JPH10161249A - Method and device for inputting, photographic product manufacturing device and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To precisely, easily and quickly input a control item desired to be controlled by reading only it by a bar code reader and inputting it to a photographic product manufacturing device. SOLUTION: A printer processor 1 being as the photographic product manufacturing device is provided with a photograph printing device 2, a paper processor 3 developing a printed and exposed photographic paper and a receipt printer 4. The various kinds of control items or controlled variable is recorded on a recording medium such as an instruction manual as a bar code and an explanation related on the control items or the controlled variable is written at a position corresponding to the bar code so that it can be read and the meaning thereof can be understood by a user. By an operator, the control item or the controlled variable recorded as the bar code is inputted to the processor 1 by reading the explanation, selecting the bar code where the control item or the controlled variable desired to be inputted to the processor 1 is recorded and reading the bar code by the bar code reader 5.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photographic printing apparatus for performing photographic printing and exposure on photographic paper, a printer processor for performing photographic printing and exposure on photographic paper and then developing the photographic paper, and developing a photographic film. The present invention relates to a method for inputting a control item or a control amount of a film processor or the like to be performed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional photographic product manufacturing apparatus such as a photographic printing apparatus or a printer processor, a control item for specifying an object to be controlled in the apparatus, a control amount thereof, and the like are input to the apparatus, and the apparatus is controlled. Need to do.

A printer processor such as a mini lab is usually provided with a keyboard as an input means and a monitor as a display means. While looking at the monitor, the user manually inputs the control items of the printer processor and the control amounts thereof from the keyboard. Input to the printer processor. Input of control items, control amounts, and the like can be freely performed by a keyboard not only by an operator having specialized knowledge but also by a person having no knowledge of the apparatus.

[0004] However, among control items, among control items related to maintenance, those who do not have detailed knowledge about device control may input an incorrect information, which may cause an accident such as device failure or injury. Since the control items are often large and important, they are kept secret so that general users cannot easily input control items related to maintenance. Specifically, a password is set in advance in a device such as a printer processor, and by inputting the password, a control item or a control amount relating to maintenance can be input. We keep it confidential by not informing the user.

Conventionally, automatic channel setting has been performed in a photographic printing apparatus, a printer processor or the like using a DX code. The DX code is a bar code that records film specifications and sensitivity, which is recorded as a latent image on a film and becomes visible after development. And each DX
A plurality of channels are prepared in the photographic printing processing apparatus corresponding to the codes, and control items and control amounts relating to exposure conditions and the like of the photographic printing processing apparatus suitable for each film type indicated by the DX code are input to the channels in advance. Keep it. And
When performing exposure printing, the DX code of the film is read by a photographic printing processing apparatus, and control items and control amounts suitable for the film are read from a channel corresponding to the read DX code. Exposure printing is performed under conditions suitable for

[0006]

However, the conventional method has the following problems with respect to control items and control amounts of the photographic product manufacturing apparatus.

First, in the control items and control amounts of a photographic product manufacturing apparatus such as a photographic printing apparatus and a printer processor, in addition to the control items related to maintenance, if an erroneous input is made, the capability of the apparatus is reduced. There are many control items that can be significantly changed, reduced, or cause equipment failure.

[0008] Therefore, those who do not have knowledge of the device,
When a control item is selected from a large number of control items using a keyboard, the control amount is determined and input to a device such as a photographic printing device or a printer processor as in the related art, the control item or control amount of the device is used. The number and complexity of は are particularly likely to cause the input of incorrect control items and control quantities, which in turn greatly reduces the capability of the equipment and increases the likelihood of equipment failure. It is not preferable to operate the apparatus by someone who does not have knowledge of the apparatus other than the operator.

In order to prevent a person other than an operator who does not have knowledge of the apparatus from inputting a control item, a control amount, or the like, it is conceivable to perform confidentiality protection using a password which has been conventionally performed. There is a problem that confidentiality using a password may cause the password to be easily known to anyone other than the operator. For example, it is conceivable that a person other than the operator has seen the password input by the operator. Then, when the password is known, the password must be changed one by one in order to keep confidentiality. Therefore, confidentiality of control items and control amounts related to maintenance using a password is not sufficient.

In addition, it is necessary to prevent an operator other than the operator, who does not have knowledge of the apparatus, from inputting control items and control amounts of the apparatus, while a photographic printing apparatus and a printer processor are specialized. If only an operator with knowledge can handle the device, the number of people who can use the device is limited, and it is necessary to procure an operator who can handle the device or to train the operator. Therefore, a device such as a photoprinting device or a printer processor that can be handled only by an operator having specialized knowledge is not preferable.

Second, in the photographic product manufacturing apparatus, the control items and control amounts for designating the control target are related to setup, maintenance, normal use, exposure, development, Very many and complicated, such as those related to transport,
Further, in recent photographic product manufacturing apparatuses, control items and control amounts to be controlled have been further increased as compared with conventional apparatuses. Therefore, it is difficult for a general user who does not have knowledge about the apparatus to input the control items and the control amounts, which requires time and is inaccurate.

Therefore, by improving the method of inputting control items and the like, an attempt was made to facilitate selection of necessary control items and the like from a large number of control items and the like. Specifically, by making the menu of control items and the like at the time of input into a hierarchical structure, it is easy to select necessary control items and the like from a large number of control items and the like. However, the menu has a hierarchical structure, so that it always has a certain route and time before reaching the target item, especially when a specialized operator who is familiar with the device handles it, compared to conventional input. It may be slow.

