JPH04289842A - Sorter - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a sorter whereby a print, carried in with a different size mixed, can be separated and accumulated in each size. CONSTITUTION:In a sorter 11, a print, examined for its finish or the like, is carried in to apply a mark to a print surface failed in examination. This mark is detected by a sensor 82, and in the case of not detecting the mark, a control circuit 84 moves the first guide cam 88 downward(full line position). The control circuit 84, which inputs information of displaying a size of the print from a paper cutter not shown, moves the second guide cam 106 downward(full line position) in the case of normal size and upward(virtual line position) in the case of panoramic size. In this way, the print of normal size, passing the examination, is accumulated on a belt conveyer 116A, and the print of panoramic size, passing the examination, is accumulated on a belt conveyer 116B.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sorter applied to photographic processing systems and the like.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Film on which images have been recorded by a camera is processed as follows. That is, the film is sent to a laboratory while housed in a cartridge and is processed. After the development process is completed, a verification operation is performed, and each image is visually verified to determine correction values for exposure conditions. The printer positions each image recorded on the film at an exposure position, determines the amount of exposure, etc. in consideration of the correction value of the exposure conditions, and prints the positioned images onto paper based on the determined exposure conditions. . Further, at this time, cut marks are provided near the edges of the paper for cutting the paper for each print in a later process. After printing, the film wound into a roll is cut into predetermined frames (for example, 6 frames) and stored in a negative sheet. The paper on which images are printed is tested for finish etc. after each print is developed, and different marks are placed on the surface of prints that are judged to require reprinting and prints that are judged to be unnecessary. is attached. The paper after the inspection is sent to a paper cutter, and each print is cut based on the cut marks. The cut prints are sequentially sent to a sorter.

The sorter is provided with a plurality of accommodating sections capable of accommodating a large number of prints, and is equipped with a guide cam that guides the carried prints to one of the plurality of accommodating sections. The sorter is also equipped with a detection means for detecting the mark attached to the print surface, and based on the detection result of the detection means, it is possible to determine whether the brought in print has passed the inspection, whether it is a print to be reprinted, or whether it is an unnecessary print. The operation of the guide cams is controlled so that each of the guide cams is guided to a different storage section. As a result, prints that have passed the inspection, prints to be reprinted, and unnecessary prints are accumulated in each storage unit in the order in which they were taken. The prints judged to have passed the test and accumulated in a specific storage section are stored in a DP bag together with the film and returned to the customer.

[0004]In recent years, so-called panoramic photographs, which are taken by omitting the top and bottom vertically as if one of the vertical and horizontal fields of view has been enlarged, have become widespread, and panoramic photography can be done by attaching a dedicated panoramic camera or a panoramic photography adapter. Cameras that can take photographs are also on sale. For this reason, the size of the image recorded on the film is changed on the camera side, and for example, a negative film that has been shot with a mix of full-size or half-size images and panoramic-size images is sent to the laboratory. In some cases, a specific image recorded on the film may be specified to be printed in panoramic size.

[0005]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, the above-mentioned photographic processing system is constructed on the premise that only images of a single size (full size, half size, panoramic size, etc.) are recorded on one film. ing. The sorter also only sorts the incoming prints according to the test results and stacks them in the order in which they were taken, so if prints of different sizes are mixed in, the prints of different sizes will be mixed and stacked. . For this reason, it is difficult to handle the prints after they have been accumulated, and if prints of different sizes are shipped together, the appearance is poor and does not leave a good impression on customers. In order to solve this problem, it is conceivable to classify the prints by size after they are accumulated, but this adds a new process, which increases the processing time and is labor-intensive.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned fact, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sorter that can separate and stack prints of different sizes, which are brought in as a mixture.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, a sorter according to the present invention sorts a long sheet of paper on which a plurality of image frames are printed for each print using information representing the size of the print. A sorter arranged on the print output side of a cutter for cutting, which includes a plurality of storage sections that can accommodate a large number of prints, and a guide that guides each of the plurality of cut prints to one of the plurality of storage sections. means, a detection means for detecting the test results of each of the plurality of prints, and prints with different test results are accommodated in different storage units based on the detected test results and information representing the size used with the cutter. and a control means for controlling the guide means so that prints of different sizes among the prints whose test results have passed are stored in different storage units.

