Print order accepting apparatus and printing system

A photo printing system includes a display to display thereon an order screen containing at least one of images corresponding to image data files read out from a recording medium by a reading unit; and an inputting unit to be used for inputting order information containing the number of prints for the image being displayed on the display. A photo print for at least one of one or more images displayed on the display, to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given, is made before an order for the one or more images to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given is determined.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a print order accepting apparatus that accepts an order for photo prints, and also to a printing system that accepts an order for photo prints and makes the photo prints.

2. Description of Related Art

Recently known is a print order accepting apparatus placed in the storefront of a development printing (DP) store for accepting an order for prints according to an image data file or the like obtained by photographing with a digital camera, as disclosed in JP-A-2003-121946. Such a print order accepting apparatus includes a touch panel type display. When a customer sets in the print order accepting apparatus a medium brought by him- or herself and recording thereon image data files, a thumbnail image according to each image data file recorded on the medium is displayed on a display screen. In this case, when many frames of image data files are recorded on the medium, a plurality of pages of thumbnail images, for example, each constituted by eight frames, are displayed. The customer who has checked the thumbnail images displayed on the display screen, can input, through the touch panel, information on his or her order, for example, the number of prints for each image.

Further, a photo processing apparatus is placed in the DP store. The photo processing apparatus is connected to the print order accepting apparatus through a data transmission network so that the photo processing apparatus can obtain the image data files and order information received by the print order receiving apparatus. On the basis of the image data files and the order information obtained from the print order accepting apparatus, the photo processing apparatus prints images on respective printing papers to make photo prints.

In the printing system constituted by the print order accepting apparatus and the photo processing apparatus as described above, the photo processing apparatus obtains image data files and order information concerning the image data files after the customer completes the input of the order information on all the image data files recorded on the medium, and determines the order. That is, after the order for printing for all image data files is determined, the photo processing apparatus starts processing of printing. Generally in such a photo processing apparatus, about ten minutes are required from the start of print processing to the finish of the first photo print. Thus, the customer who has completed his or her order for printing is kept waiting for about ten minutes till the first photo print is finished, and further for several tens of minutes till all photo prints are finished.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a print order accepting apparatus and a printing system, capable of reducing a feeling of waiting a long time, of a customer who is waiting for the finish of photo prints.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a printing system that accepts an order for photo prints and makes the photo prints, comprises a reading unit that reads out a plurality of image data files recorded on a recording medium; a display that displays thereon an order screen containing at least one of a plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of image data files read out by the reading unit; an inputting unit to be used for inputting order information containing the number of prints for an image being displayed on the display; and a print making control unit that makes control such that a photo print for at least one of one or more images displayed on the display, to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given, is made before an order is determined for the one or more images to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a printing system comprises a print order accepting apparatus that accepts an order for photo prints from a customer, and a photo processing apparatus that makes the photo prints on the basis of the order accepted by the print order accepting apparatus. The print order accepting apparatus comprises a reading unit that reads out a plurality of image data files recorded on a recording medium; a display that displays thereon an order screen containing at least one of a plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of image data files read out by the reading unit; an inputting unit to be used for inputting order information containing the number of prints for an image being displayed on the display; a display control unit that changes the order screen being displayed on the display, into another order screen containing at least one of the plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of image data files, that has not yet been displayed in any displayed order screen; and a transmitting unit that transmits to the photo processing apparatus an image data file corresponding to at least one of the images contained in the order screen before changed by the display control unit, and order information on the image.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a print order accepting apparatus comprises a reading unit that reads out a plurality of image data files recorded on a recording medium; a display that displays thereon an order screen containing at least one of a plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of image data files read out by the reading unit; an inputting unit to be used for inputting order information containing the number of prints for an image being displayed on the display; and a print making control unit that makes control such that a photo print for at least one of one or more images displayed on the display, to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given, is made before an order is determined for the one or more images to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given.

According to the invention, the first photo print is finished sooner than that in a case wherein making photo prints is started after an order for images to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given, is determined. Therefore, the customer can obtain the first photo print earlier. The customer can appreciate the finished photo print while waiting for the remaining photo prints to be finished. This can reduce a feeling of waiting a long time, of the customer who is waiting for the finish of the photo prints.

In the present invention, “an order is determined” means not simply that the customer performs an operation for changing an order screen. It means that the customer performs the final operation for ordering photo prints.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the print making control unit may make control such that photo prints are made each time when the total number of images for each of which order information to request one or more prints has been input with the inputting unit, reaches a first predetermined number. According to this aspect, making photo prints can be started more rapidly in comparison with a case wherein making the photo prints is started, for example, after order information is given to the images corresponding to all the image data files read out by the reading unit, and before an order for the images is determined.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the print making control unit may make control such that photo prints are made each time when a new order screen is displayed first after the total number of images for each of which order information to request one or more prints has been input with the inputting unit, reaches the first predetermined number. If the photo prints are made immediately after the total number of images for each of which order information to request one or more prints has been input with the inputting unit, reaches the first predetermined number, it is inconvenient for the operator because the order information on photo prints for images contained in an order screen being displayed on the display may be changed after making the photo prints was started. Contrastingly, according to this aspect of the present invention, the photo prints for the first predetermined number of images can be made after the total number of images for each of which order information to request one or more prints has been input, reaches the first predetermined number and an operation is performed for displaying a new order screen on the display, that is, after the operator of the printing system agrees that the photo prints for images displayed in an order screen at the time when the operation for changing the order screen is performed, are made in accordance with the order information that he or she has input with the inputting unit.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the print making control unit may make control such that photo prints are made each time when the total number of images displayed on the display reaches a positive integer multiple of a second predetermined number.

According to the above aspect of the present invention, making photo prints can be started more rapidly in comparison with a case wherein making the photo prints is started, for example, after order information is given to the images corresponding to all the image data files read out by the reading unit, and before an order for the images is determined.

If the print making control unit makes control such that photo prints are made for each predetermined number of images for each of which order information to request one or more prints has been input with the inputting unit, for example, in the case that images to each of which order information to request one or more prints is to be given, are sparse in anterior images displayed on the display and concentrates in posterior images displayed on the display, making photo prints can not rapidly be started because it requires a long time until the number of images for each of which order information to request one or more prints has been input with the inputting unit, reaches the predetermined number. According to the above aspect of the present invention, however, even in the case, the photo prints for the anterior images can be made rapidly.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the second predetermined number may be the maximum number of images that can be displayed in one order screen.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the print making control unit may make control such that photo prints are made each time when an operation for changing the order screen being displayed on the display is performed n times, where n is a positive integer.

According to the above aspects of the present invention, photo prints can be made after an operation is performed for displaying a new order screen on the display, that is, after the operator of the printing system agrees that the photo prints for images displayed in an order screen at the time when the operation for changing the order screen is performed, are made in accordance with the order information that he or she has input with the inputting unit.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the system preferably further comprises a number assigning unit that assigns a docket number to each image data file corresponding to an image to which order information to request one or more prints has been given with the inputting unit.

For example, in the case of a printing system capable of accepting orders for photo prints from a plurality of customers at once, or in the case of a printing system capable of performing print processing for images obtained from a film, in parallel with print processing for an order accepted from a customer, print processing may not continuously be performed for a plurality of image data files ordered in a lump by a customer, that is, image data files corresponding to images displayed in one or more order screens, and print processing for another order may be performed in the course of print processing for image data files for which photo prints to be made in order under the control of the print making control unit. According to the above aspect of the present invention, however, even in the case, a plurality of image data files ordered in a lump by a customer can be known from docket numbers. Thus, the management of image data files in the printing system becomes easy.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, each docket number may contain a number common to image data files in groups corresponding to photo prints to be made in a lump, and a number common to the image data files in a group corresponding to photo prints to be made in a lump. According to this aspect, it becomes easy to identify image data files corresponding to photo prints to be made in a lump.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, each docket number may constitute at least part of a folder name of a data folder to store therein image data files corresponding to photo prints to be made in a lump. According to this aspect, a directory construction makes it possible to identify image data files corresponding to photo prints to be made in a lump, and image data files ordered in a lump by a customer.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the system preferably further comprises a printing unit that prints a docket number on a back side of each photo print. According to this aspect, for which customer each photo print is can be known from the docket number printed on the back side of the photo print. Thus, the management of photo prints becomes easy.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the system preferably further comprises a receipt printer that issues a receipt on which a docket number has been printed. According to this aspect, a customer can easily grasp the status of his or her order for photo prints.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the system preferably further comprises an image data storage section that stores image data files corresponding to one or more images to each of which order information has been given, in one of one or more data folders; an order information storage section that stores therein order information; a storage control section that controls the image data storage section to store therein the image data file corresponding to at least one of the one or more images to each of which order information has been given, and controls the order information storage section to store therein order information corresponding to the one or more image data files stored in the image data storage section, before an order is determined for the one or more images to each of which order information has been given; a status information storage section that stores therein status information as to whether or not print processing has been started for image data files corresponding to images to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given, of the image data files stored in each data folder provided in the image data storage section; and a judging section that judges, on the basis of status information being stored in the status information storage section, whether or not at least one of order information being stored in the order information storage section, and storage contents of the data folder, can be changed.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a printing system comprises a print order accepting apparatus that accepts an order for photo prints from a customer, and a photo processing apparatus that makes the photo prints on the basis of the order accepted by the print order accepting apparatus. The print order accepting apparatus comprises a reading unit that reads out a plurality of image data files recorded on a recording medium; a display that displays thereon an order screen containing at least one of a plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of image data files read out by the reading unit; an inputting unit to be used for inputting order information containing the number of prints for an image being displayed on the display; and a print information transmitting unit that transmits to the photo processing apparatus an image data file corresponding to at least one of one or more images to each of which order information has been given, and the order information on the image. The photo processing apparatus comprises an image data storage section that stores therein image data files transmitted by the print information transmitting unit, such that a group of image data files transmitted in a lump is stored in one data folder; an order information storage section that stores therein order information transmitted by the print information transmitting unit; a printing section that prints on a printing paper an image to which order information to request one or more prints has been given, of the image data files being stored in the image data storage section, on the basis of order information being stored in the order information storage section; a status information storage section that stores therein status information on each data folder provided in the image data storage section, as to whether or not the printing section has started print processing for the image data files contained in the data folder; a judging section that judges on the basis of status information being stored in the status information storage section, whether or not at least one of order information being stored in the order information storage section, and storage contents of the data folder, can be changed; and a status information changing section that changes status information being stored in the status information storage section, when the printing section starts print processing for the image data files contained in the data folder.