The control items and control amounts are roughly classified into those related to exposure, those related to development, those related to conveyance, etc., and are recorded on a floppy disk. 2. Description of the Related Art A control item and a control amount are input to a photo product manufacturing apparatus by reading a floppy disk including the floppy disk in the photo product manufacturing apparatus. However, even in this method,
Despite being classified, each floppy disk still records a plurality of control items and control amounts, including control items that specify objects other than the object to be controlled, and after reading the floppy disk in the device, After all, a person must select a control item to be controlled from a plurality of control items and control amounts, determine the control amount, and input the control item. However, there still remain problems such as inconvenience and inaccuracy. Further, when each control item and control amount is recorded on a separate floppy disk, the amount of the floppy disk becomes enormous, which is not preferable.

Further, photographic product manufacturing apparatuses often process films, papers, and the like using many chemicals, and are often used in poor environments. Under such a bad environment, the processing liquid or the like may be applied to the floppy disk, or the floppy disk may become abnormal due to long exposure of the floppy disk to vaporized processing chemical gas, making it impossible to read information.
There is also a problem that information may be misread.

Third, in a photographic product manufacturing apparatus, the films, papers and processing agents to be used are various, and the control items and control amounts to be controlled vary depending on the types of films, papers and processing agents to be used. It is. Further, as new products come out one after another for the films, papers and processing agents, it is necessary to input new control items corresponding to the new products and their control amounts. In addition, the software version of the apparatus is also sequentially changed, and accordingly, the control items and control amounts need to be updated and added. Therefore, in the photographic product manufacturing apparatus, the control items and control amounts to be controlled are sequentially changed or added. However, it is difficult for a general user to accurately set control items and control amounts corresponding to these new films, papers, and processing agents.

As a means for deriving a control item and a control amount corresponding to a film, management of exposure printing conditions by the above-mentioned DX code can be mentioned. However, the DX code is merely a record of only the film type and sensitivity. Since the setting conditions such as the control items of the apparatus or the control amounts are not recorded, the control items corresponding to the DX code in advance, that is, the control items and the control amounts corresponding to the film type and the sensitivity are stored in the photographic printing device or the printer processor. Must be entered in the device. Therefore, a new film in which the control item or control amount or the like has not been input cannot be handled even with the DX code. Furthermore, it cannot deal with new papers, processing agents or soft versions.

The present invention has been made to solve these problems. Its purpose is to enable the person who can input control items or control amounts related to the setup of the photographic product manufacturing equipment, the printing exposure processing, etc. to be limited to a specialized operator, etc. An object of the present invention is to provide an input method and a photographic product manufacturing apparatus such as a photoprinting apparatus, a paper processor, a film processor, and a printer processor, which can be easily provided to an operator who does not have much.

Another object of the present invention is to secure confidentiality in a case where only a limited person can input information related to control of the apparatus, more securely than confidentiality by a keyword. An object of the present invention is to provide an input method that can be performed and a photographic product manufacturing apparatus such as a photographic printing apparatus, a paper processor, a film processor, and a printer processor.

Another object of the present invention is to easily, accurately and quickly input a control item or a control amount for designating an object to be controlled from a large number of control items or control amounts. An input method and a photographic printing apparatus capable of eliminating a superfluous information from among a large number of control items or control amounts, and inputting only a control item or a control amount specifying a target to be controlled, Paper processor,
An object of the present invention is to provide a photographic product manufacturing apparatus such as a film processor and a printer processor.

Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to select a recording medium on which control items and the like are recorded in accordance with an environment in which a photographic product manufacturing apparatus is used, to prevent deterioration of recorded information, In addition, even if the recorded information is deteriorated, an input method and a photographic printing apparatus capable of early detection can be provided.
An object of the present invention is to provide a photographic product manufacturing apparatus such as a paper processor, a film processor, and a printer processor.

Another object of the present invention is that, whenever the software version of the apparatus is updated, a control item or control amount corresponding to the new software version can be easily and quickly reduced at a low cost by using a facsimile or the like. Can be communicated to the user, and furthermore, the input of the control item or control amount can be accurately, easily,
And the control items or control amounts suitable for new films, papers and processing agents can be controlled by fax.
Or affixing an inexpensive recording medium such as a sticker recording suitable control items or control amounts to the product itself, such as a new film, to a user at a low cost, easily and promptly. An input method and a photographic product such as a photographic printing device, a paper processor, a film processor, and a printer processor, which can be conveyed, and in which the additional input and update of the control item or control amount can be performed accurately, easily, and quickly. It is to provide a manufacturing apparatus.

[0022]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is achieved by the following claims.

[Claim 1] [The photographic product manufacturing apparatus is configured to read the control items from an optical code on a recording medium storing control items for designating a control target in the photographic product manufacturing apparatus. An input method, wherein the control item is input to a device. According to the invention according to the present claim, by recording the control items on the recording medium, it is possible to limit the persons who hold the recording medium, and thereby the person who can input the control items can be controlled by the control items. Depending on the type, it is possible to limit to specialized operators and maintenance personnel. On the other hand, among the control items recorded on the recording medium, only the control items to be controlled can be input to the photographic product manufacturing apparatus by merely reading the control items with a reading device. It can be easy for the operator, and the input of the control item is accurate,
It can be done easily and quickly.

