JP2008027375A - Information processing apparatus and print processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus configured so that when image data in one order is distributed to two or more print processing apparatuses, the result of the distribution can be output and confirmed easily.
An information processing apparatus 10 having a function of distributing image data in one order to two or more print processing apparatuses 20 according to an operation status and / or a print size. It has a function of sorting image data in one order and outputting information of the sorted result.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having a function of distributing image data in one order to two or more print processing apparatuses, and a print processing system including the information processing apparatus.

  In a large-scale photo print shop, a plurality of reception terminals that directly receive image data from an orderer are installed, and a large number of orders and orders with a large number of prints can be received. In order to process a large number of orders and an order with a large number of prints in this way, the operator performs an operation to create a photo print for each order by distributing to a plurality of printing apparatuses for each order.

  In addition, there are prints with different print sizes in one order. In such a case, even if there is one order, it is divided into print sizes and an operation is performed so that printing is performed by a plurality of printing apparatuses. Is doing.

  As a system for automatically allocating image data of one order to a plurality of printing apparatuses as described above, a photographic print system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. According to this system, image data of a plurality of frames included in one order can be distributed and transferred to a plurality of printing apparatuses.

JP 2001-282486 A

  As described above, when image data in one order is distributed to a plurality of printing apparatuses for printing processing, there is a problem that it is difficult to grasp the processing status. That is, when prints are output from a plurality of printing apparatuses, it has not been possible to easily determine which frame image has been printed from which printing apparatus.

  In addition, since the output status of the order (for example, completion, status on the way) cannot be confirmed from the operation screen, bother to go to the printing device's outlet and visually check the discharged photo print. In such a case, other work (for example, image processing setting work) is interrupted, and there is a problem that the processing efficiency of the entire system is lowered.

  In addition, it is conceivable to perform index printing of the frame images related to the printing after the printing is finished in each printing apparatus. However, in recent years, with the popularization of digital cameras, several hundred or more sheets (for example, 600 sheets, 800 sheets) in one order. In many cases, the conventional index printing method performs index printing with a preset image size and number of frames (for example, 60, 80 frames). The operator could not easily discriminate and it was only complicated.

  In addition, it is inconvenient that the operator needs to actually confirm the print finish status of the order to be inspected when the operator inspects the photo print after the print output is completed. Also, in inspection work, it is necessary to collate the photo prints in one order and rearrange them in the order of the frames. It was.

  Further, the system of Patent Document 1 only displays the relationship between the order and the printing device, and the assigned frame image is assigned to which printing device, and further, the output status (processing status) for each printing device is known. This is a configuration that cannot be performed, and the above problem cannot be solved.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem is that when image data in one order is distributed to two or more print processing apparatuses, the result of the distribution can be easily output and confirmed. An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus configured as described above. It is another object of the present invention to provide a print processing system including this information processing apparatus.

In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention provides:
An information processing apparatus having a function of distributing image data in one order to two or more print processing apparatuses,
A management unit that manages image data in units of orders;
A storage unit for storing image data in order units managed by the management unit;
An operation status inquiring unit for inquiring of the operation status at the timing of print processing to the print processing device;
A first distribution unit that distributes image data in one order to two or more print processing devices in accordance with an inquiry result from the operation status inquiry unit;
A second distribution unit that distributes image data in one order to two or more print processing devices according to a distribution definition table that defines distribution according to print size;
A transmission unit that transmits image data to a print processing apparatus as a distribution destination according to the result of distribution by the first distribution unit and / or the second distribution unit;
An output control unit that outputs a result of the distribution by the first distribution unit and / or the second distribution unit.

  The effects of this configuration are as follows. That is, the information processing apparatus has a function of distributing image data in one order to two or more print processing apparatuses. In order to realize such a function, a management unit that manages image data in order units, a storage unit that stores image data in order units managed by the management unit, and an operation status at the timing of print processing in the print processing apparatus An operation status inquiry unit that inquires, a first distribution unit that distributes image data in one order to two or more print processing devices, and distribution according to the print size, according to the inquiry result by the operation status inquiry unit According to the distribution definition table, the second distribution unit that distributes the image data in one order to two or more print processing devices, and the image according to the result distributed by the first distribution unit and / or the second distribution unit A transmission unit that transmits data to a print processing apparatus as a distribution destination. And the output control part which outputs the result distributed by the 1st distribution part and / or the 2nd distribution part is provided, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  Thereby, when image data in one order is distributed to two or more print processing apparatuses, the result of the distribution can be easily output and confirmed. It is easy to determine which print processing device the frame image has been assigned to, and it is possible to easily collate and summarize orders at the time of inspection.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the output control unit displays the sorted result on a display screen and / or prints out the result.