In the present invention, an expression “images to each of which order information has been given” without further noted may mean images only constituted by images to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given; or images including images to each of which order information to request no print has been given, in addition to images to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given.

According to the above aspects of the present invention, as for each data folder provided in the image data storage section, the operator who inputs order information with the inputting unit can be informed whether or not at least one of order information on the image data files stored in the data folder, and the storage contents of the data folder, can be changed.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the system preferably further comprises a status information changing section that changes status information being stored in the status information storage section, when print processing has been started for image data files contained in the data folder, corresponding to images to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given. According to this aspect, the status information being stored in the status information storage section from information indicating that print processing has not yet bee started, into information indicating that print processing has bee started.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the system may further comprise a print information changing section that changes at least one of order information being stored in the order information storage section, and storage contents of the data folder, if the status information on the data folder indicates that print processing has not yet been started, when print information containing one or more image data files corresponding to the data folder and order information given to the image data files, was changed by operating the inputting unit.

According to the above aspect of the present invention, print information on prints to be made can be changed if status information on a data folder corresponding to the print information that the operator who inputs order information with the inputting unit wants to change, indicates that print processing has not yet been started.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the status information storage section stores therein status information on each data folder provided in the image data storage section, as to whether or not print processing has been started for image data files contained in the data folder, corresponding to images to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given, and as to whether or not print processing can be started if print processing has not yet been started; the judging section judges for each data folder provided in the image data storage section whether or not print processing has been started for image data files contained in the data folder, corresponding to images to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given, and if print processing has not yet been started, as to whether or not print information containing one or more image data files corresponding to the data folder and order information given to the image data files, has been updated by operating the inputting unit; and the status information changing section changes the status information being stored in the status information storage section, so as to indicate that print processing has been started, if the judging section decides that print processing has been started, and the status information changing section changes the status information being stored in the status information storage section, so as to indicate that print processing can not be started, if the judging section decides that print processing has not yet been started and the print information has been updated by operating the inputting unit.

According to the above aspect of the present invention, print processing can be prevented from being started for image data files contained in a data folder corresponding to print information that the operator who inputs order information with the inputting unit wants to change.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the image data storage section may store an image data file corresponding to print information containing one or more image data files corresponding to a data folder and order information given to the image data files, in a new folder, if the print information has been changed by operating the inputting unit so as to increase the number of prints, add an image data file to be printed, or correct an image to be printed, and status information on the old data folder indicates that print processing has been started.

According to the above aspect of the present invention, if the operator who inputs order information with the inputting unit wants to change print information so as to increase the number of prints, add an image data file to be printed, or correct an image to be printed, photo prints can be made in accordance with the print information that the operator desires who inputs order information with the inputting unit, by making the photo prints on the basis of the image data files stored in the new folder, even if the status information on the data folder corresponding to the print information, indicates that print processing has been started.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the system preferably further comprises an informing section that informs an operator of the inputting unit that print processing has been started, if print information containing one or more image data files corresponding to a data folder and order information given to the image data files, has been changed by operating the inputting unit, and the status information on the data folder indicates that print processing has been started.

In the case that print processing has been started, even if the operator who inputs order information with the inputting unit wants to change print information so as to decrease the number of prints or eliminate an image to be printed, the print information on prints to be made can not be changed. In addition, if the operator who inputs order information with the inputting unit wants to change order information so as to correct an image to be printed, the change can not be reflected for the image data files for which print processing has been started. According to the above aspect of the present invention, by informing the operator who inputs order information with the inputting unit, that print processing has been started, the operator who inputs order information with the inputting unit can be warned when he or she changes print information so as to decrease the number of prints, eliminate an image to be printed, or correct an image to be printed, as described above.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the status information storage section stores therein status information on each data folder provided in the image data storage section, as to whether or not print processing has been started for image data files contained in the data folder, corresponding to images to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given, and as to whether or not print processing started has ended; the judging section judges for each data folder provided in the image data storage section whether or not print processing has been started for image data files contained in the data folder, corresponding to images to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given, and whether or not print processing started has ended; and the status information changing section changes the status information being stored in the status information storage section, if the judging section decides that print processing has been started or has ended.

For example, if the operator who inputs order information with the inputting unit wants to change print information on a data folder for which print processing is in progress, so as to decrease the number of prints, eliminate an image to be printed, or correct an image to be printed, the change desired by the operator can not be reflected on photo prints to be printed. Consequently, useless photo prints are made. According to the above aspect of the present invention, the operator who inputs order information with the inputting unit can know whether or not print processing is in progress for the data folder corresponding to the print information that the operator wants to change. Therefore, if the operator who inputs order information with the inputting unit wants to change the print information on the data folder for which print processing is in progress, so as to decrease the number of prints, eliminate an image to be printed, or correct an image to be printed, print processing can be stopped and thereby useless photo prints can be prevented from being made. Thus, by preventing the useless photo prints from being made, the cost can be reduced.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a folder name of each data folder provided in the image data storage section may be changed in accordance with status information being stored in the status information storage section.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the status information storage section serves also as a storage section for a folder name of each data folder provided in the image data storage section.

According to the above aspects of the present invention, the status information on each data folder can easily be checked from the folder name of the data folder.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.FIG. 1is a view showing a general constitution of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 1, the printing system1includes two print order accepting apparatuses101for accepting orders of photo prints from customers; and a photo processing apparatus201for making the photo prints. The printing system1of this embodiment is constructed by connecting two print order accepting apparatuses101to the existing photo processing apparatus201in a DP store through a data transmission network301including cables310and a hub320for Ethernet connection.

In the printing system1, when a customer sets in a print order accepting apparatus101a recording medium brought by the customer and recording thereon image data files obtained by photographing with a digital camera, the print order accepting apparatus101reads out the image data files from the set medium. The recording medium is, for example, one of a Smart Media (registered trademark), a Compact Flash (registered trademark), a memory stick (registered trademark), a CD-R, and an MO, on which image data files are personally stored. The print order accepting apparatus101then sends to the photo processing apparatus201the image data files and order information on print size, the number of prints, and correction value, as will be described later, input by the customer for the image data files. The photo processing apparatus201then makes photo prints on the basis of the image data files and the order information received from the print order accepting apparatus101.

As shown inFIG. 2, each print order accepting apparatus101includes a casing110and a display140. The casing110houses therein a controller120for controlling the print order accepting apparatus101. The display140is disposed on the upper face of the casing for displaying thereon various kinds of information on the print order accepting apparatus101to inform the operator, that is, a customer. A touch panel141is formed in the front face of the display140for inputting order information and so on. A plurality of media drives150to cope with various kinds of recording media are provided in the front face of the casing110. Each media drive150reads out image data files recorded on a medium set in the drive. A receipt printer160is provided on the upper face of the casing for printing a receipt.

FIG. 3shows a constitution of a principal part of the controller120. As shown inFIG. 3, a network interface139is connected to the controller120for connection to the data transmission network301. The controller120includes a number assigning section121, an image data storage section122, a display control section123, an order information storage section124, a customer information storage section125, an order information rewriting section126, a print information transmitting section127, a change permitting section128, an image retransmission permitting section129, an information judging section130, an interruption information transmitting section131, and a receipt issuing section132.