Further, according to the present invention, since the control items are recorded by an optical code whose meaning cannot be understood even by a person, the confidentiality is further improved as compared with the confidentiality by a keyword. Confidentiality can be ensured.

Further, according to the present invention, the control items can be input to the photographic product manufacturing apparatus by reading the optical code recording the control items with the reading device. It can be done accurately, easily and quickly. Further, from among a large number of control items or control amounts, it is also possible to read and input only an optical code recording a control item specifying a target to be controlled by a reading device, and a plurality of information including unnecessary information. After inputting the information, it is possible to save the trouble of selecting necessary information twice, and it is possible to input control items accurately and quickly.

Further, according to the present invention, since the control items are recorded on the recording medium by optical codes, the recording medium is not limited as long as the optical codes can be recorded. Since the recording medium can be selected according to the environment in which it is used, when used in a poor environment, use a recording medium or the like coated with a chemical resistant coating,
It is also possible to prevent the recorded information from deteriorating. Also, unlike a floppy disk or the like, it can be seen whether the optical code is in a readable state or not, so that early detection of an abnormality such as deterioration of recorded information is possible.

Further, according to the present invention, even when the software version of the apparatus is updated or when a new film, paper or processing agent is used, the control items are recorded by the optical code. By transmitting a new software version or an optical code that records suitable control items for the film by fax, or by attaching a sticker that records the optical code to a product such as a new film In addition, since an optical code recording a control item suitable for a new condition can be distributed quickly and at low cost, the input of a control item suitable for a new condition can be performed accurately and easily. Can be done.

[Claim 2] [The control items and the control amounts are designated by an optical reading device from a recording medium in which the control items and the control amounts are designated by an optical code to specify the control target in the photographic product manufacturing apparatus. An input method, wherein the control item and the control amount are input to the photographic product manufacturing apparatus by reading. According to the invention according to the present claim, since the control items and the control amounts thereof are recorded on the recording medium, it is possible to limit the persons holding the recording medium, thereby inputting the control items and the control amounts. Can be limited to a specialized operator, a maintenance man, or the like depending on the type of the control item and the control amount. On the other hand, among the control items and the control amounts recorded on the recording medium, only the control item to be controlled and the control amount can be input to the photographic product manufacturing apparatus simply by reading it with the reading device. Even a person who does not have much knowledge can make it easy for the operator, and can input a control item and its control amount accurately, easily and quickly.

Further, according to the present invention, since the control items and the control amounts thereof are recorded by optical codes whose meaning cannot be understood even by human eyes, the confidentiality is compared with the confidentiality by keywords. As a result, confidentiality can be maintained more reliably.

Further, according to the present invention, the control items and the control amounts thereof can be input to the photographic product manufacturing apparatus by reading the optical codes recording the control items and the control amounts by the reading device. It becomes possible to input a complicated control item and its control amount accurately, easily and quickly. Further, from among a large number of control items and their control amounts or control amounts, it is possible to read and input only a control item specifying an object to be controlled and an optical code recording the control amount with a reading device. After inputting a plurality of pieces of information including necessary information, it is possible to save the trouble of selecting the necessary information twice, and it is possible to quickly input an accurate control item and its control amount.

Further, according to the present invention, even when the software version of the apparatus is updated or when a new film, paper, or processing agent is used, the control items and the control amounts thereof are controlled by the optical codes. Is recorded, a new software version, a control item suitable for a film or the like, and an optical code that records the control amount are FA.
X, or by sticking a sticker or the like on which the optical code is recorded to a product such as a new film, the optical code recording the control items and the control amount suitable for the new condition at low cost. In addition, since the distribution can be performed quickly, the control items suitable for the new condition and the input of the control amount can be accurately and easily input.

[Claim 3] [The input method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of the control items or the control amounts can be input by reading one optical code. According to the present invention, a plurality of control items or control amounts can be input accurately and quickly.

(4) The input method according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the optical code is a barcode, and the optical reading device is a barcode reader. . According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately read a control item or a control amount at low cost.

[Claim 5] "In the recording medium, the optical code that records the control item or the control amount to be read by the reading device, and the control item or the optical code that is recorded in the optical code. The input method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the description of the control amount is at a position corresponding to each other. According to the invention according to the present claim, since the record of the control item or the control amount and the description thereof are at the corresponding positions, the visibility of the user is improved, and the accuracy in inputting the control item or the control amount is improved. Better.

[6] The input method according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the control amount is a reference control amount. With the invention according to the present claim, it is possible to accurately, easily and quickly input a reference control amount at the time of set-up, which can seriously affect the photographic product manufacturing apparatus if an erroneous input is made.

[7] The input method according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the control amount is a correction control amount for correcting a reference control amount. According to the invention of this claim, it is possible to accurately, easily and quickly input a correction control amount at the time of set-up, which can greatly affect the photographic product manufacturing apparatus when an erroneous input is made.

[Claim 8] "The control items are control items related to maintenance."
The input method according to any one of claims 1 to 7. According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately, easily and quickly input a control item at the time of maintenance that may cause an accident or have a great effect on a photographic product manufacturing apparatus when an erroneous input is made. . Further, it becomes possible for only the maintenance person to input the control item.

