JP4843980B2 - Printing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system for receiving a photographic print order and creating a photographic print.

  Recently installed at the DP store, a print order receiving device for receiving photo print orders from customers, and installed in the DP store store and connected to the print order receiving device by a data transmission network. There is known a printing system including a photo processing device that creates a photo print based on the order contents transmitted from the print order receiving device (see Patent Document 1).

A print order receiving apparatus provided in such a print system has a touch panel display. Then, when a medium storing an image data file brought by the customer is set in the print order receiving apparatus, a thumbnail image corresponding to the image data file stored in the medium is displayed on the display. The customer can check the thumbnail image displayed on the display and input order information such as a correction value and the number of prints of the image via the touch panel.
JP 2003-121946 A

  In the print system including the print order receiving apparatus and the photo processing apparatus as described above, after the customer finishes inputting the print order information for all the image data files stored in the media and confirms the order, The photo processing apparatus acquires the image data file and print order information. That is, after the order of printing related to all the image data files is confirmed, the printing process in the photo processing apparatus is started. Here, in the photo processing apparatus, it takes about 10 minutes from the start of the printing process until the first photo print is finished. Therefore, the customer waits about 10 minutes until the first photo print is finished after finishing the print order, and then waits for several tens of minutes until all the photo prints are finished.

  In such a print system, when image data files transmitted from a plurality of print order accepting devices connected to the photo processing apparatus are printed in parallel, an image data file transmitted from the print order accepting device is used. In some cases, this print processing and the print processing of the image data file taken from the film scanner provided in the photo processing apparatus are performed in parallel. In such a case, if each order is processed during the processing of one order without processing each order at once in the photo processing apparatus, the photo prints discharged from the photo processing apparatus are ordered. Instead of being discharged continuously every time, the photographic prints related to a plurality of orders are discharged together. Accordingly, the discharged photographic prints must be sorted manually for each order, which increases the burden on the operator of the photographic processing apparatus.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing system that can reduce the feeling of waiting for a customer waiting for the finish of a photographic print and can reduce the burden on the operator.

Means and effects for solving the problems

Printing system of the present invention, a plurality of order receiving apparatus accepting an order of the photographic print, which is connected to a plurality of order receiving apparatus, a printing system that includes a photographic processing apparatus for generating a photographic print, the each order receiving apparatus, and a reading unit for reading the plurality of image data files recorded on the recording medium, of a plurality of images according to the plurality of the image data file read by the reading section 2 A display for displaying an order screen including one or more images, for inputting order information including the number of prints related to the image displayed on the display, and the order screen displayed on the display. , And switch to the order screen including the images not yet displayed among the plurality of images related to the image data file. Common an input for the switching input to obtain the image data file order information related to the image that has been granted to at least said input one or more the number of prints by the unit, to collectively ordered plurality of image data files And an order input for an image displayed on the order screen of the display when the switching input is performed when the switching input is performed in the input unit. Order information that sets the number of printed prints to one or more, and print information including the number assigned by the number assigning means for the image data file relating to the image to which the order information is assigned, Photo information of at least one of the one or more images to which is attached is provided with order information indicating that the number of prints is one or more. Said has a print control means for transmitting to said photographic processing apparatus to be created before the orders for one or more images is determined, the photographic processing apparatus, from the order receiving apparatus Based on the order information included in the received print information, print creation means for creating a photographic print, a sorting mechanism provided with a plurality of placement places on which the created photographic print is placed, and the print information A plurality of photo prints related to a plurality of image data files that are ordered in bulk are placed at the same location, and a plurality of photo prints related to different bulk orders are separated from each other based on the numbers included in And a sorting control means for controlling the sorting mechanism so as to be placed at the above-mentioned placement location.

  In the present invention, “order is confirmed” does not simply mean that the order screen is switched, but a final operation for the customer to order a photo print is performed. Suppose that

  According to this configuration, the first photographic print is compared with the case where the creation of the photographic print is started after the order for one or a plurality of images to which the order information with one or more prints is added is confirmed. Finish quickly. As a result, the customer can quickly obtain the first photo print. In addition, the customer can wait while appreciating the already completed photographic prints until the remaining photographic prints are completed. As a result, it is possible to reduce the feeling of waiting for the customer waiting for the finish of the photo print.

  In addition, a plurality of image data files that a customer orders in a batch are not continuously printed, and another order is applied during the image data file print processing in which photo prints are sequentially created under the control of the print control means. Even when print processing is performed, multiple photo prints related to multiple image data files that have been batch ordered are placed on the same placement location, and multiple photo prints related to different batch orders are placed on separate placement locations. Placed on. Therefore, there is no need to manually sort out the discharged photographic prints for each order, so that the burden on the operator who delivers the photographic prints to the customer can be reduced.

  In the printing system of the present invention, the sorting control unit applies the number of the created photographic print based on the number assigned by the number assigning unit to the photographic print placed immediately before in the above-mentioned place. Sorting judgment means for judging whether or not the number is the same may be provided, and the sorting mechanism may sort a plurality of photo prints based on the judgment of the sorting judgment means.

  According to this configuration, when two orders are processed in parallel in the print system, photographic prints can be sorted into two placement locations for each order.

  In the printing system according to the present invention, the sorting control unit applies the number of the photographic print created based on the number assigned by the number assigning unit to the photographic print placed immediately before in the above-mentioned place. And having a sorting judgment means for judging whether the number is the same as the number and whether the number related to the photo print previously placed in the previously described place is the same. The sorting mechanism may sort a plurality of photographic prints based on the judgment of the sorting judging means.

  According to this configuration, even when three or more orders are processed in parallel in the print system, the photographic prints can be sorted into three or more placement locations for each order.

  In the printing system according to the aspect of the invention, the sorting mechanism includes a plurality of movable trays that can serve as a plurality of the above-described placement locations, and the second tray in which the plurality of trays are separated from the first position from the first position. And a moving mechanism that moves the first position from the first position to the third position on the opposite side of the second position with respect to the first position. The moving mechanism may move the plurality of trays based on the determination by the sorting determination unit.

  In the printing system of the present invention, the sorting mechanism selectively conveys the created photographic print in either a first direction in a horizontal plane or a second direction opposite to the first direction. A conveyor and a conveyor drive mechanism for driving the conveyor, wherein a plurality of the above-described places can receive a photo print conveyed in the first direction by the conveyor; and the second It may be provided at a position where it can receive a photographic print conveyed in the direction, and the conveyor drive mechanism may switch the conveyance direction of the photo by the conveyor based on the determination of the sorting determination means.

  The printing system of the present invention further includes a transport mechanism that transports paper along one or a plurality of transport paths connected to one or a plurality of discharge ports from which the created photographic prints are discharged, and the sorting mechanism includes And a switching mechanism for switching the transport path for transporting paper to any one of the plurality of transport paths connected to the plurality of discharge ports, the switching mechanism based on the determination of the sorting determination unit. The conveyance path may be switched.