The number assigning section121assigns docket numbers constituted by an order number and branch numbers to a plurality of image data files read out by a media drive150and order information input by the customer for the image data files. Order information is assigned the same docket number as the image data file corresponding to the order information. The order number is a number common to a plurality of image data files ordered in a lump by the customer, that is, a plurality of image data files recorded on the medium brought by the customer. Each branch number is a number common to an image data file group corresponding to a plurality of thumbnail images displayed at once on an order screen40as will be described later with reference toFIGS. 11 and 12. In this embodiment, eight frames of thumbnail images can be displayed at once on the order screen40. Thus, a common branch number is assigned as one image data file group to image data files corresponding to eight frames of images. An image data file group that is allowed by the image retransmission permitting section129to be retransmitted, as will be described later in detail, is given a branch number different from the number at the time of the previous transmission.

The image data storage section122stores therein a plurality of image data files read out by each media drive150, and docket numbers assigned to the respective image data files by the number assigning section121.FIG. 18shows a directory construction in the image data storage section122. As shown inFIG. 18, in the present example, twenty image data files Image001.jpg-Image020.jpg are read out from a medium. The image data storage section122divides the twenty image data files into three image data file groups Image001.jpg-Image008.jpg, Image009.jpg-Image016.jpg, and Image017.jpg-Image020.jpg, and stores them in data folders. The folder names of the data folders to store therein the image data file groups contain the docket numbers assigned to the image data files by the number assigning section121. As shown inFIG. 18, in this example, the order number for the image data files Image001.jpg-Image020.jpg is 0000012, and the branch numbers of three image data file groups Image001.jpg-Image008.jpg, Image009.jpg-Image016.jpg, and Image017.jpg-Image020.jpg, are 01, 02, and 03, respectively.

The display control section123allows the display140to display thereon an initial screen10as shown inFIG. 8, a medium set guidance screen20as shown inFIG. 9, a print size selection screen30as shown inFIG. 10, order screens40as shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, a message47as shown inFIG. 13, a name input screen50as shown inFIG. 14, an order contents check screen60as shown inFIG. 15, and a receipt issuance screen70as shown inFIG. 16, which will be described later in detail. The display control section123switches an order screen40containing eight frames of thumbnail images into another order screen40containing images that have not yet been displayed on the previous order screen or screens40, of a plurality of images corresponding to a plurality of image data files stored in the image data storage section122.

The order information storage section124stores therein order information input by a customer through the touch panel141for each image data file, and a docket number assigned to the order information by the number assigning section121. The order information storage section124includes therein a print size storage section124afor storing sizes of photo prints ordered by the customer; a print number storage section124bfor storing the number of prints of each of a plurality of images corresponding to a plurality of image data files stored in the image data storage section122; and a correction value storage section124cfor storing correction values for colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) and the color densities of each image data file. In this embodiment, the print size storage section124ais set by default such that each print is made in a size of about 3.5 inch×5 inch. In addition, the print number storage section124bis set by default such that one print is made for each image. Further, the correction value storage section124cstores therein each correction value of zero by default. The customer information storage section125stores therein a name input by the customer through the name input screen50as shown inFIG. 14.

The order information rewriting section126includes a print size rewriting section126a, a print number rewriting section126b, and a correction value rewriting section126c. The print size rewriting section126arewrites the print size stored in the print size storage section124ainto a print size selected by the customer through the print size selection screen30as shown inFIG. 10. The print number rewriting section126brewrites the number of prints for each image stored in the print number storage section124binto the number of prints input by the customer for each image through the order screens40as shown inFIGS. 11 and 12. The correction value rewriting section126crewrites the correction values for each image data file stored in the correction value storage section124cinto correction values input by the customer for each image through the order screens40as shown inFIGS. 11 and 12.

When the customer operates the touch panel141to change the present order screen40containing eight frames of thumbnail images into another order screen40containing other thumbnail images, and when the customer operates the touch panel141to change the order screen40into the name input screen50, the print information transmitting section127transmits to the photo processing apparatus201the image data file group corresponding to the thumbnail images displayed on the order screen40at the time when the customer operates the touch panel141, order information input by the customer for the thumbnail images, and the docket number assigned to the image data file group (hereinafter referred to as “print information” as a generic term). Any image data file unnecessary to be printed, that is, for which the number of prints stored in the print number storage section124bis zero, is not transmitted to the photo processing apparatus201.

When the customer operated an order screen40to change print information corresponding to a data folder storing therein an image data file group transmitted from the print order accepting apparatus101to the photo processing apparatus201, the change permitting section128permits a change signal for the print information to be transmitted to the photo processing apparatus201if status information on the data folder, which will be described later in detail, indicates that printing has not yet been started. In this embodiment, the change signal for print information means changed order information when the customer operated an order screen40to change order information; or an image data file to be added when the customer operated an order screen40to add a print image. The change signal may contain both of the changed order information and the image data file to be added.

When the customer operated an order screen40to change print information corresponding to a data folder storing therein an image data file group transmitted from the print order accepting apparatus101to the photo processing apparatus201, so as to increase the number of prints, add an image data file to be printed, or increase/decrease a correction value, the image retransmission permitting section129permits the image data file group on which the print information has been changed, and the order information on the image data file to be transmitted to the photo processing apparatus201if status information on the data folder, which will be described later in detail, indicates that printing has been started.

When the customer operated an order screen40to change print information corresponding to a data folder storing therein an image data file group transmitted from the print order accepting apparatus101to the photo processing apparatus201, the information judging section130judges whether or not status information on the data folder, which will be described later in detail, indicates that printing has been started. When the status information indicates that printing has been started, the information judging section130instructs the display control section123to display on the display140a massage47to inform the customer of that effect, as shown inFIG. 13.

When the customer operated an order screen40to change print information corresponding to a data folder storing therein an image data file group transmitted from the print order accepting apparatus101to the photo processing apparatus201, so as to decrease the number of prints, eliminate an image to be printed, or increase/decrease a correction value, the interruption information transmitting section131transmits to the photo processing apparatus201a text file containing a message to urge the operator of the photo processing apparatus201to interrupt print processing for the data folder, as shown inFIG. 23, if status information on the data folder, which will be described later in detail, indicates that printing is in progress. Hereinafter, such a text file may be simply referred to as interruption information.

The receipt issuing section132controls the receipt printer150to print a receipt as shown inFIG. 17. As shown inFIG. 17, the receipt is printed to contain a terminal ID for specifying the used print order accepting apparatus101; the name of the customer stored in the customer information storage section125; an order number and branch numbers assigned by the number assigning section121; a print size and the number of prints stored in the order information storage section124; the charge of the photo prints ordered by the customer; and so on.

Next, a general construction of the photo processing apparatus201will be described with reference toFIG. 4. As shown inFIG. 4, the photo processing apparatus201includes an interface unit210, a film scanner220, a controller230, and a printer processor250.

The interface unit210is used for exchanging information between the photo processing apparatus201and the operator who is operating the photo processing apparatus201. The interface unit210includes a display211for displaying thereon various kinds of information on the photo processing apparatus201to inform the operator; and input devices such as a keyboard212and a mouse213for the operator to give instructions to the photo processing apparatus201.

The film scanner220includes a film carrier221, a light source222, a CCD line sensor unit226, and a not-shown processing circuit. The film carrier221conveys a photo film at a constant speed in an auxiliary scanning direction as shown by an arrow A inFIG. 4. The light source222applies lights to the photo film being conveyed by the film carrier221. The CCD line sensor unit226is disposed so as to receive lights having passed through the photo film, and photoelectrically converts a frame image on the photo film. The processing circuit processes an output signal of the CCD line sensor unit226.

The CCD line sensor unit226includes three CCD line sensors arranged in parallel. Each CCD line sensor has thereon about 5000 light receiving elements arranged along the width of the photo film. Color filters for red, green, and blue, are formed on the light receiving surface of each CCD line sensor. A frame image on the photo film is separated in color by the color filters and then detected. The processing circuit amplifies an output analogue signal of the CCD line sensor unit226, A/D-converts the signal, and then outputs the converted signal. Thus, in the film scanner220, when a photo film is set on the film carrier221, frame images on the photo film being conveyed are read out in order, and a digital image data file for each of red, green, and blue, is sent to the controller230.

The controller230controls the photo processing apparatus201. The controller230is connected to a network interface249for connection to the data transmission network301. Further, the controller230is connected also to a CD-R drive261for writing on a CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable), which can be rewritten only once.

