JP2010072785A - Image print system, print server, image output acceptance terminal, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image print system for performing efficient image printout in response to a plurality of print orders by using a plurality of printers capable of setting a plurality of sizes. <P>SOLUTION: In this image print system 100 to which a plurality of image output acceptance terminals 1 for accepting the print order of image data, a plurality of printers 5 corresponding to a plurality of print sizes, and a printer server 3 for assigning the print orders of the plurality of image data to the plurality of printers, and for making the plurality of printers print the image data are connected, the print server 3 assigns the print image data 30 to the printer 5 corresponding to a designated pint size 32 with respect to a plurality of print order data 13 from a plurality of image output acceptance terminals 1, and makes the printer print the image data by parallel processing. The print server 3 sorts printed matters for each print order by applying the identification information 30 of each print order as sorting information 41 to each print order. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image print system for printing image data of a recording medium brought in by a user, and more particularly to distributed printing by a plurality of printers for a plurality of print orders.

In recent years, a relatively small-scale image printing system (image output device) capable of printing image data of a digital camera recorded on a recording medium brought in by a user has been put into practical use (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).
Recently, these image output apparatuses have been equipped with a plurality of printers in order to shorten the printing time. In the case where a plurality of printers are installed, there are those equipped with a plurality of printers in order to print a large number of sheets at high speed or to print on different sizes or sticker sheets (for example, see Patent Document 2).

Also, in one order, the fastest printing is achieved by a plurality of printers, one printer that prints and discharges images one by one in the first size, and another that prints and discharges images one by one in the first size. A printing system that assigns to a printer and controls printing is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 3).
JP 2004-268431 A JP 2005-111893 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-342058

  However, in the conventional print system, when a plurality of printers for setting a plurality of sizes are connected and a print order is requested from a plurality of users, the print order can be processed only in the order received. Until the processing of the preceding print order is completed, the next print order is in a waiting state. When a plurality of printers are provided, there is a problem that the waiting time of the user becomes long rather than efficient print output.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an image print system and the like that perform efficient image print output for a plurality of print orders using a plurality of printers capable of setting a plurality of sizes. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the first invention provides a plurality of image output receiving terminals for receiving a print order for image data, a plurality of printers capable of printing a plurality of print sizes, and printing a plurality of the image data. An image print system in which an order is assigned to the plurality of printers and a printer server for printing is connected via a network, and the image output reception terminal inputs image data recorded on a recording medium And image data to be printed are selected from among the image data held by the holding means, and at least the print size and the number of prints of the image data to be printed are input. Order input means for generating print order data, and transmission means for transmitting the print order data to the print server The print server sets in advance one or a plurality of print sizes to be printed by each printer, and precedes a print order for a plurality of print order data received from a plurality of image output reception terminals. Print control means for continuously assigning the designated print size to a corresponding printer and printing the image data to be printed in parallel processing without waiting for the completion of the processing of This is an image printing system.

Further, it is desirable that the print control means sorts the printed matter for each print order by giving identification information of each print order to the printed matter.
Further, it is preferable that the print control unit sorts the printed matter by sandwiching a sorting sheet provided with identification information of each printing order for each printing order.
Further, when urgent print finishing is designated, the order input means gives an express finish flag to the print order data and transmits it to the printer server, and the print control means gives the express finish flag. It is desirable to give priority to the print order data and assign the image data to be printed to the printer corresponding to the designated print size.

  In the first invention, in the image print system, using a plurality of printers capable of setting a plurality of sizes, a plurality of print orders (orders) are assigned to the printers according to the print sizes, and printed out in parallel processing. It is possible to perform. Also, when a print order is requested from a plurality of users, the waiting time of the users can be reduced, and the processing efficiency of the entire system can be improved.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image printing system comprising an image output receiving terminal for receiving a print order of image data and a plurality of printers capable of printing a plurality of print sizes, wherein the image output receiving terminal is The image input means for inputting the image data recorded on the recording medium, the holding means for holding the image data, and selecting the image data to be printed from among the image data held by the holding means, Order input means for generating print order data by inputting at least the print size and number of prints of image data to be printed, and printing for assigning and printing the image data to be printed to the plurality of printers according to the print order data Control means, and the print control means sets in advance one or a plurality of print sizes to be printed by each printer. For multiple print order data, the image data to be printed is continuously assigned to a printer corresponding to the designated print size without waiting for completion of the processing of the preceding print order, and parallel processing is performed. An image print system characterized in that printing is performed with

A third invention is a program for causing a computer to function as a print server of the image print system of the first invention.
A fourth invention is a recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to function as a print server of the image printing system of the first invention is recorded.
A fifth invention is a program for causing a computer to function as an image output receiving terminal of the image printing system of the second invention.
A sixth invention is a recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to function as an image output receiving terminal of the image printing system of the second invention is recorded.