  According to these configurations, when a plurality of orders are processed in parallel in the printing system, photographic prints can be sorted by order with a simple mechanism.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a print system according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the print system 1 includes two print order receiving devices 101 that receive a photo print order from a customer, and a photo processing device 201 that creates a photo print. In the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment, two print order receiving apparatuses 101 are connected to an existing photo processing apparatus 201 in a DP store through a data transmission network 301 including an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable 310 and a hub 320. It was built by.

  In the print system 1, a customer stores a smart media, a compact flash (registered trademark), a memory stick (registered trademark), or a CD- that stores an image data file by an individual. When recording media such as R and MO (hereinafter collectively referred to as “media”) are set in the print order receiving apparatus 101, the print order receiving apparatus 101 reads out image data files from the set media and these images. The order information such as the data file and the print size, the number of prints, and the correction value (to be described in detail later) input by the customer with respect to these image data files is transmitted to the photo processing apparatus 201. An image data file received from the print order receiving apparatus 101, and To create a photographic print on the basis of the statement information.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the print order receiving apparatus 101 is disposed on a housing 110 that stores a controller 120 that controls the print order receiving apparatus 101, and an upper surface of the housing 110. Display 140 for displaying various information and notifying the operator (customer). A touch panel 141 for inputting order information and the like is formed on the surface of the display 140. In addition, a plurality of media drives 150 respectively corresponding to various media are provided on the front surface of the housing 110 (the surface on the left front side in FIG. 2). The media drive 150 reads the image data file recorded on the set media. Furthermore, a receipt printing printer 160 for printing a receipt is provided on the upper surface of the housing 110.

  Here, FIG. 3 shows a configuration of a main part of the controller 120. As shown in FIG. 3, a network interface 139 for connecting to the data transmission network 301 is connected to the controller 120. The controller 120 includes a number assigning unit 121, an image data storage unit 122, a display control unit 123, an order information storage unit 124, a customer information storage unit 125, an order information rewriting unit 126, and a transmission unit 127.

  The number assigning unit 121 assigns a serial number including an order number and a branch number to a plurality of image data files read out by the media drive 150 and order information input by the customer to the image data files. . The order number is assigned the same reference number as the image data file related to the order information. Here, the order number is a number common to a plurality of image data files (a plurality of image data files recorded on a medium brought by the customer) that are collectively ordered by the customer. The branch number is a number common to a group of image data files related to a plurality of thumbnail images displayed simultaneously on an order screen 40 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) described later. Here, in the present embodiment, the number of thumbnail images that can be simultaneously displayed on the order screen 40 is eight frames. Therefore, a common branch number is assigned as one image data file group to the image data files corresponding to the images of eight frames.

  The image data storage unit 122 stores a plurality of image data files read by the media drive 150 and a serial number assigned to each image data file by the number assigning unit 121. Here, the directory structure of the image data storage unit 122 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, in this embodiment, 20 image data files Image001.jpg to Image020.jpg are read from the medium. The image data storage unit 122 divides the 20 image data files into three image data file groups, Image001.jpg to Image008.jpg, Image009.jpg to Image016.jpg, and Image017.jpg to Image020.jpg. Store in the data folder. The folder name of the data folder in which each image data file group is stored is a serial number assigned to the image data file by the number assigning unit 121. Here, as shown in FIG. 17, the order numbers of the image data files Image001.jpg to Image020.jpg are o0000001, and three image data file groups Image001.jpg to Image008.jpg, Image009.jpg to Image016.jpg, The branch numbers of Image017.jpg to Image020.jpg are 01, 02, and 03, respectively.

  The display control unit 123 displays on the display 140 an initial screen 10 (see FIG. 9), a media set guidance screen 20 (see FIG. 10), a print size selection screen 30 (see FIG. 11), and an order screen 40 (described later). The name input screen 50 (see FIG. 14), the order content confirmation screen 60 (see FIG. 15), and the receipt certificate issuance screen 70 (see FIG. 16) are displayed. The display control unit 123 also displays the order screen 40 including the thumbnail images of 8 frames on the display 140 among the plurality of images related to the plurality of image data files stored in the image data storage unit 122. Switch to another order screen 40 containing no images.

  The order information storage unit 124 stores the order information for each image data file input by the customer using the touch panel 141 and the serial number assigned to the order information by the number assigning unit 121. The order information storage unit 124 includes a print size storage unit 124 a that stores the size of a photo print ordered by a customer, and the number of prints of a plurality of images related to a plurality of image data files stored in the image data storage unit 122. A print number storage unit 124b for storing, and a correction value storage unit 124c for storing correction values for each color and density of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) of each image data file are provided. . Note that, in the present embodiment, the print size storage unit 124a stores data so as to be printed in the L size by default. The print number storage unit 124b stores each image by default so that it is printed one by one. Further, in the correction value storage unit 124c, all correction values are stored as zero by default. The customer information storage unit 125 stores the name input by the customer on the name input screen 50 shown in FIG.

  The order information rewriting unit 126 includes a print size rewriting unit 126a, a print number rewriting unit 126b, and a correction value rewriting unit 126c. The print size rewriting unit 126a rewrites the print size stored in the print size storage unit 124a to the print size selected by the customer on the print size selection screen 30 shown in FIG. The print number rewriting unit 126b rewrites the number of prints of each image stored in the print number storage unit 124b to the number of prints input by the customer for each image on the order screen 40 shown in FIGS. The correction value rewriting unit 126c rewrites the correction value of each image data file stored in the correction value storage unit 124c with the correction value input by the customer for each image on the order screen 40 shown in FIGS. .

  The transmission unit 127 uses the touch panel 141 when the customer performs an operation for switching the order screen 40 including the thumbnail images of eight frames to another surface screen 40 including another thumbnail image, and the order screen. When an operation for switching 40 to the name input screen 50 is performed by the customer, the image data file group related to the thumbnail image displayed on the order screen 40 when the operation of the touch panel 141 is performed, and thumbnails thereof The order information input by the customer for the image and the reference number (hereinafter collectively referred to as “print information”) assigned to the image data file included in the image data file group are transmitted to the photo processing apparatus 201. Note that an image data file that does not require printing, that is, an image data file that is stored as zero sheets in the print number storage unit 124b is not transmitted to the photo processing apparatus 201.

  Next, the schematic configuration of the photo processing apparatus 201 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the photo processing apparatus 201 includes an interface unit 210, a film scanner 220, a controller 230, a printer processor 250, and a sorting unit 260.

  In the interface unit 210, information is exchanged between the photo processing apparatus 201 and an operator who operates the photo processing apparatus 201. The interface unit 210 includes a display 211 that displays various information related to the photo processing apparatus 201 and notifies the operator, and an input device including a keyboard 212 and a mouse 213 that give instructions to the photo processing apparatus 201 by the operator. ing.

  The film scanner 220 includes a film carrier 221 that transports a photographic film at a constant speed in the sub-scanning direction (direction indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 4), a light source 222 that irradiates light to the photographic film transported by the film carrier 221; A CCD line sensor unit 226 for photoelectrically converting a frame image of the photographic film, and a processing circuit (not shown) for processing an output signal of the CCD line sensor unit 226 are arranged so as to receive light transmitted through the photographic film. have.