Further, in the information processing apparatus of the present invention, a processing status confirmation instruction accepting unit for accepting an instruction for confirming the processing status of the order;
A processing status inquiry unit for inquiring of the processing status to the print processing apparatus in accordance with the instruction received by the processing status check instruction receiving unit;
It is preferable that the output control unit outputs the sorted result including the processing status of the order according to the query result from the processing status query unit.

  Accordingly, the output control unit can output the sorted result including the order processing status, and as a result, the processing status (output status) of a plurality of print processing devices can be output without going to the print processing device. Since it can be easily grasped, work efficiency is not reduced.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the information processing apparatus further includes an index configuration unit that configures an index image so that the result of distribution by the output control unit is output in an index form. In this case, it is preferable that the index is an aspect in which all images included in one order are displayed. Further, it is particularly preferable that the index is an aspect in which at least the first image and the last image are displayed so as to be visible in the sorted image unit.

  According to this configuration, the index display is performed as the output mode, and all the images included in one order are displayed as the index display mode. Further, at least the first image and the last image in the sorted image unit. Is displayed so as to be visible, and the confirmation work by the operator can be performed accurately and quickly.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the output control unit outputs the sorted result at the end of printing and / or at a predetermined timing.

  According to this configuration, the output control unit can output the sorted result at the end of printing and / or at a predetermined timing. As a result, the operator can output the result when he / she desires (for example, print processing). Finally, at the time of inspection, it is possible to output the sorted result (during printing when the orderer's request is met).

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes an image processing unit that performs image processing on the image data. With this configuration, the information processing apparatus can perform image processing on image data.

  In the present invention, “image processing” refers to various image processing for image data. For example, image size expansion / reduction processing, thumbnail processing, gamma correction, red-eye correction, color correction, density correction, and other image processing It is. “Correction” includes, for example, color / density correction, red-eye correction, backlight correction, and other special correction, trimming, and the like.

  The order concept can be set as appropriate. For example, one photographic film and one recording medium can be handled as one order.

  Further, another print processing system of the present invention includes a plurality of print processing apparatuses having the above-described information processing apparatus and a print processing function based on image data.

  According to this configuration, the print processing system includes a plurality of information processing apparatuses having a function of distributing image data in one order to two or more print processing apparatuses, and a plurality of print processing apparatuses having a print processing function based on the image data. In this configuration, the image data in one order is distributed to a plurality of print processing devices by the information processing device, and the print processing is performed.

(Embodiment 1)
A preferred embodiment of an information processing apparatus 10 and a print processing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a print processing system.

<Configuration of print processing system>
The print processing system according to this embodiment includes an information processing apparatus 10 having an image processing function for image data, and a print processing apparatus 20 that forms a photographic print by forming an image on photographic paper based on the image data. Is done. In FIG. 1, three print processing apparatuses 20 are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, the print processing system may include a recording medium writing device (not shown) that stores an image on a predetermined recording medium (for example, a CD-R / CD-RW).

  The print processing system also includes a data communication device (not shown), receives data such as image data from an external information processing device (for example, a reception terminal, a server device, a PC terminal 36, etc.), performs image processing, The photo print creation process is configured.

<Functional Description of Information Processing Device>
The main functions of the information processing apparatus 10 will be described. However, description of conventionally known functional elements may be omitted or simplified. In the following, functional elements that are features of the present invention will be mainly described.

  The image acquisition unit 11 includes a film scanner 11a and a recording medium reading unit 11b. The film scanner 11 a reads an image from a predetermined negative film or the like as digital image data and transmits it to the memory 12. The recording medium reading unit 11 b reads digital image data from a predetermined recording medium 40 and transmits it to the memory 12. The information processing apparatus 10 may be configured not to include the film scanner 11a and / or the recording medium reading unit 11b.

