JP2007087143A - Print system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print system which can be constituted by combining an input unit and an output unit without any change and capable of improving usability of a system as a whole. <P>SOLUTION: This print system is provided with a plurality of input units 12a-12m acquiring input image data, output units 18a-18n performing printing based on the input image data, and a controller 16 having a first interface conversion control part 20 transferring information in accordance with respective protocols of the respective connected input units 12a-12m, a second interface conversion control part 22 transferring information in accordance with protocols of the connected output units 18a-18n, an image processing part 26 converting the input image data into output image data, and a control part 24 controlling output of the input image data to the image processing part 26 and output of the output image data to the output units 18a-18n. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides a plurality of input devices that input input image data in which an image of a subject is input and an output device that outputs image data by the input device as a photographic print or the like without any change. The present invention relates to a printing system configured by combining at least one output machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a print system that outputs an image recorded on a film or the like or an electronically recorded image as a photographic print. This printing system includes an output device for producing a photographic print and an input device for creating image data to be photographic printed by the output device.

  As an output machine, for example, there is a digital photo printer using digital exposure that photoelectrically reads image information recorded on a film, converts it into digital image data, performs various digital image processing, and records the image. is there. This digital photo printer can output digital image data of a photographed subject as a photographic print by a digital camera or a mobile phone with a camera.

  Such a digital photo printer basically includes a scanner (image reading device), a control device, a printer (image recording device), and the like.

  In a scanner used in a digital photo printer, reading light emitted from a light source is incident on a film, and projection light carrying an image photographed on the film is imaged on an image sensor such as a CCD sensor by an imaging lens. An image is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor, an image is read, and various image processing is performed as necessary. Then, the image is transferred to the control device as input image data corresponding to the image photographed on the film.

  In the control device, for example, after various image processing conditions are set according to the input image data transferred from the scanner, desired digital image processing is performed on the image data, and exposure conditions are determined. The output image data having the number of pixels corresponding to the recording pixel density or print size is transferred to the printer. Note that the control device not only performs image processing, but also controls and manages the entire digital photo printer.

  In a printer, for example, if the apparatus uses light beam scanning exposure, the light beam is modulated in accordance with the image data given from the control device, and the light beam is deflected in the main scanning direction. By conveying the photosensitive material in the sub-scanning direction substantially perpendicular to the scanning direction, the photosensitive material was exposed to form a latent image, and then developed according to the photosensitive material, etc., and photographed on the film It is a photographic print from which the image has been reproduced.

  In digital photo printers, the film is read photoelectrically, color density correction is performed by data processing, and the exposure conditions are determined. Therefore, the exposure time per image is short, and the exposure time also depends on the image size. Therefore, it is possible to perform printing more quickly than conventional surface exposure. Further, image processing such as image composition, image division, and color / density adjustment can be freely performed, and a photographic print subjected to editing and image processing can be output according to use.

  In addition, since the image information of photographic prints can be stored on a recording medium such as a magneto-optical disk, it is not necessary to re-read the film or re-determine the exposure conditions in the case of reprinting, etc. And easy. Furthermore, although it was difficult with the conventional direct exposure printing, the digital photo printer is a photographic print that almost completely reproduces the image information recorded on the film etc. in terms of resolution, color / density reproducibility, etc. There is an advantage that output is possible.

  A scanner provided in a digital photo printer or the like is also used as an input device for obtaining digital image data. Furthermore, a medium that can read and write digital image data of a recorded image of a subject by a digital camera or a camera-equipped mobile phone, or digital image data recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, CD, MO, or FD There are a receiving machine including a drive, a digital image controller including a media drive, and an image processing unit capable of performing various image processing on image data.

  However, in the conventional printing system, the input device and the output device are connected by a dedicated interface or a general-purpose interface. For this reason, there is a possibility that a plurality of input machines and output machines cannot be freely connected, and the expandability is poor. As a result, it is difficult to increase the number of types of input devices or the number of types of output devices, and it is difficult to construct an optimal print system according to the required print processing. is there.