Because the CD-R drive261is connected, the photo processing apparatus201of this embodiment can provide a service of writing on a CD-R an image data file recorded on a medium brought by a customer, or an image data file taken in through the film scanner220. However, this feature is not so important for the present invention, and so the detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 5shows a constitution of a principal part of the controller230. As shown inFIG. 5, the controller230includes a data preprocessing section231, an image data storage section232, an order information storage section233, a status information storage section234, a status information judging section235, a status information changing section236, a status information transmitting section237, a print information changing section238, an interruption information storage section239, an image processing section240, a conveyance control section241, a cutting control section242, an exposure control section243, and a printing control section244.

The data preprocessing section231separates print information received from a print order accepting apparatus101, into image data files and order information. Each image data file is transferred to the image data storage section232together with the corresponding docket number. The order information is transferred to the order information storage section233together with the corresponding docket number.

The image data storage section232stores therein the image data files and their docket numbers transferred from the data preprocessing section231. The order information storage section233stores therein the order information and docket number transferred from the data preprocessing section231.

FIG. 21shows a directory construction in the image data storage section232of the photo processing apparatus201. As shown inFIG. 21, in this embodiment, two data folders ST-1and ST-2are provided for storing therein image data files sent from two print order accepting apparatuses101, respectively. The construction in each data folder ST-1or ST-2is the same as the directory construction in the image data storage section122of each print order accepting apparatus101. An image data file group corresponding to a plurality of thumbnail images displayed on an order screen40at once, that is, an image data file group transmitted at once by the print information transmitting section127, is stored in one data folder.

As shown inFIG. 23A, an image data file Image021.jpg permitted by the image retransmission permitting section129to be transmitted, is stored in a new data folder o0000012-04.

As shown inFIG. 21, each folder name in a data folder is constituted by status information “p”, “o”, “s”, or “e” stored in the status information storage section234as will be described later in detail, and the docket number assigned to the data folder by the number assigning section121. Thus, the folder name in the data folder is changed in accordance with status information stored in the status information storage section234. The status information on any data folder shown inFIG. 21is “o”.

For each data folder provided in the image data storage section232, the status information storage section234stores therein status information indicating whether or not print processing using an image data file included in the data folder has been started; whether or not print processing can be started when print processing is not yet started; whether or not print processing has ended when print processing was started. More specifically, when print processing is not yet started, “o” is stored if print processing can be started, and “p” is stored if print processing can not be started. When print processing was started, “s” is stored if print processing has not yet ended, that is, print processing is in progress, and “e” is stored if print processing has ended. By default, the status information storage section234stores therein “o” as status information on any folder.

For each data folder provided in the image data storage section232, the status information judging section235judges whether or not print processing using an image data file included in the data folder has been started; whether or not a change signal has been sent from a print order accepting apparatus101; and whether or not print processing has ended when print processing was started.

When the status information judging section235decided that a change signal has been sent from a print order accepting apparatus101, the status information changing section236changes the status information stored in the status information storage section234into “p”. When the status information judging section235decided that print processing was started and is in progress, the status information changing section236changes the status information stored in the status information storage section234into “s”. When the status information judging section235decided that print processing has ended, the status information changing section236changes the status information stored in the status information storage section234into “e”.

The status information transmitting section237transmits to a print order accepting apparatus101the status information on each data folder stored in the status information storage section234. In this embodiment, when the status information changing section236changed the status information on each data folder stored in the status information storage section234, the status information transmitting section237transmits the status information on the data folder.

On the basis of a change signal sent from a print order accepting apparatus101, the print information changing section238changes at least one of order information stored in the order information storage section233, and the storage contents of a data folder provided in the image data storage section232. More specifically, when the change signal contains order information changed by the customer, the print information changing section238changes the order information stored in the order information storage section233. When the change signal contains an image data file added by the customer, the print information changing section238adds the image data file in the data folder provided in the image data storage section232.

A case wherein an image data file is added in a data folder o0000012-03storing therein four image data files Image017.jpg-Image020.jpg, will be described with reference toFIGS. 22A to 22C. First, the status information changing section236changes status information indicating that print processing has not yet been started and print processing can be started, into status information indicating that print processing has not yet been started and print processing can not be started. Attendant upon this, the folder name is changed from “o0000012-03” as shown inFIG. 22Ainto “p0000012-03” as shown inFIG. 22B. After an image data file Image021.jpg is added, the status information changing section236again changes the status information indicating that print processing has not yet been started and print processing can not be started, into status information indicating that print processing has not yet been started and print processing can be started. Attendant upon this, the folder name is changed from “p0000012-03” as shown inFIG. 22Binto “o0000012-03” as shown inFIG. 22C.

The interruption information storage section239stores therein a text file containing a message to urge that print processing be interrupted, sent from a print order accepting apparatus101. For example, as shown inFIG. 23B, a text file 0000012-03.txt containing a message to urge that print processing be interrupted for a data folder s0000012-03that is being printed, is stored in the same hierarchy as the data folder s0000012-03.

The image processing section240applies various kinds of image processing, such as processing for changing image size so as to correspond to print size, according to need, and processing for sharpness, to an image data file stored in the image data storage section232.

The conveyance control section241controls the operations of conveyance roller pairs255as will be described later, such that photo prints are made in accordance with order information stored in the order information storage section233. The cutting control section242controls the operation of a cutter256as will be described later, such that photo prints are made in accordance with order information stored in the order information storage section233. The exposure control section243controls an exposure unit258as will be described later, such that a latent image of an image corresponding to an image data file to which the image processing section240has applied image processing, is formed on a printing paper. The printing control section244controls a printing unit257as will be described later, such that, as shown inFIG. 25, the terminal ID of a print order accepting apparatus101that the customer used for his or her order, for example, “CT-2” inFIG. 25, the docket number of the image data file corresponding to the image to be formed on the emulsion surface of a printing paper, for example, “0000012-01” inFIG. 25, and correction values for color/density corrections made by the image processing section240, for example, “NNNN” inFIG. 25, are printed on the non-emulsion surface of the printing paper, that is, the back side of the photo print.

The printer processor250includes a printer251, a processor252, and a finish processing unit253. On the basis of an image data file to which image processing has been applied, sent from the controller230, the printer251exposes a printing paper. The processor252applies processing of development, bleaching, stabilization, and so on, to the exposed printing paper. The finish processing unit253dries the printing paper discharged from the processor252.

The printer251includes a paper magazine254in which a printing paper is set, and a plurality of conveyance roller pairs255for taking the printing paper out of the paper magazine254and conveying the printing paper. The printer251further includes a cutter256, a printing unit257, and an exposure unit258, arranged in this order in the conveyance direction for the printing paper being conveyed by the conveyance roller pairs255, as shown by an arrow B inFIG. 4. Thus, the printing paper taken out of the paper magazine254is cut by the cutter256into a print size, and then the docket number of the image data file and so on are printed by the printing unit257on the non-emulsion surface of the printing paper, as described above. The exposure unit258then forms on the emulsion surface of the printing paper a latent image of the image corresponding to the image data file to which the image processing section240has applied image processing. A proper type of exposure unit258can be adopted, for example, a laser exposure type, a PLZT type, or a CRT type.

The printing paper on which the latent image has been formed by the printer251is conveyed through the processor252to the finish processing unit253, and then discharged as a finished photo print.

In the photo processing apparatus201of this embodiment, print processing can be performed in parallel for image data files sent from the respective two print order accepting apparatuses101connected through the data transmission network301. Further, in addition to print processing for the image data files sent from the two print order accepting apparatuses101, print processing can be performed in parallel also for an image data file sent from the film scanner220.

Next, a procedure for making a photo print in the printing system1of this embodiment will be described. First, a procedure in a print order accepting apparatus101will be described with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7.FIGS. 6A to 6Cshow a flowchart of a procedure for the print order accepting apparatus101accepting an order for photo prints.FIG. 7is a flowchart showing a procedure of interrupt processing to be performed in the flowchart shown inFIG. 6.

First, in Step S101, the display control section123controls the display140to display thereon an initial screen10as shown inFIG. 8. In the initial screen10, as shown inFIG. 8, a message is displayed that urges a customer who wants to order for photo prints, to touch the screen of the display140that functions as the touch panel141. In Step S102, it is judged whether or not the customer touched the screen of the display140.

If it is decided that the customer did not touch the screen of the display140, that is, NO in Step S102, the judgment of Step S102is repeated until it is decided that the customer touched the screen of the display140. When it is decided that the customer touched the screen of the display140, that is, YES in Step S102, the display control section123controls the display140to display thereon a medium set guidance screen20as shown inFIG. 9, in Step S103. In the medium set guidance screen20, as shown inFIG. 9, a message is displayed that urges the customer to set a medium brought by him- or herself in a media drive150and press an OK button21being displayed in a lower right portion of the screen.