[9] The input according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the recording medium is formed of one sheet or a plurality of sheets. Method. According to the present invention, the size of the recording medium can be reduced, and the storage space can be reduced.

[Claim 10] The input method according to claim 9, wherein the recording medium is an instruction manual. According to the invention according to the present claim, accuracy when a user inputs a control item or a control amount is further improved.

[Claim 11] "The photographic product manufacturing apparatus is a photographic printing apparatus.
0. The input method according to any one of 0. [Claim 12] "The input method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the photographic product manufacturing apparatus is a paper processor. [13] The input method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the photographic product manufacturing apparatus is a film processor. According to the present invention, the film processor is a machine for developing an exposed film photographed by a customer, and the photographed film is irreplaceable, and failure is not allowed. Therefore, the effect of the present invention is further enhanced.

(14) An input device according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the control item or the control amount is input to the photographic product manufacturing apparatus. [15] A photographic product manufacturing apparatus, wherein the control item or the control amount is input by the input method according to any one of [1] to [13]. [Claim 16] [Recording wherein the control item or the control amount inputted to the photographic product manufacturing apparatus by the input method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 is recorded. Medium. [Explanation of Terms] In the present invention, the "control item" designates a control target of the photographic product manufacturing apparatus, and the "control amount" is a value indicating an amount for controlling the control target. . For example, the control items include an exposure time in a photographic printing apparatus, a development processing tank temperature in a paper processor or a film processor, a developer replenishment amount, and the like, and the control amount includes a specific amount thereof.

In the present invention, the “optical reading device” is
It refers to a device that optically reads the control items or control amounts of a photographic printing device or the like from a recording medium that records the control items or control amounts of a photographic printing device, a paper processor, a film processor, or the like.

The "optical code" in the present invention is an optically readable code. The code refers to information recorded according to a certain rule so that a person cannot understand the meaning of the information recorded therein even when looking at it.

In the present invention, the "photo product manufacturing apparatus" means a photo printing apparatus, a paper processor, a film processor, a printer processor combining a photo printing apparatus and a paper processor, or a photo printing apparatus, a paper processor, and a film processor. And any of the 3-in-1 printer processors.

In the present invention, "description of a description of a control item or a control amount" is generally a character, a picture or a symbol that can be interpreted by a human, and the content of the control item or the control amount, the control item or the control amount. This is an explanation of the description.

In the present invention, the "corresponding position" means that "a description of a control item or a control amount" indicates which optical code recorded the control item or the control amount. It is a position that can be recognized as something.

The "instruction manual" in the present invention describes a method of handling a photographic printing apparatus, a paper processor, a film processor, and the like. Specifically, an instruction manual for general users, A manual, a repair manual for a maintenance man, a technical manual, and the like are included.

In the present invention, the "reference control amount" is a control amount which is a reference of a control target designated by a control item in the photographic product manufacturing apparatus, and the target is based on the input reference control amount. Controlled.

In the present invention, the "correction control amount" is a control amount to be corrected from a reference control amount to be controlled specified by a control item in a photographic product manufacturing apparatus, and the correction value depends on various factors. Varies by. Then, the object is controlled based on the reference control amount and the correction control amount suitable for the factor.

[0050]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Also,
The following embodiments show preferred examples of the present invention,
It does not limit the meaning or technical scope of the terms of the present invention.

One example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a printer processor as an example of a photographic product manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention.

The printer processor 1 according to the present embodiment includes a photographic printing apparatus 2 for performing printing exposure on a photographic paper based on a photographic original such as a developed negative film, and a paper for developing the printing paper subjected to the printing exposure. Processor 3,
The printer processor 1 has a receipt printer 4 for printing a receipt recording the price of a photographic product such as a print manufactured by the printer processor 1. Also, in the photo printing device 2,
A keyboard 21 for inputting numerical values such as control amounts, a monitor 20 for displaying various information related to control items and control amounts, and a bar code reader 5 for reading bar codes recording control items or control amounts are provided. Is provided.

Various control items or control amounts are recorded as bar codes on a recording medium such as an instruction manual, and explanations of the control items or control amounts are displayed on the bar so that the user can read and understand the meaning. Write it in the position corresponding to the code. Then, the operator reads the description, selects a bar code that records the control item or control amount that the user wants to input into the printer processor, and reads the bar code with the bar code reader 5 so that the control recorded as the bar code is performed. The item or control amount is input to the printer processor 1.

FIGS. 2 to 6 show specific examples of a barcode on which a control item or a control amount is recorded, and a recording medium on which an explanation of the control item or the control amount is described. In this embodiment, a paper manual that also serves as an instruction manual is used as the recording medium on which the barcode is recorded. The example shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 is a manual for an operator, and the example shown in FIG. 6 is a manual for a maintenance man.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing one page of the paper manual, in which a bar code in which control items are recorded and a description of the bar code are recorded adjacent to each other. For example, a barcode 7A that records control items related to the setup of the exposure time, and a description 8A of the barcode
(Indicating that it relates to the master channel, etc.).

