JP2001092033A - Print order acceptor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print order acceptor which easily and efficiently performs print order processing of a picture photographed by, for example, a digital camera. SOLUTION: This print order acceptor is provided with a reader 12, which reads out picture data from a removal medium C where picture data is stored, and a CPU 16 which generates information related to a print order of a picture on the basis of picture data read out by the reader 12 and outputs at least a part of this information. The CPU 16 is provided with at least one of an interface 18 capable of transmitting at least a part of information to an external image forming device 20 through a network NT and an interface 17 capable of transmitting at least a part of information to an external printing printer 19. In response to, for example, order confirmation operation, the CPU transmits at least a part of information to the external image forming device 20 through the interface 18 to form a picture print or transmits at least a part of information to the external printer 19 through the interface 17 to print an order copy or the like, thus easily performing order processing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print order receiving device, and more particularly to a print order receiving device capable of easily receiving a print order based on image data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Digital cameras capable of converting an optical image of a subject into digital image data and storing the digital image data in a memory card or the like have been developed and are already on the market. Since a digital camera is usually equipped with a liquid crystal panel for displaying images, a captured image can be displayed on such a liquid crystal panel based on stored image data.

By the way, unlike a silver halide photograph or the like, an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel of a digital camera is a temporary image that disappears when the power of the digital camera is turned off. When viewing an image, there is a problem that display on a liquid crystal panel is inappropriate. In addition, after capturing a plurality of people as subjects using a digital camera, there is a case where it is desired to provide an image to each person, but even if the image data itself can be copied to another storage medium, those who do not have image display means are When a storage medium or the like storing the copied image data is provided, there is a problem that such an image cannot be viewed as it is.

On the other hand, it is possible to read image data stored in a storage medium into a personal computer or the like and display it on a display as an image, or to print an image via a printer connected to the personal computer. However, since peripheral devices such as a personal computer and a printer are generally expensive, not everyone who wants to appreciate an image captured by a digital camera can use a personal computer or the like. Therefore, there is a need for a system that can more easily view images captured by a digital camera.

To solve such a problem, for example, based on image data obtained by imaging with a digital camera,
A service for printing images has been considered. Such a service is such that when a customer brings a storage medium (media) storing image data to a lab or the like, the lab outputs the image data as a print and provides the print to the customer in exchange for a predetermined fee. It is. A customer using such a service does not need to have any special device to print an image, and can easily obtain a print like a silver halide photograph.

[0006]

By the way, when an image is formed based on image data captured by a digital camera, in order to obtain high image quality comparable to a silver halide photograph, a simple printer such as a general-purpose printer which can be connected to a personal computer is used. Equipment is not enough,
A higher precision image forming apparatus is required. Such an image forming apparatus is relatively expensive at the present time, and thus is unlikely to be immediately and widely introduced. Therefore, by the time such imaging devices are widely introduced, services for printing images from digital cameras are available from customers at, for example, a plurality of agencies, through image data and order contents via a print order reception device having a storage device. After receiving the information including the information, the information is sent to the image forming apparatus installed in a specific place, and after the desired image is printed, the print image is provided to the customer via the agency where the order was received. It is considered to take the form.

[0007] Here, when it is desired to combine and print an image such as a post card or a calendar, it becomes a problem how to order the print. In such a case, when ordering the simultaneous printing of the silver halide film, the customer refers to a sample such as a post card installed at the agency and refers to the sample, etc., and envisions the final print form combined with the subject image. Is going. On the other hand, since image data can be combined, it is preferable that a customer can confirm an image (for example, a subject image processed into a post card) based on the combined image data when ordering a print at an agency, for example. However, when combining image data captured by a digital camera having a CCD having, for example, 2 million pixels or more, there is a problem that a considerable amount of memory is required.

Another problem is how to transfer information related to a print order to an external image forming apparatus, and how to confirm the transfer.

In addition, a storage unit for storing information related to a print order before transferring the information to an external image forming apparatus is required, but the storage capacity of the storage unit is limited. Therefore, there is a problem that the data cannot be stored indefinitely.

In view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the present invention provides a print order accepting device that can more easily and efficiently perform a print ordering process on an image captured by a digital camera, for example. With the goal.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, a print order receiving device according to the present invention comprises a reading means for reading image data from a medium in which image data is stored, and a reading means for reading image data from the reading means. Creating means for creating information relating to a print order of an image based on the image data obtained, detachable storage means for storing the information relating to the print order created by the creating means, and a storage means stored in the storage means. Output means for outputting at least a part of information on the print order, wherein the output means is capable of transmitting at least a part of the information to an external image forming apparatus via a network. And at least one of a second interface capable of transmitting at least a part of the information to an external print printer. And it features.

Reading means for reading image data from a medium in which image data is stored; creating means for creating information on an image print order based on the image data read from the reading means; Storage means for storing information relating to an order, and limiting means for restricting the creation means from creating the information when the information stored in the storage means exceeds a predetermined amount. And

[0013]

According to the print order receiving device of the present invention, a reading means for reading image data from a medium storing image data, and a print order for an image based on the image data read from the reading means. Creating means for creating information about the print order, detachable storage means for storing information about the print order created by the creating means, and outputting at least a part of the information about the print order stored in the storage means. Output means, the output means, a first interface capable of transmitting at least a part of the information to an external image forming apparatus via a network, and at least a part of the information,
Since it has at least one of the second interface that can be transmitted to an external print printer, for example, a detachable PC
A card or the like can be used as a storage means instead of the hard disk of the print order receiving device, so that when the PC card becomes saturated with the stored information, it can be replaced immediately, which is convenient. .
Further, in response to the order confirmation operation, at least a part of the information stored in the storage means is transmitted to an external image forming apparatus via the first interface to form an image print. Since at least a part of the information stored in the storage means can be transmitted to an external printing printer via the second interface to print an order copy or the like, order processing can be easily performed.

It is preferable that the first interface is a LAN terminal, and the second interface is a serial communication terminal, a USB terminal, or an infrared communication terminal such as IrDA.

Further, if the output means is provided with a display means for displaying that at least a part of the information has been transmitted to an external image forming apparatus via a network, the print order can be viewed by seeing the display. This is convenient because it is possible to confirm that the information has been transmitted from the receiver.

Further, when a signal relating to information reception is transmitted from an external image forming apparatus to which at least a part of the information is transmitted, the display means performs the display based on the signal. By viewing the display, it is possible to confirm that the information has been received on the external image forming apparatus side, which is more convenient.

Further, if the display by the display means is performed via printing by the external external character printer,
Such a print is convenient because it remains as a copy. However, if the display by the display means is performed through a display provided in the print order receiving device, it can be more easily confirmed.

Further, a prohibition means for prohibiting attachment / detachment of the storage means is provided when the information prepared by the preparation means is read into the storage means or when at least a part of the information is read from the storage means. Thus, it is possible to prevent damage to the storage unit or the stored information due to erroneous attachment / detachment of the storage unit when reading or reading information.

The storage means is preferably a PC card, but is not limited to this.

According to the print order receiving device of the present invention, a reading means for reading image data from a medium in which image data is stored, and a print order for images based on the image data read from the reading means. Creation means for creating information about the print order, storage means for storing the information about the print order, and when the information stored in the storage means exceeds a predetermined amount, the creation means creates the information. For example, when ordering prints, if the remaining capacity of the storage means is small, the operator is notified that the order cannot be accepted, and the user is prompted to take necessary measures. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the order from being interrupted halfway, and to achieve a more user-friendly configuration.

It is convenient to provide a display means for displaying that the restriction means has restricted the creation of the information by the creation means.

Further, at least a part of the storage means is constituted by a storage medium detachable from the print order receiving device, and when the storage medium is replaced with a storage medium having a smaller amount of stored information, If the restriction by the restriction means is removed, for example, when a PC card or the like is used as the storage means, if the PC card is saturated, it is replaced with an empty P card.
This is convenient because a new order can be received by exchanging the card with a C card.