[0008]

[Operation] In the present invention, prints with different test results are housed in different storage units based on the test results detected by the detection means and the information indicating the size used by the cutter, and at least prints whose test results are passed are stored in different storage units. The guide means is controlled so that prints of different sizes are stored in different storage sections. Therefore, even when a large number of prints of different sizes are brought in one after another, the prints of different sizes are guided to different storage units and stacked, which improves the handling of the prints after they are stacked.
Prints can be organized and shipped by size, improving appearance. Further, since there is no need to add a new step of sorting the accumulated prints by size, processing time can be shortened.

[0009] It should be noted that prints of different sizes may be stored in different stacking units even for prints that have failed the test, for example, prints that have been determined to require reprinting.

0010

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a photo processing system equipped with a sorter 11 according to the present invention.

[0011] The negative film 12 on which the image has been photographed and recorded by the camera 14 is stored in a cartridge 16, sent to a laboratory, and processed by the photo processing system. Note that the camera 14 can be switched between normal photography and panoramic photography, and the negative film 12 accommodated in the cartridge 16 can be switched between normal photography and panoramic photography, as shown in FIG.
A full-size image frame 12A and a panoramic-size image frame 12B are mixed and recorded. Image frame 12
B is its vertical dimension (width dimension of the negative film 12)
is shorter and the area ratio is full size image frame 12
This corresponds to about 1/2 frame of A.

In the photographic processing system, the negative film 12 is first developed, fixed, and
Washing and drying processes are performed. In addition, negative film 1
2 is set in a film processor 18 after the negative films 12 housed in a plurality of cartridges 16 are joined and made into one roll. film processor 1
The negative film 12 processed in step 8 is tested by a negative testing machine 20 (hereinafter referred to as a notcher puncher 20).

A writing device 24 for writing information onto a memory card 22 is connected to the notcher puncher 20 . The notcher puncher 20 adds a notch to an image frame recorded on the negative film 12 in which an image to be printed is recorded, and also sets exposure conditions when exposing the image recorded on each image frame. If it is determined that correction is necessary, a correction value for the exposure conditions is set, and the information is written to the memory card 22 via the writing device 24. It also determines whether the size of each image frame is, for example, full size or panoramic size, and writes the determination result to the memory card 22.

It should be noted that the determination as to whether or not the exposure conditions need to be corrected and the setting of the correction value are performed visually by the operator, and the determination results are written to the memory card 22. Further, the size of each image frame may be determined visually by the operator, or may be determined automatically from the density distribution of the negative film 12, etc. Alternatively, a size identification mark or the like may be attached to the negative film 12 at the time of photographing, and the notcher puncher 20 may identify this mark to determine the size. Furthermore, even if it is specified that a specific full-size image frame is to be trimmed and printed in panorama size, etc., information representing the print size specification is written to the memory card 22 in this step. . The negative film 12 certified by the notcher puncher 20 is set in the printer 30. A reading device 28 is connected to the printer 30.
The memory card 22 on which correction values for exposure conditions of the negative film 12 to be set are written also serves as a memory card for the negative film 12.
It is also set in the reading device 28.

As shown in FIG. 3, a light source 34, a filter section 36 including a plurality of filters, an optical system 38 including a shutter and lenses (not shown), and an exposure section 40 are arranged in this order in the printer 30. . The filter section 36, the optical system 38, and the reading device 28 are connected to a control circuit 42. A long paper 44 is set in the vicinity of the exposure section 40 in a rolled-up state. Also connected to the control circuit 42 are a writing device 48 that writes data to the memory card 46 and a cut marker 50 that is placed near the exposure section 40 and that applies cut marks to the paper 44.

