JP4089144B2 - Photo printing vending machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a photo printing vending machine that prints a digital image using a medium in which a digital image is stored, and more particularly, a photo that performs processing based on processing designation information (DPOF) stored in the medium together with the digital image. It relates to a printing vending machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, photography using a so-called analog camera of a silver salt photography system has been performed. In the case of this silver salt photography type camera, the photographed images are usually brought to a town photo shop for development and print processing.
[0003]
In recent years, digital devices such as digital cameras and scanners are widely used, and photographed image data and read image data by such digital devices are, for example, printer devices connected to a personal computer at home. Or image data is stored in a storage medium such as a flash memory card or floppy disk, and the storage medium is brought to a photo shop or the like to request printing.
[0004]
In particular, in recent years, a photo printing vending machine has been proposed in which image data taken by a digital camera is stored in a storage medium, and a desired image is printed immediately by loading the storage medium into the vending machine. ing.
On the other hand, recent digital cameras have appeared on the market that can add processing designation information at the time of printing, that is, so-called DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) information, to photographed data. This DPOF information is conventionally print number designation information and can be recorded by the user of the digital camera. When the user inputs print number designation information for each shooting screen, the print number designation information is written in a predetermined format on a storage medium such as a flash memory card together with the shot image data. In this case, the above-mentioned photo printing vending machine can automatically perform printing of the number of sheets designated by the number-of-prints designation information.
[0005]
However, even when a conventional storage medium storing DPOF information is used, the DPOF information itself is only information about the designated number of prints. Except for automatically printing the number of sheets, when printing a desired image, the user operates the photo printing vending machine to display the image stored in the storage medium, selects the one to be printed, Was specified and entered to print.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, it is cumbersome and time-consuming to select and specify images to be printed one by one when purchasing print images at a photo printing vending machine, and if there are other purchasers Other purchase applicants have to wait and have the problem of being extremely inefficient.
[0007]
Further, the DPOF information standard is gradually upgraded, and in the current version (ver. 1.01), designation information other than the number of printed sheets can be recorded. However, at present, no photo printing vending machine capable of printing corresponding to the advanced printing conditions of the designation information other than the number of prints of DPOF information on such a storage medium has yet appeared.
[0008]
In view of the above-described conventional situation, the present invention has an object to reduce the labor of a print image purchaser as much as possible, perform photo printing in various printing modes corresponding to DPOF information of a storage medium, and perform a printing process. To provide vending machines.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  First, the photographic printing vending machine according to claim 1 is:A photo printing vending machine housing comprising a main body device portion and an opening / closing portion configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main body device portion, and attachment / detachment replacement by opening the opening / closing portion in the housing for replacement of printing paper A plurality of printer units freely arranged and having the same system configuration, a loading unit loaded with a storage medium for recording image data and size specification information of a sheet on which the image data is to be printed, and the loading unit A reading unit that reads the image data and the size designation information stored in the storage medium loaded in the storage unit, and a plurality of printer units that print the image data read from the storage medium by the reading unit. The printer unit is distinguished based on a signal from a sensor for identifying the size of the printing paper loaded from the inside, and corresponds to the size designation information Transfers and printing the image data by selecting the printer unit the printing paper size is loadedAnd a printing control means.
[0010]
  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic printing vending machine comprising a main body unit and an opening / closing unit configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main body unit, and A plurality of printer units having the same system configuration that are detachable and exchangeable by opening the opening / closing part for printing paper exchange, image data, and paper type designation information of paper on which the image data is to be printed Loading means for loading a storage medium for recording the data, reading means for reading the image data and the paper type designation information stored in the storage medium loaded in the loading means, and the storage medium by the reading means A printer unit based on a signal from a sensor for identifying a paper type of printing paper loaded from among the plurality of printer units to print the image data read out from the printer unit. And a print control unit that selects a printer unit loaded with printing paper of a paper type corresponding to the paper type designation information, transfers the image data, and performs a printing process. .