For example, the bar code reader 5 of the printer processor 1 reads a bar code 7A recorded in the manual 6A and recording control items relating to a master channel (setting of a reference value of exposure time). Information indicating that the reference exposure time is specified as a control item is recorded in the barcode 7A. By reading the barcode 7A with the barcode reader 5, information indicating that the reference exposure time is designated as a control item is input to the printer processor 1, whereby the printer processor 1 can set the numerical value of the master channel. Then, the state is displayed on the monitor 20 of the printer processor 1. Then, by inputting a numerical value from the keyboard 21, the numerical value of the master channel can be set, and exposure and the like will be performed in the future based on the numerical value.

In this example, numerical values are set from a keyboard after inputting control items with a bar code reader.

The same setting can be made for other channels. For example, when a barcode in which a control item relating to a paper channel is recorded is read by the barcode reader 5, a state in which a correction value from the reference exposure time according to the type of paper can be set to a numerical value, and the monitor 20 of the printer processor 1 Is displayed on the screen. Then, by inputting a numerical value from the keyboard 21, a correction value from the reference exposure time according to the type of paper can be set as a numerical value. Based on the numerical value, the correction of the exposure time according to the type of paper will be performed in the future. Done.

Also, without setting the numerical value of the master channel from the keyboard 21, a numerical input bar code is recorded manually, and the numerical value is input by reading the numerical input bar code with the bar code reader 5. You may do so.

For the control items related to the setup of the master channel and the like shown here, if an erroneous control amount is input, the performance of the apparatus is greatly affected.
Thus, by giving this manual 6A only to the operator, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that a person other than the operator may erroneously input control items related to the setup. In addition, the operator can select only the barcode in which the control item specifying the control target is recorded while reading the description explaining the content of the barcode, read the barcode by the reading device, and input the barcode. Can be easily and accurately input.

On the other hand, even a person who does not have detailed knowledge of the apparatus can select the barcode recording the control item while looking at the description explaining the control item by using the manual 6A. Since only the control items desired to be input can be input, even a person who does not have detailed knowledge of the device can be an operator.

FIG. 3 is a view showing another page of the paper manual, and shows a description 8B relating to the film type, and a bar in which control items suitable for the described film type and the control amount thereof are recorded. Code 7B is recorded.

For example, when it is desired to input a control item and a control amount suitable for a film having a type DD of company A and a sensitivity of 100 to the printer processor 1, the bar code reader 5 of the printer processor 1 operates the manual 6B.
The bar code 7B is read at a position corresponding to the description 8B indicating a film having a type DD of a company A and a sensitivity of 100 described in (1). The bar code 7B has the type A of company A and the sensitivity 1
A control item such as an exposure time and an exposure illuminance, which is a reference for each of R, G, and B colors, and a control amount thereof are recorded. Therefore, by reading the barcode 7B with the barcode reader 5, the printer processor 1 controls the control items and controls including numerical settings such as the exposure time and the exposure illuminance suitable for the type A of company A and the film of sensitivity 100. Only the amount is entered. Then, the data relating to the DX code is input to the printer processor 1 and the control item and the control amount input by the barcode reader 5 are associated with the data relating to the DX code. Thereafter, the printer processor 1 reads the DX code. In this case, it is possible to call out a control item and a control amount suitable for the film having the DX code, and perform exposure based on the control item and the control amount.

Therefore, as long as the manual 6B is distributed, the bar code 7B of the manual 6B is read and input by the bar code reader 5, thereby easily and quickly complicating the complicated control items including the numerical value setting and the control thereof. A quantity input can be made.

In this example, a plurality of control items and their control amounts are recorded in one barcode. By reading the barcode with a barcode reader, a plurality of control items and their control amounts are recorded. This is an example of input.

When the reference exposure time is determined by setting the master channel, the type A of company A and the sensitivity 1
A correction value for correcting the reference control amount set for the master channel may be recorded as a control amount in the barcode 7B so that the control item and the control amount suitable for the film No. 00 are obtained.

Each bar code such as the bar code 7B has information on DX codes corresponding to each film type, in addition to control items such as suitable exposure time and exposure illuminance corresponding to each film type and its control amount. By reading only the bar code such as the bar code 7B, a suitable control item corresponding to the film type and its control amount are associated with the data relating to the DX code and input to the printer processor 1. May be performed.

Regarding the control items and control amounts suitable for each film type described above, if an erroneous control amount is input, a defect occurs in printing exposure or the like. Therefore, by giving this manual 6B only to the operator, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that a person other than the operator inputs an incorrect control item and its control amount. In addition, the operator can read a barcode recording only the control items specifying the target to be controlled and the control amount thereof with a reading device while looking at the description explaining the contents of the barcode, and input the control items. Can be entered quickly, easily and accurately.

On the other hand, even a person who does not have detailed knowledge of the apparatus can use the manual 6B to read the description of the contents of the barcode and to read the bar and the control item and the control amount. Since the code can be read and input by the reading device, even a person without detailed knowledge of the device can be an operator.

In the case of processing a new film type for which a suitable control item and its control amount have not been input in advance, an explanation 8C indicating a new film type as shown in FIG. If the general user distributes the sticker 6C recording the barcode 7C recording the control items suitable for the species and the control amount thereof, the general user can read the barcode 7C recorded on the sticker 6C with the barcode reader 5. Thus, a control item suitable for a new film type and a control amount thereof can be input to the printer processor 1. Therefore, when using a new film type, it is not necessary to ask a person familiar with the apparatus such as an operator to set a suitable control item and a control amount thereof, and a control item and a control item suitable for the new film type are used. Anyone who is not familiar with the setting conditions of the printer processor 1 can input a control item suitable for a new film type and the control amount as long as there is only a barcode recording the control amount.