  The CCD line sensor unit 226 includes three lines of CCD line sensors in which about 5000 light receiving portions are arranged in the width direction of the photographic film. The light receiving surface of each CCD line sensor has red, green, and blue colors, respectively. A color filter is formed to detect the frame image of the photographic film by color separation. The processing circuit amplifies the output analog signal of the CCD line sensor unit 226 and then performs A / D conversion and outputs it. Therefore, in the film scanner 220, when a photographic film is set on the film carrier 221, frame images on the conveyed photographic film are sequentially read, and digital image data files for red, green, and blue are transferred to the controller 230. Sent.

  The controller 230 controls the photo processing apparatus 201. A network interface 249 for connecting to the data transmission network 301 is connected to the controller 230. Further, the controller 230 is connected to a CD-R drive 271 that reads / writes data from / to a CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable: recordable CD that can be written only once).

  In the photographic processing apparatus 201 of the present embodiment, the CD-R drive 271 is connected, so that the image data file recorded on the media brought by the customer or the image data captured from the film scanner 220 is used. Although a service for writing a file to a CD-R can be provided, the description is omitted because it is not related to the present invention.

  Here, FIG. 6 shows a configuration of a main part of the controller 230. As shown in FIG. 6, the controller 230 includes a data preprocessing unit 231, an image data storage unit 232, an order information storage unit 233, an image processing unit 234, a conveyance control unit 235, a cutting control unit 236, an exposure control 237, and a sorting. A control unit 238 is included.

  The data preprocessing unit 231 divides the print information received from the print order receiving apparatus 101 into an image data file and order information. Then, the image data file is transferred to the image data storage unit 232 together with the corresponding serial number. Further, the order information is transferred to the order information storage unit 233 together with the corresponding reference number.

  The image data storage unit 232 stores the image data file transferred from the data preprocessing unit 231 and the serial number. The directory structure of the image data storage unit 232 of the photo processing apparatus 201 is the same as that of the image data storage unit 122 of the print order receiving apparatus 101, and image data files related to a plurality of thumbnail images displayed simultaneously on the order screen 40. A group (image data file group transmitted in a batch by the transmission unit 127) is stored in one data folder. The folder name of the data folder in which each image data file group is stored is the serial number assigned to the image data file by the number assigning unit 121. The order information storage unit 233 stores the order information and the reference number transferred from the data preprocessing unit 231.

  The image processing unit 234 performs various types of image processing such as processing for converting the image data file stored in the image data storage unit 232 into an image size that matches the print size as necessary, and sharpening processing. Apply.

  The conveyance control unit 235 controls the operation of a conveyance roller pair 257 described later so that a photo print is created according to the order information stored in the order information storage unit 233. The cutting control unit 236 controls the operation of a cutter 255 described later so that a photo print is created according to the order information stored in the order information storage unit 233. The exposure control unit 237 controls an exposure unit 256 to be described later so that a latent image of an image related to the image data file subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 234 is formed on the photographic paper.

  Based on the reference number transmitted from the print order receiving apparatus 101, the sorting control unit 238 places a plurality of photo prints related to a plurality of image data files collectively placed by a customer on the same tray 265 (described later). The sorting unit 260, which will be described later, is controlled so that a plurality of photographic prints related to different batch orders are placed on different trays 265, respectively. The sorting control unit 238 includes a sorting determination unit 238a and a tray movement control unit 238b.

  Based on the reference number transmitted from the print order receiving apparatus 101, the sorting determination unit 238a applies to the photographic print discharged from the discharge port 259a (described later) for the order number related to the image printed on the photographic paper. If it is determined that the order number is the same as that of the photo print that has been discharged and is not the same as the order number of the photo print that has been discharged immediately before, it is determined whether there is a photo print that has been previously discharged. . The tray movement control unit 238b controls a motor 269 (described later) that moves the tray based on the determination of the sorting determination unit 238a.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the printer processor 250 develops the printer 251 that exposes the photographic paper based on the image processed image data file transmitted from the controller 230, and develops the exposed photographic paper. A processor 252 that performs processing such as bleaching and stabilization, and a finishing processing unit 253 that dries the printing paper discharged from the processor 252 are included. Note that the printer 251, the processor 252, and the finishing processing unit 253 are all disposed in a light-shielded casing 259. A conveyance path connected to the discharge port 259a is formed in the housing 259, and a printer 251 is provided for photographic paper conveyed in the housing 259 along the conveyance path by a plurality of conveyance roller pairs 257. The processing by the processor 252 and the finishing processing unit 253 is sequentially performed.

  The printer 251 performs an exposure process on the paper magazine 254 that stores the photographic paper, the cutter 255 that cuts the photographic paper conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 257 into a print size, and the photographic paper cut by the cutter 255. An exposure unit 256 that forms a latent image of an image corresponding to the image data file that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 239. As the exposure unit 256, for example, an appropriate one such as a laser exposure method, a PLZT method, or a CRT method can be adopted.

  The photographic paper on which the latent image is formed in the printer 251 is conveyed to the finishing processing unit 253 via the processor 252, and is discharged from the housing 259 through the discharge port 259a as a finished photographic print.

  The sorting unit 260 sorts the photographic prints created by the printer processor 250 according to the items ordered by the customer. As shown in FIG. 5, the sorting unit 260 includes a conveyor 261 and a sorter 262.

  The conveyor 261 protrudes from the outer wall of the housing 259 below the discharge port 259a. Accordingly, the photographic print discharged from the discharge port 259a is supplied to the conveyor 261. In addition, the conveyor 261 includes a pair of shafts 261a and 261b that are rotationally driven in one direction by a motor 268 (see FIG. 6), and a belt 261c that spans the shafts 261a and 261b. Therefore, the conveyor 261 conveys the supplied photographic print in one direction (the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1) in the horizontal plane. The sorter 262 is disposed in the vicinity of the end of the conveyor 261 on the downstream side in the photo print conveyance direction.

  Here, the configuration of the sorter 262 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 which is a sectional view showing the configuration of the sorter 262 in detail. As shown in FIG. 5, the sorter 262 is driven to rotate by a motor 269 (see FIG. 6) and is circulated in a counterclockwise and clockwise direction by being stretched between the sprockets 263a and 263b and the sprockets 263a and 263b. And a number of trays 265 supported by the chain 264. Therefore, the plurality of trays 265 can rotate counterclockwise and clockwise as the chain 264 is driven to circulate. In addition, the plurality of trays 265 that rotate as the chain 264 is driven pass through receiving positions (positions indicated by arrows in FIG. 5) where the photo prints conveyed to the vicinity of the end of the conveyor 261 by the conveyor 261 can be received. To do.

  Sprockets 263a, 263b and chain 264 are arranged in sorter housing 266. As shown in FIG. 5, the tray 265 positioned on the right side of the chain 264 is accommodated in the sorter casing 266, and the tray 265 positioned on the left side of the chain 264 is outside the sorter casing 266. Appears.