  In recent years, networks such as the Internet have become widespread, and the communication speed in these networks has increased. Large-capacity image data required for photo printing can also be transmitted in a short time. For this reason, it is possible to exchange image data in a short time without bringing the devices close to each other and connecting them via a dedicated or general-purpose interface.

  In addition, when a plurality of input devices and a plurality of output devices are connected on the network in the conventional print system, a combination of the input device and the output device is set in advance. And a photo print is output. For this reason, when there is much input of image data from a specific input device, a photographic print is output only from the set output device, and a photographic print is not output from other output devices. As described above, there is a problem that the operation rate of the output machine is low as the entire printing system, and the efficiency of the entire system cannot be increased.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art, and can be configured by freely combining these input machines and output machines without changing the input machines and output machines. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing system capable of increasing the utilization efficiency of the entire system.

  To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a plurality of input devices that acquire input image data in which an image of a subject is recorded, and at least one output device that outputs a print based on the input image data. A plurality of input devices connected to each other, and a first interface conversion control unit that exchanges information corresponding to each protocol of each connected input device, and the at least one output device is connected and connected A second interface conversion control unit that transmits and receives information in accordance with the protocol of the output machine, and prints the input image data input from each input machine via the first interface conversion control unit to the output machine. An image processing unit for converting to output image data to be output, a data holding unit for temporarily storing at least one of the input image data and the output image data And storing the input image data in the storage unit, outputting the input image data to the image processing unit, storing the output image data in the storage unit, and outputting the output image data to the output device. And a control device including a control unit that controls the printing system.

  In the present invention, it further includes an input hub to which the plurality of input devices are connected, and an output hub to which the at least one output device is connected, and the plurality of input devices are connected via the input hub. The at least one output machine is connected to the second interface conversion control unit via the output hub, and the input hub and the output hub are connected to the first interface conversion control unit. Can be connected directly.

  In the present invention, the control device further manages a storage order of output image data stored in the data holding unit, outputs the output image data to the output device in the storage order, and outputs the output device. It is preferable to output a print based on the image data.

  According to the printing system of the present invention, a plurality of input devices are connected, a first interface conversion control unit that exchanges information corresponding to each protocol of each connected input device, and at least one output device. By providing a control device having a second interface conversion control unit that is connected and exchanges information corresponding to the protocol of the connected output device, each protocol of each input device and output device connected to this control device Thus, protocol matching can be achieved and information such as input image data and output image data can be exchanged between the input device and the output device regardless of the protocol. For this reason, existing input machines and output machines can be freely combined and configured without changing the input machines and output machines. Further, since no changes are made to the input device and the output device, the cost of the system can be reduced and the introduction of systemization can be facilitated. Furthermore, existing input devices and output devices can be used, and system specifications can be changed and the system can be easily expanded.

  According to the printing system of the present invention, the control device temporarily converts the image processing unit that converts the input image data into output image data that can be output by the output device, and at least one of the input image data and the output image data. Controls the data storage unit to be stored in, storage of input image data in the storage unit, output of input image data to the image processing unit, storage of output image data in the storage unit, and output of output image data to the output device By providing the control unit, the control device can distribute the output image data to each output machine, so that the operating rate of the entire system can be increased and the overall utilization efficiency can be increased. If the output machine breaks down, the output image data can be output to another output machine to obtain a photographic print.

  Furthermore, the control device can temporarily store the input image data and the output image data, and can play a role of a buffer function and a spooler function, thereby increasing the operating rate of the entire system, Overall utilization efficiency can be increased.

Hereinafter, a printing system of the present invention will be described in detail based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the printing system 10 includes, for example, a plurality of input machines 12a to 12m, an input hub 14a, a control device 16, an output hub 14b, and a plurality of output machines 18a to 18n.

  The print system 10 of the present embodiment produces, for example, a print in which an image is formed on a recording medium such as a photographic print from an image of a subject recorded on photographic film or image data of a subject recorded by a digital camera or the like. In addition, the image data of the subject image recorded on the photographic film or the image data of the subject recorded by a digital camera or the like is written on a recording medium such as a memory card, CD, MO, or FD. Hereinafter, producing a print such as a photo print and writing image data on a recording medium are also simply referred to as output.