The control circuit 42 reads information regarding the image frame to be printed from the memory card 22, transports the negative film 12 according to the frame size, positions the image frame at the exposure position, and prints the image according to the size of the image frame. Set a negative mask. Further, the paper 44 is transported according to the print size, the unexposed paper 44 is positioned in the exposure section 40, and a print mask (not shown) corresponding to the print size is set. Next, the exposure conditions are determined taking into account the image density, frame size, print size, etc., and if the read information includes a correction value for the exposure condition, the exposure condition is determined by taking into account the correction value. Further, color correction or density correction is added to the exposure conditions, and the operation of the filter section 36 and the optical system 38 is controlled according to the exposure conditions to print the image of the positioned image frame on the paper 44. At this time, if the print size of the positioned image frame is a panoramic size, the optical system 38 is controlled so that a lens having a magnification corresponding to a panoramic size print is positioned on the optical path. As a result, the paper 44 has
As an example, a full size print 52A as shown in FIG.
and the panoramic size print 52B are printed together.

After printing the image on the paper 44, the control circuit 42 operates the cut marker 50 to add a cut mark 54 to the edge between the prints, and also prints the cut mark 54 for each order (one negative film). (see FIG. 7). The control circuit 42 also records information regarding each print printed on the paper 44 on the memory card 46 via the writing device 48. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, for each print, a frame number for identifying each print and information representing the distance to the next cut mark, that is, the cut size, are recorded in the memory card 46. Further, for a print that has been subjected to the color correction or density correction based on the exposure conditions at the time of printing, information representing the amount of correction is also recorded in the memory card 46 as information regarding the print. The negative film 12 that has passed through the exposure position is wound up into a roll. Also,
The paper 44 with the cut marks 54 is wound up in a magazine and loaded into the paper processor 32 (see FIG. 2), where it is developed, fixed, washed, and dried.

As shown in FIG. 2, after the printing process is completed, the negative film 12 wound into a roll is sent to a negative cutter 56, where it is cut into predetermined frames (for example, 6 frames) and stored in a negative sheet. On the other hand, the paper 4 that has been subjected to various processes by the paper processor 32 and wound up into a roll
4 is sent to the verification device 58, and it is determined for each print by an operator's visual inspection whether reprinting is necessary or not and whether or not the print is unnecessary. If it is determined that reprinting is necessary, as shown in FIG. It is drawn with a pencil or the like by the operator. Furthermore, if it is determined that the print is unnecessary, as shown in FIG. depicted in the same way. The paper 44 that has undergone the verification process is set in the paper cutter 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, the paper cutter 10 includes a spool 60, and the paper 44 wound into a roll is set on the spool 60. The paper cutter 10 includes a plurality of conveyance rollers 62. The conveyance roller 62 is shown in FIG.
The paper 44 is rotated by the driving force of a motor 64 shown in FIG. The motor 64 is connected to a control circuit 66, and its operation is controlled by the control circuit 66.

A cut mark sensor 70 is disposed at a position corresponding to the cut mark 54 of the paper 44 being conveyed, and a sort mark sensor 71 is disposed at a position corresponding to the sort mark 55 (see also FIG. 7). ). The cut mark sensor 70 and the sort mark sensor 71 are connected to the control circuit 6.
6, and each outputs a mark detection signal that is turned on, for example, to the control circuit 66 when each mark is detected. Further, a reading device 72 is attached to the paper cutter 10, and the reading device 72 is connected to the control circuit 66. A memory card 46 is set in the reading device 72, and information regarding each print printed on the paper 44 is read and output to the control circuit 66. Further, a pair of movable blades 74 are provided at a position adjacent to the cut mark sensor 70.
A and 74B are arranged. The movable blades 74A and 74B are connected to a control circuit 66, and are moved by the control circuit 66 to cut the paper 44 along the width direction of the paper 44. The cut prints are sequentially transferred to sorter 1, which will be described later.
1 frame at a time. In addition, the movable blade 74A
, 74B are separated from the cut mark detection position of the cut mark sensor 70 by a distance A1. Further, the control circuit 66 transmits information representing the size of the cut print to the sorter 11, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 1, a sorter 11 is arranged adjacent to the paper discharge side of the paper cutter 10. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, a paper conveyance path 7 is provided inside the sorter 11.
6 is formed, and the print discharged from the paper cutter 10 is fed into this paper conveyance path 76. Above the paper conveyance path 76 is a pair of rollers 78A and 78B.
An endless belt 80 is placed between the pair of rollers 78A and 78B. Paper conveyance path 7
The print fed into the belt 6 is conveyed while being pressed against an endless belt 80. Further, a sensor 82 is disposed in the middle of the paper conveyance path 76. A mark 120 drawn on the surface of a print that is determined to require reprinting in the verification process and a print that is determined to be an unnecessary print.
, 122 are detected. The sensor 82 is connected to a control circuit 84 and outputs a detection signal to the control circuit 84.