[0011]
  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photo printing vending machine comprising a main body device section and an opening / closing section configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main body device section; A plurality of printer units having the same system configuration that are detachably exchangeable by opening the opening / closing part for printing paper exchange, and processing designation information indicating image data and panoramic image data Loading means for loading a storage medium for recording the data, a reading means for reading out the image data and the processing designation information stored in the storage medium loaded in the loading means, and a predetermined plurality according to the processing designation information Processing means for processing the image data of a frame into a continuous series of image data, and the processed image data processed by the processing means to print the series of image data The printer unit is distinguished based on a signal from a sensor for identifying the size of the roll paper loaded from among a plurality of printer units, and roll paper of a size capable of printing a panoramic image corresponding to the specified information is loaded. And a print control means for selecting the printer unit and transferring the series of image data to perform a printing process.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a photo printing vending machine according to an embodiment. A photo printing vending machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is disposed in a building such as a street corner or office building, for example, and a display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2, a key input unit 3, a recording medium on the front of the apparatus. Insert port 4 (4a to 4e), LED 5 (5a to 5e), amount display section 6, fee insertion port 7 (7a, 7b), stop button 8, receipt insertion port 9, receipt paper discharge port 10, fee return port 11 And an outlet 12 are provided. In addition, auxiliary display sections 13 are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the photo printing vending machine 1, respectively.
[0014]
The display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2 includes a display unit of a liquid crystal display and an operation unit that operates keys, buttons, icons, and the like displayed on the liquid crystal display with a finger, for example. The display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2 displays, for example, image information captured by a digital camera as thumbnails, and displays a selection icon for a pay mode or a free mode. Further, according to the above display on the display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2, for example, the user selects the image information displayed as thumbnails and individually designates the number of prints, and selects the pay mode or the free mode. Do. These input operations can be similarly performed by the key input unit 3.
[0015]
The auxiliary display unit 13 is composed of a liquid crystal display, which displays the same content as that displayed on the liquid crystal display of the display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2 or displays an advertisement or the like. Is done. That is, the auxiliary display unit 13 usually displays advertisements for sales promotion to people waiting for the use of the photo printing vending machine 1 and the surrounding people, or a plurality of users can use the photo printing vending machine 1. When using together, the same contents as those displayed on the liquid crystal display of the operation / display unit (display & touch panel) 2 are displayed and are the same for those other than the user who is actually operating Consideration is given so that the contents can be displayed. The display contents can be switched by the operation of the display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2 and the key input unit 3 by the user.
[0016]
The recording media insertion ports 4a to 4e are insertion ports for a plurality of types of recording media (information storage media). The flash memory card insertion port 4a, the smart media card insertion port 4b, the memory stick insertion port 4c, and the PC card An insertion port 4d and a floppy disk insertion port 4e. The recording medium insertion port 4 incorporates a data reading device corresponding to various recording media so as to be compatible with various media. In addition, a static eliminating brush for removing static electricity is also provided in consideration of damage to each recording medium and damage to the apparatus main body due to static electricity.
[0017]
Each recording medium insertion slot 4 is provided downward. This is because, when each recording medium is inserted, the leading end of the recording medium is arranged at a position higher than the recording medium insertion port 4 by a predetermined amount. Therefore, the connector part inside each recording medium insertion slot 4 connected to each recording medium is also arranged downward. Such a configuration is a configuration for preventing the adhesion of dust or the like to the connector contact portion and ensuring electrical connection. In addition, a fan may be provided in the vicinity of the connector portion to prevent dust and the like from adhering. Such dust-proof measures can ensure the reliability of the device even in dusty environments such as outdoors.
[0018]
Further, digital image information photographed with a digital camera or the like is written in the recording medium as a plurality of unit screen information. The digital image information written on these recording media may be data obtained by converting image data read from a scanner or the like into digital image data.
[0019]
The LEDs 5a to 5e are provided corresponding to the respective recording medium insertion openings 4a to 4e, and when the recording medium corresponding to each recording medium insertion opening 4 is inserted, the corresponding LED 5 is lit. It is. For example, when a memory stick is inserted, the LED 5c corresponding to the memory stick is lit, so that the user can confirm that the memory stick is inserted. In the case of a memory stick, a stick mounting portion (not shown) can be pulled out from the main body, and a memory stick is mounted on the stick mounting portion and the mounting portion is loaded into the apparatus main body.
[0020]
The fee insertion port 7 and the fee return port 10 are configured to be used when the photo printing vending machine 1 is used for a fee. A bill is inserted from the fee insertion port 7a and a coin is inserted from the fee insertion port 7b. . At this time, the deposited amount is displayed on the amount display unit 6. In addition, a fee is returned to the fee return port 10 when a change is returned or when the user stops using the service on the way.
[0021]
The cancel button 8 is a button that is pressed when the user wants to cancel the use of the photo printing vending machine 1 halfway.
The receipt paper discharge port 10 is a paper discharge port for discharging a receipt on which predetermined information is printed, and the receipt insertion port 9 is an insertion port into which the receipt is inserted.
[0022]
The take-out port 12 is a box for taking out the printed output, and the printed print paper (photograph) is collected in the take-out port 12.
FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are diagrams for explaining the internal structure of the photo printing vending machine 1 having the above-described external configuration. FIG. 2A is an exploded view of the photo printing vending machine 1. FIG. FIG. 4B is a front view of the linear unit, and FIG. 4C is a side sectional view of the entire linear unit with a front unit and a paper duct attached thereto.
[0023]
As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, the photo printing vending machine 1 includes a front unit 20, a paper duct 21, and a rear unit 22. The front unit 20 is arranged to be openable and closable left or right with respect to the main unit, and includes a main controller that performs overall control of the photo printing vending machine 1 and the operation / display unit (touch panel and liquid crystal display) 2 described above. A takeout port 12 and the like are provided.
[0024]
The paper duct 21 is configured to guide printed paper to the take-out port 12. When the paper duct 21 is pivotally attached to the front unit 20 by the support portions 21a and 21b on the upper and lower ends of one end, the front unit 20 is opened. The support parts 21a and 21b are attached so as to freely rotate around the center.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 2B, the rear unit 22 includes a plurality of, in this example, eight detachable printer units 23 (23-1 to 23-8), four vertically and horizontally. There are two rows, that is, four in the vertical direction and two in the horizontal direction. A plurality of pairs (eight pairs in the present example) of slide rails 24 shown in FIG. 5A are provided that extend in the front-rear and horizontal directions of the main unit corresponding to each of these printer units 23. The rear unit 22 includes a circuit board, a power supply unit, and the like on which a control device is mounted, although not particularly illustrated, in the control box 25 on the back surface.
[0026]
Each printer unit 23 is mounted on a predetermined position of the rear unit 22 by sliding on a slide rail 24 drawn forward of the main unit as shown in FIG. Therefore, in each printer unit 23, when the consumables such as print paper are exhausted, the printer unit 23 can be removed and replenished with consumables, and then re-engaged with the slide rail 24 and mounted in the original position. This makes it easy to replace the consumables of the unit in a short time.
[0027]
Each printer unit 23 includes a connector portion at the rear, and the connector portion is connected to a connector portion provided on the rear unit 22 at the same time as the mounting. The connector unit of the rear unit 22 is also electrically connected to the front unit 20 in a state where the photo printing vending machine 1 is assembled. Therefore, each printer unit 23 is supplied with the power supply voltage from the power supply unit and transmits / receives various signals to / from the front unit via this connector portion.
[0028]
The control device reads the image data and DPOF information of an information storage medium such as a compact flash memory card, smart media card, memory stick, PC card, floppy disk, etc. inserted from the recording medium insertion port 4 of the front unit 20, and charges The deposit amount from the insertion slot 7 is checked, and if there is a change or the like, it is returned, and based on the read DPOF information or based on the input from the display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2 or the key input unit 3 Thus, the selection of the print image, the number of prints, the print size, etc. are determined, and the print image is optimally distributed to the eight printer units 23 according to the number of print images.
[0029]
Therefore, if printing is performed within 8 sheets, or printing within 8 types, 8 sheets of image-formed paper that has been shared and printed by the 8 printer units 23 are discharged to the ejection port 12 at a time. can do. That is, apart from panoramic printing, up to eight sheets can be printed and discharged simultaneously in a short time similar to the printing of one sheet. The paper P printed by each printer unit 23 is guided to the paper duct 21 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 5C, and slides down by its own weight along the guide plate, and is disposed at the lowermost part of the front unit 20. Is collected in the take-out port 12.
[0030]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the printer unit 23. Each printer unit 23 described above includes a thermal head 30, a large-capacity ribbon 31, a take-up roller 32, a roll-shaped print paper 33, and a plurality of feed roller pairs 34, 36, and 37, as shown in FIG. ing. The print paper 33 is fed to the thermal head 30 by a feed roller pair 34 and cut into a predetermined length of print paper by a cutter 35.
[0031]
Incidentally, as the printing paper 33 formed in a roll shape, a recording paper having a maximum width of 102 mm can be used. For example, the printing paper 33 has a roll length capable of printing 300 sheets. Further, the print paper 33 is a roll-like long paper as described above, and can be cut at an arbitrary position by the cutter 35, so that it can easily cope with printing of a panoramic image.
[0032]
The large-capacity ribbon 31 includes yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) inks and a surface coating agent that are successively and continuously arranged by one screen length, for example, printing for 300 screen prints. It is wound as a ribbon for use.
The pair of feed rollers 36 and 37 is a pair of rollers for superimposing the large capacity ribbon 31 and the print paper 33 and feeding them to the thermal head 30, and the ink ribbon for which the printing process by the thermal head 30 has been completed is the take-up roller 32. Is wound up by.
[0033]
The thermal head 30 has, for example, a resolution of 322 dots per 25.4 mm, and 1344 dots (about 106 mm width) of heating elements are arranged in the main scanning direction. Image data is supplied to the thermal head 30. This image data is created based on the printing information for one sheet of printing paper for normal printing or panoramic printing transferred from the main controller described later to each of the printer units 23-1 to 23-8.
[0034]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration inside the photo printing vending machine having the above hardware configuration. This system includes a peripheral circuit and a printer unit 23 with a main controller 40 as a center.
The main controller 40 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) inside, and performs drive control of the photo printing vending machine 1 of this example according to a program. For example, printing information for one sheet of printing paper is obtained based on a predetermined condition. Distribution control is performed to one of the printer units 23.
[0035]
Further, the main controller 40 is provided with a storage unit 41, and the storage unit 41 stores the above-described control program executed by the main controller 40. In addition, user information, printing condition information, information about the printer unit 23, and the like are stored and transferred to a management center described later as necessary.
[0036]
The main controller 40 includes a display control unit 42, a touch panel control unit 43, a key input unit 44, a card interface (hereinafter referred to as a card I / F) 45, a fee management unit 46, a receipt interface (hereinafter referred to as a receipt I / F). 47), a transmission / reception unit 48, and the printer unit 23 are connected.
[0037]
The display control unit 42 performs output control of display information displayed on the display / operation unit (display & touch panel) 2 and the auxiliary display unit 13, and displays display information output from the main controller 40. (Display & Touch Panel) 2 and display control on the auxiliary display unit 13.
[0038]
The touch panel control unit 43 controls the main controller 40 to output an operation signal according to the operation of the touch panel by the user. The key input control unit 44 controls the main controller 40 to output an operation signal according to the operation of the key input unit 3 by the user.
[0039]
The card I / F 45 is an interface that reads digital image data and DPOF information from each recording medium 49 inserted into each recording medium insertion port 4 and controls output to the main controller 40. The fee management unit 46 calculates the amount deposited from the above-described fee insertion slot 7 (banknote slot 7a or coin slot 7b), displays this on the amount display unit 6, and is a fee corresponding to the designated number of printed sheets. Make sure. It also manages change management.
[0040]
The transmission / reception unit 48 exchanges information with the base station 50 using a PHS line, and the base station 50 is connected to the management center 52 using a public line network 51 or the like. The management center 52 includes a server 52a and a storage unit 52b connected to the server 52a, and includes user information, printing condition information, transmission destination information, and printer unit sent from each photo printing vending machine 1 installed in each place. 23 is stored in the storage unit 52b and managed.
[0041]
That is, the management center 52 receives user information, printing condition information, transmission destination information, information about the printer unit 23, and the like supplied via the public line network 51 and stores them in the storage unit 52b. User information and other information stored in the storage unit 52b are transmitted to the personal computer 54 via the public line network 51 via the modem 53 connected to the public line network 51, or to the public line network 51. The data is transmitted to a cellular phone or a simple cellular phone (PHS) 55 that is wirelessly connected via the illustrated radio base station. The cellular phone or the simplified cellular phone 55 stores the transmitted information in the memory card 56 or the like and saves it.
[0042]
The management center 52 is connected to a server (not shown) of each financial institution 57 via the public line network 51 described above, and performs settlement by deducting billing described later from a predetermined account. It should be noted that this settlement is preferably performed with a credit company interposed, although not particularly shown.
[0043]
Further, the eight printer units 23-1 to 23-8 connected to the main controller 40 have the same system configuration as shown by the printer unit system 59 in FIG. As shown in the figure, the system of each printer unit 23-1 to 23-8 includes a control unit 60, an interface (hereinafter referred to as I / F) 61, a print data storage unit 62, and a printing mechanism unit 63. ing.
[0044]
The control unit 60 receives supply of print information for one print sheet supplied from the main controller 40 via the I / F 61, and temporarily stores the print information in the print data storage unit 62. Further, image data for panorama printing and a composite image of a plurality of images are combined and developed in the print data storage unit 62.
[0045]
When the control information is sent from the main controller 40 such as print density, color tone, number of continuous images for panorama printing, and arrangement of a plurality of images in the composite image, the control unit 60 corrects the image data accordingly. Alternatively, the correction process is processed using the print data storage unit 62.
[0046]
The printing mechanism 63 is a printing mechanism (hardware component of the printer unit) having the configuration shown in FIG. 3, and typically includes the thermal head 30, the large-capacity ribbon 31, the printing paper 33, and the like.
The control unit 60 reads the print information for one print sheet from the print data storage unit 62, creates image data based on the print information, and outputs the image data to the thermal head 30. Therefore, the control unit 60 is also a printing image data generation unit. The thermal head 30 drives the heating element in accordance with the supplied image data, and transfers the yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) ink on the ribbon to the paper by melting or sublimating it, and then onto the paper. Form an image.
[0047]
As described above, the photo printing vending machine 1 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 60 that generates image data based on printing information for one printing sheet for each printer unit 23 and a printing mechanism unit that performs printing based on the image data. 63.
Here, the DPOF information stored together with the image data in the recording medium 49 will be briefly described.
[0048]
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a data file including image data and DPOF information stored in the storage medium 49. As shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the data file 64 has a hierarchical structure with the root directory 65 as a vertex, and under the root directory 65, as its child directories, an image directory 66-1, a process designation directory 66-2, ... etc. are provided.
[0049]
Under each child directory 66-1, 66-2,..., In the case of the image directory 66-1, a frame directory 67-1, 67- corresponding to each photographed image as a grandchild directory. .., Each of which stores captured image data 68-1, 68-2,. In the case of the process designation directory 66-2, four DPOF files 69-1 to 69-4 are stored.
[0050]
The four DPOF files 69-1 to 69-4 are an automatic print file, a UNICODE character string description file, an automatic transmission file, and an automatic reproduction file. In this example, processing is performed using at least user information, print job information, destination information, and vendor function information from the data in these files.
[0051]
The user information includes information such as the name, address, telephone number, net address, credit card number, bank account, etc. of the user (the user of the storage medium 49, that is, the customer of the photo printing vending machine 1). These pieces of information are read from the storage medium 49 and transferred to the management center 52 after obtaining the approval of the customer. In the server 52a of the management center 52, the use date and time, the installation location information of the photo printing vending machine 1, etc. They are combined and stored (registered) in the user customer list database of the photo printing vending machine 1.
[0052]
Similarly, the image data read from the storage medium 49 can be approved by the customer, transferred to the management center 52, and registered and stored in the customer-specific image database. Next, even if there is no storage medium 49, when a reprint is designated by the customer, the registration management data and use date / time of the registered customer are searched, and the desired image is stored in the photo printing vending machine 1. It is possible to print after displaying and confirming.
[0053]
The print job information is stored in an automatic print file. This print job information includes information such as product ID, print type, number of prints, paper type, and size. The printing process by the photo printing vending machine 1 is mainly performed corresponding to the print job information. That is, in addition to the above-described user customer list creation and reprint service, the photo printing vending machine 1 of the present invention can execute various corresponding operations by mainly utilizing print job information in DPOF information. it can. Hereinafter, these processing operations will be described.
[0054]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation performed in response to the designation of the paper type of the print job information. As shown in the figure, first, it waits until a medium (storage medium 49) is loaded into the recording medium insertion slot 4 (step S1, determination is N), and the storage medium 49 is loaded into the recording medium insertion slot 4. Is detected (S1 is Y), print job information as processing designation information is read (step S2).
[0055]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a paper type or size is designated by the read print job information (step S3). If a paper type or size is designated (S3 is Y), these designations are supported. The printer unit 23 to be selected is selected (step S4).
[0056]
In this processing, for the designation of the paper type, the designation information such as silk, glossy paper, postcard paper, sticker paper, etc. is selected from the eight printer units 23 built in the photo printing vending machine 1. According to the designation information, the printer unit 23 loaded with the paper type corresponding to these designations is selected.
[0057]
In addition, for the designation of the size, the printer unit 23 loaded with the roll paper having the paper width corresponding to the designated size width is selected, and the length of the above size is set when printing is finished thereafter. The feed roller pairs 34, 36, and 37 are controlled so that the paper is conveyed until the corresponding rear end of the paper comes to the position of the cutter 35.
[0058]
On the roll paper loaded in the printer unit 23, an identification barcode corresponding to the paper quality and paper size is printed on the roll paper core. This is read by the sensor of the printer unit 23 and transmitted to the main controller 40, whereby the paper type and size are distinguished.
[0059]
Then, the printing information is transferred to the selected printer unit 23, and the printing process is executed (step S5).
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation performed in response to the designation of multi-print in the print job information.
[0060]
FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating an example of the multi-print process. In FIG. 7, the processes in steps S11 and S12 are the same as the processes in steps S1 and S2 in the flowchart shown in FIG.
Following the above processing, it is determined whether or not m-frame, that is, multi-print of a plurality of frames is designated by the print job information read from the storage medium 49 (step S13). If multi-print is designated (step S13). S13 is Y), and the image data for the designated m frames is read (step S14).
[0061]
In the storage medium 49, as shown in FIG. 8A, the first image data, the second image data,..., The eighth image data,. Yes. If the multi-print of “m = 6” frames is designated from the first image data, the sixth image indicated by the inverted triangle from the first image data indicated by the white circle in the range indicated by the double arrow A in the figure. Up to image data is read.
[0062]
Subsequently, print information is created by combining the read m-frame images (6 frames in this example) into a multi-image for one sheet of paper (step S15), and the print information is transferred to the selected printer unit 23. The printing process is executed (step S16). As a result, as shown in FIG. 8B, six images from the first image data indicated by white circles to the sixth image data indicated by inverted triangles are compressed and synthesized on one sheet of paper and printed out. The
[0063]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining processing operations performed in response to designation of panoramic shooting printing of print job information.
FIGS. 10A to 10D are diagrams illustrating an example of the panorama shooting printing process. In FIG. 9, the processes in steps S21 and S22 are the same as the processes in steps S1 and S2 in the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0064]
Following the processing in step S22, it is determined whether or not panoramic shooting printing consisting of n frames, that is, a plurality of frames, is designated by the print job information read from the storage medium 49 (step S23). If so (S23 is Y), the image data for the designated n frames is read (step S24).
[0065]
In the storage medium 49, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), the first image data, the second image data,..., The eighth image data,. Yes. Assuming that panoramic shooting printing is designated from the first image data to the “n = 3” frame, the first image data to the third image data in the range indicated by the double arrow B in the figure. Is read. Then, a composite image of the read n frames (3 frames in this example) is created (step S25).
[0066]
In this process, for example, the image data read from the first to the third in FIG. 10 (a) are pasted together, and as shown in FIG. 10 (b), the above-described three-frame panoramic image is continuous. 70 is synthesized
In this stitching composition processing, a series of frame images to which panorama shot image information is added is read out, and an image formed by stitching these consecutive frame images is a frame as shown in FIG. Synthesized on memory.
[0067]
At the time of the pasting, as shown in FIG. 10 (c), the image data taken in panorama includes image pattern data 71- that overlaps the adjacent frame image 71 and the adjacent frame image 72 with the length d. 1 and 72-1 are included in the frame memory by identifying them and superimposing overlapping image pattern data 71-1 and 72-1 as shown in FIG. The laminating process is performed. The panoramic image data combined into one sheet in this way is transferred to the selected printer unit 23 and printing processing is executed (step S26).
[0068]
As a result, a printed material having a panoramic image size different from the normal paper length is printed out. The length of the panoramic image printing paper is calculated as a length obtained by subtracting the length d of the overlapping images (71-1, 72-1) from the paper length (L × number of frames) for the number of frames that are joined together. The entire operation is controlled so that the cutter 35 cuts the roll paper 33 with this length.
[0069]
The automatic print file includes various setting information and a vendor function in addition to the print job information described above. The above-described various setting information includes designation information such as character entry for each frame, date printing, title printing, frame number printing, and the like. The photo printing vending machine 1 generates the corresponding information on the main controller 40 side for the information such as character insertion, date printing, title printing, and frame number printing for each frame, and performs composite writing printing processing. Do. That is, printing is performed by combining information such as text input for each frame, date, title, and frame number with image information for each frame.
[0070]
The various setting information includes information for image trimming designation and image rotation designation. The photo printing vending machine 1 transforms the image into a corresponding image in accordance with the trimming designation or rotation designation information of those images and automatically performs a printing process. That is, the image information is processed and printed according to the image trimming designation and rotation designation information.
[0071]
The vendor function is an information area provided for a function unique to each company that provides software for generating storage media and image data. For example, a user such as a credit card number or a financial institution account number is used for billing. (Orderer) Designation information may be written, and a method for paying the usage fee may be designated according to this information, as will be described later.
[0072]
In addition, in the automatic transmission file of the DPOF file, in addition to general information common to all files, user information, destination information, message information, process job information, image source information, data information, and these are also common to all files. There are various vendor functions.
[0073]
The user information includes information such as the user name, address, telephone number, and user signature file name. These pieces of information are read as sender information of the image information, and transmitted as sender information to the destination of the image information. It is also used as identification information when collecting a usage fee for a transmission function user.
[0074]
The destination information includes information on the destination Internet address and the destination FAX (telephone) number. These pieces of information are used as destination address information for transferring the image data of the storage medium 49.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining processing operations performed by the photo printing vending machine 1 in accordance with the information of the automatic transmission file. In the figure, the processing in steps S31 and S32 is the same as the processing in steps S1 and S2 in the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0075]
Following the processing in step S32, it is determined whether or not image data transfer is specified by the information of the automatic transmission file read from the storage medium 49 (step S33), and image data transfer is specified. If (S33 is Y), the designation information is read together with the image data, and the information is stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 41 (step S34). In this process, the contents of the above-described user information and destination information are read.
[0076]
Then, it waits until the reading is finished (step S35, determination is N), confirms that the reading is finished (Y in S35), and sends the read image data and transfer information (transmission information) to the management center 52. Upload (step S36). The management center 52 transmits the uploaded image data to the transfer destination specified by the transfer information (step S37).
[0077]
As a result, the image data read from the storage medium 49 using the photo printing photo printing vending machine 1 of the present invention can be registered in the management center 52, and the image data can be transferred to a designated transmission destination. I can do it.
As described above, an operation such as designation of a destination can be performed by information written in the DPOF information without performing a key input operation of the key input unit 3 of the photo printing vending machine 1.
[0078]
In addition, this allows the camera image data taken at the place to be sent from the photo printing vending machine 1 to a home personal computer or to a personal computer of an acquaintance. It is also possible to transmit image data to a storage medium of an acquaintance's mobile phone.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the fee settlement processing operation performed subsequent to the above-described printing processing. The printing process referred to here includes reading of image data and DPOF information from a storage medium, registration of the read data, transfer of the read data, and printing of the read image data.
[0079]
As shown in the figure, the above printing process is performed (step S41), it is determined whether the printing process is completed (step S42), and if the printing process is completed (S43 is Y), then DPOF is continued. It is determined whether or not the payment information is stored with reference to the vendor function in the information (step S43).
[0080]
If there is payment information (Y in S43), the financial institution code designating the financial institution and the account number of the withdrawal account are read out from the payment information (step S44), and the above-mentioned financial institution via the public line network 51 is read out. An inquiry is made to the financial institution 57 designated by the institution code, the above fee is deducted from the account of the designated account number, and the billing fee is settled (step S45).
[0081]
On the other hand, if there is no payment information in step S43 (S43 is N), cash payment processing is performed. In this cash payment process, for example, a charge is displayed on the display 2, a charge is inserted from the charge insertion slot 7 (7 a, 7 b), the charge is confirmed, and if there is change, the change is returned to the charge return slot. 11 is a process of returning from 11.
[0082]
The DPOF information includes automatic reproduction file information in addition to the designation information described above. The information of the automatic reproduction file includes general information, user information, auto play job information, image source information, various setting information, video information, audio information, and a vendor function. Based on these pieces of information, auto play (automatic screen reproduction) may be executed on the display 2 of the photo printing vending machine 1.
[0083]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when using a photo printing vending machine, the number of prints, the specification of a printing paper type, the specification of a printing paper size, the specification of panoramic photography printing, the multi-image printing Since various designation information such as designation can be read from the DPOF information of the storage medium and processed automatically corresponding to the read designation information, it is necessary to operate the operation panel of the photo printing vending machine This eliminates the complexity and eliminates the time required for the input operation, so that other users do not have to wait, making it easier for users to use and selling to photo printing vending machines. Efficiency is improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a photo printing vending machine according to an embodiment.
FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are diagrams illustrating the internal structure of a photo printing vending machine.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer unit of a photo printing vending machine.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration inside a photo printing vending machine.
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of image data and DPOF information stored in a storage medium.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing operations performed in response to designation of a paper type of print job information.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating processing operations performed in response to designation of multi-printing of print job information.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating an example of multi-print processing.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing operations performed in response to designation of panoramic shooting printing of print job information.
FIGS. 10A to 10D are diagrams illustrating an example of panoramic photographing print processing.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation performed in response to information of an automatic transmission file of DPOF information.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a fee settlement processing operation performed following the printing processing.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Automatic photo printing machine 1
2 Display / operation unit (display & touch panel)
3 Key input part
4 (4a-4e) Recording media insertion slot
5 (5a-5e) LED
6 Amount display
7 (7a, 7b) Charge insertion port
8 Cancel button
9 Receipt insertion slot
10 Receipt paper outlet
11 Fee return port
12 Outlet
13 Auxiliary display
20 Front unit
21 Paper duct
21a, 21b support part
22 Rear unit
23 (23-1 to 23-8) Printer unit
24 Slide rail
25 Control box
30 Thermal head
31 Large capacity ribbon
32 Winding roller
33 Print paper
34, 36, 37 Feed roller pair
35 cutter
40 Main controller
42 Display controller
43 Touch panel controller
44 Key input section
45 Card interface (Card I / F)
46 Charge Management Department
47 Receipt Interface (Receipt I / F)
48 Transceiver
49 Recording media
50 base station
51 Public network
52 Administration Center
52a server
52b storage unit
53 Modem
54 Personal Computer
55 Mobile phones, simple mobile phones (PHS)
56 Memory card
57 Financial institutions
59 Printer unit system
60 Control part
61 Interface (I / F)
62 Print data storage
63 Printing mechanism
64 data files
65 Root directory
66-1 Image directory
66-2 Process specification directory
67-1, 67-2, ... Frame directory
68-1, 68-2, ... Shooting image data
69-1 to 69-4 DPOF file
70 panoramic images
71, 72 Panoramic frame images
71-1, 72-1 Duplicate image pattern data

Claims (3)

A photo printing vending machine housing comprising a main body device portion and an opening / closing portion configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main body device portion, and attachment / detachment replacement by opening the opening / closing portion in the housing for replacement of printing paper A plurality of printer units freely arranged and having the same system configuration; and
A loading means for the storage medium to be recorded is loaded and the size specifying information of the images data and the paper to be printed the image data, the image data and the size stored in said storage medium loaded into said loading means reading means for reading the specification information, a signal from the sensor to identify the size of the printing paper is loaded from the plurality of printer units so as to print the image data read from the storage medium by the reading means A print control unit that distinguishes printer units based on the size, selects a printer unit loaded with printing paper of a size corresponding to the size designation information, transfers the image data, and performs a printing process. A photo printing vending machine. A photo printing vending machine housing comprising a main body device portion and an opening / closing portion configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main body device portion, and attachment / detachment replacement by opening the opening / closing portion in the housing for replacement of printing paper A plurality of printer units freely arranged and having the same system configuration; and
A loading means for the storage medium is loaded for recording and paper type specification information of the paper to be printed images data and the image data, the image data and the stored in the storage medium loaded into said loading means sensors for identifying and reading means for reading the paper type specification information, the paper type of printing paper is loaded from the plurality of printer units so as to print the image data read from the storage medium by the reading means A printer control unit that distinguishes printer units based on signals from the printer, selects a printer unit loaded with printing paper of a paper type corresponding to the paper type designation information, transfers the image data, and performs a printing process ; A photo printing vending machine characterized by comprising: A photo printing vending machine housing comprising a main body device portion and an opening / closing portion configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main body device portion, and attachment / detachment replacement by opening the opening / closing portion in the housing for replacement of printing paper and a plurality of the printer unit of the same system configuration is disposed freely, and loading means for the storage medium is loaded for recording and process specifying information indicating the image data of the images data and the panoramic photographing, the Reading means for reading out the image data and the processing designation information stored in the storage medium loaded in the loading means, and processing the image data of a predetermined plurality of frames into a series of continuous image data according to the processing designation information and processing means, rows that are loaded from the plurality of printer units in order to print the processed the series of image data processed by said processing means The printer unit is distinguished based on a signal from a sensor for identifying the paper size, and the series of image data is selected by selecting a printer unit loaded with roll paper of a size capable of printing a panoramic image corresponding to the designation information. And a printing control means for transferring printing and performing printing processing .

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