JPH1138562A - Cartridge, laboratory system and image data recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a customer to freely read out and process an image by recording the digital data of the image recorded on photographic film in a cartridge on a recording medium provided in the cartridge. SOLUTION: After recording the digital data for an index print on the cartridge with an IC chip 122, the film is returned to the customer. The customer easily recognizes the content of the image recorded on the negative film by the use of a personal computer only by loading the cartridge 122 in an IC reading and writing device 150 and reading the data recorded on an IC chip 100 without drawing out the negative film from the cartridge 122. The customer performs editing such as adding a desired character to the desired image on the personal computer and records the editing information on the IC chip 100.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cartridge provided with a recording medium in which a photographic film is housed and at least a contact portion capable of being electrically connected to a surface layer is exposed, and a cartridge receiving the cartridge. The present invention relates to a lab system for performing each process of attaching and detaching a photographic film from a cartridge for development, developing the photographic film, and printing on a photographic paper based on a visualized image on the photographic film.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art
The lab system accepts photographic film (hereinafter referred to as film) requested by the customer, develops it, prints it on photographic paper, develops the photographic paper, collects them in a DP bag, and returns them. It has become.

At this time, for example, at the time of reception, whether simultaneous printing or reorder printing, the number of prints, whether special printing such as trimming is designated, or the like is performed orally with a clerk who responds, and this is written on designated paper. It has become.

[0004] In recent years, a magnetic recording layer is provided on a negative film, and the contents of an order are recorded on the magnetic recording layer, so that the lab can read information from the magnetic recording layer of the negative film and receive a request from a customer. A system that can recognize the contents has been established (APS).

[0005] This saves labor such as handwriting the order details at the time of reception, thereby improving work efficiency.

By the way, digital images have been in the spotlight for so-called analog images recorded on photographic paper or the like due to the spread of personal computers (hereinafter referred to as personal computers). This digital image can be easily processed, and the digital image can be taken into a personal computer to produce various original images.

Here, for example, when a greeting form such as a New Year's card is produced and requested to a lab system, the image recorded on the negative film (or the print image on photographic paper) is an analog image. Therefore, it is necessary to read it with an image reading device called a scanner in order to take it into a personal computer.

However, it is very complicated to select a desired image from images recorded on a long negative film, or to select a desired image from photographic paper that is separated for each image.

In the APS, the index print is given to the customer when the simultaneous print request is returned.
The user sees the images arranged in a matrix on the index print and selects an image to order again.

Since this index print is processed as a digital image in the laboratory system, if the digital image data can be provided to the customer, the equipment such as the scanner is not required.

[0011] However, in addition to the cartridge and the index print, a recording medium on which index image data is further recorded is attached to the customer. Action is required.

A cartridge having an IC memory has been proposed (for example, Japanese Patent No. 260258).
No. 3 (JP-A-4-223455), JP-A-1-279
No. 250, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 2-5746).

This IC memory is read on the laboratory system side and used for information at the time of printing. That is, it is a function corresponding to the magnetic recording layer of the APS, and it is only a function as an information transmission means between the customer and the lab system. It has been suggested that the customer can freely read, process, and write information. Absent.

In view of the above facts, the present invention has at least:
It is an object of the present invention to provide a cartridge capable of recording digital data of an image recorded on a photographic film housed therein.

[0015] Further, by recording digital data of an image recorded on a photographic film in the cartridge on a recording medium provided in the cartridge, the customer can freely read and process the image, and the processed image is processed. An object of the present invention is to obtain a lab system in which a layout and a format can be written to make an order slip in cooperation with digital data recorded in advance.

[0016]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge in which a photographic film is housed and a recording medium having a contact portion at least electrically connectable to a surface layer is provided. Wherein the recording medium has a recording area for storing digital data of an index image based on an image recorded on the photographing film.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the digital data of the index image is recorded on the recording medium provided in the cartridge, so that the image photographed on the photographing film housed therein can be used. The photographing film can be recognized without being pulled out of the cartridge. Here, the index print can be recognized by looking at the index print, but by recording it as digital data, it is effective, for example, when importing the data into a personal computer. It is faster in time than scanning and capturing a represented image).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium, optical information recorded on a photographic film or magnetic information equivalent to magnetic information recorded on a photographic film provided with a magnetic recording layer is provided. The information is recorded together with the digital data of the index image.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, information recorded on the photographic film together with the digital data of the index image, that is, optical information such as a bar code is read and recorded during the laboratory processing. I can put it. If the film for photography is compatible with APS (Advanced Photo System), there is a magnetic recording layer. Magnetic information recorded on the magnetic recording layer can also be recorded on the recording medium.

