in the memory 231. In the following description, it is assumed that the lowest level value of the interruption order is “2”.

  In step S32 shown in FIG. 5, the timer is measured, but an occupancy request cannot be obtained from each terminal (1 to 4) within a predetermined time (meaning that there is no order of priority level “3”). If the predetermined time has elapsed (S40), the photo processing apparatus sends a restart request notification (priority level “2”) to each terminal (1-4) (S41). Next, timer measurement is started (S42).

  If there is an interruption order with the priority level “2” at the terminal 4, the terminal 4 returns an occupancy request (including information such as the priority level and delivery date) to the photo processing apparatus (S43). In response to this, the photo processing apparatus ends the timer measurement (S44). Next, an exclusive permission notification is sent to the terminal 4 (S45). In response to this, the terminal 4 transmits the order information (including unprinted image data) of the corresponding suspended order to the photo processing apparatus. Then, the photo processing apparatus executes a photo print process based on the order information of the suspended order (a process for resuming the suspended order is performed). When the processing for resuming the suspended order with the lowest priority level is completed, since there is no suspended order, the photo processing apparatus notifies all terminals of an unoccupied notification so that normal order processing can be started. As a result, a terminal having a normal order can make an occupation request.

  In addition, even when there is a suspended order (which can be determined from the fact that the suspended order information is stored in the memory 231), if the occupation notification cannot be obtained within a predetermined time after the restart request notification (the terminal's When the power is off, the interruption order is canceled, or the like), the photo processing apparatus can notify all terminals (1 to 4) of the unoccupied notification. As a result, a terminal having a normal order can make an occupation request.

  In the operation of the above embodiment, the priority level has been described as five levels. However, the priority level is not particularly limited, and can be set to three levels, four levels, six levels or more, for example.

  In addition, the restart request notification at the specified level for the interrupted order is made to all terminals, but the terminal is identified from the interrupt order identification information stored in the memory 231 and notified only to the terminal. Can be configured.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of interrupt orders and the restart process is performed in order from the interrupt order of the higher priority level, the normal order of the higher priority level is processed first before restarting the lower interrupt order. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, normal orders can be processed after resuming all suspended orders in order from the suspended order with the highest priority level (after processing all suspended orders first). It can be configured as follows.

  In the following, a processing procedure for determining an order to execute the next photo print processing when the normal order processing is completed will be described (see FIG. 6).

  In step S60 of FIG. 6, the print processing by the normal order of the terminal 1 is performed by the photo processing apparatus. Next, when the print process is completed, an exclusive release request (order information transmission completion) is made from the terminal 1 to the photo processing apparatus (S61). In response to this, the photographic processing apparatus sends an exclusive release response (exclusive release signal) to the terminal 1 (S62).

  Next, the photo processing apparatus determines whether or not an order having a level equal to or higher than the priority level (level: 3) of the most recently completed order (terminal 1) exists in each terminal (1 to 4). Therefore, notification information (including information of priority level “3”) is notified to all the terminals (1 to 4) (S63). Immediately after this notification, timer measurement is started (S64). Each terminal (1 to 4) receives the notification information and determines whether or not there is an order of the same level (or higher) as the priority level “3” included in the notification information (order management unit) 13 functions).

  If the terminal 2 has an order of priority level “3”, the terminal 2 returns an occupancy request (including information such as priority level and delivery date) to the photo processing apparatus (S65). In response to this, the photo processing apparatus ends the timer measurement (S66). Next, an exclusive permission notification is sent to the terminal 2 (S67). In response to this, the terminal 2 transmits the order information of the corresponding order to the photo processing apparatus (S68). Then, the photo processing apparatus executes photo print processing based on the order information. When this photo print process is completed, the process returns to the operation of step S63 and the same operation is repeated. If there is no order with a priority level “3” or higher, the operations after step S 70 shown in FIG. 7 are performed.

  On the other hand, an occupation request may be transmitted to a photo processing apparatus from a terminal other than the terminal 2. In this case, if the priority level is the same, the one with the earlier delivery date is selected. If the delivery date is the same or there is no delivery date information, the photo processing apparatus selects the order from the terminal that first received the occupation request. Also, if the delivery date is the same or there is no delivery date information, if the occupancy request contains information on the order reception date and time, select the earlier reception date or time, or the occupancy request includes the order quantity If so, you can select the one with the least number of orders. The above order determination method is the same in the following operations.

  In FIG. 7, steps S60 to S64 are the same as those in FIG. A case will be described below where the timer is measured in step S64, but an occupancy request cannot be obtained from each terminal (1 to 4) within a predetermined time. When a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of timer measurement (a state in which there is no order with a priority level “3” or higher) (S70), the photo processing apparatus permits processing of an order with a level lower than the priority level “3”. Notification information to that effect is sent to each terminal (1-4) (S71). Next, timer measurement is started (S72). As another embodiment, the notification information is configured not to be lower than the priority level “3” but to be lowered in order from a level one step lower than the priority level “3”. May be.