  The input machines 12a to 12m acquire input image data in which an image of a subject is recorded. The input image data in which the image of the subject is recorded is digital image data, which is image data of an image output by the output device. The input machines 12a to 12m are not particularly limited as long as the input image data can be acquired as digital image data. The input machines 12a to 12m may be capable of acquiring print order information. In this case, the print order information input to the input machines 12a to 12m is customer information such as a customer name, a customer telephone number, and a customer address. In addition, the print order information includes print processing contents (order contents) such as the type, size and number of prints including recording on a recording medium, the finished image to be printed, and the presence or absence of decorative prints. The input image data for one order and the print order information are also referred to as image data for one order. Note that the print order information acquired by the input device is also referred to as print order information data.

  Further, the input machines 12a to 12m may have a function of editing fee information based on print order information. For example, it has a price database (not shown) in which charges relating to print processing contents such as a charge for one print, a charge for image correction, a charge for decorative printing, or a charge when using a special recording medium are stored. . The order controller 14 calculates a fee based on the fee information with reference to a price database (not shown). This fee data is managed as, for example, print order information.

  The input device in this embodiment, for example, photoelectrically reads a transmission original image such as a photographic film on which an image is recorded, or a reflection original image in which an image is recorded on a recording medium such as a photographic print, and converts it into digital image data. It is a scanner.

  When the input device is a scanner, for example, a film that has been shot is received by a counter in a shop, the film that has been shot is developed, the developed film is read by a scanner (input device), and input image data is created. .

  Furthermore, the input device has a media drive that can read and write digital image data of a subject by a digital camera or a mobile phone with a camera or image data recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, CD, MO, or FD. There is a digital image controller having an image processing unit that can include various types of image processing as well as a reception device provided, a media drive, and the like.

  In addition, the reception machine (input machine) is provided with a counter, for example. In addition, the installation location of the reception machine is not particularly limited. The digital image controller (input device) may be accessible via a network such as the Internet. Thereby, a print order can be received via the Internet.

  The input hub 14a is connected to the control device 16, and is a terminal that collects a plurality of inputs of the plurality of input machines 12a to 12m into one input and connects to the control device 16. A plurality of input machines 12a to 12m are connected to the control device 16 by the input hub 14a.

  The output hub 14 b is connected to the control device 16, and is a terminal that collects a plurality of inputs of the plurality of output machines 18 a to 18 n into one input and connects to the control device 16. A plurality of output machines 18a to 18n are connected to the control device 16 by the output hub 14b.

  The output machines 18a to 18n produce input image data in which a subject image is recorded on a recording medium such as a photographic print, or output image data created based on the input image data is recorded on CD, MO, FD or the like. It is recorded on the media.

The control device 16 of this embodiment has a function of freely connecting a plurality of input devices in the print system 10 and at least one output device. Further, based on the input image data from the input device and the print order information, the image data for one order is transmitted to the output devices connected to the print system 10 as a set. In other words, it also manages distribution of output image data according to an order for one order.
The control device 16 also has a function of converting the input image data input from the input devices 12a to 12m into output image data such that an optimal image is output from the output devices 18a to 18n.

  As these output machines 18a-18n, what records an image on recording media, such as paper, such as a digital photo printer, an ink-jet printer, an electrophotographic system, and a thermal fusion system printer, is mentioned, for example. Moreover, the output machine can use a system according to the required image quality or print form as appropriate, and may record an image on one side or both sides of a recording medium.

  In addition, for example, a media drive that writes output image data to a recording medium can be used as an output device. In this case, for example, a digital imaging controller (input machine) including a media drive can be used as an output machine.

The control device 16 includes a first interface conversion control unit 20, a second interface conversion control unit 22, a control unit 24, an image processing unit 26, a buffer spooler (data storage unit) 28, and a setting management unit. 30 and an input / display control unit 32.
In the control device 16, the first interface conversion control unit 20 and the second interface conversion control unit 22 are connected to an image processing unit 26 and a buffer spooler 28. The setting management unit 30 is connected to the control unit 24 and the image processing unit 26.