The paper conveyance path 76 is branched into two paper conveyance paths 86A and 86B downstream of the sensor 82, and a first guide cam 88 is disposed at the branched portion. The first guide cam 88 is rotatably supported by a shaft 90 and is moved by a driver 92 to the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 5 or to the position shown in phantom lines in FIG. The first guide cam 88 is moved to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 5, and guides the print that has passed through the paper conveyance path 76 to the paper conveyance path 86A branched upward.
After being moved to the position indicated by the imaginary line in FIG. 5, the print is guided downward to the branched paper conveyance path 86B. The driver 92 is connected to a control circuit 84, and its operation is controlled by the control circuit 84.

The paper conveyance path 86A is branched into paper conveyance paths 94 and 96 on the downstream side of the branch, and a second guide cam 100, which is moved by a driver 98 in the same way as described above, is disposed at the branch. ing. The second guide cam 100 guides the print that has passed through the paper conveyance path 86A to the paper conveyance path 94 or the paper conveyance path 96. The ends of the paper conveyance paths 94 and 96 on the opposite side from the branch portion are open to the outside of the body 11A of the sorter 11. Further, the paper conveyance path 86B is also branched into paper conveyance paths 102 and 104, and a third guide cam 108 that is moved by a driver 106 is arranged at the branch portion. The third guide cam 108 guides the print that has passed through the paper conveyance path 86B to the paper conveyance path 102 or the paper conveyance path 104. The ends of the paper conveyance paths 102 and 104 on the opposite side from the branch portion are open to the outside of the body 11A of the sorter 11. Further, the drivers 98 and 106 are also connected to the control circuit 84, and their respective operations are controlled by the control circuit 84.

Belt conveyors 116A and 116B are respectively disposed downstream of the paper conveyance paths 94 and 96 in the paper conveyance direction. Belt conveyor 116A, 116B
is a pair of rollers 110, 112 and this pair of rollers 1
The rollers 110, 112 consist of a pair of side plates 118 attached to the outside of the body 11A of the sorter 11, as shown in FIG.
A, it is pivotally supported by 118B. The prints that have passed through the paper conveyance paths 94 and 96 are transferred to this belt conveyor 116A.
, 116B.

[0025] Also, belt conveyors 116A, 116B
Above each of the side plates 118A,
A cam 126 pivotally supported by 118B is disposed. Cam 126 is moved by driver 128 to the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 5 or to the position shown in phantom lines in FIG. In addition, the cam 1 provided corresponding to the belt conveyor 116A
26 is arranged so that the distance between the lower end of the cam 126 and the roller 110 when moved to the position indicated by the solid line corresponds to the longitudinal dimension of the full-size print;
Cam 12 provided corresponding to belt conveyor 116B
6 is the cam 1 moved to the position indicated by the solid line.
The distance between the lower end of 26 and the roller 110 corresponds to the longitudinal dimension of a panoramic size print. These belt conveyors 116A, 116B and cam 12
Reference numeral 6 constitutes a storage section that stores the prints that have passed through the paper conveyance path 94 or 96.