Afterward, interrupt processing as will be described later in detail is started in Step S104. Subsequently, it is judged in Step S105whether or not the OK button21in the medium set guidance screen20was operated. If it is decided that the OK button21was not operated, that is, NO in Step S105, the judgment of Step S105is repeated until it is decided that the OK button21was operated. When it is decided that the OK button21was operated, that is, YES in Step S105, the media drive150reads out image data files recorded on the set medium, in Step S106. Further, the number assigning section121assigns a docket number to each of a plurality of image data files read out from the medium, in Step S107.

Subsequently, in Step S108, the display control section123controls the display140to display thereon a print size selection screen30as shown inFIG. 10. In the print size selection screen30, as shown inFIG. 10, there are displayed sizes, unit prices, and basic charges for three print sizes of 3.5 inch×5 inch, 5 inch×7 inch, and 8 inch×10 inch. In addition, there are displayed a 3.5×5 selection button31, a 5×7 selection button32, and a 8×10 selection button33.

Subsequently, it is judged in Step S109whether or not a print size was selected by operating one of the 3.5×5 selection button31, the 5×7 selection button32, and the 8×10 selection button33. If it is decided that any print size was not selected, that is, NO in Step S109, the judgment of Step S109is repeated until it is decided that a print size was selected. When it is decided that a print size was selected, that is, YES in Step S109, the print size rewriting section126arewrites the print size stored in the print size storage section124ainto the selected print size, in Step S110.

Afterward, in Step S111, the plurality of image data files read out from the medium are stored in the image data storage section122. At this time, each image data file is stored in a data folder having its folder name corresponding to the docket number assigned by the number assigning section121.

Subsequently, in Step S112, the display control section123controls the display140to display thereon an order screen40as shown inFIG. 11. In the order screen40, as shown inFIG. 11, there are displayed eight frames of thumbnail images and the number of prints for each thumbnail image. In addition, for each thumbnail image, an increment button41for increasing the number of prints and a decrement button42for decreasing the number of prints are displayed. Further, in an upper right portion of the order screen40, there are displayed increment buttons43a,43b,43c, and43dfor increasing the respective correction values for colors of R, G, and B and the density and decrement buttons44a,44b,44c, and44dfor decreasing the respective correction values. When inputting a correction value, the operator touches a portion of the touch panel141where a thumbnail image for which the correction value is to be input is displayed. The touched image is then put in a selected state as the upper left thumbnail image in the order screen40ofFIG. 11. In this state, the correction value can be input by operating one of the increment buttons43ato43dor one of the decrement buttons44ato44d. In a lower right portion of the order screen40, there is displayed a NEXT button45for changing the order screen40into another order screen40containing thumbnail images that have not yet been displayed on the display140.

When the number of frames of thumbnail images that have not yet been displayed on the display140is eight or less in the plurality of thumbnail images corresponding to the plurality of image data files stored in the image data storage section122, the final page of order screen40as shown inFIG. 12is displayed. Like the order screen40shown inFIG. 11that is not the final page, in the final page of order screen40, there are displayed eight or less frames of thumbnail images; the number of prints for each thumbnail image; a increment button41and a decrement button42for increasing/decreasing the number of prints for each thumbnail image; and increments buttons43ato43dand decrement buttons44ato44dfor increasing/decreasing correction values. Further, as shown inFIG. 12, an OK button46is displayed in a lower right portion of the final page of order screen40.

Referring back to the flowchart ofFIG. 6B, it is then judged in Step S113whether or not an increment button41or a decrement button42was operated to input the number of prints. If it is decided that the number of prints for any thumbnail image was not input, that is, NO in Step S113, the flow skips Step S114as will be described later, and advances to Step S115. On the other hand, when it is decided that the number of prints for a thumbnail image was input, that is, YES in Step S113, the print number rewriting section126bchanges the number of prints stored in the print number storage section124binto the input value, in Step S114.

Further, it is judged in Step S115whether or not one of the increment buttons43ato43dand the decrement buttons44ato44dwas operated to input a correction value. If it is decided that any correction value was not input, that is, NO in Step S115, the flow skips Step S116as will be described later, and advances to Step S117. On the other hand, when it is decided that a correction value was input, that is, YES in Step S115, the correction value rewriting section126cchanges the corresponding correction value stored in the correction value storage section124cinto the input value, in Step S116.

Afterward, it is judged in Step S117whether or not the NEXT button45or the OK button46was pressed. If it is decided that the NEXT button45or the OK button46was not pressed, that is, NO in Step S117, the flow returns to Step S113, in which it is again judged whether or not the number of prints was input. On the other hand, when it is decided that the NEXT button45or the OK button46was pressed, that is, YES in Step S117, it is then judged in Step S118whether or not the print information corresponding to the thumbnail images being displayed in the order screen40has already been transmitted to the photo processing apparatus201.

When it is decided that the print information has not yet been transmitted, that is, NO in Step S118, the print information transmitting section127immediately transmits to the photo processing apparatus201the print order information corresponding to eight frames of thumbnail images contained in the order screen40displayed at the time when the NEXT button45or the OK button46was pressed, in Step S119. Afterward, the flow advances to Step S130as will be described later.

On the other hand, when it is decided that the print information has already been transmitted, that is, YES in Step S118, it is then judged in Step S120whether or not the order information stored in the order information storage section124has been changed from the order information previously transmitted. If it is decided that the order information has not been changed from the previously transmitted order information, that is, NO in Step S120, the flow advances to Step S130as will be described later. On the other hand, when it is decided that the order information has been changed from the previously transmitted order information, that is, YES in Step S120, the information judging section130then judges in Step S121on the basis of the status information transmitted from the photo processing apparatus201, whether or not print processing for the image data files corresponding to the thumbnail images being displayed in the order screen40has been started.

When it is decided that print processing has not yet been started, that is, NO in Step S121, the change permitting section128permits a change signal for the print information to be transmitted to the photo processing apparatus201, and the change signal is transmitted, in Step S122. The flow then advances to Step S130. On the other hand, when it is decided that print processing has been started, that is, YES in Step S121, the display control section123controls, on the basis of an instruction of the information judging section130, display140to display thereon a massage47to inform the customer that print processing has started, an OK button48, and a CANCEL button49, as shown inFIG. 13, in Step S123.

Afterward, it is judged in Step S124whether or not the CANCEL button49was operated. If it is decided that the CANCEL button49was operated, that is, YES in Step S124, the flow advances to Step S130as will be described later. On the other hand, when it is decided that the CANCEL button49was not operated, that is, NO in Step S124, it is then judged in Step S125whether or not the OK button48was operated. If it is decided that the OK button48was not operated, that is, NO in Step S125, the flow returns to Step S124, in which it is again judged whether or not the CANCEL button49was operated. On the other hand, when it is decided that the OK button48was operated, that is, YES in Step S125, it is then judged in Step S126, on the basis of the status information transmitted from the photo processing apparatus201, whether or not print processing for the image data files corresponding to the thumbnail images being displayed on the order screen40has ended.

If it is decided that print processing has ended, that is, YES in Step S126, the flow skips Steps S127and S128as will be described later, and advances to Step S129. On the other hand, when it is decided that print processing has not yet ended, that is, NO in Step S126, it is then judged in Step S127whether or not the order information was changed in Step S113or S115to decrease the number of prints, eliminate a print image, or change a correction value. If it is decided that the order information was not changed to decrease the number of prints, eliminate a print image, or change a correction value, that is, NO in Step S127, the flow skips Step S128and advances to Step S129. On the other hand, when it is decided that the order information was changed to decrease the number of prints, eliminate a print image, or change a correction value, that is, YES in Step S127, the interruption information transmitting section131transmits to the photo processing apparatus201interruption information to urge the operator of the photo processing apparatus201that print processing for the data files corresponding to the order information be interrupted, in Step S128.

Subsequently, it is judged in Step S129whether or not the order information was changed in Step S113or S115to increase the number of prints, add an image data file to be printed, or change a correction value. If it is decided that the order information was not changed to increase the number of prints, add an image data file to be printed, or change a correction value, that is, NO in Step S129, the flow advances to Step S130as will be described later. On the other hand, when it is decided that the order information was changed to increase the number of prints, add an image data file to be printed, or change a correction value, that is, YES in Step S129, the flow advances to Step S119as described above, in which print information corresponding to the changed order information is transmitted to the photo processing apparatus201.

Afterward, it is judged in Step S130whether or not the order screen40being displayed on the display140is the final page. When it is decided that the order screen40is not the final page, that is, NO in Step S130, the order screen40is changed into another order screen40containing thumbnail images that have not yet been displayed on the display140, in the plurality of thumbnail images corresponding to the plurality of image data files stored in the image data storage section122, in Step S131. The flow then returns to Step S113as described above, in which it is again judged whether or not the number of prints was input.

On the other hand, when it is decided that the order screen40is the final page, that is, YES in Step S130, the display control section123controls the display140to display thereon a name input screen50as shown inFIG. 14, in Step S132. In the name input screen50, as shown inFIG. 14, there are displayed input keys51for inputting a name, and a display area52for displaying therein the name input with the input keys51. An OK button53is displayed in a lower right portion of the name input screen50.