  The distribution definition table storage unit 13 stores a distribution definition table that defines distribution according to the print size. FIG. 2 shows a data example of the distribution definition table. Depending on the print size, it is defined that the print processing is performed by a predetermined print processing device 20. For example, if the size is “L size”, the print processing device 20 of “ID0001” is automatically assigned. Become. This distribution depends on the function of the second distribution unit 14f described later.

  The image processing means 14 is an element having a function of controlling an image processing function for image data. Each functional element of the image processing means 14 is a cooperative operation between various software programs and hardware resources such as a CPU and a memory. The function is realized by the action.

  The GUI 14a is a graphical user interface, and is configured to be able to perform image processing, correction data, data input operations related to operator instructions, and the like through the screen of the monitor 17. The acquired image data is displayed on the screen of the monitor 17, and the operator can determine whether or not an image with an appropriate image quality is formed (pre-judgment work) while viewing the screen. In the present invention, in particular, an output instruction for sorting result information, an instruction for confirming the order processing status, and the like can be received from the operation screen.

  FIG. 7 is a screen configuration example when performing pre-judge work. In the example of FIG. 7, six of the input images are displayed on the monitor screen. The number of images to be displayed on the monitor screen can be set as appropriate, such as 4 or 8. The operator can determine whether or not an image is formed with an appropriate color and density while viewing this screen. Correction data can be input via the input operation unit 18 for an image that is determined to be corrected for color and density. The input operation unit 18 includes, for example, a keyboard, a numeric keypad, a mouse, and the like. When correction data is input, an image corrected based on the input correction data is displayed in real time on the screen of the monitor 17, so that the operator appropriately performs image processing while visually checking the corrected image. be able to. The above operation is controlled and realized by the pre-judge control unit 14b. Further, the image correction based on the correction data is realized by an image processing function by the image processing unit 14k.

  In the above-described pre-judge work, in addition to the above-described color / density correction, special correction such as red-eye correction and backlight correction, trimming, and the like can be performed. In addition, the number of prints can be set, and a plurality of photo prints of the same image can be created. Examples of color correction include correction of hue, brightness, and saturation. In addition to color correction, predetermined image processing includes density correction, contrast correction, brightness correction, sharpness correction, rotation correction, inversion correction, and the like. For example, in FIG. 7, reference numeral 54 denotes correction values of magenta, yellow, and cyan (Y, M, C) for color correction, and designates addition / subtraction from the standard value with + and −. Reference numeral 55 denotes a density correction value, which is used to instruct an addition / subtraction from the standard value with + and −. 53 indicates the number of prints.

  The correction data is input by trial and error to some extent, and the finally determined correction data is transmitted to and stored in the order data storage unit 15 in association with the image data.

  The order-unit image data stored in the order data storage unit 15 (corresponding to the storage unit) is managed by the management unit 14c. The management unit 14c has a function of managing orders so that print processing can be performed according to the order of the orders. In addition, the management unit 14c manages which print processing device 20 performs the print processing on the order in which the print processing order has come. Specifically, when the timing of the print process comes, the operation status inquiry unit 14d is instructed, and the operation status inquiry unit 14d inquires of all the print processing devices 20 about the operation status. The inquired print processing apparatus 20 returns an operation status (for example, during printing, non-operation, print processing waiting time, etc.). This reply information (operation status) is analyzed by the first distribution unit 14e.

  The first distribution unit 14e has a function of distributing image data (frame image data) in one order to two or more print processing devices 20 according to the inquiry result from the operation status inquiry unit 14d. For example, the operating status (reply information) may be “not operating” for the print processing device 20 “ID0001”, “not operating” for the print processing device 20 “ID0002”, and “not operating” for the print processing device 20 “ID0003”. For example, the first distribution unit 14e can divide the image data of the order into three and distribute the divided image data to each print processing device 20. For example, if the operation status is “not working” for the print processing device 20 “ID0001”, “printing” for the print processing device 20 “ID0002”, and “not working” for the print processing device 20 “ID0003”, The first distribution unit 14e can divide the image data of the order into two and distribute the divided image data to each print processing device 20. Further, the first distribution unit 14e is configured to distribute image data in one order to two or more print processing apparatuses 20, and in addition, all the orders in order to one print processing apparatus 20 set in advance are set. The image data can also be distributed.