Since the record is formed by an optical code such as a bar code, instead of distributing the seal, the FA
Transmission by X is also possible, and a control item suitable for a new film type and its control amount can be promptly sent from the manufacturer to the user.

Further, a bar code which records a control item suitable for a new film type and a control amount thereof may be attached to a new film package or a patrone.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another page of the paper manual, a bar code 7D in which control items suitable for the paper type and control amounts thereof are recorded, and a description 8D of the bar code. Etc. are recorded. Here, P1 indicates a developing tank, P2 indicates a bleach-fixing tank, and P3 indicates a washing tank.

For example, the bar code reader 5 of the printer processor 1 reads a bar code 7D corresponding to a paper Z of Company A, which is one of the papers described in the manual 6D. In the barcode 7D, control items such as a processing tank temperature, a processing tank replenishing amount, and a reference control amount thereof, which are suitable for the development processing tank, the bleach-fixing tank, and the washing tank, suitable for the paper Z of Company A are recorded. Therefore, bar code 7
By reading D with the barcode reader 5,
When the control items suitable for the paper Z of the company A and the reference control amounts thereof including the numerical settings such as the temperature of each processing tank and the replenishing amount of the processing solution are input to the printer processor 1, when the paper Z of the company A is processed. Is performed based on the control item and its reference control amount. Therefore, manual 6D
As long as it is distributed to the user, the user can easily and quickly input control items and control amounts to the printer processor 1 by reading the barcode 7D of the manual 6D with the barcode reader 5.

In this example, a plurality of control items and each control amount are recorded in one barcode, and the barcode is input by a barcode reader to thereby control the plurality of control items and each control amount. This is an example of inputting.

Note that the bar code 7D is
It is also possible to perform a correction from the reference control amount after inputting a control item and a reference control amount suitable for the paper Z of the company A by reading the data. For example, bar code 7
In E, information that the temperature of the developing tank is selected as a control item is recorded. By reading the barcode 7E with the barcode reader 5, information that the temperature of the developing tank is selected as a control item is input to the printer processor 1, and the printer processor 1 sets the numerical value of the temperature of the developing tank. Is displayed, and the fact is displayed on the monitor 20 of the printer processor 1. Then, by inputting a numerical value from the keyboard 21, the numerical value of the temperature of the developing tank is set.
The temperature of the developing tank can be corrected. For example,
Immediately before actually processing the paper Z of Company A, the temperature of the development processing tank is corrected, and the processing can be performed at the corrected temperature.

Regarding the control items and the control amounts suitable for the paper shown here, if an erroneous control amount or the like is input, a failure occurs in the developing process. Thus, by giving this manual 6D only to the operator, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that a person other than the operator inputs an erroneous control item and its control amount. In addition, the operator can select and input only a control item or a barcode that records a control amount that specifies an object to be controlled while looking at the explanation, so that the control item and its control amount can be quickly, easily, and accurately. Can be entered.

On the other hand, even a person who does not have detailed knowledge about the apparatus can select the bar code recording the control item and the control amount while referring to the description by using the manual 6D. Since only the control item to be input and the control amount can be input, even a person who does not have detailed knowledge of the apparatus can be an operator.

When the replenishment of the processing agent is carried out by tablets, the control items suitable for the tablets and the control thereof can be obtained by using a manual on which a barcode recording the suitable amount of supplied tablets, temperature setting, etc. is printed. The input of the quantity can be performed easily and quickly.

When a new treatment agent is used, a control item suitable for a container or a package of the treatment agent and a barcode recording the control amount thereof are provided, and the barcode is read. In this manner, a suitable control item and its control amount may be input, or as described in the description of FIG. 4, a sticker or the like recording a barcode recording the preferable control item and its control amount is distributed. Alternatively, the barcode may be transmitted by facsimile or the like.

Further, setting conditions such as setting of an exposure constant for correcting an exposure difference for each paper, setting of a print unit price which is information to be printed on a receipt by the receipt printer 4, setting of a format for back printing, and the like. Also,
By recording the bar code in the manual, the bar code can be input by the bar code reader 5.

By inputting the various control items or control amounts described above with a bar code reader, the printer processor 1 can perform photographic printing exposure processing based on the control items or control amounts.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one page of a manual for a maintenance man, in which a bar code 11 in which control items relating to a motor test are recorded and a description 12 of the bar code are recorded. The manual for the maintenance man is also made of paper.

Then, this maintenance manual 1
0 is the manual 6A, 6 for general users described above.
It is separate from B and 6D, is not distributed to general users, and is possessed only by maintenance personnel.

For example, in maintenance, when the maintenance man checks the cutter motor (motor for moving the paper cutter), the bar code reader 5 of the printer processor 1 uses the bar code reader 5 to check the setting items described in the maintenance man manual 10. The bar code 11 that records control items corresponding to the description 12 of one cutter motor is read. The bar code 11 records a control item for selecting the forced operation of the cutter motor as a control item. When the barcode 11 is read by the barcode reader 5, information that the forced operation of the cutter motor is selected as a control item is input to the printer processor 1, and the printer processor 1 enters a state where the cutter motor can be forcibly operated. Is displayed on the monitor 20 of the printer processor 1. Then, by inputting the start of operation from the keyboard 21, the cutter motor can be forcibly operated.