  The first interface conversion control unit 20 plays the role of a gateway, stores a plurality of protocols corresponding to connected input devices and protocol drivers of the respective protocols, and corresponds to each connected input device. It has a conversion function to make a protocol. The first interface conversion control unit 20 also has a function of detecting and specifying the protocol of the input machines 12a to 12m connected via the input hub 14a. By this first interface conversion control unit 20, it is possible to exchange information between the input devices 12a to 12m and the control device 16 in correspondence with the respective protocols of the input devices 12a to 12m, and input images from the input devices 12a to 12m. Data can be input to the controller 16. The first interface conversion control unit 20 is controlled by the control unit 24. For example, when the protocols of the input devices 12a to 12m are detected, the stored protocol drivers for each protocol are activated.

  The second interface conversion control unit 22 has a function similar to that of the first interface conversion control unit 20, functions as a gateway, and has a conversion function for converting to a protocol corresponding to the output machines 18a to 18n. And a protocol for detecting and specifying the protocol of the output machines 18a to 18n connected via the output hub 14b. Further, the output image data from the control device 16 is output in a format corresponding to the protocol of each of the output machines 18a to 18n.

The control unit 24 controls the entire control device 16, and includes a first interface conversion control unit 20, a second interface conversion control unit 22, a control unit 24, an image processing unit 26, and a buffer spooler. 28, the setting management unit 30, and the input / display control unit 32.
For example, the control unit 24 stores the input image data in the buffer spooler 28, outputs the input image data to the image processing unit 26, and outputs the output image data obtained by the image processing unit 26, which will be described later, as a buffer spooler. 28 and control of output image data to the output machines 18a to 18n. As described above, input / output of input image and output image data is also managed by the control unit 24.

The image processing unit 26 converts input image data into output image data that can be output by an output device. The conversion from the input image data to the output image data is performed by, for example, a three-dimensional lookup table.
Note that the image processing unit 26 may include image processing means (not shown) that can perform various image processing depending on the degree of image processing of the input image data. When the input image data is, for example, raw image data of a subject photographed by a digital camera, the input image data is subjected to gradation correction, color density adjustment, white balance. Then, image processing such as shading is performed to obtain output image data. The image processing by the image processing means is performed, for example, by recording a history of image processing in the input image data and determining whether or not to perform image processing based on the history of image processing.

  The buffer spooler 28 can temporarily store at least one of the input image data and the output image data obtained by the image processing unit 26. The buffer spooler 28 functions as a buffer for the input image data. It functions as a spooler.

  As described above, the storage of input image data and output image data to the buffer spooler 28 and output to the outside are controlled by the control unit 24. The control unit 24 outputs the input image data to the image processing unit 26 or saves it in the buffer spooler 28. Further, the control unit 24 stores the output image data obtained by the image processing unit 26 in the buffer spooler 28 or outputs the output image data to the output machines 18a to 18n. For example, by setting arbitrary output machines 18a to 18n as output destinations as print order information in advance, the output image data obtained by the image processing unit 26 is output by the control unit 24 to the arbitrary output machine 18a. To 18n to obtain a print or the like.

The buffer spooler 28 can store, for example, 999 output image data. The buffer spooler 28 may store output image data for each of the output machines 18a to 18n.
In the buffer spooler 28, the input image data is preferably stored sequentially in the input order. The output image data is preferably stored in the order of printing. The storage order of these input image data and output image data is also managed by the control unit 24.

  In the print system 10 of the present embodiment, the input image data and the output image data are output to the output machines 18a to 18n when the operation rate of the print system 10 is low and the input image data is small. If not, it is not always necessary to memorize it.

  The setting management unit 30 manages various settings of the control device 16, and stores various setting management items. Setting management items include, for example, the type of connected input device and its protocol and image processing conditions, the type of connected output device and its protocol, the combination of input device and output device, input image data and output Examples include image processing conditions according to the type of machine and parameters for load distribution.