  The above-mentioned program may be held and distributed on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or the program can be transmitted and received via a communication line.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an image print system and the like that perform efficient image print output for a plurality of print orders using a plurality of printers capable of setting a plurality of sizes. Can be provided.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an image printing system and the like according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to components having substantially the same functional configuration, and redundant description will be omitted.

First, the system configuration of the image print system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an image print system 100 according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of an image print system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the image print system 100 includes a plurality of image output reception terminals 1-1, 1-2, a printer server 3, a plurality of printers 5- 1, 5-2, 5-3, and the like are connected via the network 9.

  The network 9 is a network such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), or an in-house LAN, and may be wired or wireless.

  The image output acceptance terminal 1 is a terminal device that accepts an image print at a store, and includes an image data reading unit 101, an image editing / synthesizing unit 102, an order transmission unit 103, an order input unit 104, a charging unit 105, and the like.

The image data reading unit 101 acquires the image data 11 from the input medium 121 in which the image data is recorded in advance and holds it in the storage unit 302.
The input medium 121 is, for example, smart media, compact flash (registered trademark), mini SD (secure digital) card, SD memory card, memory stick, compact disk, or the like.
In the present embodiment, only the means for reading image data from the input medium 121 is shown as the image data reading means 101. However, the image data reading means 101 is equipped with a scanner device or a photographing device, It is also possible to provide means for capturing an image of a subject with a photographing device such as a digital camera and reading the image data.

  The image editing / synthesizing unit 102 performs processing such as graffiti and stamp on one or more input or selected images, clipping of image data, scaling, pasting of a clipped image on another image, etc. It comprises interactive interface means for interactively performing composite editing and the like and an image processing program. The processing can use material data 12 such as material image data and frame images stored in the storage unit 302 as image data that handles composite editing.

  The order transmitting unit 103 transmits print order data (order) 13 such as image data to be printed, print size, number of printed sheets, and the like designated by the order input unit 104 to the printer server 3 via the network 9.

The user selects image data for ordering printing through the order input means 104. For the order input means 104, for example, a touch panel integrated with a display means such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT (cathode-ray tube), or various pointers such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a trackball can be used.
The order input unit 104 displays a thumbnail image of the image data acquired by the image data reading unit 101, and can specify a print type, the number of prints, a print size, an image adjustment process, and the like. Save in the storage unit 302. The user can make these designations using a touch panel and various pointers.

The charging unit 105 calculates and displays a fee according to the print order data 13 of the printed matter by the user, issues a voucher using a receipt printer as necessary, and requests payment from the user at the store.
In this embodiment, only the charge calculation, exchange certificate and receipt issuance are shown as the charging means 105. However, the charging means 105 is equipped with a charging process for requesting the user to deposit and cash. Also good.

The printer server 3 is a server computer or the like, and includes an order receiving unit 111, a print control unit 112, and the like.
The order receiving unit 111 receives print order data (order) 13 from the plurality of image output reception terminals 1-1 and 1-2 and stores it in the print order table 20 as needed.
The print control unit 112 refers to the print order table 20 and distributes the order image to a plurality of printers (5-1, 5-2, 5-3) according to the designated print size. create.

  The printers 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3 are high-resolution color printers that print image data with a plurality of print sizes, and print a printed matter 123. A printer method such as a sublimation type or an ink jet type may be used. Print sizes include, for example, L size (89 × 127 mm), PC size (101 × 152 mm), 2L size (127 × 176 mm), A5 size (152 × 203 mm), A5 wide (152 × 229 mm), A4 size (203 × 297 mm). The printed matter 123 is a photograph of a digital camera image or a digital camera image, a sticker print, a postcard or the like.

  Next, an external configuration of the image output reception terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an example of the image output receiving terminal 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a display screen 201 such as a liquid crystal display with a touch panel is arranged on the upper front of the image output reception terminal 1. A display 201 with a touch panel has a function as display means for displaying operation guidance, operation status, thumbnail image display of read image data, and the like, and displays a photograph to be printed, print size, image processing, and the like on the touch panel. It has a function as an input means to select by touching.