By recording such information, it is possible to read the contents of the recording medium without having to fill in the form orally or on a predetermined sheet and inform the lab of the customer's request at the time of reordering. By doing so, the reception process can be simplified.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lab system for performing each processing of printing on photographic paper based on an image on a photographic film using the cartridge according to the first or second aspect. A scanner unit for reading image data recorded on the film for photographing, and an index print unit for producing an index print based on the image data read by the scanner,
An image data recording unit that records image data read by the scanner on a recording medium provided in the cartridge.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in order to effectively use the cartridge with the recording medium, it is necessary to partially improve the laboratory system. That is, it is necessary to add a system for recording the digital data of the index image on the recording medium.

Here, at the time of producing an index print, each frame image is digitally read by an existing scanner of the lab system, and this data is used.
Basically, digital data for index print is
Although the resolution is low, the image read from the recording medium is used to determine a format for obtaining a composite photograph such as a character or an illustration, and a high-resolution image is not particularly required.

The lab system is provided with an image data recording unit for recording the digital data on a recording medium. When a customer requests an old cartridge (cartridge without a recording medium), he or she asks the customer whether he / she wants to replace it with a new cartridge (cartridge with a recording medium) at the time of reception, requests the replacement, and If digital data input is desired, the photographic film is replaced with a new type of cartridge after the lab processing, and the digital data is recorded on the recording medium by the image data recording unit and returned. At this time, the image data recording unit
The optical information and the magnetic information recorded on the photographic film may be recorded simultaneously.

When the cartridge is replaced, the new cartridge contains an ID from the film to be stored.
Is read, and this ID is recorded (printed) on a part of the outer periphery of the cartridge, so that the next reception (reorder, etc.) can be performed without any apparent change.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image data recording method in the lab system according to the third aspect, wherein the photographic film contained in the cartridge having no recording medium is used for index printing. The image data is read by the scanner unit and stored in a lab system together with an identification code for specifying the photographic film.When the photographic film is housed in a cartridge having a recording medium, it is compared with the identification code and stored. Read out the recorded image data and record it on the recording medium.

According to the invention described in claim 4, for example,
When requesting simultaneous printing, there is a type in which the cartridge does not have a recording medium. In such a case, it is a feature of the APS that the cartridge can be replaced with a cartridge having a recording medium at the request of the customer or the like. Further, when it is desired to input image data for index printing to this recording medium, the lab system temporarily stores the image data. At this time, it is stored together with an identification code for specifying the photographic film.

Thereafter, when a cartridge (having a recording medium) for accommodating the photographic film is determined, an identification code for specifying the photographic film is read out (for example, information recorded optically is read out) and coincides with this. The image data stored together with the identification code is read out and recorded on a recording medium.

As described above, since the photographic film is recorded on the recording medium based on the identification code when the photographic film is re-stored in the cartridge, it is possible to reliably record the index print image data of the image recorded on the photographic film. .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, an identification code for specifying the photographic film is given to a cartridge having a recording medium in which the photographic film is stored. And

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, by giving an identification code (for example, printing) to the cartridge having the recording medium in which the photographic film is re-contained, the cartridge is not apparently replaced. I don't feel uncomfortable. For this reason, even when reordering in the future, it can be handled as usual.

[0032]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a cartridge 122 according to the present embodiment.

In the casing 124 of the cartridge 122, a spool 126 for winding and storing the negative film 110 (see FIG. 2) in layers is provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the negative film 110
Is provided with a magnetic recording layer 116. Well, the negative film 110 contains optical information (barcode 112).
Is recorded, and the barcode 112 indicates a negative film ID (hereinafter, film ID).

As shown in FIG. 2, the spool 126
A slit-shaped through hole 128 is formed along the axial direction, and a projection claw 130 is formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof. The projections 130 have holes 120 in the negative film 110.
(See FIG. 3), the negative film 1
The rear end of 10 is connected to a spool 126 and wound up in layers. Further, a cartridge ID is recorded in advance on the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge 122 by a barcode and characters (numeric characters) (cartridge ID). Basically, the cartridge ID matches the film ID.