[0023]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments. FIG. 1 is a top view of the print order receiving device according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, a print order receiving device 10 has a rectangular plate shape, has a touch panel type liquid crystal screen 11 as an input means and a display means on an upper surface, and has a power switch 17 on a side surface (lower side in FIG. 1). are doing. Further, the print order receiving device 10 has two openings 12 and 13 formed on opposing side surfaces (upper side in FIG. 1). A data reading device (reading means) 14 and a reading / writing device 15 are formed in the openings 12 and 13, respectively.

The opening 12 is capable of receiving a removable medium C in which image data corresponding to an image picked up by a digital camera is stored, for example, a PC card. The opening 13 is used as a storage means or a storage medium. The removable medium M, for example, a PC card can be freely received. It is preferable that the removable medium M has no data stored therein, that is, has a larger storage capacity in an empty state than the removable medium C. Note that the removable media C and M are not limited to the PC card and the IC card shown here. A cover member 30 is provided outside the opening 13 so as to be pivotable between a closed position for closing the opening 13 and an open position for opening.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the print order receiving device 10 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, a print order receiving device 10 includes a reading device 14 capable of reading image data from a removable medium C inserted into an opening 12 and image data and print order information (to be described later) on a removable medium M inserted into an opening 13. And a CPU 16 connected thereto. The CPU 16 is capable of inputting predetermined information from the liquid crystal screen 11 of a touch panel type, and is capable of inputting predetermined information through a driver (not shown).
A predetermined image can be displayed.

The print accepting device 10 is an RS-communication device that enables communication between the CPU 16 and an external print printer 19.
It has an interface (second interface) 17 of H.232C or USB format, and has an interface (for example, LAN terminal) 18 that enables communication between the CPU 16 and an external image forming apparatus 20 via the Internet NT. are doing. Note that the interface (first interface) 18 may include a dial-up router. The CPU 16 and the interfaces 17 and 18 constitute output means.

The CPU 16 is controllably connected to a lock member 31 for locking when the cover member 30 is in the closed position. Lock member 31 as prohibition means
May lock the cover member 30 by electromagnetically moving, for example, a hook-shaped member (not shown) based on a control signal from the CPU 16, but is not limited thereto. Further, instead of the Internet, the CPU 16 transmits the terminal 2 from the HUB 21 via a network such as a POS system.
2 may be connected.

The specification of the print order receiving device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described below. CPU: VR4310 (167 MHz) or VR5432 (167 MHz) Memory: SDRM, 64 MByte Flash, 28 MByte Display relationship: LCD, 12.1 inch TFT color LCD panel VRAM, UMA method (uses main memory) Resolution / colors, 600 × 800 65,536 colors (16 bits) display LED, 2 colors (red / green) 4 LEDs mounted Operation unit: Touch panel, resistive analog touch panel Electric resolution, 10 bits (1024 × 1024) General-purpose switch, left / right Up / Down Clock: year Hour / Month / Minute / Second and 114 bytes General-purpose SRAM Backup by lithium battery + super capacitor External interface: Two PCMCIA and Type II slots Two Serial and D-sub9 pin connectors US B, 1 USB connector mounted IrDA, 1rDA transmission / reception module mounted 10BASE-T, 10BASE-T connector mounted 1 power: Power supply, supplied from DC19V AC adapter Power consumption, 40W or less Dimensions: 252mm × 316. 7mm x 30mm Weight: 1600g (including AC adapter)

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a print forming apparatus (image forming apparatus) according to the present embodiment. Here, as an example of the image forming apparatus, the print creating apparatus 20 that exposes and develops a photosensitive material to create a print is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the print can be created based on image information. Any device may be used, for example, an ink-jet type or electrophotographic type print making device. In the present invention, a method using a photosensitive material is particularly preferable.

The print making apparatus 20 according to this embodiment
Has a magazine loading section 203 on the left side surface of the main body 202. An exposure processing unit 204 for exposing a photosensitive material as a storage medium is provided in a main body 202, and a print creating unit 2 for developing and drying the exposed photosensitive material to create a print.
The print is ejected to a tray 206 provided on the right side of the main body 202. further,
A control unit 207 is provided inside the main body 202 at a position above the exposure processing unit 204.

A CRT 20 is provided on the upper part of the main body 202.
8 are arranged. The CRT 208 constitutes display means for displaying an image of image information to be printed on a screen. On the left side of the CRT 208, a film scanner unit 209 serving as an image reading unit for reading a transparent original is arranged, and on the right side, a reflective original input device 210 is arranged.

Documents read from the film scanner unit 209 and the reflection document input device 210 include photographic photosensitive materials, such as color negative films, color reversal films, black-and-white negative films, black-and-white reversal films, and the like. Image data captured by the analog camera is stored. The data can be converted into digital information by the film scanner of the film scanner unit 209 and used as image data. When the photographic material is a color paper, the data can be converted into image data by the flatbed scanner of the reflection document input device 210.

An image transfer section 214 is provided at the position of the control section 207 of the main body 202. Image transfer unit 2
14, a PC card 213 storing image data in addition to the removable medium M (IC card) described above.
a and the floppy disk 213b can also be inserted, and the image data and the like of the inserted storage medium are read.

An operation section 211 is arranged in front of the CRT 208, and an information input section 212 is provided on the operation section 211. The information input section 212 is composed of, for example, a touch panel.

Further, the main body 202 is provided with a storage medium writing unit 215, which magnetically stores the image data in the storage medium when outputting image data from a removable medium M having image data and producing a print. Writing means K for writing to media, optical storage media, etc. (FIG. 4)
Is provided.

As a storage medium for storing image data, specifically, a multimedia card, a memory stick, an M
D, a removable medium such as a CD-ROM, but is not limited thereto.

The operation unit 211, the CRT 208, the film scanner unit 209, the reflection document input device 210, the image transfer unit 214, and the storage medium writing unit 215 are provided integrally with the main body 202 to form a device. However, any one or more may be provided separately.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the print creating apparatus.

The control unit 207 of the print creation device 20
Based on the command information from the information input unit 212, original information is read from the film scanner unit 209 or the reflective original input device 210, and image information is obtained and displayed on the CRT 208.

The print creation device 20 has a data storage unit 271 and a template storage unit 272. In the data storage means 271, the removable medium M
, And print order information corresponding thereto (information on how many prints are to be created from which frame image, print size information, etc. will be described later in detail) and can be sequentially stored. . From the film scanner unit 209, a frame image from the developed negative film N obtained by developing a negative film captured by an analog camera is input.
From 0, the frame image from the print P, which is obtained by printing and developing the frame image on photographic paper, is input.

The template storage means 272 stores in advance data of at least one template image for setting a background image and a composite area, and data relating to a number corresponding thereto. A predetermined template image is specified from a plurality of template images stored in the template storage unit 272 in advance by an operator's operation or based on the template image number included in the print order information, and the image data is stored in the selected template image. The images are combined and a print is created based on the combined image data. The synthesis using the template image is performed by a well-known chroma key method.

The control unit 207 includes an image processing unit 270
The image processing unit 270 performs image processing on the image information to form image information for exposure, and sends the image information to the exposure processing unit 204.
In the exposure processing section 204, an image is exposed on the photosensitive material, the photosensitive material is sent to the print creating section 205, and the photosensitive material exposed in the print creating section 205 is developed and dried to create a print.

The image transfer unit 2 of the print creation device 20
The reading unit 14 includes a reading unit 230 that reads and transfers image data and the like from the removable medium M and the like, and a communication unit 240 that can communicate with the print accepting device 10.
The reading unit 230 reads the stored image data from the removable medium M inserted into the image transfer unit 214, and controls the control unit 20 including a microcomputer.
7 can be transferred. On the other hand, the communication means 240
It can communicate with the print accepting device 10 via the Internet NT or the like, and can input image data and the like.

In the print creating apparatus 20, a normal print P1, a file print P2 and an index print P3 are created based on the image data stored in the removable medium M and the print order information stored in association with the image data. It can be carried out.

The normal print P1 is for creating one piece of image data as one print. In the normal print P1, for example, a predetermined synthesis area is set on a background image (template image) having a predetermined pattern, and one frame image is synthesized and stored in the synthesis area, and the normal frame decorated with a photo frame is stored. The print P1 of the print size can be created. By storing one piece of image data in one print P1 in this way, a favorite special print that can be put in, for example, a postcard, a calendar, a wallet, a regular period, or the like according to a customer's order is stored. Can be created.

The file print P2 is for creating a plurality of frame images as one large format file.
Also in the file print P2, for example, a combination area is set at, for example, three to ten places in a background image having a predetermined pattern, and one frame image is combined and stored in each of the three combination areas. You may. Further, in the file print P2, a cutout line may be stored in the background, and a favorite special print that can be easily and neatly cut and put in a wallet, a regular period, or the like with the cutout line can be stored. Can be created.

The index print P3 is for creating all images as one print based on image data of a predetermined size so as to be convenient for ordering a print again.

In this printing apparatus, in order to print an image of a developed negative film or a developed reversal film, these images are printed by a film scanner unit 20.
After being scanned by a film scanner 9 and converted into digital information, a print can be similarly created via the control unit 207.

Next, the operation of the print order receiving device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
The print order receiving device 10 according to the present embodiment is installed in a print agency or a convenience store (hereinafter, referred to as an agency) that does not have an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image with high accuracy based on image data. Is preferred.
A customer who wants to print brings a removable medium C storing image data corresponding to an image captured by his / her digital camera to an agency. The type of the removable medium is not limited as long as it is a portable storage medium capable of storing image data. The operation related to the print order may be performed by an operator at the agency, but in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the customer himself performs the operation.

When ordering a print, when the customer turns on the power switch 17 of the print order receiving device 10, the CPU 16 as a creation means for creating order information is initialized and becomes operable. Is displayed.

Here, when the customer inserts the removable medium C as a removable medium into the opening 12 of the print order receiving device 10, the removable medium C
A sensor (not shown) detects that the image data is fixed at a position where image data can be read, and transmits a readable signal. In response to such a readable signal, the reading device 1
2 reads the image data stored in the removable medium C. The CPU 16 first stores the read image data in the removable medium M, and further indexes all the images corresponding to the image data stored in the removable medium C in an index based on the read image data. It can be displayed on one screen of the screen 11.

When the cover member 30 is open, the CPU 16 causes the display 11 to display a message "Please close the cover member" to urge the customer or the clerk to close the cover member 30. . Cover member 3
After 0 is closed, the CPU 16 writes the image data. During the writing, the CPU 16 operates the lock member 31 to prohibit the opening of the cover member 30 and erroneously removes the removable medium M during the writing. It is designed to prevent being detached.

When the removable medium C stores full-size image data and thumbnail image data having a smaller data amount than the full-size image data for the same image, the index display will be omitted. , An image is displayed based on the thumbnail image data. When image data having a small data amount is not stored, image data having a small data amount may be generated from the read full-size image data, and may be index-displayed.

The customer who sees the display selects an image desired to be printed by pressing the screen of the liquid crystal screen 11. In such a case, if the CPU 16 changes the color of the frame of the image pressed on the liquid crystal screen 11, for example, it is convenient at a glance which image is selected.

When the selection is completed, the customer operates the liquid crystal screen 11
By pressing the "NEXT" button 11a (see FIG. 5) displayed at the lower right of the template image, as shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 16 thins out the stored template image (the image data relating to the fine template image is thinned out). And the corresponding numbers are index-displayed. The customer who sees the display selects a template image desired to be combined with the subject image by pressing the screen of the liquid crystal screen 11. In such a case, for the image pressed on the liquid crystal screen 11, the CPU
If, for example, the color of the frame is changed, it is convenient at a glance which image has been selected. If the user does not want to combine the image with the template image, the user can press the number 9 indicating that the image should not be combined with the template image.

When the selection is completed, the customer operates the liquid crystal screen 11
By pressing the “NEXT” button 11a displayed at the lower right of the image, the CPU 16 combines the thumbnail image data of the subject image and the thinned image data, and based on the combined data, as shown in FIG. Although the synthesized image is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 11, since the data of all the sub-information has a small capacity, the time required for the synthesis processing is short, and a large memory is not required for the synthesis.

At this time, the user can hand-draw images G1 and G2 of desired colors and shapes on the liquid crystal screen 11 using the touch pen TP as necessary. The handwritten images G1 and G2 are input to the CPU 16 through the liquid crystal screen 11 of a touch panel type and displayed on the liquid crystal screen 11. At this time, the CPU 16 uses the OCR function to
2 can be converted to character data and displayed.
The OCR function is well known and will not be described in detail below.

Therefore, since the composite image is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 11 in a form that is finally printed by the image forming apparatus 20, the customer can check the finished condition at a glance, and more in accordance with the user's desire. Prints can be created. At the stage where the ordering operation for the image desired to be printed is completed by performing the same operation, the liquid crystal screen 11 displays the order details (not shown) for confirmation. NEXT as
Press the button 11a.

By pressing the button 11a, the CPU 16 as an output means determines that a print order confirmation operation has been performed, and performs the following operation. First, the CPU 16
Stores all the information related to the order in the removable medium M. That is, the removable disk M
Is used as a hard disk.

The CPU 16 writes or reads image data. During writing or reading, the CPU 16 operates the lock member 31 to prohibit the opening of the cover member 30 and erroneously removes the image during writing or reading. The medium M is prevented from being detached.

Further, the CPU 16 reads a part of the information relating to the order from the removable medium M with the internal processing memory empty, and outputs the information to the print printer 19 via the interface 17 (or the POS system via the interface 18). The data is transferred to the terminal 22), and FIG.
Print out the order copy as shown in Information about the agency (name, address, telephone number) D1
And information about the customer (order date / receipt number / name / phone number) D2 and information D3 on the details of the print cost
And information D4 on the finish date. Further, a coarse composite image may be formed as an order book based on composite data of thumbnail image data and thinned image data of a subject image. Such a copy of the order is received by the customer, brought back to the customer, and brought again when the print is completed at a later date, and exchanged for the print with a predetermined fee. The print printer 19 can also output a copy of the agency and a copy of the image forming apparatus 20.

The CPU 16 further includes an interface 18
It communicates with the image forming apparatus 20 via the Internet NT and transfers information necessary for printing read from the removable medium M. Here, the information necessary for printing includes main information consisting of raw image data, the number and combination position of the template image to be combined, and the handwritten image G
1, synthetic information including image data (or character data including font and size) related to G2, synthetic position and enlargement ratio in text format, and order information regarding the number of prints. That is, the print order receiving device 10 does not combine the raw image data and the fine template image data, so that no time is required for the combination and a large-capacity memory required for the combination is unnecessary. In addition, the communication time is shortened and the communication cost is reduced.

According to an experiment conducted by the present inventors, 200
Image data of a full-size image captured by a digital camera having a CCD of about 10,000 pixels has a capacity of about 1 MB. Therefore, in order to combine this with a fine template image, even a postcard size of about 7 MB is required. It turns out that memory is needed. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, if there is a memory having a capacity of just over 1 MB, data transfer for printing is possible, so that a lower-cost print order receiving device can be provided.

When data necessary for printing is transferred to the external image forming apparatus 20, the CPU 16 can cause the display 11 to display a message "print order is being transmitted". Alternatively, CPU1
6 may cause an external print printer to print similar sentences via the interface 17.

The image forming apparatus 20 which has input such data via the communication means 240 transmits a signal relating to a reception notification to the print order receiving device 10 which has transmitted the data. In response, the CPU 16 sets the display 1
1 may display a message that "the print order has been sent". Alternatively, the CPU 16
Similar text may be printed by an external print printer via the interface 17. It is convenient for the customer who sees the display to know that the transmission of the order has been completed.

Since the image forming apparatus 20 stores fine template image data in advance, the image forming apparatus 20 synthesizes the image raw data based on the transferred number and the synthesizing position. Is also synthesized. It is considered that the synthesis of such image data takes a relatively long time, but it is possible to execute the process by, for example, automatic driving at night.

The print output from the image forming apparatus 20 is conveyed to an agent shop and finally delivered to the customer.

In this embodiment, the button 11
By pressing a, the CPU 16 determines that a print order confirmation operation has been performed, and causes both the print printer 19 and the image forming apparatus 20 to perform printing, thereby simplifying the operation. It is also possible to provide a selection unit (not shown) to operate only the print printer 19 or to operate only the image forming apparatus 20.

Further, the print order receiving device 10 can download new template image data thinned image data and a corresponding number from the image forming apparatus 20 via the interface 18 and the Internet NT. 5, a template image can be additionally displayed on the liquid crystal screen 11 in the mode shown in FIG.

In some cases, it may be inappropriate to transfer information via the Internet NT due to a line being disconnected due to a natural disaster or the like, or a line being congested. In such a case, all information necessary for printing is stored in the removable medium M, and if the removable medium M is conveyed to the image forming apparatus 20, the reading unit 230 can read the information from there and perform desired printing. it can.

On the other hand, since the storage capacity of the removable medium M is limited, information necessary for printing cannot be stored without limitation. Therefore, it is conceivable that information necessary for printing transferred to the external image forming apparatus 20 is deleted from the removable medium. However, as described above, if the data cannot be transferred upward via the Internet NT due to a natural disaster or the like, a large amount of information may be accumulated in the removable medium M.

When the CPU 16 serving as the restricting means detects that the amount of information stored in the removable medium M has exceeded a predetermined amount, the display 11 displays the message, "Since the storage capacity is insufficient, Unable to accept. Please replace the storage medium. "
Is displayed, and the acceptance of print orders is restricted thereafter. As a result, it is possible to prevent a problem that the reception of the print order is interrupted on the way. If the clerk replaces the removable medium M with an empty one in response to the display, the CPU 16 can turn off the display on the display 11, remove the order reception restriction, and resume the reception of the print order. Note that the predetermined amount is less than a capacity capable of storing information related to one print order, but is not limited thereto. Further, instead of or in addition to the warning display, a blinking LED or a sound warning may be performed.

Further, in the print order receiving device 10,
By pressing the button 11a, the CPU 16
Determines that a print order confirmation operation has been performed, and transfers information for printing to the image forming apparatus 20, but immediately starts transmission when, for example, the Internet line is congested. May be inappropriate.

Therefore, as a modified example of the present embodiment, if the amount of information to be transferred is relatively small in accordance with the amount of
1a, the transfer of information is started (first mode). On the other hand, when the amount of information is relatively large, information is temporarily stored in the removable medium M in conjunction with the press of the button 11a. By accumulating and starting the transfer at a predetermined time when the Internet line is idle based on the built-in timer (second mode), the information transfer can be performed efficiently. The transfer of information is started in conjunction with the pressing of the button 11a. However, if the communication with the image forming apparatus 20 fails, the information to be transferred is temporarily stored in the removable medium M, After some time, you can redial again. By temporarily storing the information to be transferred in the removable medium M, there is an advantage that the CPU 16 can accept a new print order even before re-transfer. If the information transfer is completed after the redial, the information in the removable medium M may be deleted.

In addition to the above cases, it is also conceivable that the CPU 16 transfers these pieces of information at a time when, for example, an order of a predetermined (information) amount is accumulated. Thereby, when the transfer is performed using a telephone line or the like which is a basic fee until the predetermined time, it is possible to avoid repeating the transfer less than the predetermined time and reduce the communication cost.

The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above embodiments, and it is needless to say that modifications and improvements can be made as appropriate. is there. For example, the liquid crystal screen 11 of the print order receiving device 10 need not be limited to the touch-up type, but an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse may be separately provided, and information may be input from the input device.

[0077]

According to the print order receiving device of the present invention,
Reading means for reading image data from a medium in which the image data is stored; creating means for creating information on an image print order based on the image data read from the reading means; Detachable storage means for storing the information on the print order, and output means for outputting at least a part of the information on the print order stored in the storage means, wherein the output means is At least one of a first interface capable of transmitting at least a part of the information to an external image forming apparatus via a network and a second interface capable of transmitting at least a part of the information to an external print printer. Since it has a removable PC card, for example, instead of the hard disk of the print order acceptance device, It can be used as 憶 means, whereby PC card, when the stored information as is saturated is useful for immediate replacement. Further, in response to the order confirmation operation, at least a part of the information stored in the storage means is transmitted to an external image forming apparatus via the first interface to form an image print. Since at least a part of the information stored in the storage means can be transmitted to an external printing printer via the second interface to print an order copy or the like, order processing can be easily performed.

According to the print order receiving device of the present invention, a reading means for reading image data from a medium in which image data is stored, and a print order for an image based on the image data read from the reading means. Creation means for creating information about the print order, storage means for storing the information about the print order, and when the information stored in the storage means exceeds a predetermined amount, the creation means creates the information. For example, when ordering prints, if the remaining capacity of the storage means is small, the operator is notified that the order cannot be accepted, and the user is prompted to take necessary measures. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the order from being interrupted halfway, and to achieve a more user-friendly configuration.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a top view of a print order receiving device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the print order receiving device according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a print creating apparatus (image forming apparatus) according to the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print creating apparatus.

FIG. 5 is an example of a display mode of a liquid crystal screen 11;

FIG. 6 is an example of a display mode of a liquid crystal screen 11;

FIG. 7 is an example of a print order copy.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 print order receiving device 11 liquid crystal screen 14 reading device 15 reading / writing device 16 CPU 20 image forming device (print creation device) 30 cover member 31 locking device C removable media M removable media NT internet

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. From a medium in which image data is stored,
Reading means for reading image data; creating means for creating information on a print order for an image based on the image data read from the reading means; and information on the print order created by the creating means. Detachable storage means, and output means for outputting at least a part of the information on the print order stored in the storage means, wherein the output means transmits at least a part of the information to a network. A print interface that has at least one of a first interface capable of transmitting the information to an external image forming apparatus and a second interface capable of transmitting at least a part of the information to an external print printer. vessel. 2. The print order receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the first interface is a LAN terminal. 3. The print order receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the second interface is a serial communication terminal. 4. The print order receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the second interface is a USB terminal. 5. The print order receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the second interface is an infrared communication terminal. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said output means includes a display means for displaying that at least a part of said information has been transmitted to an external image forming apparatus via a network. A print order acceptance device described in any of them. 7. The display means performs the display based on the signal when a signal related to information reception is transmitted from an external image forming apparatus to which at least a part of the information is transmitted. The print order receiving device according to claim 6, wherein 8. The print order receiving device according to claim 6, wherein the display by the display means is performed via printing by the external external character printer. 9. The print order receiving device according to claim 6, wherein the display by the display means is performed via a display provided in the print order receiving device. 10. A prohibition unit for prohibiting the attachment / detachment of the storage unit when information created by the creation unit is read into the storage unit or when at least a part of the information is read from the storage unit. The print order receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: 11. The print order receiving device according to claim 10, wherein said storage means is a PC card. 12. A reading means for reading image data from a medium in which the image data is stored, a creating means for creating information on an image print order based on the image data read from the reading means, Storage means for storing information relating to the print order; and restriction means for restricting the creation means from creating the information when the information stored in the storage means exceeds a predetermined amount. A print order receiving device characterized by the following. 13. The print order receiving device according to claim 12, wherein said restriction means has a display means for displaying that the creation of said information by said creation means has been restricted. 14. At least a part of the storage means is constituted by a storage medium detachable from the print order receiving device, and when the storage medium is replaced with a storage medium having a smaller amount of stored information, 14. The print order receiving device according to claim 12, wherein the restriction by the restriction unit is removed.