At the bottom of the display 201 with a touch panel, a media insertion port 203 and a receipt outlet 205 are provided.
The media insertion slot 203 is an insertion slot for various media (smart media, compact flash (registered trademark), mini SD (secure digital) card, SD memory card, memory stick, compact disc, etc.). It is arranged in a place. Further, in the housing of the image output receiving terminal 1, a main body (not shown) of each medium reading / writing device is installed corresponding to each recording medium insertion port. Each insertion slot may be provided with a shutter (not shown) so that the recording medium cannot be taken out until the fee collection is completed.
In addition, a voucher or receipt on which the collected amount, order details, etc. are printed is discharged from the receipt outlet 205. A receipt printing printer is provided in the housing of the image output receiving terminal 1 so as to correspond to the receipt outlet 205.

  The user instructs selection of an image or execution of printing using a touch panel provided on the display 201 with a touch panel.

  Further, although not shown in the housing of the image output receiving terminal 1, a personal computer including a control unit for controlling each component of the image output receiving terminal 1, a power supply box for converting voltage, and a control unit at the time of power failure An uninterruptible power supply device that prevents damage to the CPU and hard disk is provided. The maintenance key is a key for switching between an operation mode in which the user can use the image output reception terminal 1 and a management mode in which the administrator performs maintenance and setting of the image output reception terminal 1 and reprints a receipt.

Next, the hardware configuration of the image output reception terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
The image output receiving terminal 1 includes a control unit 301, a storage unit 302, an input / output unit 303 (CD-ROM drive device, keyboard, mouse, etc.), a communication unit 304, various media reading units 305, a shutter 306, and a monitor (with a touch panel). 307, a receipt journal processing unit 310, and the like are connected via a bus 319.

  The control unit 301 includes a CPU (central processing unit) that executes a program, a RAM (random access memory) that stores program instructions or data, a ROM (read only memory), and the like. The control unit 301 controls each device connected via the bus 319 in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit 302 or the like.

  The storage unit 302 stores a program executed by the control unit 301, data necessary for program execution, an OS (operating system), and the like. Control programs for controlling each component, for example, image input program, shutter opening / closing control program, billing processing program, receipt print processing program, maintenance program, image data 11, material data 12, print order data 13, etc. The various control data are stored.

  These program codes are read by the control unit 301 as necessary, transferred to the RAM, read to the CPU, and executed as various functions.

  The input / output unit 303 (CD-ROM drive device, keyboard, mouse, etc.) updates the program and information stored in the ROM of the control unit 301 and the storage unit 302, and sets the operation of the image output receiving terminal 1 It is used at the time of maintenance of the image output reception terminal 1 that performs.

  The communication unit 304 includes a communication control device, a communication port, and the like, and is a communication interface that mediates communication between the image output receiving terminal 1 and the network 9. The image output receiving terminal 1 and the printer server 3 are connected via the network 9. Control communication between the two.

  The various media reading unit 305 plays a role of an image input function. The shutter 306 is provided at each recording medium insertion opening, and opens and closes the recording medium insertion opening so that the recording medium cannot be taken out during the reading process or until the accounting process is completed.

  The user can perform a series of operations from image selection at the time of image input, print instruction, and output of printed matter by touching a touch panel installed on the monitor 307 according to the operation guide displayed on the monitor 307.

  The receipt journal processing unit 310 serves as a charging function. Corresponding to the receipt outlet 205, it is provided inside the image output receiving terminal 1, and performs exchange certificate and receipt printing.

Next, the hardware configuration of the printer server 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the printer server 3.
The printer server 3 includes a control unit 401, a storage unit 402, a media input / output unit 403, a communication control unit 404, an input unit 405, a display unit 406, a communication I / F unit 407, and the like.

  The control unit 401 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and drives and controls each device according to a program stored in the storage unit 402.

  The storage unit 402 is an HDD (hard disk drive), and stores a program executed by the control unit 401, data necessary for program execution, an OS (operating system), and the like. As for programs, a control program 28 corresponding to an OS (operating system), an order receiving unit 111 executed by the printer server 3 to which the computer is applied, an application program corresponding to the print control unit 112, and the like are stored.