The parameters for load distribution in this embodiment are, for example, the same number of output image data stored in the buffer spooler 28 for one output machine in the print system 10, and the same output is possible. It is a value that serves as a criterion for determining whether to output to the correct output device.
In addition, in the print system 10 of the present embodiment, there are a plurality of other output machines that can produce photographic prints of the same size. The reference value when changing can also be managed as a setting management item.

  The input / display control unit 32 displays the setting items of the setting management unit and the like on a GUI (Graphical User Interface), and can input the setting management items. The input / display control unit 32 includes, for example, a monitor such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel display, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse.

  In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the protocol of the input machines 12a to 12m and the output machines 18a to 18n that are connected is automatically determined by the control unit 24 when the printing system 10 is started up. It is preferable to set a protocol driver according to the above. In addition, the first interface conversion control unit 20 and the second interface conversion control unit 22 may use protocol drivers for these new input devices and output devices, for example, when input devices and output devices are newly connected. It is preferable that installation can be performed by the input / display control unit 32. Thereby, a new protocol driver can be easily added.

  In the control device 16, the first interface conversion control unit 20 and the second interface control unit 22 are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, if the connected input devices 12a to 12m and output devices 18a to 18n are discriminated and the protocol can be matched, the first interface conversion control unit 20 and the second interface conversion control unit 22 are connected. A single interface conversion control unit may be integrated.

  Further, although the input hub 14a and the output hub 14b are provided, the present invention is not limited to this, and the input machines 12a to 12m and the output machines 18a to 18n connected to the respective ports of the hub are discriminated. If possible, the input hub 14a and the output hub 14b may be integrated into a single hub.

  Further, the input hub 14a and the output hub 14b may be directly connected by a cable α or the like. As a result, when the control device 16 breaks down, it is possible to directly connect the input machines 12a to 12m and the output machines 18a to 18n set in advance as combinations of outputs in the print system 10, and the input machines 12a to 12n. The printers 18a to 18n can be directly controlled from 12m to output photographic prints or the like. Further, by directly connecting the input devices 12a to 12m and the output devices 18a to 18n that are set in advance as output combinations, the processing by the control device becomes unnecessary and the transmission speed of the output image data increases. Output of photo prints can be made faster. Note that the input hub 14a and the output hub 14b are not necessarily provided outside the control device 16, and may be built in the control device 16.

Next, a protocol setting method for the input machines 12a to 12m and the output machines 18a to 18n connected to the control device 16 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a protocol setting method for the input device and the output device by the control device of the printing system according to the present exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, for example, when the print system 10 is activated, protocol detection processing for the input machines 12a to 12m and the output machines 18a to 18n is started (step S1).
First, the control unit 24 activates the protocol driver set as default in the first interface conversion control unit 20 (step S2). Note that the protocol driver that is used as the default is the one that is most commonly used.

Next, the probe is transmitted from the first interface conversion control unit 20 to the connected input device 12a (step S3). This probe transmission outputs an appropriate command to the connected input device in order to determine the protocol.
Next, a reply is detected within the set time from the input machine 12a that has transmitted the probe (step S4).
In step S4, when there is a reply from the input device 12a within the set time and the first interface conversion control unit 20 receives the probe transmission result, the first interface conversion control unit 20 determines whether the protocol is matched. A determination is made (step S5).
In step S5, if the protocol matches the default one, the protocol detection process ends (step S6). The setting management unit records that the protocol of the input device 12a is a matched protocol.

  On the other hand, if the protocol does not match in step S5, the protocol is switched to another protocol driver (step S8). Then, the probe is transmitted again from the first interface conversion control unit 20 to the input device 12a connected by another protocol driver (step S3).