That is, when the cam 126 is moved to the position indicated by the solid line, it functions as a stopper for stopping the movement of the prints guided onto the belt conveyor 116A or 116B, and the movement of the prints is stopped by the cam 126. Belt conveyor 116A or 116B
placed on top. Also, belt conveyors 116A, 116
Guide plates 130 and 1 are provided on the downstream side in the paper conveyance direction of B, respectively.
32 are arranged, and a storage box 134 is provided below the guide plates 130, 132. With the cam 126 moved to the position indicated by the imaginary line, the belt conveyor 116A
or when 116B is driven, the print is on cam 126
The guide plate 130 or 13 is conveyed through the installation site.
2 and is housed in the housing box 134.

A receiving tray 136 for accommodating prints that have passed through the paper transport path 102 is attached outside the machine body 11A on the downstream side of the paper transport path 102 in the paper transport direction. In addition, the machine body 1 on the downstream side of the paper conveyance direction of the paper conveyance path 104
Receiving trays 138 for storing prints that have passed through the paper conveyance path 104 are also installed outside 1A, and these trays 1
36 and 138 also constitute a housing section.

The control circuit 84 is also connected to the control circuit 66 of the paper cutter 10. Control circuit 84 receives information from control circuit 66 representing the size of the print that has been brought in. The control circuit 84 controls the received information and the sensor 8.
The first guide cam 88, the second guide cam 100, and the third guide cam 108 are moved via the drivers 92, 98, and 106 according to the detection result of step 2, and the prints that have passed the inspection are transferred to the belt conveyor 116A and 116B. Further, the control circuit 84 receives information indicating the end of one order based on the detection signal of the sort mark 55 from the control circuit 66, and based on this information, the control circuit 84
A and 116B and the movement of the cam 126 are controlled to accommodate the prints accumulated on the belt conveyors 116A and 116B in the storage box 134.

The prints that have passed the test and are stored in the storage box 134 are stored in a DP bag together with the negative film 12 stored in the negative sheet and returned to the customer.

Next, as an operation of this embodiment, the operation of the paper cutter 10 will be explained first with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is executed when the rolled paper 44 is set on the paper cutter 10 and an operation switch or the like is operated.

In step 200, the paper 44 is transported by driving the transport roller 62. In step 202, it is determined whether the cut mark 54 has been detected. Step 20
If the determination in step 2 is negative, the process returns to step 200, and the paper 44 is transported until the determination in step 202 is positive. As a result, the unnecessary portion at the leading end of the paper 44 is postponed. If the determination in step 202 is affirmative, the process moves to step 204, and information regarding the print to be cut next (in this case, the first print) is read from the memory card 46. In the next step 206, it is determined whether or not the process has ended. This determination is affirmative if there is no data for the next print.

If the determination at step 206 is negative, then at step 208 the conveyance of the paper 44 is started and the counting of the conveyance distance of the paper 44 is started. Step 2
At step 10, it is determined whether the conveyance distance has reached A1, that is, whether the detected cut mark 54 has reached the cutting position of the movable blades 74A, 74B. While the determination at step 210 is negative, conveyance of the paper 44 is continued. If the determination in step 210 is affirmative, step 212
Now, the movable blades 74A and 74B are moved to cut the paper 44. As a result, the paper 44 is cut at the location where the cut mark 54 is provided, and the cut prints are conveyed to the sorter 11. In synchronization with this conveyance, in the next step 214, data representing the cut print size is transmitted to the sorter 11. Note that when the cut mark 54 is detected and the determination in step 202 is affirmative,
If sort mark 55 is also detected at the same time, order 1
Information indicating the end of the item is also sent.