  The ratio of division (the ratio of the number of divided sheets) may be equal, or may be set depending on the processing capability of the print processing apparatus, the replacement time of the developer, the maintenance time, and the like. In addition, it is possible to configure such that distribution is performed in consideration of distribution processing based on print size by a second distribution unit 14f described later. The distributed image data is managed in association with the distribution destination (print processing apparatus 20) in units of frame image data.

  FIG. 3 illustrates management of frame image data after distribution. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the frame image data of “order ID 01” is allocated to the print processing apparatus 20 “ID0001” for frame numbers “1” to “100”, and frame numbers “101” to “200”. Are assigned to the print processing apparatus 20 “ID0002”, and the frame numbers “201” to “300” are assigned to the print processing apparatus 20 “ID0003” and managed.

  The second distribution unit 14f has a function of distinguishing and distributing image data in one order by print size in accordance with the information of the distribution definition table described above. FIG. 4 shows an example in which sorting is performed by distinguishing by print size. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, in the frame image data of “order ID 03”, the frame numbers “50” to “52” have the print size “2L”. Therefore, according to the table of FIG. Assigned to ID0002 ". Also, since frame numbers “299” and “300” are print sizes “E”, they are assigned to the print processing apparatus 20 “ID0003” according to the table of FIG. Others are allocated to the print processing apparatus 20 “ID0001” and managed.

  The output control unit 14n displays information on the result of the distribution by the first distribution unit 14e and the second distribution unit 14f on the display screen of the monitor 17 (on the pre-judge screen or other operation screen). Control each element. In addition, the output control unit 14n displays the information of the results distributed by the first distribution unit 14e and the second distribution unit 14f on an external device (for example, the mobile terminal 34, the order inspection device 35, the PC terminal 36, etc.). Control each element to be displayed on the screen.

  In addition, the output control unit 14n is configured to connect various types of printers (for example, an inkjet printer 31) that are connected to the information processing apparatus 10 via the network with information on the results of the distribution by the first distribution unit 14e and the second distribution unit 14f. , Laser printer 32, digital multi-function device 33, etc.) and each element can be controlled to print out.

  The distribution result information may be displayed / printed out in a list format consisting of character data not including image data, but is preferably displayed / printed out in an index format including an image to be printed.

  The index composing unit 14m has a function of composing an index image so that one order frame image can be discriminated from one index image. In addition, the index configuration unit 14m can configure the index image in such a manner that at least the first image and the last image are displayed so as to be visible in the sorted image unit.

  The processing status confirmation instruction accepting unit 14g has a function of accepting an instruction for confirming the order processing status. For example, it is determined that an instruction for confirming the processing status is received by an instruction input on the operation screen. It is also possible to accept a processing status confirmation instruction received by a communication device (not shown) from an external device (for example, portable terminal 34, order inspection device 35, PC terminal 36, etc.). The processing status confirmation instruction receiving unit 14g can also determine that a confirmation instruction has been received at regular intervals or in real time by a timer (not shown).

  The processing status inquiry unit 14h has a function of inquiring each print processing device 20 about the processing status in accordance with the instruction received by the processing status confirmation instruction receiving unit 14g. Then, the output control unit 14n described above outputs the sorted result including the processing status of the order according to the information of the query result by the processing status query unit 14h. The processing status of the order is, for example, information such as “printing frame No. XXX with order ID ΔΔ”, “printing end of order ID ΔΔ”, and the like.

  The image data and correction data stored in the order data storage unit 15 are transmitted to the image processing board 16 in the order in which they are basically ordered and printed based on the transmitted image data and correction data. Image data is generated.

  The image processing board 16 is provided with a reception memory, an image processing means, a transmission memory, a transmission unit 16a, and firmware. The image processing board 16 has a function of generating image data for printing that is actually used for the printing process based on the correction data set in the pre-judge process. The print image data generated by the image processing board 16 is transmitted to the distributed print processing apparatus 20 by the transmission unit 16a.