  The tray 265 includes a base portion 265a connected to the chain 264 and a distal end portion 265b connected to the base portion 265a so as to be rotatable about a shaft 265c. When the tray 265 rotates counterclockwise, the base 265a is bent between the surface of the tray 265 and the chain 264 located on the upstream side of the tray 265 in the rotational direction of the tray 265 when the tray 265 rotates counterclockwise. It is rotatably attached to the chain 264 so that the angle does not exceed an angle slightly smaller than a right angle. When the tray 265 rotates counterclockwise, the front end portion 265b rotates about the shaft 265c only in a direction that bends backward in the rotation direction. Therefore, on the left side of the chain 264, the base portion 265a protrudes upward at a slightly smaller angle than the right angle with respect to the chain 264, and the tip end portion 265b is in a straight line state that is not bent with respect to the chain 264. Therefore, the photographic print supplied from the conveyor 261 to the sorter 262 is given to the unfolded tray 265. Further, on the right side of the chain 264, the base portion 265a and the tip end portion 265b are both bent and the tray 265 is folded, so that the distance from the chain 264 to the sorter housing 266 can be reduced.

  Note that the photo processing apparatus 201 according to the present embodiment can perform in parallel the print processing of image data files respectively transmitted from the two print order receiving apparatuses 101 connected by the data transmission network 301. Further, in addition to the print processing of the image data files transmitted from the two print order receiving apparatuses 101, the print processing of the image data files transmitted from the film scanner 220 can be performed in parallel.

  Here, a procedure for creating a photo print in the print system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. First, the processing procedure in the print order receiving apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for receiving a photographic print order in the print order receiving apparatus 101. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of interrupt processing performed in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the display controller 123 displays the initial screen 10 as shown in FIG. 9 on the display 140 (step S101). As shown in FIG. 9, the initial screen 10 displays a message that prompts a customer who wants to order a photo print to touch the screen of the display 140 that is the touch panel 141. And it is judged whether the customer touched the screen of the display 140 (step S102).

  If it is determined that the customer has not touched the screen of the display 140 (step S102: NO), the determination in step S102 is repeated until it is determined that the customer has touched the screen of the display 140. On the other hand, when it is determined that the customer touches the screen of the display 140 (step S102: YES), the display control unit 123 displays the media set guidance screen 20 as shown in FIG. Step S103). As shown in FIG. 10, a message prompting the customer to set the brought media in the media drive 150 and press the OK button 21 displayed on the lower right of the screen is displayed on the media set guidance screen 20. Is done.

  Thereafter, interrupt processing, which will be described in detail later, is started (step S104). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the OK button 21 on the media set guidance screen 20 has been operated (step S105). If it is determined that the OK button 21 has not been operated (step S105: NO), the determination in step S105 is repeated until it is determined that the OK button 21 has been operated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the OK button 21 has been operated (step S105: YES), the image data file recorded on the set medium is read by the media drive 150 (step S106). Further, the number assigning unit 121 assigns a reference number to each of the plurality of image data files read from the medium (step S107).

  Next, the display control unit 123 displays the print size selection screen 30 as shown in FIG. 11 on the display 140 (step S108). On the print size selection screen 30, as shown in FIG. 11, the size, unit price, and basic charge of the three print sizes of L, 2L, and six are displayed. In addition, an L version selection button 31, an L version selection button 32, and a six-cut selection button 33 are displayed.

  Subsequently, one of the L plate selection button 31, the 2 L plate selection button 32, and the six-cut selection button 33 is operated to determine whether or not a print size has been selected (step S 109). If it is determined that the print size has not been selected (step S109: NO), the determination in step S109 is repeated until it is determined that the print size has been selected. On the other hand, if it is determined that the print size has been selected (step S109: YES), the print size rewriting unit 126a rewrites the print size stored in the print size storage unit 124a to the selected print size ( Step S110).

  Thereafter, a plurality of image data files read from the medium are stored in the image data storage unit 122 (step S111). At this time, each image data file is stored in a data folder having a folder name corresponding to the serial number assigned by the number assigning unit 121.

  Next, the display controller 123 displays the order screen 40 as shown in FIG. 12 on the display 140 (step S112). As shown in FIG. 12, the order screen 40 displays thumbnail images of eight frames and the number of prints of each thumbnail image. In addition, an increase button 41 for increasing the number of prints of each thumbnail image and a decrease button 42 for decreasing the number are displayed. Further, in the upper right of the order screen 40, an increase button 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d and a decrease button for increasing the correction values of the R, G, and B colors and densities for the image data file related to each thumbnail image, respectively. Decrease buttons 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d to be displayed are displayed. When inputting a correction value, first, a portion of the touch panel 141 on which a thumbnail image for inputting the correction value is displayed is touched. At this time, the touched image is in a selected state like a thumbnail image at the upper left of the order screen 40 in FIG. In this state, the correction value can be input by operating the increase buttons 43a to 43d or the decrease buttons 44a to 44d. In addition, a switching button 45 for switching the order screen 40 to another order screen 40 including a thumbnail image not yet displayed on the display 140 is displayed at the lower right of the order screen 40.

  In the case where the number of thumbnail images not yet displayed on the display 140 among the plurality of thumbnail images related to the plurality of image data files read and read from the medium and stored in the image data storage unit 122 is eight frames or less. The order screen 40 of the last page as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. On the last page of the order screen 40, as with the order screen 40 (not the last page) shown in FIG. 12, thumbnail images (8 frames or less), the number of prints of each thumbnail image, and an increase button 41 for increasing / decreasing the number of prints are displayed. And a decrease button 42, and increase buttons 43a to 43d and decrease buttons 44a to 44d for increasing and decreasing the correction value are displayed. Furthermore, an OK button 46 is displayed at the lower right of the order screen 40 on the final page, as shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the increase button 41 or the decrease button 42 has been operated to input the number of prints (step S113). If it is determined that the number of prints has not been input (step S113: NO), step S114 described later is omitted and the process proceeds to step S115. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of prints has been input (step S113: YES), the number of prints stored in the print number storage unit 124b is changed to the input number of prints by the print number rewriting unit 126b. (Step S114).

  Further, it is determined whether or not a correction value has been input by operating the increase buttons 43a to 43d or the decrease buttons 44a to 44d (step S115). If it is determined that the correction value has not been input (step S115: NO), step S116 described later is omitted, and the process proceeds to step S117. On the other hand, when it is determined that the correction value has been input (step S115: YES), the correction value rewriting unit 126c changes the correction value stored in the correction value storage unit 124c to the input correction value. (Step S116).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the switching button 45 (or the OK button 46) has been pressed (step S117). If it is determined that the switch button 45 (or OK button 46) has not been pressed (step S117: NO), the process returns to step S113, and it is determined again whether the number of prints has been input. On the other hand, if it is determined that the switch button 45 (or OK button 46) has been pressed (step S117: YES), the order screen 40 displayed when the switch button 45 (or OK button 46) is pressed is displayed. The print information corresponding to the eight-frame thumbnail images included in is immediately transmitted to the photo processing apparatus 201 by the transmission unit 127 (step S118).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the order screen 40 displayed on the display 140 is the last page (step S119). When it is determined that the order screen 40 is not the last page (step S119: NO), the order screen 40 is still out of the plurality of thumbnail images related to the plurality of image data files stored in the image data storage unit 122. The screen is switched to another order screen 40 including a thumbnail image not displayed on the display 140 (step S120). Then, the process returns to step S113 described above, and it is determined again whether the number of prints has been input.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the order screen 40 is the last page (step S119: YES), the display control unit 123 displays the name input screen 50 as shown in FIG. S121). As shown in FIG. 14, the name input screen 50 displays an input key 51 for inputting a name and a display unit 52 for displaying the name input from the input key 51. An OK button 53 is displayed at the lower right of the name input screen 50.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the customer has input a name using the input key 51 and has pressed the OK button 53 (step S122). If it is determined that the OK button 53 has not been pressed (step S122: NO), the determination in step S122 is repeated until it is determined that the OK button 53 has been pressed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the OK button 53 has been pressed (step S122: YES), the name input on the name input screen 50 is stored in the customer information storage unit 125 (step S123).