In step S4, if there is no reply from the input device 12a within the set time and the first interface conversion control unit 20 cannot receive the probe transmission result within the set time, another protocol is sent from the default protocol driver. The number of times of switching to the driver is compared with the number of protocol drivers stored in the first interface conversion control unit 20 to determine whether all protocol drivers are executed (step S7).
If it is determined in step S7 that all protocol drivers are being executed, the protocol detection process ends (step S6). At this time, there is no protocol driver that matches the input device 12a.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that all protocol drivers have not been executed, switching to another protocol driver (step S8), probe transmission (step S3) is performed, and a reply within the set time is detected (step S4) Determine the number of times of switching the protocol driver (step S7), or determine whether the protocol matches (step S5). In this way, until the protocol matches, the protocol driver is sequentially switched to another protocol driver (step S8), probe transmission (step S3) is performed, a reply within the set time is detected (step S4), and the protocol driver switching count (step S4). S7) is determined or a match of the protocol is determined (step S5). In this way, the protocol of the input device 12a is specified, and the specified protocol is recorded in the setting management unit.

  Next, similarly for other connected input devices and output devices, the first interface conversion control unit 20 and the second interface conversion control unit 22 are used to detect the protocol based on steps S1 to S8. Process. In this way, when the print system 10 is activated, the protocol detection processing is performed for all the connected input devices 12a to 12m and output devices 18a to 18n, and the specified protocol driver is set and specified. The setting management unit records the received protocol. As a result, the protocol drivers corresponding to all the input machines 12a to 12m and the output machines 18a to 18n are activated, the protocol drivers are set, and the adjustment can be achieved.

  The protocols of all connected input devices 12a to 12m and output devices 18a to 18n can be input from the input / display control unit 32 and set in the setting management unit 30 in advance. Thereby, when the print system 10 is started, the controller 24 causes the protocol driver corresponding to each of the input devices 12a to 12m and the output devices 18a to 18n in the first interface conversion control unit 20 and the second interface conversion control unit 22 to operate. Is activated, the protocol driver is set, and the protocol can be adjusted.

Next, the operation of the print system 10 of this embodiment will be described.
First, when the printing system 10 is started, the protocol detection processing is performed on the input devices 12a to 12m and the output devices 18a to 18n connected to the control device 16, and all the connected input devices 12a to 12m are connected. And for the output machines 18a-18n, the protocol is determined. As a result, information such as image data can be exchanged between the input devices 12a to 12m and the output devices 18a to 18n.

For example, a case will be described in which image data of a subject photographed with a digital camera is brought into a reception machine and a photographic print is produced by a digital photo printer.
First, a customer reads a recording medium such as a memory card on which image data of a subject photographed by a digital camera is recorded by a media drive of a reception machine, and uses the image data as input image data.
Next, the customer inputs print order information such as the number of prints and paper size from the reception machine.

Next, in accordance with the protocol, the input image data is input to the first interface conversion control unit 20 through the input hub 14a together with the print order information from the accepting machine.
Next, input image data is input from the first interface conversion control unit 20 to the image processing unit 26.

Next, predetermined image processing is performed by the image processing unit 26, and the image data is converted into a data format for a digital photo printer to obtain output image data.
Next, the output image data is output to the digital photo printer through the second interface converter 22 in accordance with the protocol of the digital photo printer. At this time, it goes without saying that it is output together with the print order information.
The digital photo printer to which the output image data and the print order information are input outputs a photo print according to the print order information.
In this way, in the printing system 10 of the present embodiment, for example, a photographic print on which an image of a subject photographed with a digital camera is formed can be obtained.

  In the print system 10 of the present embodiment, the input image data to the first interface conversion control unit 20 can be input in plural, but the output image data output from the second interface conversion control unit 22 Is restricted to one. For this reason, only one order of output image data is always output from the control device 16. Further, when the input image data input from the input device is compared with the output of a photo printer or the like from the output device, the output device has a processing speed slower than that of the input device. For this reason, the overall processing speed of the printing system 10 is limited by the processing speed of the output machine. Also, since the output machine takes more time to start than the input machine, the input image data can be input by the input machine and the output image data can be stored in the buffer spooler 28.

  In the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment, since the control device 16 is provided with the buffer spooler 28, a plurality of input image data can be input to the control device 16, and the image processing unit 26 sequentially outputs images. It can be processed and stored again in the buffer spooler 28. Thereby, output image data can be output corresponding to the processing speed on the output machine side. Furthermore, the control unit 24 may output the output image data obtained by the image processing unit 26 to any output machine 18a to 18n.