  In the present invention, one order is distributed to a plurality of print processing apparatuses 20 for print processing. Since the management unit 14c manages the distribution destination and the frame image data in association with each other, the management unit 14c transmits the image data to the print processing apparatus 20 that can start processing quickly in consideration of the operation status (empty status) of the print processing apparatus 20. As described above, it is preferable that the frame image of the frame No. distributed to the print processing apparatus 20 is selected and transmitted to the image processing board 16.

  When transmitting to the image processing board 16 according to the order of the frame numbers in the order, the transmitting unit 16a is configured to transmit the print image data to the print processing device 20 according to the distribution destination.

<Description of functions of print processing apparatus>
The main functions of the print processing apparatus 20 will be described below, but will be briefly described because they are conventionally known functional elements.

  The paper magazine 21 stores paper (printing paper) that is an image forming medium in the form of a roll. A plurality of paper magazines 21 can be detachably attached, and papers having different width dimensions can be set in advance. Paper is pulled out from one of the paper magazines 21. The advance roller (not shown) feeds the long paper drawn from the paper magazine 21 to the downstream side along the transport path. The paper cutter 22 cuts long paper into a predetermined print size. In the conveyance path, a conveyance device including a large number of rollers and the like for conveying the paper is provided.

  The image exposure device 23 is a device for printing and exposing an image on the emulsion surface of paper. The image exposure device 23 performs scanning exposure based on the print image data received from the information processing device 10 (image processing board 16), and forms an image by exposure. An exposure engine of the exposure forming function is a device that optically modulates image data, and forms a latent image by scanning exposure light in the main scanning direction on paper conveyed in the sub-scanning direction. As the exposure engine, a laser engine, a PLZT engine, a CRT engine, or the like is used. Next, the exposed and formed paper is sent to the development processing unit 24. The paper developed here is dried by the drying processing unit 25, and then discharged as a finished photographic print from the paper discharge port, and is collected, for example, in units of one order. In addition, an ink jet printer (not shown) that prints an identification number or the like on the back of the photographic print is also provided.

<Description of operation of print processing system>
The operation of the print processing system of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. Image data is read from the developed negative film by the film scanner 11a. In this case, the image data is read as low-resolution image data and temporarily stored in the memory 12. When prejudge processing is performed on the read image data, for example, low resolution image data is read from the memory 12 and displayed in a predetermined frame image field of the prejudge screen. FIG. 7 shows an example of the pre-judge screen.

  When a predetermined pre-judge operation is completed, a print processing instruction is issued. As a result, the image data is read from the developed negative film with a predetermined resolution (for example, resolution for photographic printing) by the film scanner 11a, and stored in the order data storage unit 15 in correspondence with the correction data set in the pre-judge process. To do. The correction data is associated with each frame image.

  It is determined whether or not the timing (order) of print processing has arrived for an arbitrary order stored in the order data storage unit 15 (S1). When it is determined that the timing of the print processing has come, the operation status is inquired to each print processing device 20 (S2).

  In each print processing apparatus 20, the control means (not shown) returns information on the operation status (non-processing, printing, print waiting time) at the time of inquiry. The returned operating status result is received (S3), and a distribution process is performed according to the operating status result (S4). A distribution rule (algorithm) can be set in advance. For example, the distribution method by the first distribution unit 14e may be given priority, or the distribution method by the second distribution unit 14f may be given priority.

  Next, the management unit 14c performs identification management so that each frame image data can be distinguished according to the distribution result. Then, the image data and the correction data are continuously transmitted to the image processing board 16 in the same frame image data unit with the same distribution destination, the image processing by the image processing board 16 is performed, and the print image data is generated and transmitted. The data is transmitted to the print processing apparatus 20 that is the distribution destination by the unit 16a.

  If the operator wants to output the result distributed in step S4, the operator uses the input operation unit 18 to instruct the “distribution result output” button 100 shown in FIG. In response to this instruction, the index construction unit 14m constructs an index-type sorting result including the image data in the order (S5). Then, the output control unit 14n displays the distribution result of the index configuration on the monitor 17. FIG. 8 shows an example of index display. According to this example, “291 frames” frame images are assigned to “printer ID 0001”, and “7 frames” image images are printed to “printer ID 0002”. It can also be seen that “frame number 2” frame images are allocated to “printer ID 0003” so as to be printed.