  Each of these program codes is read by the control unit 401 as necessary, transferred to the RAM, read by the CPU, and executed as various means.

  The media input / output unit 403 (drive device) performs data input / output. For example, a floppy disk drive, PD drive, CD drive (-ROM, -R, -RW, etc.), DVD drive (-ROM, -R, etc.) -RW etc.) and media input / output devices such as MO drives.

  The communication control unit 404 includes a communication control device, a communication port, and the like, and is a communication interface that mediates communication between the printer server 3 and the network 9. The printer server 3 and the image output reception terminal 1 are connected via the network 9. Control communication between the two.

  The input unit 405 inputs data. For example, the input unit 405 includes a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, an input device such as a numeric keypad, and can perform operation instructions, operation instructions, data input, and the like.

  The display unit 406 includes a display device such as a CRT monitor or a liquid crystal panel.

The communication I / F unit 407 is a connection unit for performing communication between the printer server 2 and the printers 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3.
The system bus 409 is a path that mediates transmission / reception of control signals, data signals, and the like between the devices.

  The printer 5 performs print output processing of image data selected by the user and instructed to be printed. The image printing system 1 includes a plurality of printers 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3 for simultaneously printing a plurality of images and reducing the printing time.

  Next, the operation of the image print system 100 will be described in detail.

First, the processing operation of the image print acceptance process of the image output acceptance terminal 1 at the store will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the image output receiving terminal 1.

The control unit 301 of the image output reception terminal 1 displays a menu screen indicating service contents, procedures, guidance, and the like on the monitor 307 (201), and allows the user to select a function (step S501). For example, a user can provide services (in-situ printing, index printing, frame printing, etc.), input media (smart media, compact flash (registered trademark), mini SD (secure digital) card, SD memory card, memory stick, compact disc. Etc.).
When the service content and the payment method are specified by the user, the specified information is set in the storage unit 302.

  When the control unit 301 of the image output receiving terminal 1 inserts the input media 121 brought by the user into the media insertion slot 203, the control unit 301 activates the image data reading unit 101 and conforms to the input media 121 of the various media reading unit 305. The media reading unit is activated to obtain the image data of the inserted input medium 121 (step S502). The acquired image data is stored in the image data 11 of the storage unit 302.

  The control unit 301 causes the order input unit 104 to display the thumbnail image of the acquired image data on the monitor 307 (201), and allows the user to select an image to be printed and specify the number of copies of each selected image. Then, print order contents such as print size and image adjustment are designated (step S503).

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the thumbnail screen 85. Thumbnail images (001 to 015) of image data acquired from the media inserted by the user are displayed on the monitor 307 (201).
The user sets the number of images to be printed by, for example, touching the touch panel at the “+” or “−” portion. The number set by the user is displayed as the order number.

The thumbnail screen 85 includes, for example, an “enlarge” button 88 used when enlarging a thumbnail image, a button 87 for selecting a print size, a button 86 for specifying image adjustment, and a button “press” after setting the number of prints. A button 89 such as “to payment” is provided. By touching these touch panel buttons, the corresponding processing is executed.
When the user designates a print image and the number of prints, print size, image adjustment, etc., the order input means 104 displays the thumbnail number of the print image selected by the user, the print size, the number of prints, image adjustment settings, etc. Is stored in the storage unit 302.

When the user presses the “to payment” button 89, the control unit 301 of the image output receiving terminal 1 uses the image data editing / combining unit 102 to process the image based on the user's instruction, using the material data 12. Editing, composition, etc. are performed (step S504).
Examples of image processing, editing, and composition include composition of an input image and date data, composition of an input image and a frame image, enlargement, reduction, and the like.

Next, the control unit 301 performs billing processing by the billing unit 105. That is, the total amount and the like are calculated, displayed on the monitor 307 (201), and exchange certificates and receipt issuing processes for urging the user to pay the price are performed as necessary (step S505).
The control unit 301 releases an exchange certificate printed with the order identification information, the amount to be collected, the order contents, and the like from the receipt outlet 205. The user pays the price in exchange for the printed matter 123 associated with the exchange certificate at the store.

The control unit 301 of the image output receiving terminal 1 performs image processing such as color correction, resizing, trimming, layout, character / logo synthesis (step S506), and holds the print image data subjected to the image processing in the hard disk 302 or the like.
The control unit 301 transmits the print order data 13 including the print image data, the print size, the number of prints, and the like to the printer server 3 by the order transmitting unit 103 (step S507).