The shaft end of the spool 126 is
4, the negative film 110 can be taken in and out of the cartridge 122 by rotating the shaft end.

Here, the cartridge 12 of the present embodiment is
In FIG. 2, an IC chip 100 as a recording medium is embedded as shown in FIG. The IC chip 100 is provided with a plurality of (six in the present embodiment) terminals 102, and the main body of the IC chip 100 is embedded. It is exposed from a rectangular hole 104 provided corresponding to the terminal 102.

The IC chip 100 includes a cartridge 12
2 (hereinafter referred to as digital image data) recorded on the negative film 110 accommodated in the camera 2.
Is recorded. This digital image data is supplied to a scanner unit 210 (see FIG.
), The data is the same as the data read for producing the index print, and the resolution is relatively low. As shown in FIG. 4, the index print 106 is a form in which images recorded on one negative film 110 are arranged in a matrix on one sheet and is recorded when a reorder print is requested. Used for

Further, in addition to the digital image data, the customer can freely edit and process edited and processed data, format data of the image data, order data, and the like, in addition to the digital image data. Has become.

The reading and writing of data from and to the IC chip 100 is performed by an IC chip data reading and reading device 150 shown in FIGS.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the IC chip reading device 150 is provided with a cartridge loading port 152. The cartridge loading port 152 is provided in the loading section 1.
The open end of the cartridge 54 has substantially the same shape as the end face of the cartridge 122 (in the axial direction of the spool 126). Further, the inner peripheral shape of the loading section 154 has a shape corresponding to the peripheral surface of the cartridge 122.
The cartridge 122 can be supported in a slightly protruding state only by loading the cartridge 122 with one end surface of the C chip 100 where the terminal 102 is exposed facing downward (temporary positioning state). . That is, the compression coil spring 156 is provided at the bottom of the loading section 154.
A bottom plate 158 supported by the urging force is provided, and the cartridge 122 is supported by the bottom plate 158.

The cartridge loading port 152 is provided with a lid 160 for opening and blocking the cartridge loading port 152. The lid 160 is a hinge type, is rotatable about a shaft 162, and is a torsion coil spring 1 in an opening direction.
It is energized at 64. The rear surface of the lid 160 (the surface facing the cartridge 122) is a pressing portion 160A that presses the cartridge 122. For this reason, the lid 16
0 rotates around the shaft 162 to cover the opening, so that the pressing portion 160A presses the cartridge 122. This pressing force causes the bottom plate 158 to move the compression coil spring 1
The cartridge 122 can be accurately moved to a desired position by moving toward the bottom of the loading section 154 against the urging force of 56 (final positioning).

The lid 160 is provided with a rectangular hole 166 on the side face facing the side face near the opening of the cartridge loading port 152 in the closed state. On the device body side facing the rectangular hole 166, a locking claw 168 is provided.
It is projected by the urging force. The locking claw 168 has a beveled tip, which is pulled in when the lid 160 is closed, and
By corresponding to 6, the lid 160 projects again to hold the lid 160 in the closed state. In addition, the locking claw 1
68, an eject knob 172 projects in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction (the direction of arrow B in FIG. 6).
The lid 160 can be released from being held by operating in the pulling-in direction, and the lid 160 is opened by the urging force of the torsion coil spring 164.

A rectangular hole 174 is provided in the bottom plate portion 158, and the same number (six) as the number of terminals of the IC chip 100 is provided.
Of the movable terminals 176 (three are shown in FIG. 6) are exposed. The movable terminal 176 is bent in a substantially L-shape, and the base portion records data on the IC chip 100 or
Control unit 17 for reading data from C chip 100
8 is connected. The movable terminal 176 has an elastic force.

When the bottom plate 158 is lowered by the pressing force of the cartridge 122 (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 6), the IC chip 10
The zero terminal 102 presses the movable terminal 176. At this time, the movable terminal 176 is bent by the elastic force, and can maintain the contact with the terminal 102. That is, the contact pressure is maintained at a predetermined level or more by this elastic force, and an electrically good connection state can be maintained.

As shown in FIG. 7, the IC chip reading device 150 is used by a customer who has received the cartridge 122 containing the developed negative film 110 by simultaneous printing or the like connected to the personal computer 180.