  In addition to displaying on the monitor 17, the output control unit 14 n distributes to the external device (the portable terminal 34, the order inspection device 35, the PC terminal 36) when receiving a distribution result output command from the external device, for example. The result information can be transmitted and controlled to be displayed on the display screen of the external device. This functions effectively when it is desired to confirm the sorting result at a location away from the information processing apparatus 10, and is effective when, for example, inspection work is performed at an inspection location.

  In addition to displaying on the display screen, the output control unit 14n can transmit the distribution result information to various printers (the ink jet printer 31, the laser printer 32, and the digital multi-function device 33), and can control to output the print by the printer. . This eliminates bothersomeness and interruption of operation when displayed on the display screen, and moreover, for example, in inspection work, inspection can be performed accurately while viewing the index print.

  Further, the output control unit 14n can control each print processing apparatus 20 to output the index print of the distribution result. In this case, after all the frame images distributed to each print processing device 20 are printed, an index print of the distribution result is printed.

  Also, in the above operation, an operation for creating and outputting an index configuration of the result according to the distribution result output instruction is not particularly limited, and the index configuration processing and the distribution result are automatically performed after the distribution processing. The output process can be performed.

  Next, the operation of the aspect including the result of the processing status will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7, when a “processing status confirmation instruction” button 200 is designated using the input operation unit 18, it is determined that a processing status confirmation instruction has been received (S11). As a result, the processing status inquiry unit 14h inquires each print processing device 20 about the processing status (S12).

  In each print processing apparatus 20, the control means (not shown) returns information on the processing status at the time of inquiry (non-processing, printing order ID XX frame No.DELTA., Printing of order ID □□). . The returned processing status result is received (S13).

  Next, the index composition unit 14m acquires the data of the distribution result (frame image, distribution destination information) from the order data storage unit 15 (S14), configures the distribution result in the index format, and further includes the processing status information. (S15).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the output control unit 14n displays the indexed distribution result (including the processing status) on the monitor 17. As shown in FIG. 9, the print processing apparatus 20 “ID0001” displays “printing frame No. 200”, and the outer frame of the frame image is highlighted (for example, thick line, blinking, etc.). In addition, the first and last frame images are configured to be visually recognized, and the intermediate frame image is configured to have a small image size.

  In addition, the output control unit 14n transmits the indexed distribution result (including the processing status) to various printers for printout. Further, after the printing of the corresponding order is completed, it can be printed out to each print processing device 20. As a result, it is possible to easily confirm the processing status of each print processing apparatus 20 to which the image data is distributed in one order at the timing desired by the operator.

  In the above operation, in order to output the sorting result including the processing status, the “processing status confirmation instruction” button 200 is instructed. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, for example, on the display screen in real time. It can be configured to check the processing status.

  In the above description of the operation, the case where the distribution result is output during the pre-judge process has been described. However, the output of the distribution result is not limited to this timing. For example, in the order management screen shown in FIG. Alternatively, when an order being printed is designated (clicked or the like), the order distribution result information can be output. Also, distribution result information including the processing status can be displayed in real time on the order management screen.

  In addition, the button instruction on the operation screen is exemplified as the instruction operation for outputting the sorting result, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a method of manually inputting the order ID directly may be used, and the order identification information is read by a scanner or the like. It may be a method of analyzing and receiving, or an input method using a barcode reader. The information for identifying an order is not limited to the order ID, and may be, for example, a barcode printed on a DP bag (delivery photo envelope), an order ID of an order receipt, an identification number of a delivery ticket, or the like.

  The image data to be processed in the present invention is not limited to the image data read from the developed negative film described in the above operation, but via the image data read from the recording medium reading unit 11b or a data communication device (not shown). Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to received image data.

  The film scanner 11a has been described with respect to the operation of reading image data at a low resolution before pre-judgement and reading the image data at a predetermined resolution after pre-judge processing. In such a case, the image data may be read at a predetermined resolution, and in such a case, it may be configured to display a thumbnail processed image for display on the pre-judge screen. You may comprise so that it may display.