Next, with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, the processing operation in the printer server 3 for distributing the print order data (order) 13 from the plurality of image output receiving terminals 1 to the plurality of printers 5 and performing the printing process in detail. explain.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the printer server 3.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of order contents and print assignment of images from a plurality of orders.

  In advance, the printer server 3 associates a print size to be printed from among print sizes that can be printed by each printer 5 with a plurality of printers 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3, and 402. For example, the printer 5-1: L size, the printer 5-2: 2L size, and the printer 5-3: A4 size are set in advance. A plurality of print sizes may be associated with each printer.

The control unit 401 of the printer server 3 receives the print order data 13 from the plurality of image output reception terminals 1-1 and 1-2 by the order receiving unit 111, and stores it in the print order table 20 in the storage unit 402 (step S601). ).
In the case of the print order table 20 shown in FIG. 8A, print order (order) # 1: print image data a1 (L size) 3 sheets, print image data a2 ( 2L), 2 print image data a3 (A4 size), and print order (order) # 2 corresponding to the print order data 13-2: 2 print image data b1 (L size), print image data b2 (2L size) 2 sheets, print order (order) # 3 corresponding to the print order data 13-3: print image data c1 (L size) 3 sheets, print image data c2 (A4 size) 2 sheets, order Has been.

  The control unit 401 of the printer server 3 uses the print control unit 112 to correspond the print image data 31 to the designated print size 32 for the plurality of print order data 13 stored in the print order table 20. Assign to the printer 5 and set the printer assignment table 22 (step S602). The control unit 401 sorts the printed matter for each print order by assigning the identification information 30 for each print order (order) to the printed matter 123 when allocating to the printers 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3. As a sorting method, for example, sorting information 41 including print order identification information 30 or the like is set for each print image data of the printing order 21, and a sorting sheet to which the sorting information 41 is added (printed) is printed for each printing order. There are a method for sorting the printed matter 123, a method for sorting (sorting) the printed matter 123 by assigning (printing) the sorting information 41 to the back side of the printed matter of the corresponding print order 21, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the printer allocation table 22 is assigned to, for example, three printers 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3 according to the print size to be printed. The L version, the 2L version to the printer 5-2, and the A4 version to the printer 5-3 are assigned in the order of printing. That is, the printer 5-1 receives print image data a1 (L size) for print order # 1, two print image data b1 (L size) for print order # 2, print order # 3: print image data c1 (L size) 3) Allocate 3 sheets, assign 2 pieces of print image data a2 (2L size) for print order # 1 and 2 pieces of print image data b2 (2L size) for print order # 2 to printer 5-2, and set up printer 5-3 Are assigned one print image data a3 (A4 size) for print order # 1 and two print order # 3: print image data c2 (A4 size). Further, for each print order, “0001”, “0002”, “0003”, which are identification information 30-1, 30-2, 30-3 of each print order as sorting information 41-1, 41-2, 41-3. "Is set. The sorting information 41 is printed on the sorting sheet 41 or printed on the back surface of the printed matter 123.

  The control unit 401 of the printer server 3 transfers the print image data to the printers 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3 according to the printer allocation table 22, and starts a print output processing process that performs print output processing (step S1). S603).

  When the image output receiving terminal 1 requests urgent print finishing, the control unit 301 of the image output receiving terminal 1 adds an express finishing flag to the print order data 13 and transmits it to the printer server 3. The control unit 401 of the print server 3 stores the print order data 13 assigned with the express finish flag in the print order table 20, and the print control unit 112 adds the print order data 13 to the plurality of print order data 13 stored in the print order table 20. On the other hand, the print order data 13 to which the express finishing flag is assigned is prioritized over the normal order of acceptance, and the print image data 31 is assigned to the printer 5 corresponding to the designated print size 32, and the printer assignment table 22 is assigned. To print out.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the image output receiving terminal 1 acquires the image data from the input medium by the image data reading unit 101 and displays the thumbnail image of the image data by the order input unit 104. Print image data that designates the print type, number of prints, print size, image processing, etc., calculates and displays a charge according to the number of prints, print size, etc. input by the billing means 105, and that is designated by the order sending means 103 The print order data 13 such as the print size and the number of prints is transmitted to the printer server 3. The printer server 3 assigns print image data to the corresponding printer 5 for the plurality of print order data 13 from the plurality of image output reception terminals 1 and prints the print image data in parallel processing.