A control item for forcibly operating the cutter motor is recorded in the bar code 11, and the bar code 11 is read by the bar code reader 5 to force the cutter motor to the printer processor 1. A control item for operating the machine may be input, the cutter motor may be operated, and an inspection or a test may be performed. However, for safety, as described above,
It is preferable that the cutter motor is forcibly operated by separately inputting an instruction to operate after the forced operation of the cutter motor is enabled.

It is very dangerous that the motor test of the cutter motor is performed by a general user who is not familiar with the apparatus. Therefore, a maintenance man's manual 10 that records control items related to the cutter motor test is provided.
Is not distributed to general users, the confidentiality of control items and control amounts is maintained, and general users who are not familiar with the equipment do not forcibly operate the cutter motor and maintain safety. it can. In addition, even if the general user views the maintenance man's manual 10, the general user cannot input the control items and control amounts recorded in the barcode, and the confidentiality can be securely maintained.

Also, in tests of other pump motors and heater motors, operation by a person unfamiliar with the apparatus may lead to an accident or failure of the apparatus. By recording the control amount, confidentiality can be maintained and security can be ensured.

In this example, a control item is recorded in a barcode, and the control item is selected by inputting the barcode with a barcode reader.

As in the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the manual includes descriptions (8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 12) of the control items and control amounts, and at the corresponding positions. Since the barcode (7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 11) in which the control item or the control amount is recorded is recorded, the control item or the control amount can be input more excellently and more reliably and quickly. In the present embodiment, only the barcode items are described, but a more detailed description may be described.

The recording medium is not limited to a manual, but may be anything as long as it can record a barcode. The recording medium may be in the form of a sheet or a notebook as an aggregate of sheets.

The material of the recording medium is not particularly limited, and may be paper, resin, or metal.

The method of inputting by reading a barcode on which a control item or a control amount is recorded by a barcode reader is not limited to the printer processor shown in the present embodiment, but can be input only from a film processor or a photographic printer. Printers and paper processors.

For example, in a film processor for developing a film, control of the temperature of each processing tank such as a developing tank, a bleaching tank, a fixing tank, a stabilizing tank, and a washing tank, and a replenishing amount of the processing liquid, which are suitable for the film developing processing. Items and their control amounts are recorded as bar codes in a manual, and by reading the bar codes with a bar code reader, the film processor includes a numerical value setting for each processing tank temperature, processing solution replenishment amount, etc. Control items and control amounts suitable for the developing process can be input. By reading the bar code of this manual with a bar code reader, even a person unfamiliar with the film processor can easily and quickly input control items including numerical values and their control amounts.

Also, since a manual for a maintenance man is prepared separately from a normal manual and is provided only to the maintenance man, a general user cannot input control items and the control amount relating to the maintenance. The confidentiality of the setting conditions can be securely maintained, and the security can be maintained. In addition, since the control items and the control amounts thereof are recorded in the manual for the maintenance man using a barcode, confidentiality can be maintained even if a third party can view the manual for the maintenance man during maintenance.

When the software of a device such as a printer processor is updated, a manual in which a control item corresponding to the software and a barcode in which the control amount is recorded is distributed to the user is provided. Thus, even a general user can easily and quickly input a new control item and its control amount. The same applies to the case where software is updated by transmission or the like when a minilab forms a network.

The type of barcode for recording the control item or control amount is not particularly limited, but may be NW-7, Code, or the like.
39, Interleaved 2 of 5, JA
N, one-dimensional barcode such as Code128, Code
49, Code16k, PDF417, QRCode,
Two-dimensional barcodes such as MaxiCode, DataCode, Code1, and Karla code are preferable. Two-dimensional barcodes are particularly preferred when dealing with large amounts of information.

The bar code reader is not particularly limited, and a pen scanner, a CCD scanner, a laser scanner, or the like can be used, and any of a contact type, a non-contact type, a handy type, and a stationary type can be used.

As a recording method for recording a specific control item or control amount as a bar code, in a bar code capable of recording alphanumeric characters, a symbol corresponding to each control item may be set in the apparatus in advance. For example, the information “CT” recorded by a barcode capable of recording alphanumeric characters is the temperature setting of the developing tank, and the two-digit number following the information is the temperature information of the processing tank. It is set in the device and the reading device. Then, by reading the barcode on which the information “CT38” is recorded with a barcode reader, an apparatus such as a printer processor or a reading device controls the temperature of the developing tank to 38 ° C. by the information “CT38”. Is recognized, and the information to control the developing tank to 38 ° C. is input to the printer processor. Further, even with a barcode that can record only numbers, control items or control amounts can be recorded. For example, it is set in the apparatus that “00” is added before the information related to the control item and “01” is added before the information related to the control amount, and “55” is set as the temperature of the developing tank of the setting item. It is set as information indicating the setting. This allows
By reading the barcode on which the information “00550138” is recorded with a barcode reader, the temperature setting of the developing tank is selected as a control item, and information 38 is obtained as a control amount. In other words, devices such as a printer processor and a reading device recognize that the information “00550138” is information for controlling the temperature of the developing tank to 38 ° C., and recognize the information for controlling the developing tank to 38 ° C. Can be input to a printer processor.