(Embodiment 2)
In the second embodiment, the function and operation of the order inspection apparatus 35 will be mainly described. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining functional elements of the order inspection device 35. As shown in FIG. 11, the order inspection apparatus 35 mainly includes a communication unit 35a, a display unit 35b, an input unit 35c, and a control unit 35d. The input unit 35c can be realized by a barcode reader, a button, a touch panel, a key input device, or the like. The display unit 35b is realized by a liquid crystal monitor, for example. The control unit 35 transmits the order identification information (for example, order ID, order ID, DP bag barcode, etc.) input by the input unit 35c to the information processing apparatus 10 via the communication unit 35a. Then, via the communication means 35a, the order distribution result information (which may include the processing status) corresponding to the transmitted order identification information is received, and the distribution result is displayed on the display unit 35b. Control. The communication means 35a is preferably a wireless communication device. The control unit 35d is realized by a cooperative action of hardware resources such as a CPU and a memory and various control programs.

  The order inspection device 35 can obtain order distribution result information (including the processing status) regardless of the location. For example, when the print inspection work is performed at a location away from the information processing device 10. This is effective.

<Another embodiment>
In the above embodiment, the information processing apparatus 10 includes the image processing board 16 that is a print image data generation unit. However, the information processing apparatus 10 of the present invention includes a print image data generation unit. Not limited to things. In such a case, the image data and the correction data can be transmitted to another apparatus including a printing image data generation unit, and the apparatus can generate the printing image data.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example of creating a photographic print by developing paper (photographic paper) that is a photographic photosensitive material has been shown, but the print processing system of the present invention is not limited to this, for example, Alternatively, a dry method of creating a print without using a developing solution such as an ink jet type may be employed.

Block diagram showing the configuration of the print processing system Diagram illustrating an example of data in the distribution definition table Diagram showing an example of the sorting result Diagram showing an example of the sorting result Flow chart for explaining an operation example of the print processing system Flow chart for explaining an operation example of the print processing system Figure showing the configuration example of the pre-judge screen Diagram showing an example of index display Diagram showing an example of index display Diagram showing the configuration example of the order management screen Block diagram showing the configuration of the print processing system

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Information processing apparatus 11a Film scanner 11b Recording medium reading part 12 Memory 13 Distribution definition table storage part 14 Image processing means 14b Prejudgment control part 14c Management part 14d Operation condition inquiry part 14e 1st distribution part 14f 2nd distribution part 14g Processing status Confirmation instruction reception unit 14h Processing status inquiry unit 14k Image processing unit 14m Index configuration unit 14n Output control unit 15 Order data storage unit 16 Image processing board 16a Transmission unit 17 Monitor 18 Input operation unit 20 Print processing device 35 Order inspection device

Claims (9)

An information processing apparatus having a function of distributing image data in one order to two or more print processing apparatuses,
A management unit for managing image data in units of orders;
A storage unit for storing image data in order units managed by the management unit;
An operation status inquiring unit that inquires the operation status at the timing of print processing to the print processing device;
A first distribution unit that distributes image data in one order to two or more print processing devices in accordance with an inquiry result from the operation status inquiry unit;
A second distribution unit that distributes image data in one order to two or more print processing devices according to a distribution definition table that defines distribution according to print size;
A transmission unit that transmits image data to a print processing apparatus as a distribution destination according to the result of distribution by the first distribution unit and / or the second distribution unit;
An output control unit that controls to output the result of the distribution by the first distribution unit and / or the second distribution unit;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output control unit displays the sorted result on a display screen and / or prints out the result. A processing status confirmation instruction accepting unit for accepting an instruction to confirm the processing status of the order;
A processing status inquiry unit that inquires of the processing status to the print processing apparatus in response to the instruction received by the processing status check instruction receiving unit;
3. The information processing according to claim 1, wherein the output control unit outputs the sorted result including a processing status of an order according to an inquiry result by the processing status inquiry unit. apparatus.   4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an index configuration unit that configures an index image so that the output control unit outputs the sorted result in an index form. 5. The information processing apparatus described.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the index is an aspect in which all images included in one order are displayed.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the index is an aspect in which at least a first image and a last image are displayed so as to be visible in a sorted image unit.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output control unit outputs the sorted result at the end of printing and / or at a predetermined timing.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image processing unit that performs image processing on the image data. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A print processing system including a plurality of print processing apparatuses having a print processing function based on image data.

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