In step 218, it is determined whether the conveyance distance of the paper 44 being counted has become equal to the length obtained by subtracting a constant value α from the cut size included in the read information. If the determination in step 218 is affirmative, the process moves to step 220, where the detection signal output from the cut mark sensor 70 is monitored and it is determined whether the cut mark 54 has been detected. In steps 218 and 220, the position of the cut mark 54 is estimated based on the size of the print, and the cut mark sensor 70 estimates the position of the cut mark 54 based on the size of the print.
This corresponds to the process of detecting the cut mark 54 by changing the non-detection section in which the detection signal output from the detection signal is not monitored according to the estimated position of the cut mark 54. In other words, Figure 7
As shown in FIG. 2, when the size of the print to be cut next is the normal size, the detection signal of the cut mark sensor 70 is monitored after the print is conveyed for a non-detection section corresponding to the normal size. Furthermore, if the size of the print to be cut next is panoramic size, the detection signal of the cut mark sensor 70 is monitored after the print is conveyed through a non-detection section corresponding to the panoramic size, which is longer than the non-detection section corresponding to the normal size.

Thereby, even if a brand mark or the like is printed on the edge portion of the surface of the paper 44, it will not be mistaken as a cut mark. In the above process, when the conveyance distance after conveying the paper 44 by the non-detection section becomes a distance corresponding to the constant value α, the part corresponding to the cut mark detection position is the estimated position of the cut mark 54. , when the cut mark 54 is conveyed a distance corresponding to the constant value α.
will be detected. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect the cut marks on the paper 44 that includes prints of different cut sizes, and it is possible to cut the paper 44 for each print. Note that the constant value α is preferably a small value.

If the cut mark 54 is detected, the conveyance of the paper 44 is stopped and the process returns to step 204, and the information about the next print to be cut is read from the memory card 46, and the steps are continued until the judgment in step 206 is affirmative. 2
Steps 04 to 220 are repeated to cut the paper 44 for each print, and the cut prints are sequentially conveyed to the sorter 11. If the determination in step 206 is affirmative, the paper 44 is transported by distance A1 in step 222 in order to cut at the position where the detected final cut mark 46 is attached, and the paper 44 is cut and processed in step 224. end.

Next, the operation of the sorter 11 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the flowchart in FIG. 11 is executed when the power of the sorter 11 is turned on.

In step 250, rollers 78A, 78B
is rotated to drive the endless belt 80. This results in
When a print is carried into the sorter 11, the print is conveyed through a paper conveyance path 76. Step 252
Then, it is determined whether data has been received from the control circuit 66. If the determination at step 252 is negative, the determination at step 252 is repeated until the determination at step 252 is affirmed. As described above, the paper cutter 10 synchronizes the conveyance of cut prints and the transmission of information regarding the prints. Therefore, when the determination in step 252 is affirmative, the prints are carried into the sorter 11 almost at the same time.

If the determination in step 252 is affirmative, the process moves to step 254, where the sensor 82 detects whether or not the mark 120 or 122 is drawn on the surface of the print that has been carried in.
Judgment is made based on the detection results. If the determination in step 254 is negative, it is determined that the print that has been brought in is a print that has passed the inspection, and in step 256 the first guide cam 88 is moved downward (to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 5). . Thereby, the print that has passed through the paper conveyance path 76 is guided to the paper conveyance path 86A. Next step 2
At step 58, it is determined based on the received information whether the size of the imported print is panorama size or not.

If the determination at step 258 is negative, then at step 260 the second guide cam 100 is moved downward (to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 5). As a result, the prints that have passed through the paper conveyance path 86A are transferred to the paper conveyance path 94.
and placed on the belt conveyor 116A. If the determination in step 258 is affirmative, step 2
At 62, the second guide cam 100 is moved upward (to the position shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 5). As a result, the paper conveyance path 86
The print that has passed through A is guided to the paper conveyance path 96,
It is placed on the belt conveyor 116B. Step 26
0 or step 272 after executing step 262
Move to.