The recording of various control items and control amounts on a recording medium is not limited to a bar code, but may be an optical code.
Various control items and control amounts may be recorded on a recording medium such as a manual using a punching pattern, a mark sheet, a holographic memory, or the like. Further, when the control items and the control amounts are recorded in the holographic memory, the copy cannot be easily performed, so that the confidentiality can be more securely maintained.

Further, by using the present invention, it is possible to eliminate a keyboard for inputting from a photographic product manufacturing apparatus such as a printer processor. This can eliminate any erroneous input caused by accidentally touching the keyboard.

[0103]

According to the present invention, since the control items are recorded on the recording medium, it is possible to limit the persons who hold the recording medium, thereby making it possible for those who can input the control items to the control items. Depending on the type, it is possible to limit to specialized operators and maintenance personnel. On the other hand, among the control items recorded on the recording medium, only the control items to be controlled can be input to the photographic product manufacturing apparatus by merely reading the control items with a reading device. It can be made easier for the operator, and the input of control items can be performed accurately, easily and quickly.

Further, according to the present invention, since the control items are recorded by an optical code whose meaning cannot be understood even by a human, the confidentiality is more reliably maintained in the confidentiality than in the confidentiality by a keyword. It can be performed.

Further, according to the present invention, since the control items can be input to the photographic product manufacturing apparatus by reading the optical code on which the control items are recorded by the reading device, the input of many and complicated control items can be performed accurately and easily. And quickly. Further, from among a large number of control items or control amounts, it is also possible to read and input only an optical code recording a control item specifying a target to be controlled by a reading device, and a plurality of information including unnecessary information. After inputting the information, it is possible to save the trouble of selecting necessary information twice, and it is possible to input control items accurately and quickly.

Further, according to the present invention, since control items are recorded on a recording medium by optical codes, the recording medium is not limited as long as the optical codes can be recorded. The recording medium can be selected according to the condition, so that when used in a poor environment, it is possible to prevent deterioration of recorded information by using a recording medium or the like coated with a chemical resistant coating. Also, unlike a floppy disk or the like, it can be seen whether the optical code is in a readable state or not, so that early detection of an abnormality such as deterioration of recorded information is possible.

Further, according to the present invention, even when the software version of the apparatus is updated, or when a new film, paper, or processing agent is used, the control items are recorded by the optical code. By transmitting an optical code that records a suitable software version or a control item suitable for a film or the like by facsimile or attaching a sticker or the like that records the optical code to a product such as a new film, a new condition can be obtained. The optical code recording the control items suitable for the above can be distributed at a low cost and quickly, so that the input of the control items suitable for the new condition can be performed accurately and easily. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a printer processor according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a manual 1 for a general user according to the present invention;
The figure which showed the page.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another page of the general user manual according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a sticker on which a barcode on which control items and control amounts suitable for a new film type are recorded is recorded.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another page of the general user manual according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one page of a manual for a maintenance man according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer processor 2 Photoprinting device 3 Paper processor 5 Barcode reader 6A, 6B, 6D General user's manual 6C Sticker 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E Barcode 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D Explanation of control item or control amount 10 Manual for maintenance man 20 Monitor 21 Keyboard

Claims (16)

[Claims] An optical reading device reads the control items from a recording medium in which a control item specifying an object to be controlled in the photographic product manufacturing apparatus is recorded by an optical code, so that the control is performed by the photographic product manufacturing apparatus. An input method characterized by inputting an item. 2. An optical reader reads the control item and the control amount from a recording medium in which a control item and a control amount that specify an object to be controlled in the photographic product manufacturing apparatus are recorded by an optical code. An input method, wherein the control item and the control amount are input to the photographic product manufacturing apparatus. 3. The input method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the control items or the control amounts can be input by reading one optical code. 4. The optical code is a bar code,
The input method according to claim 1, wherein the optical reader is a barcode reader. 5. The optical recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control medium or the control amount to be read by the reading device is recorded on the recording medium, and the control item or the control amount is recorded on the optical code. The input method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the description is at a position corresponding to each other. 6. The input method according to claim 1, wherein the control amount is a reference control amount. 7. The control amount according to claim 1, wherein the control amount is a correction control amount for correcting a reference control amount.
The input method according to any one of the above. 8. The input method according to claim 1, wherein the control item is a control item relating to maintenance. 9. The input method according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium is formed of one sheet or a plurality of sheets. 10. The input method according to claim 9, wherein the recording medium is an instruction manual. 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographic product manufacturing apparatus is a photographic printing apparatus.
Input method described in section. 12. The input method according to claim 1, wherein the photographic product manufacturing apparatus is a paper processor. 13. The input method according to claim 1, wherein the photographic product manufacturing device is a film processor. 14. An input device, wherein the control item or the control amount is input to the photographic product manufacturing apparatus by the input method according to any one of claims 1 to 13. 15. A photographic product manufacturing apparatus, wherein the control item or the control amount is input by the input method according to any one of claims 1 to 13. 16. A recording medium recording the control item or the control amount input to the photographic product manufacturing apparatus by the input method according to claim 1. Description: