U.S. patent application number 09/291471 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-09 for printing apparatus and printing system.
This patent application is currently assigned to KONICA CORPORATION. Invention is credited to HARAGUCHI, TSUYOSHI, KOBOSHI, SHIGEHARU, UEDA, YUTAKA.
Application Number | 20010012096 09/291471 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 14441356 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010012096 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HARAGUCHI, TSUYOSHI ; et
al. |
August 9, 2001 |
PRINTING APPARATUS AND PRINTING SYSTEM
Abstract
There is described a system for producing prints, which includes
inputting device to input image data and information corresponding
to the image data, a selector to select either a first mode or a
second mode and a printer to print images on a recording medium. In
the first mode, the system performs inputting operation of the
image data and information corresponding to the image data in
addition to a print producing operation. While in the second mode,
the system performs the print producing operation on the basis of
the image data and information corresponding to the image data,
which are stored in a memory during the first mode.
Inventors: |
HARAGUCHI, TSUYOSHI; (TOKYO,
JP) ; UEDA, YUTAKA; (TOKYO, JP) ; KOBOSHI,
SHIGEHARU; (TOKYO, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FINNEGAN HENDERSON FARABOW
GARRETT AND DUNNER
1300 I STREET N W
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
|
Assignee: |
KONICA CORPORATION
|
Family ID: |
14441356 |
Appl. No.: |
09/291471 |
Filed: |
April 14, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
355/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 2201/3242 20130101;
H04N 1/00132 20130101; H04N 2201/3288 20130101; H04N 1/00135
20130101; H04N 1/00143 20130101; H04N 2201/3271 20130101; H04N
1/00188 20130101; G03B 27/32 20130101; H04N 1/32101 20130101; H04N
2201/3274 20130101; H04N 2201/3225 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
355/40 |
International
Class: |
G03B 027/52 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 16, 1998 |
JP |
106741/1998 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for producing prints, comprising: inputting means for
inputting image data and information corresponding to said image
data; a selector to select either a first mode or a second mode, in
both of which said system produces said prints on the basis of said
image data; and a printer to print images on a recording medium on
the basis of said image data and said information.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein an inputting operation of said
image data and said information is performed during said first
mode, by means of said inputting means.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a memory to store
said image data and said information by which said prints are
produced during said second mode.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein an operating time of said first
mode and that of said second mode are predetermined
respectively.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein a reception of customer order for
printing is enabled in said first mode, while it is disabled in
said second mode.
6. A system for producing prints, comprising: inputting means for
inputting image data and information corresponding to said image
data; a memory to store said image data and said information
inputted by said inputting means; a controller to control said
system, by comparing said image data and said information with at
least one of factors including an amount of recording mediums
required for producing said prints on the basis of said image data,
an amount of processing agents required for processing said
recording mediums and an amount of water required for processing
said recording mediums; and a printer to print images on said
recording mediums on the basis of said image data and said
information.
7. A system for producing prints, comprising: inputting means for
inputting image data and information corresponding to said image
data; a memory to store said image data and said information
inputted by said inputting means; a printer to print images on
recording mediums on the basis of said image data and said
information; means for outputting a signal when said printer
finishes printing said images; and a controller to control said
system based on said signal.
8. The system of claim 3, further comprising: an image compressor
to generate compressed image data by applying image compression
processing onto said image data when an amount of said image data
stored in said memory exceeds a predetermined value, wherein said
memory stores said compressed image data.
9. The system of claim 3, further comprising: command outputting
means for outputting a command signal on the basis of said image
data and said information at a time of transition from said first
mode to said second mode, so as to change said recording medium to
one having a predetermined size to produce said prints.
10. The system of claim 3, further comprising: layout means for
determining a layout of images arranged on said recording medium on
the basis of said image data and said information, when producing
said prints.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein said layout means determines
said layout, so as to reduce a blank area of said recording medium,
on the basis of said image data and said information.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein said layout means determines
said layout on the basis of a plurality of said image data and a
plurality of said information.
13. The system of claim 2, further comprising: a printer controller
to control said printer so as to temporarily stop producing prints
in said second mode.
14. The system of claim 2, further comprising: means for
determining a cutting position of said recording medium on the
basis of said information and size information pertaining to sizes
of said recording mediums utilized for producing said prints
wherein said printer prints a mark, which designates a cutting
position, at said cutting position on said recording medium.
15. A system for producing prints, comprising: inputting means for
inputting image data and information corresponding to said image
data; a memory to store said image data and said information; a
printer to print images on said recording mediums on the basis of
said image data and said information; and layout means for
determining a layout of images arranged on said recording medium on
the basis of a plurality of said image data and a plurality of said
information.
16. The system of claim 15, further comprising: means for
determining a cutting position of said recording medium on the
basis of said information and size information pertaining to sizes
of said recording mediums utilized for producing said prints,
wherein said printer prints a mark, which designates a cutting
position, at said cutting position on said recording medium.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a
printing system.
[0002] Conventionally, in some photofinishing shops, commonly
called mini-labs, normal prints are produced by an operator's
manual operation in accordance with the order of customers, in
order to instantaneously deliver the prints to the customers.
Recently, there has been well known a printing apparatus in which
the original is photo-electrically read out to obtain image data,
and a print is made based on the image data, or based on directly
inputted image data (for example, image data by a CD-ROM or a
communication line).
[0003] Incidentally, in the printing apparatus which produces
prints based on the image data, the image data can be processed by
using various image processing methods. Accordingly, sometimes, the
customers request the following processings other than ordinary
printing: for example, large-sized print formats which takes a long
time period for image enlargement processing; layout print formats
requiring rotation of the image or arrangement of the image; or
specially processed print formats by which special effects are
added to the print by conducting dodging or printing-in, or
sharpness conversion processing of the image.
[0004] As described above, other than ordinary print format
services, there are also special print format services. Generally,
in these special print format services, there are many services
requiring a long time period, therefore, sometimes these services
interfere with the ordinary printing service which is to quickly
deliver ordinary prints to customers. On the contrary, some
customers feel it more convenient to receive their prints the next
day, rather than on that day. In these cases, efficiency of the
printing apparatus will be improved by continuous operation during,
e.g., the operator's rest time or midnight. This fact would
contribute to reduction of its production cost, since it becomes
possible to intensively operate the printing apparatus during times
of low power consumption and low energy charge.
[0005] In digital exposure methods in which a printing apparatus
forms an image by exposing each pixel based on image data, it
becomes possible to utilize the apparatus even during the
operator's rest or non-duties time for continuous operation of the
printing apparatus by applying the following steps: obtaining
customer's order information which includes the image data and the
order information corresponding to the image data; temporarily
storing the image data and order information corresponding to the
image data in a memory; and producing prints on the basis of the
image data and order information corresponding to the image data
stored in the memory. In this case, however, since the operator
would not manually operate the printing apparatus, the printing
apparatus should have automatic controlling functions described as
follow: a printing control for obtaining a maximum number of prints
without loss of recording mediums; a control for automatically
stopping the printing operation; and a control for automatically
stopping the temperature conditioner for the printing
apparatus.
[0006] Further, a printing apparatus and a printing method in which
a digital print is formed based on digital image data and the
corresponding print order data, which are stored in a memory by a
reception processing means, are set forth in Japanese Tokkaihei No.
10-78618. In this prior art, however, there is disclosed no method
to effectively conduct the above-described printing operation while
the ordinary printing operation is actually conducted. Therefore,
improvement of the printing efficiency could not be attained by the
prior art cited above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is attained in view of the
above-described situations, and the first object of the present
invention is to effectively operate the printing apparatus in
accordance with the operating conditions of it and printing service
conditions; the second object of the present invention is to
produce prints with stable voltage and at low cost by operating the
printing apparatus during periods of low power consumption and
consequent low energy charges, e.g., by operating the printing
apparatus during the operator's rest time or midnight; and the
third object of the present invention is to provide a printing
apparatus and a printing system, by which prints can be
automatically produced on the basis of the image data and the
information corresponding to the image data stored in a memory.
[0008] To overcome the cited shortcomings, the abovementioned
objects of the present invention can be attained by the following
systems:
[0009] 1) A system for producing prints, comprising:
[0010] inputting means for inputting image data and information
corresponding to the image data;
[0011] a selector to select either a first mode or a second mode,
in both of which the system produces the prints on the basis of the
image data; and
[0012] a printer to print images on recording mediums on the basis
of the image data and the information.
[0013] 2) A system for producing prints, comprising:
[0014] inputting means for inputting image data and information
corresponding to the image data;
[0015] a memory to store the image data and the information
inputted by the inputting means;
[0016] a controller to control the system, by comparing the image
data and the information with at least one of factors including an
amount of recording mediums required for producing the prints on
the basis of the image data, an amount of processing agents
required for processing the recording mediums and an amount of
water required for processing the recording mediums; and
[0017] a printer to print images on the recording mediums on the
basis of the image data and the information.
[0018] 3) A system for producing prints, comprising:
[0019] inputting means for inputting image data and information
corresponding to the image data;
[0020] a memory to store the image data and the information
inputted by the inputting means;
[0021] a printer to print images on recording mediums on the basis
of the image data and the information;
[0022] means for outputting a signal when the printer finishes
printing the images; and
[0023] a controller to control the system based on the signal.
[0024] 4) A system for producing prints, comprising:
[0025] inputting means for inputting image data and information
corresponding to the image data;
[0026] a memory to store the image data and the information;
[0027] a printer to print images on the recording mediums on the
basis of the image data and the information; and
[0028] layout means for determining a layout of images arranged on
the recording medium on the basis of a plurality of the image data
and a plurality of the information.
[0029] Further, in order to solve the above-described problems and
to attain the abovementioned objects, the following printing
apparatus are desirable embodiments of the present invention.
[0030] (1) A printing apparatus in which, in the first mode, image
data and the corresponding information are obtained, and based on
the information, the image data corresponding to the information is
selected into the image data to be printed in the first mode and
into the image data not to be printed in the first mode, and a
print is formed based on the image data selected to be printed; and
in the second mode, a print is formed based on the image data
selected not to be printed in the first mode.
[0031] According to the above apparatus, for example, during the
daytime, as the first mode, the ordinary printing operation is
mainly conducted by the operation of the operator, and a printing
service is conducted to deliver the print to the customer at once,
and for example, during a rest of the operator or night, as the
second mode, a special printing operation based on the image
processing requiring a long period of time is automatically
operated without any operation of the operator, or the printing
service is separately conducted to deliver the print to the
customer on that day, or on the next day, that is, the printing
apparatus can be separately used, thereby, the printing apparatus
can be effectively operated and the printing operation can be
effectively carried out. Further, the operation can be concentrated
during the time period of low power consumption and low energy
charge, and the voltage is stable and the printing cost is
decreased.
[0032] Further, for example, the ordinary printing and the special
printing can be separately conducted, therefore, the number of
replacement of the recording medium having the width for the
ordinary print and the recording medium having, for example, the
large width for the special print is reduced, and the useless
consumption of sheets of paper due to photographic fog specifically
generated on the leading edge of the photosensitive material
photographic paper which is recording medium, can be suppressed to
the minimum.
[0033] Incidentally, for switching between the first mode and the
second mode, the following systems may be adopted: for example, a
timer is set and the modes are switched at predetermined time; the
modes are switched after the passage of a predetermined time period
after receiving a signal (input) of the completion of the operation
from the operator; or the modes are switched when a new printing
operation is not started even after the passage of a predetermined
time period.
[0034] (2) In the above apparatus, time periods for the first mode
and the second mode are previously set.
[0035] In the above apparatus, time periods for the first mode and
the second mode are previously set, therefore, for example, the
switching between `in order-reception` in the first mode and `the
completion of the order-reception` in the second mode is
automatically conducted by timer setting, which is convenient.
[0036] (3) In the above apparatus, the first mode is the mode of
the order-reception, and the second mode is the mode of completion
of the order-reception.
[0037] In the above apparatus, because the first mode is the mode
of the order-reception, and the second mode is the mode of
completion of the order-reception, the printing apparatus can be
effectively operated according to the condition of use of the
printing apparatus and printing service conditions, therefore, when
the printing apparatus is operated, for example, during a rest of
the operator or night, the printing apparatus can be operated
during a time period of low power consumption and low energy
charge, thereby, voltage is stable, and a low cost print can be
formed.
[0038] (4) An apparatus in which image data and the corresponding
information are obtained, and the image data and the corresponding
information are stored in a data storage means, and a print is
formed based on the image data and the corresponding order
information, stored in the data storage means, wherein the
apparatus control is conducted by comparing the stored data to at
least one of an amount of recording medium necessary for printing,
an amount of processing agents necessary for processing the
recording medium, or an amount of water necessary for processing
the recording medium.
[0039] In the above apparatus, when the printing operation is
started based on the image data and the corresponding information,
stored in the data storage means, a necessary amount of recording
medium, a necessary amount of processing agents for processing the
recording medium and forming a print, and a necessary amount of
water are presumed based on the stored data, and when any of these
amounts is insufficient, replenishment is previously requested, or
it is reported that to which extent the printing operation will be
completed without any replenishment, thereby, a shortage of these
amounts can be avoided during printing operation. After the
printing operation is started, the apparatus can be controlled to
stop the printing operation when any of the above amounts becomes
short, thereby, printing sheets are prevented from being uselessly
printed. In this case, it can be reported based on the stored data,
to what extent the printing operation is not completed.
[0040] (5) A printing apparatus in which image data and the
corresponding information are obtained, the image data and the
corresponding information are stored in a data storage means, and a
print is formed based on the image data and the corresponding
information, stored in the data storage means, wherein the
apparatus is controlled when the printing operation based on the
stored data is completed.
[0041] In the above apparatus, the completion control of the
printing apparatus itself is also conducted based on the completion
of the printing operation based on the storage data, and a
temperature conditioning operation or roller driving is
automatically completed. Thereby, for example, power consumption is
suppressed, deterioration of the apparatus is suppressed, or
deterioration of processing solutions can be suppressed in an
apparatus to form a print by development-processing the
photographic photosensitive material by processing solutions.
[0042] (6) The above apparatus stores the image data in the data
storage means by conducting data compression processing when the
image data to be stored in the data storage means exceeds a
predetermined amount.
[0043] In the above apparatus, the image data is stored in the data
storage means by being subjected to data compression processing
when the image data to be stored in the data storage means exceeds
a predetermined amount, thereby, while deterioration of the image
quality due to the data compression is suppressed to the minimum,
more image data can be stored and printed.
[0044] (7) The above apparatus outputs a command to change the
present recording medium to a predetermined sized-recording medium
to form a print based on the image data and the corresponding
information, stored in the data storage means, when the mode is
switched from the first mode to the second one.
[0045] The above apparatus can require the replacement to the
recording medium having the width printable in the maximum size
which is necessary when a print is formed based on the stored data,
thereby, stoppage of the printing operation due to discord of the
size can be prevented.
[0046] (8) A printing apparatus in which a print is formed by
arranging the image onto a predetermined sized-recording medium so
as to reduce a margin, based on the image data and the
corresponding information, stored in the data storage means.
[0047] In the above apparatus, when the image data is appropriately
arranged on, for example, the recording medium having the large
width, and the recording medium is cut to a predetermined size
after the printing operation, even if the operator is not near the
printing apparatus and the recording medium can not be changed to
the recording medium having the different width, the amount of
useless recording medium becomes minimum, and various sized-prints
can be formed.
[0048] (9) The apparatus has a release means by which, after the
change of the mode from the first one to the second one, the
printing operation based on the image data which is not printed in
the first mode, and the corresponding information, which are stored
in the data storage means, is stopped once and the mode is returned
to the first mode.
[0049] When, in the second mode, it is required to return to the
first mode at once and to start again the printing operation `in
order-reception`, the printing operation in the second mode is
stopped once, and the mode is changed to the mode `in
order-reception` in the first mode and the print can be instantly
formed. In this case, it is preferable for easy print control that
the printing operation based on the stored data is stopped when the
order is completed, rather than during the operation for each of
customers.
[0050] (10) A printing system in which the image data and the
corresponding information are obtained, the image data and the
corresponding information are stored in the data storage means, and
a print is formed based on the image data and the corresponding
order information, stored in the storage means, wherein the
printing apparatus is controlled by comparing the stored data to at
least one of an amount of the recording medium necessary for
printing, an amount of processing agents necessary for processing
the recording medium, or an amount of water necessary for
processing the recording medium.
[0051] In the above system, when the printing operation is started
based on the image data and the corresponding information, which
are stored in the data storage means, a necessary amount of
recording medium, a necessary amount of processing agents for
processing the recording medium and forming the print, and a
necessary amount of water are presumed from the stored data, and
when any of these amounts is insufficient, replenishment is
previously requested, or it is reported that to which extent the
printing operation will be completed without any replenishment,
thereby, a shortage of such the amount can be avoided during
printing operation. After the printing operation is started, the
printing operation can be controlled to be stopped when any of the
above amounts becomes short, thereby, printing paper is prevented
from being uselessly printed. In this case, it can also be reported
based on the stored data, to what extent the printing operation is
not completed.
[0052] (11) A printing system in which the image data and the
corresponding information are obtained, the image data and the
corresponding information are stored in the data storage means, and
a print is formed based on the image data and the corresponding
information, stored in the storage means, wherein the printing
apparatus is controlled when the printing operation based on the
stored data is completed.