That is, based on the image recorded on the negative film 110 on the personal computer 180, a greeting card format such as a New Year's card is displayed (the monitor screen 1 of the personal computer 180 shown in FIG. 7).
80A), the index image recorded on the IC chip 100 is fetched by the IC chip reading device 150. Although the index image has a lower resolution than the original image (the image recorded on the negative film 110), the index image is digital data, so it is easy to import, and is an image sufficient for format creation.

Therefore, recording of index print digital data on the IC chip 100, and
By applying the chip reading device 150, the negative film 110 is pulled out of the cartridge 122 and
A desired image is selected from the images arranged in a row, read by a scanner or the like, converted into digital data, and
The troublesome work of importing into the 80 has been eliminated.

The predetermined format information (greeting form) created by the personal computer 180 can be recorded on the IC chip 100 together with the frame number of the image to be applied. Therefore, the lab system requests the format information created by the personal computer 180 using another recording medium,
This eliminates the need to explain at the store. (Overview of Large Lab System) FIG. 8 shows a process diagram of the large laboratory system according to the present embodiment. In this large lab system, processing for normal printing and processing for special printing are possible, and the cartridge 122 is sent to the receiving / sorting unit 200. Note that the processing for normal printing refers to simultaneous printing and re-order printing, and the special printing refers to a composite photograph with characters and illustrations such as a shooting date and a shooting location.

[0050]

[Table 1] "Reception / sorting unit 200" The reception / sorting unit 200 sorts the cartridges 122 according to the normal print processing or the special print processing.

The receiving / sorting unit 200 determines whether the receiving cartridge 122 has the IC chip 100 or not.
It is necessary to determine whether it is desired to replace the cartridge 122 with the IC chip 100 or not, and whether it is desired to input digital data of the index print 106 into the IC chip 100. Table 2 below shows a case in which the IC chip 100 is mainly classified. Note that this classification is different from the sorting at the time of reception described later.

[0052]

[Table 2] Based on the above classification, the reception / sorting unit 200 sets the following No. 1 to No. 5, and are conveyed to the detached splice unit 202. Note that the special print cartridge 122 can be processed by incorporating a minilab digital print system described later in a large laboratory, and thus the description is omitted. “Detach splice unit 202” The detach splice unit 202 removes the negative film 1 from the cartridge 122.
In this process, the negative film 10 is pulled out and the rear end is detached from the spool 126, and the plurality of negative films 110 are spliced (joined) into a long shape to produce a roll film. The undeveloped (simultaneous print) and developed (reordered print) negative films 110 are classified and joined.

The detached splice unit 202 includes:
An IC reader 204 is provided. This IC reader 2
04 has the same function as the reading function of the IC reading device 150 owned by the customer described above.

In the IC reader 204, first, the sort is confirmed, for example, the negative film 11 of the normal print is checked.
In spite of the fact that the roll film is generated at 0, it is determined whether or not the special print negative film 110 is mixed.

Next, the IC reader 204 reads information such as print size information, print frame information, and the number of prints in normal printing.

The detach / splice unit 202 reads the cartridge ID from the cartridge 122 separated from the negative film 110, sets the cartridge ID together with the information read from the IC reader 204, and sets the L which is passed between each process.
It is stored in an SI card (not shown).

Reorder print (belongs to normal print)
In the case of (1), there are a case of the cartridge 122 with the IC chip and a case of the cartridge 122 without the IC chip. In the case of the cartridge 122 without the IC chip, the order contents are recorded on the magnetic recording layer 116. Therefore, a flag is set to instruct to read the order contents of the magnetic recording layer 116.

When the cartridge 122 (negative film 110) selected for processing is a special print, format information is recorded on the IC chip 100 in addition to the order information. The format information may be stored in the detach / splice unit 202 as it is, or a flag may be simply set to clearly indicate only the special print.

The transmission of information between the steps is not limited to the LSI card, but may be performed by using the magnetic recording layer 116 of the negative film 110, or may be directly performed as online data in a predetermined step (generally, the next step). May be sent to the step).

In the detach / splice unit 202, the IC
A discarding station 206 is provided when it is desired to replace the cartridge 122 with the cartridge 122. The cartridge 122 from which the negative film 110 has been separated is discarded at this time. On the other hand, when the exchange is not desired, or when the cartridge 122 with the IC chip is already used, the cartridges are accommodated in a cartridge magazine (not shown) in the order of reception and in predetermined numbers.
It is transported to a collating unit 222 (see FIG. 8) described later. "Negative developing unit 208" The undeveloped negative film 110 joined in a roll shape is sent to the negative developing unit 208, and is subjected to a developing process in a well-known negative film developing machine. It is conveyed to the section 210. “Scanner Unit 210” The main operation of the scanner unit 210 is to digitally read an image recorded on the negative film 110. Here, the index print 106 is produced based on the read digital data. .