  Thus, using a plurality of printers capable of setting a plurality of sizes, a plurality of print orders (orders) can be assigned to the printer according to the print size, and print output can be performed in parallel processing. Also, when a print order is requested from a plurality of users, the waiting time of the users can be reduced, and the processing efficiency of the entire system can be improved.

Next, the system configuration of the image print system 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the image print system 200.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the image print system 200 is configured by connecting an image output receiving terminal 10 and a plurality of printers 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, and the like.

The image output acceptance terminal 10 is a terminal device that accepts image prints at a store, and includes an image data reading unit 101, an image editing / synthesizing unit 102, a print control unit 113, an order input unit 104, a charging unit 105, and the like.
The image data reading unit 101, the image editing / synthesizing unit 102, the order input unit 104, and the charging unit 105 have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment described above.
Based on the received print order data 13, the print control means 113 continuously prints the order images according to the designated print size without waiting for the completion of the preceding print order processing. The image data is transferred to a plurality of printers 5 in accordance with print assignment, and print output processing is performed in parallel processing.

Next, processing operations of the image print acceptance process and the print control process of the image output acceptance terminal 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the image output receiving terminal 10 of the image print system 200.

  In advance, the image output reception terminal 10 associates a plurality of printers 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3 with a print size to be printed from among print sizes that can be printed by each printer 5. Stored in the storage unit 402.

  The control unit 301 of the image output reception terminal 10 displays a menu screen showing service contents, procedures, guidance, etc. on the monitor 307 (201), and allows the user to select a function (step 1001).

  When the control unit 301 of the image output receiving terminal 10 inserts the input medium 121 brought by the user into the media insertion slot 203, the control unit 301 activates the image data reading unit 101 and conforms to the input medium 121 of the various media reading unit 305. The media reading unit is activated to acquire image data of the inserted input medium 121 (step S1002). The acquired image data is stored in the image data 11 of the storage unit 302.

  The control unit 301 of the image output receiving terminal 10 displays the thumbnail image of the acquired image data on the monitor 307 (201) by the order input unit 104, selects an image to be printed to the user, and prints each selected image. The number of prints is designated, and further, print order details such as print size and image adjustment are designated (step S1003).

  When the user completes the settings for the number of prints, print size, and image adjustment, the control unit 301 of the image output reception terminal 10 uses the order input unit 104 to select the thumbnail number, print size, and print size of the print image selected by the user. The print order data 13 including the number of sheets is stored in the print order table 20 of the storage unit 302.

  The control unit 301 of the image output receiving terminal 10 performs processing, editing, composition, and the like of the image based on the user's instruction using the material data 12 by the image editing / synthesizing unit 102 (step S1004).

  Next, the control unit 301 of the image output receiving terminal 10 executes charging processing by the charging unit 105. That is, the total amount and the like are calculated and displayed on the monitor 307 (201), and an exchange certificate and a receipt issuance process for prompting the user to pay the price are performed as necessary (step S1005).

  The control unit 301 of the image output reception terminal 10 activates a print control processing process corresponding to the print control unit 113.

The control unit 301 of the image output receiving terminal 10 performs image processing such as color correction, resizing, trimming, layout, character / logo synthesis (step S1006), and holds the print image data subjected to the image processing in the hard disk 302 or the like.
The control unit 301 (printing control processing process) of the image output receiving terminal 10 completes the processing of the preceding print order with the print image data 31 for the print order data 13 stored in the print order table 20. The designated print size 32 is continuously assigned to the corresponding printer 5 without waiting, and stored in the printer assignment table 22 (step S1007). The control unit 301 sorts the printed matter for each print order by assigning the identification information 30 for each print order (order) to the printed matter 123 when allocating to the printers 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3.
The control unit 301 of the image output receiving terminal 10 transfers print image data to the printers 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3 according to the printer allocation table 22, and performs a print output process in parallel processing. Is activated (step S1008).

  When the image output receiving terminal 10 requests urgent print finishing, the control unit 301 of the image output receiving terminal 10 assigns an express finishing flag to the print order data 13 and stores it in the print order table 20 for print control. The means 113 gives priority to the print order data 13 to which the express finish flag is assigned to the plurality of print order data 13 stored in the print order table 20 over the normal reception order, and prints the print image data 31. The designated print size 32 is assigned to the corresponding printer 5, the printer assignment table 22 is set, and printing is performed.

  Thus, using a plurality of printers capable of setting a plurality of sizes, without waiting for the processing of the preceding print order to be completed, the order images are assigned to a plurality of printers according to the designated print size, Print output can be performed in parallel processing. In addition, even when a plurality of users request printing orders in succession, the waiting time of the users can be reduced, and the processing efficiency of the entire system can be improved.

  In the first and second embodiments, the print size to be printed from the printable print size is set in advance. In the printer assignment process, the printers from the printers 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3 are used. Information may be acquired, a print size to be printed may be set based on the printer information, and printer assignment may be performed.

  Incidentally, the program for performing the processing shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 10 and the like may be distributed on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or the program may be transmitted and received via a communication line.

  The preferred embodiments of the image print system and the like according to the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea disclosed in the present application, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an image print system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. External perspective view of image output reception terminal 1 Hardware configuration diagram of the image output receiving terminal 1 Hardware configuration diagram of the printer server 3 The flowchart which shows the processing operation of the image output reception terminal 1 Flowchart showing processing operation of printer server 3 The figure which shows an example of the thumbnail screen 85 The figure which shows one example of the order contents and print allocation of the image from multiple orders FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an image print system 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Flowchart showing the processing operation of the image output receiving terminal 10 of the image print system 200

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,10 ......... Image output reception terminal 3 ......... Printer server 5 ......... Printer 9 ......... Network 11 ......... Image data 12 ......... Material data 13 ......... Print order data 20 ......... Print Order table 22... Printer allocation table 30... Print order identification information 31... Print image data 32... Print size 33 ... Print number 41 ... Sorting information 100, 200. System 101... Image data reading means 102... Image editing and synthesizing means 103... Order sending means 104... Order input means 105... Billing means 111 ......... Order receiving means 112 and 113. Print control means 121... Input medium 123... Printed material 301, 401... Control unit 302, 402.

Claims (9)

A plurality of image output receiving terminals for receiving a print order for image data; a plurality of printers capable of printing a plurality of print sizes; and a printer server for assigning and printing a plurality of print orders for the image data to the plurality of printers. , Is an image printing system connected via a network,
The image output receiving terminal is
Image input means for inputting image data recorded on a recording medium;
Holding means for holding the image data;
Order input means for selecting image data to be printed from among the image data held by the holding means, inputting at least the print size and the number of prints of the image data to be printed, and generating print order data;
Transmitting means for transmitting the print order data to the print server;
With
The print server
Set one or more print sizes to be printed by each printer in advance,
For a plurality of print order data received from a plurality of image output reception terminals, the image data to be printed is continuously set to a designated print size without waiting for the processing of the preceding print order to be completed. Print control means for assigning to a corresponding printer and printing in parallel processing;
An image print system comprising: An image print system comprising an image output acceptance terminal for accepting a print order of image data, and a plurality of printers capable of printing a plurality of print sizes,
The image output receiving terminal is
Image input means for inputting image data recorded on a recording medium;
Holding means for holding the image data;
Order input means for selecting image data to be printed from among the image data held by the holding means, inputting at least the print size and the number of prints of the image data to be printed, and generating print order data;
Print control means for allocating and printing the image data to be printed to the plurality of printers according to the print order data;
With
The print control means includes
Set one or more print sizes to be printed by each printer in advance,
For a plurality of print order data, the image data to be printed is continuously assigned to the corresponding printer without waiting for the processing of the preceding print order to be completed. An image printing system characterized by printing. 3. The image printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing control unit sorts the printed matter for each printing order by giving identification information of each printing order to the printed matter. 3. The image printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing control unit sorts the printed matter by sandwiching a sorting sheet to which identification information of each printing order is assigned for each printing order. When urgent print finish is designated, the order input means gives an express finish flag to the print order data,
2. The print control unit preferentially assigns the print order data to which the express finish flag is assigned, and assigns the image data to be printed to a printer corresponding to a designated print size. The image printing system according to claim 4. A program for causing a computer to function as a print server of the image print system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 6. A recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to function as a print server of the image print system according to claim 1 is recorded. A program for causing a computer to function as an image output receiving terminal of the image print system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 6. A recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to function as an image output receiving terminal of the image printing system according to claim 1 is recorded.

Images