It is judged in Step S133whether or not the customer input a name with the input keys51and pressed the OK button53. If it is decided that the OK button53was not pressed, that is, NO in Step S133, the judgment of Step S133is repeated until it is decided that the OK button53was pressed. On the other hand, when it is decided that the OK button53was pressed, that is, YES in Step S133, the name input through the name input screen50is stored in the customer information storage section125, in Step S134.

Subsequently, in Step S135, the display control section123controls the display140to display thereon an order contents check screen60as shown inFIG. 15. In the order contents check screen60, as shown inFIG. 15, there are displayed the name of the customer; the order number and branch numbers in relation to the image data files for which the customer has ordered to be printed; print sizes; the numbers of prints; the charges; and so on. An OK button61is displayed in a lower right portion of the order contents check screen60.

It is judged in Step S136whether or not the customer who had checked the contents being displayed in the order contents check screen60pressed the OK button61. If it is decided that the OK button61was not pressed, that is, NO in Step S136, the judgment of Step S136is repeated until it is decided that the OK button61was pressed. On the other hand, when it is decided that the OK button61was pressed, that is, YES in Step S136, the display control section123controls the display140to display thereon a receipt issuance screen70as shown inFIG. 16, in Step S137. In the receipt issuance screen70, as shown inFIG. 16, there are displayed a message to urge the customer to take the medium out of the media drive150; and a message to inform the customer that a receipt is being issued. Subsequently, in Step S138, the receipt issuing section132controls the receipt printer160to issue a receipt as shown inFIG. 17.

Next, a procedure of interrupt processing to be started in Step S104of the flowchart ofFIG. 6Awill be described with reference toFIG. 7. Interrupt processing as is described here is processing in relation to an operation of a RETURN button91being displayed in a lower right portion of the medium set guidance screen20, the print size selection screen30, the order screen40, the name input screen50, and the order contents check screen50as shown inFIGS. 9 to 12,14, and15; and an operation of a CANCEL button92being displayed in a lower left portion of the screens. Interrupt processing is performed in parallel with processing of Steps S105to S136of the flowchart ofFIGS. 6A to 6C.

First, it is judged in Step S201whether or not the RETURN button91was operated. When it is decided that the RETURN button91was operated, that is, YES in Step S201, the display control section123controls the display140to change the screen being displayed on the display140into the screen previously displayed, in Step S202. For example, when the RETURN button91of the first page of order screen40was operated, the screen is changed into the print size selection screen30. When the RETURN button91of an order screen40that is not the first page was operated, the screen is changed into the previously displayed page of order screen40.

It is then judged in Step S203whether or not the screen being displayed after the change in Step S202is the initial screen10. When it is decided that the initial screen10is being displayed, that is, YES in Step S203, the flow of interrupt processing ends. On the other hand, when it is decided that the initial screen10is not being displayed, that is, NO in Step S203, the flow returns to Step S201as described above, in which it is again judged whether or not the RETURN button91was operated.

When it is decided in Step S201that the RETURN button91was not operated, that is, NO in Step S201, it is then judged in Step S204whether or not the CANCEL button92was operated. When it is decided that the CANCEL button92was operated, that is, YES in Step S204, the display control section123controls the display140to change the screen being displayed on the display140into the initial screen10, in Step S205. On the other hand, when it is decided that the CANCEL button92was not operated, that is, NO in Step S204, the flow returns to Step S201, in which it is again judged whether or not the RETURN button91was operated.

As described above, interrupt processing is continued until the medium set guidance screen20, the print size selection screen30, any order screen40, the name input screen50, or the order contents check screen60is not displayed on the display140.

Next, a procedure of processing in the photo processing apparatus201will be described with reference toFIGS. 19 and 20.FIG. 19is a flowchart showing a procedure of making photo prints by the photo processing apparatus201, more specifically, making photo prints according to an image data file group sent in a lump from a print order accepting apparatus101.FIG. 20is a flowchart showing a procedure of interrupt processing to be performed in the flowchart shown inFIG. 19.

First, in Step S301, the photo processing apparatus201receives print information from a print order accepting apparatus101. In Step S302, the data preprocessing section231separates the print information into an image data file group and order information. In Step S303, the image data file group is transferred to and stored in the image data storage section232together with the docket number assigned to the image data file group; and the order information is transferred to and stored in the order information storage section233together with the docket number. At this time, the image data file group sent in a lump from the print order accepting apparatus101is stored in one data folder.

In Step S304, interrupt processing as will be described later in detail is started. In Step S305, the image processing section240applies various kinds of image processing to each image data file being stored in the image data storage section232.

In Step S306, a plurality of conveyance roller pairs255starts conveying a printing paper. In Step S307, the status information changing section236changes the status information being stored in the status information storage section234, on the data folder in which the image data file group was stored in Step S303, from “o” meaning that print processing has not yet been started and can be started, into “s” meaning that print processing has been started and not yet ended. The status information transmitting section237then transmits the changed status information to the print order accepting apparatus101.

In Step S308, the cutter256cuts the printing paper into a print size contained in the order information being stored in the order information storage section233. In Step S309, the printing unit257prints on the non-emulsion surface of the printing paper the terminal ID of the print order accepting apparatus101that has been accepted the order, the docket number of the corresponding image data file, and the correction values for the colors and density, as shown inFIG. 25. In Step S310, the exposure unit258exposes the printing paper to form thereon a latent image of the image corresponding to the image data file to which image processing has been applied. After exposure processing in Step S310is completed for the images corresponding to all image data files, the flow advances to Step S311, in which the status information changing section236changes the status information being stored in the status information storage section234, on the data folder in which the image data file group was stored in Step S303, from “s” meaning that print processing has been started and not yet ended, into “e” meaning that print processing has ended; and the status information transmitting section237transmits the changed status information to the print order accepting apparatus101.

In step S312, each printing paper on which a latent image has been formed is sent from the printer251to the processor252, where processing of development, bleaching, stabilization, and so on, is applied. In Step S313, each printing paper on which an image has been actualized is sent from the processor252to the finish processing unit253, where dry processing is applied. In Step S314, each printing paper is discharged as a photo print out of the photo processing apparatus210.

Next, a procedure of interrupt processing to be started in Step S304of the flowchart ofFIG. 19will be described with reference toFIG. 20. Interrupt processing as is described here is processing to be performed in the photo processing apparatus201when the customer changed print information and a change signal for the print information or interruption information for print processing was transmitted from a print order accepting apparatus101.

First, in Step S401, the status information judging section235judges whether or not a change signal for print information was received from a print order accepting apparatus101. If it is decided that no change signal was received, that is, NO in Step S401, the flow skips Steps S402to S404as will be described later, and advances to Step S405. On the other hand, when it is decided that a change signal was received, that is, YES in Step S401, the flow advances to Step S402, in which the status information changing section236changes the status information being stored in the status information storage section234, on the data folder in which the image data file group was stored in Step S303inFIG. 19, from “o” meaning that print processing has not yet been started and can be started, into “p” meaning that print processing can not be started; and the status information transmitting section237transmits the changed status information to the print order accepting apparatus101.

In Step S403, on the basis of the received change signal for the print information, the print information changing section238changes the order information being stored in the order information storage section233, and/or the storage contents of the data folder provided in the image data storage section232. In Step S404, the status information changing section236changes the status information being stored in the status information storage section234, on the data folder in which the image data file group was stored in Step S303inFIG. 19, from “p” meaning that print processing has not yet been started and can not be started, into “o” meaning that print processing can be started. The status information transmitting section237then transmits the changed status information to the print order accepting apparatus101.

In Step S405, it is judged whether or not a text file containing a message to urge that print processing be interrupted, was received from a print order accepting apparatus101. If it is decided that no text file was received, that is, NO in Step S405, the flow returns to Step S401, in which it is again judged whether or not a change signal was received. On the other hand, when it is decided that a text file was received, that is, YES in Step S405, the flow advances to Step S406, in which the received text file is stored in the interruption information storage section239. In this case, if the operator of the photo processing apparatus201opens the text file being stored in the interruption information storage section239, a message as shown inFIG. 24is displayed on the display211.

As described above, in the printing system1of this embodiment, before the customer presses the OK button61of the order contents check screen60to determine his or her order, the print information transmitting section127transmits to the photo processing apparatus201print information corresponding to each image for which order information to request one or more prints was input through an order screen40. Thus, before the order for all the image data files read out from the medium is determined, the photo processing apparatus201can start making a photo print for an image corresponding to an image data file for which order information to request one or more prints was input. As a result, the first photo print is finished sooner than that in a case wherein the photo processing apparatus201starts making photo prints after the order for all image data files is determined. Therefore, the customer can obtain the first photo print earlier. The customer can appreciate the finished photo print while waiting for the remaining photo prints to be finished. Thus, the printing system1of this embodiment can reduce a feeling of waiting a long time, of the customer who is waiting for the finish of the photo prints.

In the printing system1of this embodiment, each time when eight frames of thumbnail images are displayed on the display140, print information corresponding to an image of the eight frames of thumbnail images to which order information to request one or more prints was assigned, is transmitted to the photo processing apparatus201. Thus, the photo processing apparatus201can start making photo prints more rapidly in comparison with a case, for example, wherein the photo processing apparatus201starts making photo prints after order information is given to the images corresponding to all the image data files read out from the medium, and before the order for the images is determined. Further, for example, even in the case that images to each of which order information to request one or more prints is to be given, are sparse in anterior images displayed on the display140and concentrates in posterior images displayed on the display140, the photo prints for the anterior images can be made rapidly.

In the printing system1of this embodiment, when the NEXT button45of an order screen40is pressed, the print information transmitting section127transmits to the photo processing apparatus201print information corresponding to an image to which order information to request one or more prints was assigned, of the eight frames of thumbnail images displayed at the time when the NEXT button45is pressed. Thus, after the customer agrees that photo prints corresponding to images being displayed in the order screen40are made in accordance with order information that he or she has input through the touch panel141, the photo prints of the images contained in the order screen40can be made.

In the printing system1of this embodiment, the number assigning section121of each print order accepting apparatus101assigns docket numbers to a plurality of image data files read out by a media drive150. Even in the case that the photo processing apparatus201does not continuously perform print processing for a plurality of image data files ordered in a lump by a customer, and performs print processing for another order in the course of print processing for two image data file groups sequentially sent to the photo processing apparatus201, for example, in the case that the photo processing apparatus201performs processing for orders from a plurality of print order accepting apparatuses101at once, or in the case that the photo processing apparatus201performs processing in parallel with print processing for an image data file sent from the film scanner220, the photo processing apparatus201can judge by the docket numbers which customer each photo print is for. Thus, the management of image data files in the printing system1becomes easy.

In the printing system1of this embodiment, a docket number is constituted by an order number common to a plurality of image data files ordered in a lump by a customer; and a branch number common to a group of image data files corresponding to eight or less frames of thumbnail images displayed at once in an order screen40, that is, the image data files transmitted in a lump by the print information transmitting section127. This makes it easy to determine the range of a plurality of image data files ordered in a lump by a customer and identify the image data file group corresponding to eight or less frames of thumbnail images displayed at once in an order screen40.

In the printing system1of this embodiment, each docket number is used as part of the folder name of a data folder for storing therein an image data file group corresponding to eight or less frames of thumbnail images displayed at once in an order screen40, that is, transmitted in a lump by the print information transmitting section127. Thus, from the directory construction, the range of a plurality of image data files ordered in a lump by a customer can be determined, and the image data file group corresponding to eight or less frames of thumbnail images displayed at once in an order screen40can be identified.

In the printing system1of this embodiment, the photo processing apparatus201includes the printing unit257for printing a docket number and so on on the back side of each photo print. Thus, from the docket number printed on the back side of each photo print, it can be known which customer the photo print is for. This makes the management of photo prints easy.

In the printing system1of this embodiment, each print order accepting apparatus101includes the receipt printer160for issuing a receipt on which docket numbers and so on are printed. This makes it easy for a customer to grasp the status of his or her order for photo prints.

In the printing system1of this embodiment, on the basis of the status information being stored in the status information storage section234, the status information judging section235judges whether or not print processing has been started for image data files contained in a data folder provided in the image data storage section232of the photo processing apparatus201. Thus, after print information corresponding to an image data file to which order information to request one or more prints has been assigned is transmitted from a print order accepting apparatus101to the photo processing apparatus201, and the image data file contained in the print information is stored in the image data storage section232, and the order information contained in the print information is stored in the order information storage section233, the customer who is operating the print order accepting apparatus101can be informed whether or not the print information can be changed by the status information on the data folder storing therein the image data file contained in the print information.

In the printing system1of this embodiment, when the status information judging section235decides that print processing has been started for image data files stored in a data folder, the status information changing section236changes the status information on the data folder being stored in the status information storage section234. Thus, the status information being stored in the status information storage section234can be changed from the information to indicate that print processing has not yet been started, into the information to indicate that print processing has been started.

In the printing system1of this embodiment, when the customer changed print information corresponding to a data folder containing image data files transmitted to the photo processing apparatus201, the change permitting section128of the print order accepting apparatus101permits a change signal for the print information to be transmitted to the photo processing apparatus201if status information on the data folder transmitted from the photo processing apparatus201indicates that print processing has not yet been started. On the basis of the change signal for the print information transmitted from the print order accepting apparatus101, the print information changing section238changes at least one of the order information being stored in the order information storage section233and the storage contents of the data folder provided in the image data storage section232. Thus, when the status information on the data folder containing the transmitted image data file corresponding to the print information that the operator of the print order accepting apparatus101wants to change, indicates that print operation has not yet been started, the print information on prints to be made by the photo processing apparatus201can be changed.

In the printing system1of this embodiment, the status information judging section235judges whether or not print processing has been started for image data files contained in a data folder, and whether or not a change signal for print information has been transmitted from a print order accepting apparatus101. When the status information judging section235decides that print processing has been started, the status information changing section236changes the status information being stored in the status information storage section234, so as to indicate that print processing has been started. When the status information judging section235decides that a change signal for print information has been transmitted from a print order accepting apparatus101, the status information changing section236changes the status information being stored in the status information storage section234, so as to indicate that print processing can not be started. This can prevent the start of print processing for the image data file contained in the data folder corresponding to the print information that the operator of the print order accepting apparatus101wants to change.

In the printing system1of this embodiment, when the customer changed print information on the data folder containing an image data file group transmitted from a print order accepting apparatus101, so as to increase the number of prints, add an image data file to be printed, or increase/decrease a correction value, the image retransmission permitting section129permits transmission of the image data file group for which the print information has been changed, and order information on the image data files, to the photo processing apparatus201, if the status information on the data folder indicates that print processing has been started. The image data storage section232of the photo processing apparatus201then stores in a new folder the image data files transmitted from the print order accepting apparatus101. Thus, when the customer wants to change print information so as to increase the number of prints, add an image data file to be printed, or increase/decrease a correction value, photo prints can be made in accordance with the print information that the customer desires, by making the photo prints on the basis of the image data files stored in the new folder, even if the status information on the data folder containing the transmitted image data files corresponding to the print information, indicates that print processing has been started.

In the printing system1of this embodiment, when the customer changed print information on the data folder containing an image data file group transmitted from a print order accepting apparatus101, the information judging section130instructs the display control section123to display on the display140a message to inform the customer that print processing has been started, if the status information on the data folder indicates so. This can warn the customer that the change in print information desired by him or her may not be reflected on print results because printing processing has been started.

In the printing system1of this embodiment, the status information judging section235judges whether or not print processing has been started for image data files contained in a data folder, and whether or not print processing started has ended. When the status information judging section235decides that print processing has been started or has ended, the status information changing section236changes status information being stored in the status information storage section234. When the customer changed print information on the data folder containing an image data file group transmitted from a print order accepting apparatus101, so as to decrease the number of prints, eliminate an image data file to be printed, or increase/decrease a correction value, the interruption information transmitting section131transmits interruption information to the photo processing apparatus201if the status information on the data folder indicates that print processing is in progress. Therefore, when the status information on the data folder containing transmitted image data files corresponding to print information that the customer wants to change, indicates that print processing has been stated and not ended, the operator can stop print processing oh the basis of the information sent from the print order accepting apparatus101. For example, when the customer wants to decrease the number of prints, print processing in the photo processing apparatus201can be stopped. Thus, by preventing useless photo prints from being made, the cost can be reduced.

In the printing system1of this embodiment, the folder name of each data folder provided in the image data storage section232of the photo processing apparatus201is changed in accordance with status information being stored in the status information storage section234. Thus, the status information on each data folder can be easily checked by the folder name of the data folder.

Next, a printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The printing system of this embodiment differs in construction from the printing system1of the first embodiment mainly in the following point. When an operation is made for changing the order screen40being displayed on the display140into another order screen40, the print information transmitting section127of the print order accepting apparatus101of the printing system1transmits to the photo processing apparatus201print information on the thumbnail images displayed on the order screen40at the time of the operation. Contrastingly, a print information transmitting section of the print order accepting apparatus of the printing system of this embodiment transmits to the photo processing apparatus201print information on a predetermined number of images when an operation is made for changing an order screen40into another order screen40first after the number of images for each of which order information to request one or more prints has been input through an order screen40, reaches the predetermined number. The other construction of the printing system of this embodiment is the same as that of the printing system1shown inFIG. 1, and thus the detailed description thereof is omitted. In this embodiment, each component having the same construction as in the first embodiment is denoted by the same reference numeral as in the first embodiment.

The print information transmitting section of the print order accepting apparatus of this embodiment transmits print information on five images to the photo processing apparatus201when the NEXT button45of an order screen40is pressed to change the order screen40into another order screen40first after the number of images for which order information to request one or more prints has been input through the corresponding order screen40, reaches five. The number assigning section assigns, to a plurality of image data files read out by a media drive150, docket numbers each constituted by an order number common to a plurality of image data files ordered in a lump by the customer, and a branch number common to each image data file group corresponding to five images to be transmitted at once by the print information transmitting section.

Thus, the printing system of this embodiment can reduce a feeling of waiting a long time, of the customer who is waiting for the finish of photo prints, like the printing system1of the first embodiment.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the number assigning section121of each print order accepting apparatus101assigns docket numbers to a plurality of image data files read out by a media drive150. However, the present invention is not limited to that. In a modification, the number assigning section121may assign docket numbers only to image data files according to which photo prints are made by the photo processing apparatus201, that is, the image data files for each of which the customer has set the number or prints to one or more. In another modification, such a number assigning section121may not be provided.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, each docket number is constituted by an order number common to a plurality of image data files ordered in a lump by the customer, and a branch number common to an image data file group to be transmitted at once by the transmitting section. However, the present invention is not limited to that. In a modification, for example, the number assigning section may assign serial docket numbers to a plurality of image data file so that each image data file group to be transmitted at once by the print information transmitting section, is assigned the same serial docket number. That is, a plurality of docket numbers assigned to a plurality of image data files ordered in a lump by the customer may contain no common part. In another modification, the number assigning section may assign serial docket numbers to the image data files ordered in a lump by the customer. That is, a plurality of docket numbers assigned to a plurality of image data files contained in one image data file group may contain no common part. Even in such modifications, the same advantage as in the above-described embodiments can be obtained if the plurality of docket numbers are linked to each other by linking data generated by, for example, the number assigning section of the print order accepting apparatus101, and the linking data is transmitted from the print order accepting apparatus101to the photo processing apparatus201.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the number assigning section assigns to order information the same docket number as the docket number assigned to the image data file corresponding to the order information. However, the present invention is not limited to that. In a modification, the number assigning section may assign to the order information a docket number different from the docket number assigned to the image data file.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, each docket number is used as part of the folder name of a data folder to store therein an image data file group transmitted at once by the print information transmitting section. However, the present invention is not limited to that. It suffices if a plurality of image data files can be linked to respective docket numbers assigned by the number assigning section. Therefore, in a modification, for example, data may separately be prepared to indicate the relation between the plurality of image data files and the docket numbers.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the photo processing apparatus201includes the printing unit257for printing a docket number and so on on the back side of each photo print. In a modification, however, such a printing unit257may not be provided.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, each print order accepting apparatus101includes the receipt printer160for issuing a receipt on which docket numbers and so on are printed. In a modification, however, such a receipt printer160may not be provided.

In the above-described first embodiment, each time when the NEXT button45of an order screen40is pressed, the print information transmitting section127transmits to the photo processing apparatus201print information on images to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given, of eight frames of thumbnail images that were being displayed in the order screen40at the time when the NEXT button45was pressed. However, the present invention is not limited to that. In a modification, for example, each time when the total number of thumbnail images displayed on the display140reaches a predetermined number, for example, five, the print information transmitting section127may transmit to the photo processing apparatus201print information on images to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given, of the predetermined number of thumbnail images. In another modification, each time when order screens40are changed twice by pressing NEXT buttons45twice, the print information transmitting section127may transmit to the photo processing apparatus201print information on images to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given, of eight frames of thumbnail images that were being displayed in the second order screen40at the time when the NEXT button45of the order screen40was pressed, and eight frames of thumbnail images that were being displayed in the first order screen40displayed immediately before the second order screen40.

In the above-described second embodiment, when an operation is made for changing an order screen40into another order screen40first after the number of images for each of which order information to request one or more prints was input through the corresponding order screen40reaches five, the print information transmitting section transmits print information on the five images to the photo processing apparatus201. However, the present invention is not limited to that. In a modification, for example, immediately after the number of images for each of which order information to request one or more prints was input through the corresponding order screen40reaches five, the print information transmitting section may transmit print information on the five images to the photo processing apparatus201.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, when the customer changed print information corresponding to a data folder containing image data files transmitted to the photo processing apparatus201, the change permitting section128permits a change signal for the print information to be transmitted to the photo processing apparatus201if status information on the data folder transmitted from the photo processing apparatus201indicates that print processing has not yet been started. On the basis of the change signal for the print information transmitted from the print order accepting apparatus101, the print information changing section238changes at least one of the order information being stored in the order information storage section233and the storage contents of the data folder provided in the image data storage section232. However, the present invention is not limited to that. In a modification, such change permitting section128and print information changing section238may not be provided.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the status information judging section235judges whether or not print processing has been started for image data files contained in a data folder, whether or not print processing started has ended, and whether or not a change signal for print information has been transmitted from a print order accepting apparatus101. When the status information judging section235decides that print processing has been started, the status information changing section236changes the status information being stored in the status information storage section234, so as to indicate that print processing has been started. When the status information judging section235decides that print processing has ended, the status information changing section236changes the status information being stored in the status information storage section234, so as to indicate that print processing has ended. When the status information judging section235decides that a change signal for print information has been transmitted from a print order accepting apparatus101, the status information changing section236changes the status information being stored in the status information storage section234, so as to indicate that print processing can not be started. However, the present invention is not limited to that. In a modification, the status information judging section235may only judge whether or not print processing has been started, and the status information changing section236may change the status information being stored in the status information storage section234, only when the status information judging section235decides that print processing has been started. In another modification, such a status information changing section236may not be provided.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, when the customer changed print information on the data folder containing an image data file group transmitted from a print order accepting apparatus101, so as to increase the number of prints, add an image data file to be printed, or increase/decrease a correction value, the image retransmission permitting section129permits transmission of the image data file group for which the print information has been changed, and order information on the image data files, to the photo processing apparatus201, if the status information on the data folder indicates that print processing has been started. In a modification, however, such an image retransmission permitting section129may not be provided.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, when the customer changed print information on the data folder containing an image data file group transmitted from a print order accepting apparatus101, the information judging section130instructs the display control section123to display on the display140a message to inform the customer that print processing has been started, if the status information on the data folder indicates so. However, the present invention is not limited to that. In a modification, for example, the customer may be informed by voice that print processing has been started. In another modification, such an information judging section130may not be provided.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, when the customer changed print information on a data folder containing an image data file group transmitted from a print order accepting apparatus101, so as to decrease the number of prints, eliminate an image data file to be printed, or increase/decrease a correction value, the interruption information transmitting section131transmits interruption information to the photo processing apparatus201if the status information on the data folder indicates that print processing is in progress. In a modification, however, such an interruption information transmitting section131may not be provided.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the folder name of each data folder provided in the image data storage section232of the photo processing apparatus201is changed in accordance with status information being stored in the status information storage section234. However, the present invention is not limited to that. In a modification, for example, such a status information storage section234may not be provided, and merely the folder name of each data folder provided in the image data storage section may reflect status information. In the modification, the image data storage section232stores therein the status information.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the print information transmitting section127transmits to the photo processing apparatus201print information on thumbnail images to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given. However, the present invention is not limited to that. In a modification, the print information transmitting section127may transmit to the photo processing apparatus201the image data files corresponding to thumbnail images to each of which order information to request no print has been given, in addition to the image data files corresponding to the thumbnail images to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given. In the modification, the data folders provided in the image data storage section232stores therein the image data files corresponding to the thumbnail images to each of which order information to request no print has been given, in addition to the image data files corresponding to the thumbnail images to each of which order information to request one or more prints has been given.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, an image data file group to be transmitted at once by the print information transmitting section, is stored in one data folder. However, the present invention is not limited to that. In a modification, for example, one image data file may be stored in one data folder.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the touch panel141is provided in the front face of the display140, and a customer touches the touch panel141to input order information or change the order screen40being displayed on the display screen140into another order screen40. However, the operation for inputting order information into the print order accepting apparatus101or changing the order screen40is not limited to that. In a modification, for example, the customer can use the keyboard or mouse to input order information into the print order accepting apparatus101or change the order screen40.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, an image is formed through processing of exposure, development, bleaching, stabilization, drying, and so on, in the printer processor250of the photo processing apparatus201to make a photo print. However, the image formation method is not limited to that. In a modification, for example, an image may be formed with an inkjet printer.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, each print order accepting apparatus101is connected to the photo processing apparatus201through the data transmission network301and cooperates with the photo processing apparatus201to constitute the printing system1. In a modification, however, each print order accepting apparatus101may have therein a printer to work independently.