  Subsequently, the display control unit 123 displays the order content confirmation screen 60 as shown in FIG. 15 on the display 140 (step S124). As shown in FIG. 15, the order details confirmation screen 60 displays the name of the customer, the order number and branch number assigned to the image data file for which the customer ordered the print, the print size, the number of prints, the charge, and the like. . In addition, an OK button 61 is displayed at the lower right of the order content confirmation screen 60.

  Here, it is determined whether or not the customer confirms the content displayed on the order content confirmation screen 60 and presses the OK button 61 (step S125). If it is determined that the OK button 61 has not been pressed (step S125: NO), the determination in step S125 is repeated until it is determined that the OK button 61 has been pressed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the OK button 61 has been pressed (step S125: YES), the display controller 123 displays a receipt issuance screen 70 as shown in FIG. 16 on the display 140 (step S126). ). On the receipt certificate issuance screen 70, as shown in FIG. 16, a message prompting the customer to remove the media from the media drive 150 and a message notifying that a receipt has been issued are displayed. Subsequently, a receipt is issued by the receipt printing printer 160 (step S127).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the procedure of the interrupt process started in step S104 of the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described. The interrupt processing performed here is displayed at the lower right of the media set guidance screen 20, the print size selection screen 30, the order screen 40, the name input screen 50, and the order content confirmation screen 60 shown in FIGS. This process is related to the operation of the return button 91 and the cancel button 92 displayed at the lower left, and is performed in parallel with the processes of steps S105 to S125 in the flowchart of FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not the return button 91 has been operated (step S201). If it is determined that the return button 91 has been operated (step S201: YES), the display control unit 123 switches the screen displayed on the display 140 to the screen displayed immediately before (step S202). Specifically, for example, when the return button 91 on the order screen 40 of the first page is operated, the screen is switched to the print size selection screen 30. For example, when the return button 91 of the order screen 40 that is not the first page is operated, the order screen 40 displayed immediately before is switched.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the screen switched in step S202 is the initial screen 10 (step S203). If it is determined that the screen is the initial screen 10 (step S203: YES), the interrupt process ends. If it is determined that the screen is not the initial screen 10 (step S203: NO), the process returns to the above-described step S201, and it is determined whether or not the operation of the return button 91 has been performed again.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the return button 91 has not been operated (step S201: NO), it is determined whether or not the stop button 92 has been operated (step S204). When it is determined that the cancel button 92 has been operated (step S204: YES), the display control unit 123 switches the screen displayed on the display 140 to the initial screen 10 (step S205). When it is determined that the cancel button 92 has not been operated (step S204: NO), the process returns to step S201, and the determination as to whether the return button 91 has been operated again is repeated.

  Thus, the interruption process is performed until the media set guide screen 20, the print size selection screen 30, the order screen 40, the name input screen 50, or the order content confirmation screen 60 is not displayed on the display 140.

  Next, a processing procedure in the photo processing apparatus 201 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a procedure for creating a photographic print in the photographic processing apparatus 201, more specifically, a procedure for creating a photographic print relating to a group of image data files transmitted from the print order receiving apparatus 101 in a batch.

  First, print information is received from the print order receiving apparatus 101 (step S301). Next, the print information is divided into an image data file and order information by the data preprocessing unit 231 (step S302). The image data file group is transferred / stored together with the reference number to the image data storage unit 232, and the order information is transferred / stored together with the reference number to the order information storage unit 233. (Step S303). At this time, the image data file group collectively transmitted from the print order receiving apparatus 101 is stored in one data folder.

  Subsequently, the image processing unit 234 performs various types of image processing on the image data file stored in the image data storage unit 232 (step S304). Thereafter, the conveyance of the printing paper is started by the plurality of conveyance roller pairs 257. (Step S305). Next, the photographic paper is cut by the cutter 255 into a print size included in the order information stored in the order information storage unit 233 (step S306). Further, exposure processing is performed by the exposure unit 256, and a latent image of an image related to the image data file that has been subjected to image processing is formed (step S307).

  Next, the photographic paper on which the latent image is formed is sent from the printer 251 to the processor 252 and subjected to processing such as development, bleaching, and stabilization (step S308). Thereafter, the photographic paper on which the image has been made visible is sent from the processor 252 to the finishing processing unit 253 and subjected to a drying process (step S309).

  Here, the sorting determination unit 238a finishes the drying process by the finishing processing unit 253, and for the photo prints discharged from the discharge port 259a, the order number relating to the printed image is discharged from the discharge port 259a immediately before. It is determined whether or not the order number relating to the photograph print is the same (step S310). If it is determined that the order number is the same as that of the immediately preceding photo print (step S310: YES), the processing of steps S311 to S313 described later is omitted, and the process proceeds to step S314.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not the same as the order number related to the immediately preceding photo print (step S310: NO), the sorting determination unit 238a has the same order number related to the photo print previously ejected. It is determined whether or not (step S311). If it is determined that there is no same order number relating to the previously printed photo print (step S311: NO), the tray 265 on which the photo print is not placed is the receiving position among the plurality of trays 265. The tray movement control unit 238b controls the drive of the motor 269 so as to circulate and drive the chain 264 counterclockwise (step S312). Then, it progresses to step S314 mentioned later.

  If it is determined that there is the same order number related to the previously ejected photo print (step S311: YES), a photo print corresponding to the order number is placed among the plurality of trays 265. The tray movement control unit 238b controls the drive of the motor 269 so that the tray 265 that has been placed is in the receiving position, and drives the chain 264 to circulate counterclockwise or clockwise (step S313).

  Thereafter, the photographic print is discharged from the discharge port 259a and supplied to the conveyor 261 (step S314). The photographic print supplied to the conveyor 261 is conveyed to the downstream end of the photographic print conveyance direction of the conveyor 261 and placed on the tray 265 positioned at the receiving position. In other words, the photo prints discharged from the discharge port 259a are the image data files that are printed on the same tray 265 based on the image data file related to the same order number and that have different order numbers. The photo prints printed based on the above are sorted so as to be placed on different trays 265 (step S315).