[0053] In the above system, the control of completion of the
printing apparatus itself is also conducted by the printing system
when the printing operation based on the stored data is completed,
and the temperature conditioning operation or roller driving is
automatically stopped, thereby, for example, power consumption is
suppressed, deterioration of the apparatus is suppressed, and
deterioration of the processing solutions can be suppressed when a
print is formed by development-processing the photographic
photosensitive material by using processing solutions.
[0054] (12) The above system stores the image data in the data
storage means by conducting data compression processing when the
amount of the image data to be stored in the data storage means
exceeds a predetermined value.
[0055] In the above system, the image data is stored in the data
storage means by being subjected to data compression processing
when the amount of the image data to be stored in the data storage
means exceeds a predetermined value, thereby, deterioration of the
image quality due to the data compression is suppressed to the
minimum, and more image data can be stored and printed, by the
printing system.
[0056] (13) A printing system in which, in the first mode, image
data and the corresponding information are obtained, and based on
the information, the image data corresponding to the information is
selected into the image data to be printed in the first mode and
into the image data not to be printed in the first mode, and a
print is formed based on the image data selected to be printed; and
in the second mode, a print is formed based on the image data
selected not to be printed in the first mode, wherein the above
printing system outputs a command to change the present recording
medium to a predetermined sized-recording medium to form a print
based on the image data and the corresponding information, stored
in the data storage means, when the mode is switched from the first
mode to the second one.
[0057] The above system can require the replacement to the
recording medium having the width capable of the maximum
sized-printing which is necessary in the printing system when a
print is formed based on the stored data, thereby, stoppage of
printing operation due to discord of the size can be prevented.
[0058] (14) The above system forms a print by arranging the image
onto a predetermined sized-recording medium so as to reduce a
margin, based on the image data and the corresponding information,
stored in the data storage means.
[0059] In the above printing system, when the image data is
appropriately arranged on, for example, the recording medium having
the large width, and the recording medium is cut to a predetermined
size after the printing operation, even if the operator is not near
the printing apparatus and the recording medium can not be changed
to the recording medium having the different width, the amount of
useless recording medium is reduced to the minimum, and various
sized-prints can be formed.
[0060] (15) A printing system in which, in the first mode, the
image data and the corresponding information are obtained, and
based on the information, the image data corresponding to the
information is selected into the image data to be printed in the
first mode and into the image data not to be printed in the first
mode, and a print is formed based on the image data selected to be
printed; and in the second mode, a print is formed based on the
image data selected not to be printed in the first mode, wherein
the printing system has a release means by which, after the change
of the mode from the first one to the second one, the printing
operation based on the image data which is not printed in the first
mode, and the corresponding information, which are stored in the
data storage means, is stopped once and the mode is returned to the
first mode.
[0061] In the above system, when, in the second mode, it is
required to return to the first mode at once and to start again the
printing operation `in order-reception`, the printing operation in
the second mode is stopped once, and the mode is changed to the
mode `in order-reception` in the first mode and the print can be
instantly formed. In this case, it is preferable for easy print
control that the printing operation based on the stored data is
stopped when the order is completed, rather than during the
operation for each of customers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0062] The objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and
upon reference to the drawings in which:
[0063] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a printing
apparatus;
[0064] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural views of the printing
apparatus;
[0065] FIG. 3 is a view showing an operation screen when the status
of a reception time and the status of an off-time of order
reception is switched;
[0066] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the control of a control
section;
[0067] FIG. 5 is a view showing a concrete example of the reception
time;
[0068] FIG. 6 is a view showing a situation in which the image data
is arranged and a print is formed;
[0069] FIG. 7 is a schematic structural views of the printing
apparatus connecting with the personal computer section; and
[0070] FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a cut-mark and a
print of the order information.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0071] Referring to the drawings, an example of a printing
apparatus and a printing system of the present invention will be
described below. Incidentally, a printing apparatus and a printing
system, embodied in the present invention, are not limited to the
present example.
[0072] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a printing
apparatus. Although an apparatus, which produces prints by exposing
a photosensitive material with a light before development, is
exemplified as a printing apparatus in the following, the scope of
the present invention is not limited to this type of apparatus, but
is applicable to any type of apparatus as far as the apparatus
produces prints on the basis of the image data, for example, an
inkjet type, or an electrophotographic type.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 1, a print producing apparatus 1 of the
present example incorporates a magazine loading section 3 mounted
on the left side of a main body 2, an exposure processing section
provided in the main body 2 to expose images on photosensitive
materials, and a development processing section 5 to produce the
prints by developing the exposed photosensitive materials and
drying them. The finished prints are delivered to a delivery tray 6
mounted on the right side of the main body 2. In addition, a
control section 7 is also incorporated in the main body 2, and
located at the upper portion of an exposure processing section
4.
[0074] Further, a CRT 8 is mounted on the top of the main body 2. A
film scanner section 9 which reads image data of a transmission
original film, and a reflective original sheet inputting device 10
(hereinafter, for simplicity, referred to as the inputting device
10) which reads image data of a reflective original sheet, are
arranged at left and right sides of the CRT 8, respectively. An
operation section 11 is located on the front side of the CRT 8, and
an information inputting means 12 is provided on the operation
section, and the information inputting means is structured of,
e.g., a touch-panel, or the like.
[0075] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural view of the printing
apparatus. FIG. 3 is a view showing an operation screen when the
status of `in order reception` and the status of `completion of
order reception` is switched.
[0076] The control section 7 of the print producing apparatus 1
reads the original information from the film scanner section 9 or
the inputting device 10 based on the commands from the information
inputting means 11, and obtains the image data and displays it on
the CRT 8. Further, the control section 7 has a data storage means
71, and stores the image data and the corresponding order
information in the data storage means 71, and successively
accumulates them.
[0077] Further, the control section 7 incorporates an image
processing section 70. The image processing section 70 applies
image processing to the image data to generate new image data for
exposing operations, and sends the generated image data to the
exposure processing section 4. In the exposure processing section
4, an image is exposed onto the photosensitive material, after
that, which is sent to the development processing section 5, to be
developed and dried. Thus prints are formed.
[0078] Next, the first example of the present invention will be
described. In the first example, during the reception time when the
customer's order is being received in a first mode, the print
producing apparatus 1 selects either the image data to be produced
promptly or the image data not to be produced promptly, after
acquiring the image data and the information corresponding to the
image data.
[0079] The information mentioned above includes order information
based on the customer's requests and/or information based on the
apparatus functions. The order information further includes the
finishing date information designating either same-day delivery or
next-day delivery, the paper type information designating a
finished surface quality such as gloss or silk, the print size
information (E-type, L-type, etc.), the print type information
designating either a print bearing a single image or a print
bearing a plurality of images arranged (laid out) on one sheet of
paper, which requires special processing, etc. For the above
information, the shop can previously set standards of selection for
the printing operation corresponding to the type of services or
convenience of the operation, and according to the standards, the
printing operation can be conducted separately for the ordinary
printing for main production, or for the special printing
orders.
[0080] Incidentally, it is preferable that setting of the standards
of selection can be changed corresponding to the convenience of the
shop. Further, other than the above information, the information
may include input information designating whether the objective
image data can be processed either prior to the standard of
selection or after the operation based on the standard of
selection, based on the operator's instruction.
[0081] The information based on the apparatus functions includes
printing information for sorting them into two categories such as
information which enable the automatic color density adjustment of
the image data through arithmetic processing and information which
hardly enable the automatic color density adjustment and requires
some manual operations for the color density adjustment. The image
data of the former category are temporarily stored in the memory to
collectively print them in the second mode.
[0082] The information is inputted by the information inputting
means 12, and then, the image data and the information
corresponding to the image data are obtained.
[0083] In the control section 7, based on the information, the
image data are classified into either image data to be printed
promptly or image data to be printed collectively. The above
classification may include, e.g., prints for the next-day
-delivery, special prints taking longer time, prints being
processed by the automatic color density adjustment, etc. Further,
it is also allowable to classify the image data by a predetermined
priority order of widths, surface qualities, etc. of the recording
mediums to control printing.
[0084] During the reception time of the customer's orders in the
first mode, the printing apparatus will produce prints based on the
image data classified into the image data to be printed promptly,
while it stores the image data and the information corresponding to
the image data classified into the image data to be printed
collectively, in the data storage means 71. During the off-time of
customer's orders in the second mode, the printing apparatus
produces prints based on the image data and the information
corresponding to the image data stored in the data storage means
71.
[0085] Changeover between the reception time and the off-time of
customer's orders is achieved as shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, the
printing apparatus produces prints based on the image data
classified into the image data to be printed promptly, which are
displayed on the screen 11a for the reception time, while it stores
the image data and the information corresponding to the image data,
classified into the image data to be printed collectively, in the
data storage means 71.
[0086] After the finalization of prints production during the
reception time, when an end button 11b on the screen 11a for the
reception time is pushed, the screen is changed to the screen 11c
for `in stopping` in case no data are stored in the data storage
means 71, and the printing apparatus 1 is automatically stopped
completely.
[0087] In case that some data are stored in the data storage means
71, the screen is changed to the screen 11d of `in process of the
automatic processing` on which `a start of reception` (release of
automatic processing) button 11e and a completion button 11f are
provided.
[0088] After the finalization of the reception time, by pushing
`the start of reception` (release of automatic processing) button
11e on the screen 11d for `in process of the automatic processing`,
the printing apparatus 1 starts producing prints based on the image
data and the information corresponding to the image data, which are
stored in the data storage means 71 and not printed during the
reception time. While, by pushing the completion button 11f, the
screen is changed to the `in stopping` screen 11c, and the printing
apparatus 1 is completely stopped, along with the associated
temperature conditioner, driving rollers, etc.
[0089] In regard to a changeover method between the reception time
and the off-time of customer's orders, the following methods can be
employed: a timer setting method by which both modes are switched
at a predetermined time; a method in which the printing mode is
switched in case a new printing operation is not started, after
passage of a predetermined time period.
[0090] The control section 7 includes a releasing means by which
the print production operation based on the stored data can be
temporarily interrupted and the printing apparatus 1 can enter the
status of the reception time, by pushing `the start of reception`
(release of automatic processing) button 11e on the screen 11d for
`in process of the automatic processing` during the operation of
the automatic print production mode. Accordingly, it becomes
possible to promptly switch to the reception status of printing
order and to start that print production sequence, even if the
printing apparatus 1 is producing prints based on the image data
stored in the memory after the finalization of the reception
time.
[0091] FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of an order information processing
sequence in the control section 7.
[0092] Initially, the control section 7 judges whether the present
status is the reception time of customer's order or not (step `a`).
When the present status is the reception time, the order
information is inputted by the operator or by reading information
(step `b`). The control section 7 classifies the inputted order
information into either the image data to be printed promptly or
the image data to be printed collectively, by judging from the
contents of the inputted order information (step `c`). The printing
apparatus produces prints based on the image data classified to be
printed promptly (step `d`). In regard to the image data classified
to be printed collectively, the image data and the order
information corresponding to the image data are stored in the data
storage means 71 (step `e`). When the print production in step `d`
is completed, the control section 7 returns to step `a`.
[0093] When the control section 7 judges that the present status is
not the reception time, but is the off-time of the reception, the
printing apparatus 1 starts producing prints based on the image
data and the information corresponding to the image data, which are
stored in the data storage means 71 and were not printed during the
reception time (step `f`). When no image data and no information
corresponding to the image data are stored in the data storage
means 71, the flow chart ends as it is.
[0094] FIG. 5 is a view of an example concretely showing the case
where the reception time is switched by timer setting. For example,
in a photofinishing lab, a so-called mini-lab, in which the
printing apparatus 1 is installed, the reception time starts at 7
o'clock in the morning. In the reception time, corresponding to the
customer's order, the ordinary printing operation is carried out by
the operator, and formed prints are delivered in very short time to
the customer. In a noon recess from 14:00 to 16:00, the operation
mode is switched to the off-time mode, and printing is carried out
without any operator during the noon recess, based on the image
data and the order information corresponding to the image data,
which are stored in the data storage means 71 and were not printed
during the reception time.
[0095] When it is 16:00, the operation mode is switched from the
off-time mode to the reception time mode, and the ordinary printing
operation is carried out until 20:00 by the operator corresponding
to the customer orders, and thus formed prints are again delivered
to the customer in a very short time. The printing operation of the
day is completed at 20:00, and the operation mode is switched to
the off-time mode. From 20:00 to 7:00, the printing operation is
carried out based on the image data and the order information
corresponding to the image data, which are stored in the data
storage means 71 and were not printed during the reception
time.
[0096] As described above, the printing apparatus can be separately
used as follows: the ordinary printing operation is carried out by
the operator during the reception time of the day, in which a
printing service to deliver the prints to the customer in very
short time is carried out; and for example, during an operator's
off-duty time or midnight, the printing operation based on image
processing, requiring a long time period, is carried out without
any operator present in the lab, and an overnight printing service
is carried out. Accordingly, the printing apparatus can be more
efficiently used, resulting in an increase of efficiency of the
printing operation. Further, since the printing operation can be
carried out in a time period of low power consumption by using the
midnight energy, a power voltage would be more stable and the
energy cost for power dissipation would be reduced.
[0097] Further, e.g., since the ordinary printing operations and
the special printing operations can be separately carried out, it
becomes possible to reduce the frequency for replacing the
recording medium between ordinary printing needs and special
printing needs, e.g., larger widths. Specifically, it becomes
possible to minimize the loss of the photographic paper, serving as
photosensitive material, exhibited by photographic fog which occurs
on the leading edges of the newly replaced photographic paper.
[0098] Next, the second example of the present invention will be
described. In this example, the printing apparatus is an apparatus
in which the image data and the corresponding information are
obtained, the image data and the corresponding information are
stored in the data storage means 71, and a print is formed based on
the image data and the corresponding information, stored in the
data storage means 71, and the apparatus is controlled by comparing
the stored data to at least one of several factors, which are
necessary for printing, such as the amount of recording medium, the
amount of processing agents for recording medium, and the amount of
water.
[0099] In the printing apparatus 1, the printing operation can be
carried out without any operator, e.g., during the operator's rest
time or midnight, therefore, when any of the photosensitive
material, processing agents to process the photosensitive material,
and water is insufficient, a print can not be formed, or a print of
the predetermined image quality can not be formed.
[0100] Therefore, the remaining amount of processing agents, the
remaining amount of water and the remaining amount of
photosensitive material are checked during the printing operation,
and the amount of processing agents, the amount of water, and the
amount of photosensitive material, which are necessary for printing
based on the image data and the corresponding information, stored
in the data storage means 71, are compared to the amount of
processing agents, the amount of water, and the amount of
photosensitive material during printing, and print-controlled. For
example, when the amount of processing agents, the amount of water,
and the amount of photosensitive material are insufficient, for
example, insufficient amounts of processing agents, water, and
photosensitive material are displayed on a display section 11g
arranged on the screen 11d of `in process of automatic processing`
of the operation section 11, and the replenishment is requested so
that insufficiency does not occur during printing.
[0101] Further, when the amount of processing agents, the amount of
water, and the amount of photosensitive material are insufficient
during printing, printing processing can be stopped, so that a
print with an unacceptable image is not formed.
[0102] Next, the third example of the present invention will be
described. In this example, the printing apparatus is one in which
the image data and the corresponding information are obtained, the
image data and the corresponding information are stored in the data
storage means 71, and a print is formed based on the image data and
the corresponding information, which had been stored in the data
storage means 71, and when printing based on the stored data has
been completed, the apparatus control is carried out.
[0103] In the printing apparatus 1, the printing operation can also
be conducted without any operator being present, therefore, when
printing operation is completed, the control section 7 carries out
the completion control based on the completion of printing, and the
screen is automatically switched to the screen 11c of `in
stopping`, and then the printing apparatus 1 is completely
stopped.
[0104] As described above, when printing based on the stored data
is completed, the control section 7 conducts the completion control
of the printing apparatus itself, and the temperature conditioning
operation and driving of rollers are automatically stopped.
Thereby, e.g., power consumption is suppressed, deterioration of
the apparatus is suppressed, and in the apparatus in which
photographic photosensitive material is developed by using
processing solutions to form a print, the processing solution is
prevented from being deteriorated.
[0105] In the first to third examples of the present invention,
when the amount of image data to be stored in the data storage
means 71 exceeds a predetermined value, the control section 7
applies image compression processing to the image data and stores
the compressed image data in the data storage means 71.
Accordingly, it becomes possible to produce many prints with little
deterioration of the image quality due to the image compression
processing by storing a large amount of the compressed image
data.
[0106] Further, the control section 7 outputs the replacement
command to replace the existing recording medium to a predetermined
sized recording medium to form prints, based on the image data and
the corresponding information, stored in the data storage means 71,
after the finalization of the reception time. When prints are
formed based on the image data and the corresponding information,
stored in the data storage means 71, printing operation is
conducted without any operator, therefore, the control section 7
outputs a command to install a roll-like photosensitive material
having the large width on which, e.g., the largest print can be
formed. Accordingly, the replacement to the recording medium having
the necessary width for the maximum sized print to be formed, can
be required, wherein the maximum sized print is necessary when
printing is conducted based on the stored data, thereby, printing
will not be stopped due to inadequate sheet sizes.
[0107] Further, the image data are arranged as shown in FIG. 6, and
prints are formed corresponding to the photosensitive material,
which is a recording medium, based on the image data and the
corresponding order information, stored in the data storage means
71. For example, the image data are appropriately arranged on the
photosensitive material, which is a recording medium of a larger
width, and a layout print 101 is formed, or after the ordinary
print 102 is formed, the print 102 is cut into a predetermined
print size, thereby, various sized prints can be formed.
Alternatively, for example, the photosensitive material, which is a
recording medium of a larger width, is previously cut into a
predetermined size and the image data are appropriately arranged
thereon, and a layout print 101 is formed, or the photosensitive
material is cut into a predetermined size again, thereby, the
ordinary print 102 can be formed.
[0108] In this case, it is preferable that, considering the future
cut of the print thereafter, a cut mark indicating the cut position
as shown in FIG. 8 is provided; or information to specify the
image, order information, frame number of the film, file name of
the image data, or the like, be located at a proximate locations
which does not come into contact with the image, and the images are
printed.
[0109] Further, considering that the print will be cut later, as a
method to arrange images on the photosensitive material for optimal
utilization of the print material, the following are
applicable:
[0110] Initially, the information concerning the width of the
photosensitive material to be printed, and the information
concerning the first print size in the order information are
obtained.
[0111] Next, information concerning the size of a second print
existing in the same order or the next order, which is different
from the first print size, is obtained.
[0112] The longitudinal lengths and lateral lengths of the first
and second print sizes are compared to the width of the
photosensitive material, and a combination in which the margin is
the minimum, is determined, thereby, the width of the first print
and the width of the second print are determined. (For example, a
combination of the longitudinal length of the first print size and
the lateral length of the second print size is selected, or a
combination of the longitudinal length of the first print size and
the longitudinal length of the second print size is selected, or
the like.)
[0113] After the above determination, the image data having the
print size printable with the first print width is arranged in the
longitudinal direction of the photosensitive material, and the
image data having the print size printable with the second print
width is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the
photosensitive material, and then, a print is formed.
[0114] Thereby, at least, the cutting operation in the direction of
the width becomes easier, and efficiency of the use of the
photosensitive material can be increased.
[0115] Incidentally, in the above example, two print sizes are
combined in the direction of width, however, three or more print
sizes may be also combined.
[0116] In the off-time of customer's order, the printing operation
can be conducted without any operator's attention. Accordingly, as
shown in FIG. 1, prints are delivered in piles on the tray 6,
however, it is presumed that the number of piled prints is
increased. Therefore, the drying power of the drying means provided
in the development processing section 5 is boosted up, thereby, it
is desirably avoided that prints are adhered to each other by the
piling pressure.
[0117] Further, it is presumed that the number of customer order
units will increase, therefore, the tray 6 may be replaced with a
larger sized sorter. Prints are sorted into customer order units by
the large sized sorter, but it may also be replaced with the
following: an order separation print is made and inserted into each
order section so that an order division is clearly confirmed;
further, the order information is back printed onto the print so
that an order division is clearly confirmed, and the order
information corresponds with bar-codes on a negative film or an
order bag, thereby, prints can be assuredly returned to the
customer.
[0118] Further, the control section 7 observes the processing
situation of the exposure processing section 4 or development
processing section 5, and has a means to notify the operator when
abnormal voltage fluctuation, generation of the power supply noise,
or conveyance failure of the photosensitive material is caused, or
a means to stop the apparatus at the abnormal occurrence. As a
means to notify the operator of the abnormal situation, an
abnormality display on the operation section 11, a buzzer alarm,
and a facsimile, a telephone, inter-net, and a pocket bell, or the
like, are available. Further, a means to stop the apparatus during
abnormal situations stops the printing apparatus 1 when jamming of
the photosensitive material on the conveyance path is detected.
[0119] Further, the control section 7 monitors the processing
sequences of the exposure processing section 4 or the development
processing section 5, and stores information to specify a print
having the possibility to affect the image quality due to an
abnormality of the apparatus. Accordingly, during abnormal
situations, specifically when the abnormality having a possibility
to affect the image quality at the time of occurrence of voltage
fluctuation or the power supply noise, is generated, a designation
to check the existence or not of a print error can be outputted,
and for example, a designation to visually confirm the print of
25-th order because it may be abnormal, is displayed on the
operation section 11.
[0120] In the example shown in FIG. 7, in addition to the structure
shown in FIG. 2, a structure in which a personal computer (PC
section) placed on the market, is connected to the control section
7 by the data communication, is shown, and a system is also shown
in which, in the PC section, the image is read from media such as a
CD-ROM or MO, FD, in which the image data is stored, and the image
data is formed by being subjected to image processing such as image
synthesis or image conversion, or the image data is directly sent
to the control section 7 together with the order information
including print size information, without being subjected to image
processing.
[0121] Herein, when print requests from the PC section are sorted
and all of the sorted requests are set to be printed later, the
control section 7 is structured as follows: even if the image data
and order information are ready and the print request is outputted
from the PC section, it is not necessary that the operator
interrupts the ordinary printing operation such as printing using a
film scanner, and the situation of the apparatus may be switched at
timing desirable for the operator, and printing can be conducted
based on the image data from the PC section.
[0122] Further, the PC section may also be structured to have a
function to sort the information into a request to be printed at
present, and a request to be printed later, depending on the
information.
[0123] Further, the above-described data storage means 71 may be
provided in the PC section, and further the information of the
amount of processing agents, water, and the photosensitive material
may be displayed on a monitor display in the PC section.
[0124] According to the present invention, in the first mode, image
data and the corresponding information are obtained, and based on
the information, the image data corresponding to the information is
selected into the image data to be printed in the first mode and
into the image data not to be printed in the first mode, and a
print is formed based on the image data selected to be printed; and
in the second mode, a print is formed based on the image data
selected not to be printed in the first mode. Accordingly, for
example, in the daytime, as the first mode, the ordinary printing
operation is mainly carried out by the operator, and a printing
service to deliver the print to the customer in very short time is
carried out; and for example, during a rest of the operator or
night, as the second mode, the special printing operation based on
image processing, requiring a long time period, is carried out
without any operator, and thereby, the printing apparatus can be
separately used in such a manner that this day delivery printing
service and an overnight printing service are separately carried
out. Accordingly, the printing apparatus can be effectively used,
resulting in an increase of efficiency of the printing operation.
Further, the printing operation is mainly carried out in a time
period of low power consumption, and low energy charge, and
further, voltage is stable and the printing cost is also
lowered.
[0125] Further, for example, the ordinary printing and the special
printing can be separately conducted, therefore, the number of
replacement of the recording medium having the width for the
ordinary print and the recording medium having, for example, the
large width for the special print is reduced, and the useless
consumption of sheets of paper due to photographic fog specifically
generated on the leading edge of the photosensitive material
photographic paper, which is recording medium, can be suppressed to
the minimum.
[0126] Time periods of the first mode and the second mode are
previously set, and for example, switching of the `in order
reception` of the first mode and the `completion of order
reception` of the second mode is automatically carried out by timer
setting, or the like, which is convenient.
[0127] The first mode is a mode of `in order reception` and the
second mode is a mode of `completion of order reception`, and the
printing apparatus can be effectively operated corresponding to
modes of use of the printing apparatus and print service modes, and
for example, when the printing apparatus is operated during a rest
of the operator or night, the apparatus can be operated in a time
period of low power consumption and low energy charge, thereby,
voltage is stable and low cost printing can be attained.
[0128] When the printing operation is started based on the image
data and the corresponding information, which are stored in the
data storage means, a necessary amount of recording medium, a
necessary amount of processing agents for processing the recording
medium to form the print, and a necessary amount of water are
presumed from the stored data, and when any of these amounts is
insufficient, replenishment is previously requested, or it is
reported that to which extent the printing operation will be
completed without any replenishment, thereby, a shortage of such
the amount can be avoided during printing operation. After the
printing operation is started, the printing operation can be
controlled to be stopped when any of the above amounts becomes
short, thereby, printing paper is prevented from being uselessly
printed. In this case, it can also be reported based on the stored
data, to what extent the printing operation is not completed.
[0129] The completion of the printing apparatus itself is also
controlled when the printing operation based on the stored data is
completed, and the temperature conditioning operation or roller
driving is automatically stopped, thereby, for example, power
consumption is suppressed, deterioration of the apparatus is
suppressed, and deterioration of the processing solutions can be
suppressed when a print is formed by development-processing the
photographic photosensitive material by using processing
solutions.
[0130] The data is stored in the data storage means by being
subjected to data compression processing when the amount of the
image data to be stored in the data storage means exceeds a
predetermined value, thereby, deterioration of the image quality
due to the data compression is suppressed to the minimum, and more
image data can be stored and printed.
[0131] When the mode is switched from the first mode to the second
one, a command to change the present recording medium to a
predetermined sized-recording medium to form a print is outputted
based on the image data and the corresponding information, which
are stored in the data storage means, thereby, the replacement to
the recording medium, which has the width printable in the maximum
size necessary when a print is formed based on the stored data, can
be requested, thereby, stoppage of the printing operation due to
discord of the size can be prevented.
[0132] A print is formed by arranging the image onto a
predetermined sized-recording medium so as to reduce a margin,
based on the image data and the corresponding information, which
are stored in the data storage means, thereby, when the image data
is appropriately arranged on, for example, the recording medium
having the large width, and the recording medium is cut to a
predetermined size after the printing operation, even if the
operator is not near the printing apparatus and the recording
medium can not be changed to the recording medium having the
different width, the amount of useless recording medium is reduced
to the minimum, and various sized-prints can be formed.
[0133] In the second mode, when it is required to return to the
first mode and to start again the printing operation `in
order-reception`, the printing operation in the second mode is
stopped once, and the situation is changed to the mode `in
order-reception` in the first mode and the print can be instantly
formed. In this case, it is preferable for easy print control that
the printing operation based on the stored data is stopped when the
order is completed, rather than during the operation for a unit of
customers.
[0134] By the printing system, when the printing operation is
started based on the image data and the corresponding information,
which are stored in the data storage means, a necessary amount of
recording medium, a necessary amount of processing agents for
processing the recording medium to form the print, and a necessary
amount of water are presumed from the stored data, and when any of
these amounts is insufficient, replenishment is previously
requested, or it is reported that to which extent the printing
operation will be completed without any replenishment, thereby, a
shortage of such the amount can be avoided during printing
operation. After the printing operation is started, the printing
operation can be controlled so as to be stopped when any of the
above amounts actually becomes short, thereby, printing paper is
prevented from being uselessly printed. In this case, it can also
be reported based on the stored data, to what extent the printing
operation is not completed.
[0135] By the printing system, the completion of the printing
apparatus itself is also controlled when the printing operation
based on the stored data is completed, and the temperature
conditioning operation or roller driving is automatically stopped,
thereby, for example, power consumption is suppressed,
deterioration of the apparatus is suppressed, and deterioration of
the processing solutions can be suppressed when a print is formed
by development-processing the photographic photosensitive material
by using processing solutions.
[0136] By the printing system, the image data is stored in the data
storage means by being subjected to data compression processing
when the amount of the image data to be stored in the data storage
means exceeds a predetermined value, thereby, deterioration of the
image quality due to the data compression is suppressed to the
minimum, and more image data can be stored and printed.
[0137] In the printing system, the replacement to the recording
medium, which has the width printable in the maximum size necessary
when a print is formed based on the stored data, can be requested,
thereby, stoppage of the printing operation due to discord of the
size can be prevented.
[0138] In the printing system, when the image data is appropriately
arranged on, for example, the recording medium having the large
width, and the recording medium is cut to a predetermined size
after the printing operation, even if the operator is not near the
printing apparatus and the recording medium can not be changed to
the recording medium having the different width, the amount of
useless recording medium is reduced to the minimum, and various
sized-prints can be formed.
[0139] By the printing system, in the second mode, when it is
required to return to the first mode at once and to start again the
printing operation `in order-reception`, the printing operation in
the second mode is stopped once, and the situation is changed to
the mode `in order-reception` in the first mode and the print can
be instantly formed. In this case, it is preferable for easy print
control that the printing operation based on the stored data is
stopped when the order is completed, rather than during the
operation for a unit of customers.
* * * * *