When the roll-shaped negative film 110 is loaded at a predetermined position, it is pulled out from the uppermost layer, and the information recorded on the magnetic recording layer 116 of each negative film 110 and the LSI recorded on the IC chip 100 from the LSI. Read information. An ID (negative film ID) is optically recorded on the negative film 110, and the scanner unit 210
Then, read this optical information (negative film ID),
Information is searched based on the negative film ID. By this search, it is possible to determine whether or not there is information recorded on the IC chip 100 in normal printing and whether or not there is a mixture of special print requests.

If there is no information for printing on the IC chip 100, the information is printed based on the information recorded on the magnetic recording layer 116.

Here, the scanner section 210 is provided with an IC recording memory 212. When there is instruction information for recording index print digital data on the IC chip 100, the scanner section 210 is provided together with a negative film ID. The read index print digital data is
The data is recorded in the C recording memory 212. The above scanner unit 2
When the reading of the image and the reading of the information in the printer 10 are completed, the roll-shaped negative film 110 is
It is transported to 14. Further, information for printing read from the IC chip 100 or the magnetic recording layer 116 is transferred to the printer unit 214. In the case of simultaneous printing, digital data for index printing is transferred to the printer unit 214. "Printer 214" The printer 214 prints the image recorded on the negative film 110 on photographic paper (not shown). In the case of simultaneous printing, an index print 106 is also produced for each negative film. Also,
In the case of reorder printing, the designated image frame is positioned, and the designated number is printed. Further, processing that can be performed by simultaneous printing (according to Table 1) is also performed.

The rolled negative film 110 on which the printing process has been completed is conveyed to the next process, the desplice / reattacher unit 216. “Desplice / reattacher unit 216” A cartridge magazine is transported to the death / reattacher unit 216, and the negative film ID recorded on each negative film 110 of the rolled negative film 110 is read and recorded on the cartridge 122. Cartridge I
The negative film 110 is accommodated in the corresponding cartridge 122 while collating with D.

Here, the death splice / reattacher unit 2
16 is provided with an IC writer 218. This I
The C writer 218 has a function equivalent to the reading function of the IC reading device 150 held by the customer described above.

In the IC writer 218, when the cartridge 122 is loaded, various information including the index digital image data and the negative film ID is recorded on the IC chip 100 provided in the cartridge 122 as necessary. It has become.

The IC writer 218 includes the FID printing unit 22
0 is attached. The FID printing unit 220 is used to print the negative film 11
When a new cartridge 122 with an IC chip is provided, the negative film I recorded on the negative film 110 is provided.
D is printed on the outer periphery of the cartridge 122.

Thereafter, the cartridge 122 accommodated in the cartridge magazine and the newly added cartridge with IC 122 are accommodated in another cartridge magazine in the order of joining the roll-shaped negative films 110.

As a result, the order in which the negative film 110 is separated from the roll and the order in which the cartridges 122 are arranged coincide with each other, and the smooth operation of the desplice / rear-touch unit 216 is performed.

The digital image data for indexing by the IC writer 218 and the FID printing by the FID printing unit 220 are stored in the cartridge magazine and then rear-touched.
The cartridge 122 with cartridges may be housed in a cartridge magazine, and after the digital image data for index recording and FID printing are performed by the IC writer 218, the film may be rear-touched to the cartridge 122 with ICs.

Here, if a negative film requested for special printing is inserted into the roll-shaped negative film 110, the detach / splice unit 202
Since the card is flagged to indicate the mixture, the negative film 110 is notified visually (display or the like) or audible (buzzer or the like) at the time of releasing the bonding of the negative film 110. "Collation unit 222" In the collation unit 222, the negative film 11
0, the cartridge 122 containing the negative film 110, the photographic paper, and the index print 106 are all collected, collated based on the ID assigned to each, stored in a DP bag (not shown), and returned to the customer. You.

In the collating unit 222, after each negative film is separated, it is transferred to a special printing process. Such a slipped negative print request negative print film 110 can be easily picked up even by a manual operation by an operator because no print (and index print 106) exists in the collation work.