  As described above, in the print system 1 of the present embodiment, the transmission unit 127 of the print order receiving apparatus 101 changes the order screen 40 including thumbnail images for eight frames into another order screen 40 including another thumbnail image. At the time of switching, print information relating to the thumbnail images of the eight frames displayed on the order screen 40 before the switching is transmitted to the photo processing apparatus 201. Therefore, without waiting for completion of the input of the order information for all the image data files read from the medium, the order information for the image data file group related to the 8-frame thumbnail image displayed simultaneously on the order screen 40 is displayed. After the input is completed, the photo processing apparatus 201 can start creating a photo print of the image related to the image data file group. As a result, the first photo print is finished faster than the case where the creation of the photo print is started after the input of the order information for all the image data files is completed. As a result, the customer can quickly obtain the first photo print. In addition, the customer can wait while appreciating the already completed photographic prints until the remaining photographic prints are completed. As a result, it is possible to reduce the feeling of waiting for the customer waiting for the finish of the photo print.

  Further, in the printing system 1 of the present embodiment, the photographic prints that are printed from the discharge port 259a based on the image data file relating to the same order number are placed on the same tray 265, and In addition, photographic prints printed based on image data files related to different order numbers are placed on different trays 265. As a result, the print processing of a plurality of image data files that the customer orders collectively is not performed continuously, and another order is placed during the print processing related to the two image data file groups sequentially transmitted to the photo processing apparatus 201. Even when such print processing is performed, a plurality of photo prints related to a plurality of image data files batch-ordered are placed on the same tray 265, and a plurality of photo prints related to a plurality of image data files of a different batch order are included. Each is placed on a tray 265 separately. Therefore, it is not necessary to manually sort the discharged photographic prints for each order, so that the burden on the operator of the photographic processing apparatus 201 can be reduced.

  Further, in the print system 1 of the present embodiment, the sorting determination unit 238a determines whether the order number related to the photo print discharged from the discharge port 259a is the same as the order number related to the photo print discharged immediately before, If it is determined that it is not the same as the order number relating to the photo print discharged immediately before, it is determined whether there is the same photo print discharged before. Then, the tray movement control unit 238b controls the motor 269 to move the tray 265 based on the determination of the sorting determination unit 238a. Therefore, even when three or more orders are processed in parallel, photographic prints can be sorted into three or more trays 265 for each order.

  Further, in the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the sorting unit 260 includes a motor 269 that rotationally drives the sprockets 263a and 263b on which the chains 264 that support the plurality of trays 265 are stretched. The chain 264 can be driven to circulate in two directions, counterclockwise and clockwise, by switching the driving direction of the motor 269. The tray 265 can rotate in two directions as the chain 264 is driven. Further, the sorting unit 260 has a conveyor 261 that receives the photographic prints discharged from the discharge port 259a and transfers them to the tray 265 at the receiving position. Therefore, when the photo processing apparatus 201 processes a plurality of orders in parallel, it is possible to sort the photo prints for each order with a simple mechanism.

  Next, a printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the sorting unit of the printing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the controller of the photo processing apparatus included in the printing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The configuration of the print system according to the second embodiment is mainly different from the configuration of the print system 1 according to the first embodiment in that a plurality of sorting units 260 of the photo processing apparatus 201 included in the print system 1 are provided. The motor 269 for rotating the sprockets 263a, 263b, on which the chain 264 supporting the tray 265 is stretched, and the photographic prints discharged from the discharge port 259a of the printer processor 250 are received, and the received photographic prints are received in one direction. In contrast to the conveyor 261 that conveys and delivers the tray 265 at the receiving position, the sorting unit 560 of the photographic processing apparatus included in the printing system according to the present embodiment has an outlet 259a of the printer processor 250. Received and received ejected photo prints Conveying the true print in two directions are mutually opposite, in that it has a conveyor 561 to pass the trays 565 disposed in the conveying direction near both ends. Other configurations are almost the same as those of the print system 1 shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used for those having the same configuration as in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the conveyor 561 included in the sorting unit 560 protrudes from the outer wall of the housing 259 below the discharge port 259a. Accordingly, the photographic print discharged from the discharge port 259a is supplied to the conveyor 561. In addition, the conveyor 561 includes a pair of shafts 561a and 561b that are driven to rotate counterclockwise and clockwise by a motor 562 (see FIG. 20), and a belt 561c that is spanned between the shafts 561a and 561b. . Therefore, by switching the driving of the motor 562, the belt 561c can be driven to circulate counterclockwise and clockwise. Thereby, the photographic print supplied to the conveyor 561 can be conveyed in two directions (directions indicated by double-headed arrows in FIG. 19) in opposite directions within the horizontal plane. In the vicinity of both ends of the conveyor 561 in the photo print conveyance direction, trays 565 that can receive the photo prints conveyed by the conveyor 561 are arranged.

  Further, the controller 530 of the photo processing apparatus of the present embodiment includes a data preprocessing unit 531, an image data storage unit 532, an order information storage unit 533, an image processing unit 534, a conveyance control unit 535, a cutting control unit 536, and exposure control. 537, and a sorting control unit 538. The functions of the data preprocessing unit 531, the image data storage unit 532, the order information storage unit 533, the image processing unit 534, the conveyance control unit 535, the cutting control unit 536, and the exposure control 537 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The functions of the data preprocessing unit 231, the image data storage unit 232, the order information storage unit 233, the image processing unit 234, the transport control unit 235, the cutting control unit 236, and the exposure control 237 are the same.

  The sorting control unit 538 includes a sorting determination unit 538a and a conveyor drive control unit 538b. Based on the reference number transmitted from the print order receiving device, the sorting determination unit 538a is the same as the order number related to the photographic print discharged from the discharge port 259a immediately before the order number related to the image printed on the photographic paper. Determine whether or not. The conveyor drive control unit 538b controls the motor 562 that drives the belt 561c to circulate based on the determination of the sorting determination unit 538a.

  Here, a procedure for creating a photo print in the print system of the present embodiment will be described. Since the processing procedure in the print order receiving apparatus is the same as that in the first embodiment, only the processing procedure in the photo processing apparatus will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a procedure for creating a photographic print in the photographic processing apparatus, and more specifically, a procedure for creating a photographic print relating to a group of image data files sent collectively from the print order receiving apparatus.

  The processing procedures in steps S401 to S409 shown in FIG. 21 are the same as steps S301 to S309 in the processing procedure in the photographic processing apparatus 201 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  After the photographic paper has been dried in step S409, the order number associated with the printed image is displayed from the discharge port 259a immediately before for the photographic print discharged from the discharge port 259a by the sorting judgment unit 538a. It is determined whether or not it is the same as the order number relating to the discharged photo print (step S410). If it is determined that the order number is the same as that of the immediately preceding photo print (step S410: YES), the process of step S411 described later is omitted, and the process proceeds to step S412.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not the same as the order number related to the immediately preceding photo print (step S410: NO), the transport direction of the photo print by the conveyor 561 is opposite (when the immediately preceding photo print is discharged). The conveyor drive control unit 538b controls the drive of the motor 562 so as to be oriented (step S411).