On the other hand, if the determination at step 254 is affirmative, then at step 264 the first guide cam 88 is moved upward (see FIG.
(the position shown by the imaginary line). As a result, the prints that have passed through the paper conveyance path 76 are transferred to the paper conveyance path 86B.
You will be guided to. In the next step 266, the mark drawn on the print surface is changed to the mark 12 representing an unnecessary print.
2 (see FIG. 9(B)). Step 266
If the determination is negative, the third guide cam 108 is moved downward (to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 5) in step 268. As a result, the prints that have passed through the paper conveyance path 86B are guided to the paper conveyance path 102 and accommodated in the tray 136. If the determination in step 266 is affirmative, then in step 270 the third guide cam 108 is moved upward (to the position shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 5). As a result, the prints that have passed through the paper conveyance path 86B are transferred to the paper conveyance path 104.
and is accommodated in the saucer 138. Step 268
Alternatively, after executing step 270, the process moves to step 272.

In step 272, it is determined whether prints for one order have been delivered. This determination is made by determining whether information indicating the completion of one order has been received. If the determination in step 272 is negative, the process returns to step 252, and steps 252 to 272 are repeated until the determination in step 272 is positive. As a result, normal size prints that have passed the test are accumulated on the belt conveyor 116A, and panoramic size prints that have passed the test are accumulated on the belt conveyor 116A.
Prints accumulated on B and judged to require reprinting in the inspection are accumulated in the tray 136, and prints judged as unnecessary prints in the inspection are accumulated in the tray 138. If the determination in step 272 is affirmative, the process moves to step 274.

In step 274, the belt conveyor 116
Each cam 126 corresponding to A and 116B is rotated to the position shown by the imaginary line in FIG. In step 276, the belt conveyor 116B is driven. As a result, the panoramic size prints accumulated on the belt conveyor 116B are conveyed and stored in the storage box 134. In the next step 278, the belt conveyor 116A is driven. As a result, the normal size prints accumulated on the belt conveyor 116A are conveyed and placed on top of the panoramic size prints already stored in the storage box 134. Therefore, prints corresponding to one order are separated into normal size and panoramic size and stored in the storage box 134. In step 280, the cam 126 is returned to the position shown in solid line in FIG. After executing step 280, step 252
Return to and repeat the above process.

As described above, in this embodiment, based on the information representing the print verification result detected by the sensor 82 and the information representing the print size input from the paper cutter 10, the normal size that has passed the verification is determined. The prints are placed on the belt conveyor 116A, and the panoramic size prints that have passed the test are placed on the belt conveyor 116B.
Each guide cam 88, 100, 108 is placed on
Since the prints are controlled, the prints are sorted and stacked by size, and the handling of the prints after stacking is improved, as well as
Since prints can be organized and shipped by size, the appearance is improved.

Furthermore, since the prints accumulated on the belt conveyors 116A and 116B are sequentially moved into the storage box 134 based on the signal indicating the end of one order input from the paper cutter 10, one order is It is possible to reduce the amount of work required for post-work such as minute-by-minute sorting.

[0045]

As explained above, in the present invention, prints with different test results are housed in different storage units based on the test results and information representing the size used in the cutter, and at least prints whose test results are passed are stored in different storage units. Since the guiding means is controlled so that prints of different sizes are stored in different storage sections, an excellent effect can be obtained in that the imported prints can be separated and stacked according to size.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paper cutter and a sorter according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a photo processing system.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a paper cutter.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a sorter.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an example of a negative film processed by a photographic processing system.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of paper set in a cutter.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the format of data recorded on a memory card by a printer.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams showing examples of marks representing test results drawn on the print surface.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the paper cutter.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the sorter.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Paper cutter 11 Sorter 82 Sensor 84 Control circuit 88 First guide cam 100 Second guide cam 108 Third guide cam 116 Belt conveyor 134 Storage box 136 Saucer 138 Saucer

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A sorter arranged on the print exit side of a cutter that cuts a long paper on which a plurality of image frames are printed for each print using information representing the size of the print, the sorter having a plurality of a plurality of accommodating sections capable of accommodating prints, a guiding means for guiding each of the plurality of cut prints to one of the plurality of accommodating sections, and a detection means for detecting a test result of each of the plurality of prints. , prints with different test results are housed in different storage units based on the detected test result and information representing the size used with the cutter, and prints with different sizes among the prints whose test results are at least passed are different. a control means for controlling the guide means so that the guide means is accommodated in the storage section.