Hereinafter, the work flow in the large laboratory system will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, in normal printing, there are five types of cartridges 122 to be accepted. No. No. 1 is a reorder print requesting return without an IC chip. No. 2 is a simultaneous print requesting return without an IC chip. 3 is I
At the time of return without C chip, simultaneous printing requesting replacement with IC chip, No. 4 is a reprint requesting replacement with an IC chip when returning without an IC chip,
No. Reference numeral 5 denotes a reorder print with an IC chip.

No. 1, No. 4 and No. 4. No. 5 is a detached splice part 2 because both are reorder prints.
At 02, the sheets are joined in the order of reception and conveyed to the scanner unit 210 as a roll. In addition, No. 2 and No. 3 is
Since both are simultaneous prints, they are joined in the order of reception at the detachment and splice unit 202, and are transported to the developing unit 208 as a roll.

Here, No. 3 and No. 3 In No. 4, the cartridge for imaging is sent to the disposal station after detachment to replace the cartridge 122 with the IC chip,
Discarded. In addition, No. 1, No. 2 and No. 5
Are stored in the cartridge magazine, and the collating unit 222
Transported to

In the detach / splice unit 202, information is read from the IC chip provided in each cartridge 122 by the IC reader 204, and the read information is transmitted to the scanner unit 210.

The scanner section 210 reads magnetic information from the rolled negative film 110 that has been sent. In the case of simultaneous printing, index print 1
The digital data for making 06 is read from all the negative films. On the other hand, in the case of reorder printing, only those which newly require the cartridge 122 with IC are selected, the image is read from the corresponding negative film 110, and index digital data is obtained.

Next, the exposure correction information of the image frame to be printed is obtained and transmitted to the printer unit 214, and the exposure correction information is written in the magnetic recording layer 116.

The scanner unit 210 records digital data for index printing in the IC recording memory 212.

In the printer unit 214, each image frame is positioned at the printing position, printing exposure processing is performed based on the exposure correction information transmitted from the scanner unit 210, and the rear-touch desplicing unit is output from the completed roll-shaped negative film 110. 216.

The rear touch / deprice unit 216 includes:
The cartridge 1 previously separated from the negative film 110
22 have been conveyed.

Here, there is no corresponding cartridge 122 in the negative film 110 in which the cartridge 122 is to be replaced with an IC chip. Then, a new cartridge 122 (with an IC chip) is taken out from the new cartridge stocker 219, and the negative film ID recorded on the negative film 110 is printed on the outside of the cartridge 122 by the FID printing unit 218 (or the negative film ID is printed). Label is attached) and sent out to the rear touch and desplice unit 216.

Thus, the cartridges 122 are prepared for all the negative films 110.

Thus, the negative film 110 is accommodated in the cartridge 122 and the cartridge 12
2. It is sent to the collating unit 222 together with the photographic paper and the index print 106. In the collation unit 222, each of the photographic materials (the cartridge 122, the print, and the index print 106) is stored in a DP bag and returned to the customer.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the digital data for index printing is recorded on the cartridge 122 with the IC chip and returned to the customer. Without pulling out the negative film 110,
After loading the cartridge 122 into the IC reading device 150,
Just read the data recorded on the IC chip 100,
The content of the image recorded on the negative film 110 can be easily recognized.

Further, on the personal computer 180, a desired image is edited by adding a desired character, and the editing information is stored in an IC.
By recording the information on the chip 100 and bringing it to the lab system, it is possible to request a desired special print at the reception in the lab system without having to explain verbally or the like.

Further, in the lab system according to the present embodiment, since the processing steps for the cartridge with IC 122 are established, communication with the customer can be achieved.

In the lab system, the IC chip 10
Since a process for replacing a normal APS cartridge without “0” with a cartridge 122 with IC has also been established, instead of a cartridge when requested,
It can be replaced with a cartridge 122 with an IC chip. [Second embodiment (minilab / analog print)]
In the above-described first embodiment, the flow of processing of the cartridge 122 with an IC chip has been described by taking a so-called large lab system that performs a large amount of processing (development, printing, etc.) of the negative film 110 as an example. In DPE shops scattered around,
A so-called mini-lab system has been established that performs processing of a negative film in a small amount.