  Thereafter, the photographic print is discharged from the discharge port 259a and supplied to the conveyor 561 (step S412). The photographic print supplied to the conveyor 561 is transported to the end of the conveyor 561 on the downstream side in the photographic print transport direction, and is placed on a tray 565 disposed in the vicinity of the end. In other words, the photo prints discharged from the discharge port 259a are related to a plurality of image data files in a batch order different from each other in the same tray 565 in which the photo prints printed based on the image data file related to the same order number are used. A plurality of photographic prints are sorted so as to be separately placed on the tray 265 (step S413).

  As described above, the print system according to the present embodiment can reduce the feeling of waiting for the customer who waits for the finish of the photographic print, as well as the burden on the operator, like the print system 1 according to the first embodiment. Can be reduced.

  Next, a printing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sorting unit of a printing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the controller of the photo processing apparatus included in the printing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  The configuration of the print system according to the third embodiment is mainly different from the configuration of the print system 1 according to the first embodiment in that a plurality of sorting units 260 of the photo processing apparatus 201 included in the print system 1 are provided. The motor 269 for rotating the sprockets 263a, 263b, on which the chain 264 supporting the tray 265 is stretched, and the photographic prints discharged from the discharge port 259a of the printer processor 250 are received, and the received photographic prints are received in one direction. In contrast to the conveyor 261 that conveys and delivers the tray 265 at the receiving position, the sorting unit 760 of the photo processing apparatus included in the printing system according to the present embodiment is provided in the housing 259 of the printer processor 250. Two connected to the two outlets 259a, 259b To any of the transport path, it is that it has a switching guide 761 to switch the conveying path that the printing paper is conveyed. Other configurations are almost the same as those of the print system 1 shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used for those having the same configuration as in the first embodiment.

  22A and 22B are cross-sectional views in the vicinity of the discharge ports 259a and 259b of the housing 259. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the housing 259 is formed with two outlets 259a and 259b so as to be adjacent to each other in the vertical direction on the paper surface. A transport path (hereinafter referred to as “first transport path”) connected to the discharge port 259a and a transport path (hereinafter referred to as “second transport path”) connected to the discharge port 259b are formed. More specifically, the photographic paper transported along the first transport path is transported from the bottom to the top by a plurality of transport roller pairs 257, and then the transport direction is about 90 degrees by the turn roller 258. It is bent to the left and conveyed toward the conveyance port 259a. Further, the photographic paper transported along the second transport path is transported from the bottom to the top by a plurality of transport roller pairs 257, and then the transport direction is bent to the lower left by the turn roller 258. It is conveyed toward the conveyance port 259b.

  The switching guide 761 included in the sorting unit 760 is a plate-like member and is disposed in the vicinity of the turn roller 258. The switching guide 761 can be moved by a guide moving mechanism 762 (see FIG. 23). As shown in FIG. 22 (a), the switching guide 761 is arranged in parallel with the first transport path, and in FIG. 22 (b). As shown in the figure, it is possible to selectively take a state in which the first conveyance path is blocked and the photographic paper whose conveyance direction is bent by the turn roller 258 is guided to the second conveyance path.

  Further, below the discharge ports 259a and 259b, trays 763a and 763b protruding from the outer wall of the housing 259 are arranged, respectively. Accordingly, the photographic prints discharged from the discharge ports 259a and 259b are placed on the trays 763a and 763b, respectively.

  The controller 730 of the photographic processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a data preprocessing unit 731, an image data storage unit 732, an order information storage unit 733, an image processing unit 734, a conveyance control unit 735, a cutting control unit 736, an exposure control 737, And a sorting control unit 738. The functions of the data preprocessing unit 731, the image data storage unit 732, the order information storage unit 733, the image processing unit 734, the conveyance control unit 735, the cutting control unit 736, and the exposure control 737 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The functions of the data preprocessing unit 231, the image data storage unit 232, the order information storage unit 233, the image processing unit 234, the transport control unit 235, the cutting control unit 236, and the exposure control 237 are the same.

  The sorting control unit 738 includes a sorting determination unit 738a and a path switching control unit 738b. Based on the reference number transmitted from the print order receiving apparatus, the sorting determination unit 738a is the same as the order number related to the photographic print discharged from the housing 259 for the order number related to the image printed on the photographic paper. Determine whether or not. The path switching control unit 738b controls the guide moving mechanism 762 that moves the position of the switching guide 761 based on the determination of the sorting determination unit 738a.

  Here, a procedure for creating a photo print in the print system of the present embodiment will be described. Since the processing procedure in the print order receiving apparatus is the same as that in the first embodiment, only the processing procedure in the photo processing apparatus will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a procedure for creating a photographic print in the photographic processing apparatus, and more specifically, a procedure for creating a photographic print relating to a group of image data files sent collectively from the print order receiving apparatus.

  The processing procedures of steps S501 to S509 shown in FIG. 24 are the same as steps S301 to S309 of the processing procedure in the photographic processing apparatus 201 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  After the photographic paper has been dried in step S509, the order number associated with the printed image is displayed immediately before the case 259 from the case 259 for the photographic print discharged from the case 259 by the sorting judgment unit 738a. It is determined whether or not it is the same as the order number relating to the discharged photo print (step S510). If it is determined that the order number is the same as that of the immediately preceding photo print (step S510: YES), the process of step S511 described later is omitted, and the process proceeds to step S512.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the same as the order number related to the immediately preceding photo print (step S510: NO), the photo print is discharged from a discharge port different from the discharge port from which the previous photo print was discharged. In addition, the path switching control unit 738b controls the guide moving mechanism 762 (step S511).

  Thereafter, the photographic print is discharged from the discharge port 259a or the discharge port 259b and placed on the tray 763a or 763b (step S512). In other words, the photo prints ejected from the housing 259 are printed on the same tray with the photo prints printed based on the image data file relating to the same order number, and a plurality of image data files relating to a plurality of image data files of different batch orders. Are printed on the tray 265 separately.

  As described above, the print system according to the present embodiment can reduce the feeling of waiting for the customer who waits for the finish of the photographic print, as well as the burden on the operator, like the print system 1 according to the first embodiment. Can be reduced.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various design changes can be made as long as they are described in the claims. Is. For example, in the first embodiment described above, the sorting determination unit 238a determines whether or not the order number related to the image printed on the photographic paper is the same as the order number related to the photographic print discharged from the discharge port 259a immediately before. In addition, when it is determined that it is not the same as the order number related to the photo print discharged immediately before, it has been described that it is determined whether there is the same photo print discharged before. It is not limited to. For example, in the photo processing apparatus 201, when processing of two orders is performed in parallel, the sorting determination unit 238a uses the discharge port 259a immediately before the order number related to the image printed on the photographic paper. It is only necessary to determine whether or not it is the same as the order number relating to the discharged photo print.

  Further, in the above-described third embodiment, the switching guide 761 switches the conveyance path on which the photographic paper is conveyed to one of the first and second conveyance paths connected to the two discharge ports 259a and 259b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the switching guide 761 may switch the conveyance path on which the photographic paper is conveyed to any one of the three or more conveyance paths respectively connected to the three or more discharge ports. Good. In this case, the sorting determination unit 738a determines whether the order number relating to the image printed on the photographic paper is the same as the order number relating to the photo print discharged from the housing 259 immediately before, and immediately before. If it is determined that it is not the same as the order number relating to the discharged photo print, it is determined whether there is an identical photo print that has been discharged before.