  In response to the notification information in step S71, an occupancy request is returned from each terminal (1 to 4) (S73). Thereby, the timer measurement ends (S74). Then, the "priority level" included in the occupancy request of each terminal is compared, and the order of priority level "2" (here, terminal 3) having the highest priority among them is determined (S75). When there are a plurality, the order determination method described above is applied.

  When the order is determined, the occupation permission notification is notified to the terminal 3 (S76). In response to this, the terminal 3 transmits the order information of the corresponding order to the photo processing apparatus (S77). The photo processing apparatus executes photo print processing based on the transmitted order information. When this photo print process is completed, the process returns to the operation of step S60 and the same operation is repeated.

(Another embodiment)
In the above description, the photographic processing apparatus 2 constituting the photographic print system has an apparatus configuration including the exposure unit 30 and the development unit 31, but is not limited thereto, and is a laser printer, a thermal transfer printer, an inkjet printer, or the like Other apparatus configurations may be used.

Diagram showing photo print system functions The flowchart which shows the processing procedure of invention The flowchart which shows the processing procedure of invention The flowchart which shows the processing procedure of invention The flowchart which shows the processing procedure of invention The flowchart which shows the processing procedure of invention The flowchart which shows the processing procedure of invention

Explanation of symbols

1a OP terminal 11 Order information storage unit 12 Occupancy request unit 13 Order management unit 14 Order processing control unit 15 Interrupt request unit 16 Control unit 2 Photo processing device 20 Control unit 21 Display unit 22 Notification unit 23 Data storage unit 24 Order determination unit 25 Occupancy permission notification unit 26 Restart request notification unit 27 Unoccupied notification unit 28 Interrupt determination unit 29 Interrupt determination result notification unit

Claims (9)

A photo print system in which a plurality of terminals are connected to one photo processing apparatus,
The photo processing apparatus
When the photo print process is completed and the next photo print process is executed, a notification unit for notifying each terminal of notification information including the priority level of the order related to the end of the photo print process,
In accordance with the occupation request obtained as a response of the notification unit, an order determination unit that determines an order for the next photo print processing;
An occupancy permission notifying unit that performs an occupancy permission notification for permitting photo print processing of the determined order to a terminal that is a request source of the order determined by the order determining unit,
The terminal
An order information storage unit for storing order information including image data relating to photo print processing;
An occupancy request unit that returns an occupancy request including a priority level when there is an order that is equal to or higher than the priority level of the order related to the end of photo print processing included in the notification information;
A photo print system comprising: an order processing control unit that controls to read the order information from the order information storage unit and transmit the order information to the photo processing device in accordance with the occupation permission notification. When the order related to the end of the photo print processing is an interrupt order,
The order determination unit
2. The photo print system according to claim 1, wherein an order having a priority equal to or higher than the priority of the interrupt order is determined for the next photo print process. The photo processing apparatus
A resumption request notifying unit for notifying the terminal of a resumption request for resuming processing of a suspended order of a specified level set in advance when the occupation request is not obtained within a predetermined time;
The terminal having the interruption order is
When there is an interruption order of the specified level, the occupation request unit makes an occupation request,
3. The photo print system according to claim 2, wherein the order processing control unit is configured to transmit the interrupted order to the photo processing apparatus. The restart request notification unit
When the restart request is not obtained within a predetermined time, when interruption processing is performed at a level lower than the specified level, the restart request at the lower level is notified to the terminal,
The terminal having the interruption order is
When the low-level interruption order exists, the occupation request unit makes an occupation request,
4. The photo print system according to claim 3, wherein the order processing control unit is configured to transmit the interrupted order to the photo processing apparatus.   An unoccupied notification unit that determines that there is no interrupted interrupted order when an occupancy request for the restart request at the low level is not obtained within a predetermined time, and notifies each terminal of an unoccupied notification The photographic print system according to claim 4. The order determination unit
6. The photo print system according to claim 1, wherein the order is determined by increasing the priority according to a delivery date included in the occupancy request. The terminal
It has an order management unit that sets the order of order processing.
7. The photo print system according to claim 1, wherein the order management unit resets the priority level to a higher level as the delivery date approaches the current time. The terminal
An interrupt request unit for requesting a photo print processing interrupt request to the photo processing device;
The photo processing apparatus
In response to the interrupt request, an interrupt determination unit that determines whether interrupt is possible,
An interrupt determination result notifying unit for notifying the terminal of a determination result based on the determination result of the interrupt determination unit,
8. The photo print system according to claim 1, wherein the interrupt determination unit performs interrupt permission determination even when the interrupted order is an interrupt order. The notification unit, when there is no waiting for processing higher than the priority level of the order related to the end of the photo print processing, notifies that the occupation below the level is permitted,
The order determining unit determines an order having the highest priority from among the occupation requests including the priority level corresponding to the notification,
The occupancy permission notification unit notifies the occupancy permission notification to the request source terminal of the determined order,
The occupancy request unit returns an occupancy request including a priority level when there is an order lower than the priority level of the order related to the end of the photo print process included in the notification information,
The photographic print system according to claim 1, wherein the order processing control unit transmits order information to a photographic processing device in accordance with the occupation permission notification.

Images