Basically, the processing is performed in the same processing steps as in the large lab system. However, since the processing is partially different, the processing will be described with reference to FIG.

The form of the cartridge 122 (negative film 110) to be processed is the same as the number applied in the first embodiment. "Receiving / sorting unit 250" The receiving / sorting unit 250 sorts the cartridges 122 according to the normal print processing or the special print processing.

The receiving / sorting unit 250 determines whether the receiving cartridge 122 has the IC chip 100 or not.
It is necessary to determine whether it is desired to replace the cartridge 122 with the IC chip 100 or not, and whether it is desired to input index print digital data to the IC chip 100.

As described above, the sorted cartridges 122 are transported to the detaching section 252. “Detach Unit 252” In the detach unit 252, unlike the large lab system, it is not necessary to separate the negative film 110 from all the cartridges 122. Only the simultaneous print request and the exchange request for the IC-equipped cartridge 122 need to be performed.
When housed in the cartridge with tip 122,
This step is skipped.

In the detaching section 252, the discarding station 2 when the exchange to the cartridge 122 with IC is desired.
The cartridge 122 provided with and from which the negative film 110 has been separated is discarded at this point. On the other hand, if no replacement is desired, or if the cartridge 122 is already equipped with an IC chip, the order of acceptance in the cartridge tray is as follows.
In addition, a rear touch unit 258, which is housed in a predetermined number and is described later,
To be transported to The negative film 110 separated from the “negative developing unit 256” cartridge 122 is sent to the negative developing unit 256. The negative film 110 is subjected to a developing process in a well-known negative film developing machine.
8. “Rear Touch Unit 258” In the rear touch unit 258, the negative film 110 which has been subjected to the development processing or the negative film 110 to be replaced with the cartridge 122 with an IC is rear-touched to the cartridge 122. In this case, the collation between the negative film 110 and the cartridge 122 is performed based on the negative film ID and the cartridge ID recorded on the negative film 110 and the cartridge 122.

Here, as for the new cartridge 122, the new cartridge 122 with an IC chip is taken out from the cartridge stocker 260, and the negative film ID read by the detachment unit 252 is printed on the FID printing unit 162. The ID is transferred to the rear touch unit 258.

With the cartridge housed in the cartridge 122,
The negative film 110 is transported to the scanner unit 264, which is the next step. In FIG. 9, No. is classified according to whether or not the cartridge is replaced. 1, No. 2, No.
No. 5 group and No. 5 3, No. Although the group is classified into four groups, it may be classified between simultaneous prints or between reordered prints. “Scanner Unit 264” The main operation of the scanner unit 264 is to digitally read an image recorded on the negative film 110. Here, the index print 106 is produced based on the read digital data. .

When the negative film 110 is loaded at a predetermined position, the negative film 110 is pulled out from the uppermost layer, and each negative film 1 is removed.
The information recorded on the ten magnetic recording layers 116, the optical information, and the information recorded on the IC chip 100 are read.

If there is no information for printing on the IC chip 100, the information is printed based on the information recorded on the magnetic recording layer 116.

Here, the scanner section 264 is provided with an IC reader 266 and an IC writer 268 to read out information for printing and to record index print digital data on the IC chip 100. Records the digital data for index printing read together with the optical information and the magnetic information on the IC chip 100. Further, information for printing read from the IC chip 100 or the magnetic recording layer 116 is transferred to the printer unit 270. In the case of simultaneous printing, digital data for index printing is transferred to the printer unit 270. "Printer 270" The printer 270 prints the image recorded on the negative film 110 on photographic paper.
In the case of simultaneous printing, an index print is prepared for each negative film. In the case of reorder printing, the designated image frame is positioned, and the designated number is printed. Further, processing that can be performed by simultaneous printing (according to Table 1) is also performed.

Negative film 11 after print processing is completed
0 is conveyed to the collating unit 272. “Verification unit 272” The verification unit 272 uses the negative film 11
0, the cartridge 122 containing the negative film 110, the photographic paper, and the index print 106 are all collected and stored in a DP bag while being collated based on the ID assigned to each, and returned to the customer.

In the collating section 272, the negative film 110 of the special print request that has slipped in is compared with the photographic paper (and the index print 106) in the collation work.
Does not exist, it can be easily picked up even by a manual operation by an operator and transferred to a special printing process.

As shown in FIG. 9 (the solid film indicates the negative film 110, the dashed line indicates the cartridge 122, and the chain line indicates the information), the flow of the negative film 110, the cartridge 122, and the information are processed as described above. Here, the difference from the large lab system is that the negative film 110 is processed by itself, and the other processes are almost the same as those of the large lab system. [Third Embodiment (Minilab Digital Print)]
FIG. 11 shows a digitized minilab system.

In this digital minilab system, special prints can be made. As 6,
A special print request has been added. The same components as those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description is omitted.

Here, in the large lab system according to the first embodiment and the analog minilab system according to the second embodiment, the picked-up special print is processed by the system according to the third embodiment. It has become. That is, even in a large lab system, the digital mini lab system is applied in view of the fact that the number of special print requests is small.

The digital minilab system shown in the third embodiment is different from the analog minilab system of the second embodiment in that the reading resolution of the scanner section 264 is high and the read image frames of each image frame are different. Data (digital data) to the digital printer unit 274
To digitally print on photographic paper.

As an example of digital printing, a laser printer in which a laser beam is scanned by a polygon mirror in a main scanning direction and a photographic paper is moved in a sub-scanning direction to perform writing is generally used. By using such a laser printer, it is possible to easily cope with an image in which the image shown in FIG.

[0106]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, at least digital data of an image recorded on a photographic film housed therein can be recorded, and the photographing film is not pulled out of the cartridge. Also has an excellent effect that image contents can be recognized.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since optical information and magnetic information recorded on the film for photography can be recorded, it can be used as a means for transmitting order details and exposure information. Having.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the digital data of the image recorded on the photographic film in the cartridge is recorded on the recording medium provided in the cartridge, so that the customer can freely read and process the digital data. By writing the processed layout and format, it is possible to make an order slip in cooperation with digital data recorded in advance.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the photographic film is recorded on the recording medium based on the identification code when the photographic film is re-stored in the cartridge, the index print image data of the image recorded on the photographic film can be surely obtained. Can be recorded.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is apparently not replaced, the user does not feel a sense of incongruity, and can handle the product as usual even when reordering in the future.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view in which a part of a casing is cut away to show the internal structure of the cartridge of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a negative film (APS compatible).

FIG. 4 is a front view of an index print.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the IC chip reading device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the IC chip reading device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a system diagram showing a cooperation state between an IC chip reading device and a personal computer.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a large laboratory system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a minilab system (analog print) according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a minilab system (analog print) according to a third embodiment.

[Description of Signs] 100 IC chip (recording medium) 102 Terminal 104 Rectangular hole 110 Negative film (film for photographing) 112 Barcode (optical information) 116 Magnetic recording layer (magnetic information) 122 Cartridge 150 IC chip reader 154 Loading Unit 176 Movable terminal 178 Control unit 180 Personal computer 200 Receiving / sorting unit 202 Detach splice unit 204 IC reader 206 Disposal station 208 Negative developing unit 210 Scanner unit 212 IC recording memory 214 Printer unit (index print unit) 216 Desplice retouch Unit 218 IC writer (image data recording unit) 219 Cartridge stocker 220 FID printing unit 222 Collation unit

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A cartridge having a recording medium housed therein for photographing and having at least a contact portion electrically connectable to a surface portion thereof, wherein the recording medium includes the photographing film. A cartridge having a recording area for storing digital data of an index image based on an image recorded on a film. 2. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein optical information recorded on a film for photography or information equivalent to magnetic information recorded on a film for photography provided with a magnetic recording layer is provided in the index image. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge is recorded together with digital data. 3. A lab system for performing each processing of printing on photographic paper based on an image on a photographic film using the cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the film for photographing is provided. A scanner section for reading image data recorded in the cartridge; an index print section for producing an index print based on the image data read by the scanner; and an image data read by the scanner provided in the cartridge. A lab system having an image data recording unit for recording on a recording medium. 4. The image data recording method in a lab system according to claim 3, wherein the image data for the index print from the photographic film stored in the cartridge having no recording medium is sent to the scanner unit. Reading and storing in a lab system together with an identification code for identifying the photographic film, when storing the photographic film in a cartridge having a recording medium, collating with the identification code, reading out the stored image data, A method for recording image data in a lab system, comprising recording on a recording medium. 5. An image data recording method in a lab system according to claim 4, wherein an identification code for specifying said photographic film is given to a cartridge having a recording medium in which said photographic film is stored.