  Further, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the case has been described in which a plurality of photo prints discharged from the housing are sorted into a plurality of trays by the sorting unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of photographic prints that are not provided with a tray and are ejected from the housing may be sorted into a plurality of placement locations by a sorting unit.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, the reference number is an order number that is a common part to a plurality of image data files collectively ordered by the customer, and the eight frames displayed simultaneously on the order screen 40. Although a case has been described in which the image data file group relating to the following thumbnail image includes a branch number that is a common part, the present invention is not limited to this. The reference number may include only a common part among a plurality of image data files that are collectively ordered by the customer. Further, for example, the number assigning unit may assign a serial number to each of a plurality of image data files related to thumbnail images of eight frames or less displayed simultaneously on the order screen 40 with respect to a plurality of image data files. . That is, the plurality of reference numbers assigned to the plurality of image data files collectively ordered by the customer may not include a common part. Furthermore, a continuous reference number may be assigned to each image data file that has been ordered in bulk by the customer. That is, a plurality of serial numbers assigned to a plurality of image data files included in one image data file group may not include a common part. Even in such a case, the plurality of reference numbers are combined with each other by the combined data generated by, for example, the number assigning unit of the print order receiving apparatus, and the combined data is sent from the receiving machine to the photo processing apparatus. Then, the same benefits as those in the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the touch panel is formed on the surface of the display, and the customer inputs the order information to the print order receiving apparatus by touching the touch panel. As described above, the method of inputting order information to the print order receiving apparatus is not limited to this. For example, order information may be input to the print order receiving apparatus using a keyboard or a mouse.

  Further, in the above first to third embodiments, when the printer processor 250 of the photo processing apparatus forms an image through processing such as exposure, development, bleaching, stabilization, and drying to create a photo print However, the method of forming an image is not limited to this. For example, an image may be formed by an ink jet printer.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the print order reception apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the controller illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the photographic processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the sorter shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the controller illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 3 is a flowchart (first half) showing a procedure for receiving a photographic print order in the print order receiving apparatus shown in FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart (second half) showing a procedure for receiving a photographic print order in the print order receiving apparatus shown in FIG. 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the interruption process performed in the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the initial screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the media set guidance screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a print size selection screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows the order screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the order screen (final page) displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the name input screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the order content confirmation screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the receipt certificate issuing screen displayed on the display shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the directory structure of the image data memory | storage part shown in FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for creating a photo print in the photo processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the sorting unit which the printing system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention has. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the principal part of the controller of the photographic processing apparatus which has a sorting unit shown in FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a procedure for creating a photographic print in the photographic processing apparatus having the sorting unit shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the sorting unit which the printing system which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention has. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the principal part of the controller of the photographic processing apparatus which has a sorting unit shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which produces a photographic print in the photographic processing apparatus which has a sorting unit shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Print system 40 Order screen 101 Print order reception apparatus 120 Controller 121 Number assignment part (number assignment means)
123 Display control unit 127 Transmission unit (print control means)
141 Touch panel (input unit)
150 Media drive (reading unit)
201 Photo processing apparatus 238 Sorting control unit (sorting control means)
238a Sorting judgment unit (sorting judgment means)
250 Printer processor 259a Discharge port 260 Sorting unit (sorting mechanism)
261 Conveyor 269 Motor (movement mechanism)
561 Conveyor 562 Motor (Conveyor drive mechanism)
761 Switching guide (switching mechanism)

Claims (6)

A plurality of order receiving apparatus accepting an order of the photographic print, which is connected to a plurality of order receiving apparatus, a printing system that includes a photographic processing apparatus for generating a photographic print,
Each of the order receiving devices
A reading unit for reading a plurality of image data files recorded on the recording medium;
A display for displaying an order screen including two or more images of a plurality of images related to the plurality of image data files read by the reading unit;
In order to input order information including the number of prints related to the image displayed on the display, and to display the order screen displayed on the display among a plurality of images related to the image data file An input unit for switching input to switch to an order screen including an image that has not been done ,
Number assigning means for assigning a common number to a plurality of image data files collectively ordered with respect to an image data file related to an image to which order information of at least one printed sheet is assigned by the input unit;
When the switching input is performed in the input unit, the number of prints that have been input for the image displayed on the order screen of the display at the time when the switching input is performed is one or more. For the order information and the image data file related to the image to which the order information is assigned , the print information including the number assigned by the number assigning unit is used for the one or more images to which the order information is assigned. The photographic processing apparatus is configured such that a photographic print of at least one of the images is created before an order for the one or more images to which order information of one or more printed sheets is attached is confirmed. Print control means to send to
Have
The photo processing apparatus
Print creating means for creating a photo print based on the order information included in the print information received from the order receiving device;
A sorting mechanism provided with a plurality of placement places on which the created photo prints are placed;
Based on the number included in the print information, a plurality of photo prints related to a plurality of image data files batch-ordered are placed at the same location and a plurality of photo prints related to different batch orders And a sorting control means for controlling the sorting mechanism so that each is placed at a different place. Whether the sorting control means is the same as the number related to the photographic print placed immediately before in the above-mentioned place for the number related to the created photographic print based on the number assigned by the number assigning means Has a sorting judgment means to judge whether or not,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the sorting mechanism sorts a plurality of photographic prints based on the judgment of the sorting judgment unit. Whether the sorting control means is the same as the number related to the photographic print placed immediately before in the above-mentioned place for the number related to the created photographic print based on the number assigned by the number assigning means And having a sorting judgment means for judging whether or not there is the same number relating to the photographic print previously placed in the above-mentioned place,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the sorting mechanism sorts a plurality of photographic prints based on the judgment of the sorting judgment unit. The sorting mechanism is
A plurality of movable trays which can be a plurality of the above-mentioned storage locations;
A direction of the plurality of trays from the first position toward the second position separated from the first position, or opposite the second position with respect to the first position from the first position. And a moving mechanism for moving each in a direction toward the third position on the side,
4. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the moving mechanism moves the plurality of trays based on the determination by the sorting determination unit. The sorting mechanism is
A conveyor that selectively conveys the created photographic print in one of a first direction in a horizontal plane and a second direction opposite to the first direction;
A conveyor driving mechanism for driving the conveyor,
A plurality of the above-mentioned places are respectively provided at a position where the photo prints conveyed in the first direction by the conveyor can be received and a position where the photo prints conveyed in the second direction can be received. And
The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the conveyor driving mechanism switches a photo transport direction by the conveyor based on a determination of the sorting determination unit. A transport mechanism that transports the paper along one or a plurality of transport paths connected to one or a plurality of discharge ports from which the created photographic print is discharged;
The sorting mechanism is
A switching mechanism that switches the transport path for transporting paper to any of the transport paths connected to the plurality of discharge ports;
The printing system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the switching mechanism switches the conveyance path based on the determination of the sorting determination unit.

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