  Even when a plurality of input image data is input from the plurality of input devices 12a to 12m and the operation rate of the input devices 12a to 12m in the print system 10 is high, the input image data is first stored in the buffer spooler 28. The images are sequentially processed by the image processing unit, and can be stored again as an output image in the buffer spooler 28. The output image data stored in the buffer spooler 28 is output from the second interface conversion control unit 22 to a preset output machine, and an output such as a photo print can be obtained. Thereby, the processing efficiency of the printing system 10 of the present embodiment can be increased.

  In the printing system 10 of the present embodiment, output image data can be written on a recording medium by a media drive and output as the recording medium. Such prints or output forms such as recording media are specified by print order information.

Further, in the print system 10 of the present embodiment, since image processing corresponding to the output machine can be performed, even when the output machine breaks down, image processing applied to other output machines can be performed. It can output with the output machine.
In addition, when the processing capacity such as the number of prints per unit time of the output machine is input to the management setting unit in advance, when there are many orders and the operating rate of the printing system 10 becomes high, the output machine with high processing capacity. By preferentially using, a photographic print or the like can be output efficiently. On the other hand, when the operating rate of the print system 10 is low, an output machine with low processing capability is preferentially used. As a result, it is possible to efficiently output a photo print or the like according to the input state of the input image data.

  The control device 16 of the printing system 10 of this embodiment automatically detects the protocol for all the input machines 12a to 12m and the output machines 18a to 18n, and the protocol of each of the input machines 12a to 12m and each of the output machines 18a to 18n. Since the protocol driver is activated and the protocol driver is set and the protocol can be matched, information (input image data, print order) is set between all the input machines 12a to 12m and the output machines 18a to 18n. (Information data and output image data) can be exchanged. As a result, the existing input device and output device can be used as they are without changing or improving the existing devices used for the input devices 12a to 12m and the output devices 18a to 18n, and the protocol and interface are limited. The printing system 10 having a high degree of freedom can be configured without any problem. Moreover, since the existing input device and output device can be used as they are, the cost of systemization can be reduced, and systemization can be easily introduced.

  The control device 16 of the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment can be configured by general-purpose equipment such as a PC and general-purpose software. For this reason, even when there is an expansion of the printing system 10 or a change in specifications due to a change in the number of input machines or output machines or a change in model, the expansion or the change in specifications can be facilitated.

  Furthermore, in the print system 10 of the present embodiment, the control device 16 centrally manages the system configuration such as the types, specifications and protocols of the connected input and output machines, and the settings of various setting management items. Yes. For this reason, the entire system can be easily managed. Furthermore, when the specifications of the input device or output device are changed, or when the input device or output device is newly connected, the protocol setting of the device (input device and output device) via the network, etc. You can also

  Although the printing system of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements or modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. is there.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for setting protocols of an input device and an output device by the control device of the printing system according to the present exemplary embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Print system 12a-12m Input machine 14a Input hub 14b Output hub 16 Control apparatus 18a-18n Output machine 20 1st interface conversion control part 22 2nd interface conversion control part 24 Control part 26 Image processing part 28 Buffer spooler 30 Setting management unit 32 Input / display control unit α cable

Claims (3)

A plurality of input devices for acquiring input image data in which an image of a subject is recorded;
At least one output machine for outputting a print based on the input image data;
A plurality of input devices connected to each other, and a first interface conversion control unit for exchanging information corresponding to each protocol of the connected input devices;
A second interface conversion control unit to which the at least one output device is connected and exchanges information corresponding to the protocol of the connected output device;
An image processing unit that converts input image data input from each input device via the first interface conversion control unit into output image data that causes the output device to output the print;
A data holding unit that temporarily stores at least one of the input image data and the output image data; and storage of the input image data in the storage unit; output of the input image data to the image processing unit; A printing system comprising: a control unit including a control unit that controls storage of output image data in the storage unit and output of the output image data to the output device.   Furthermore, it has an input hub to which the plurality of input devices are connected and an output hub to which the at least one output device is connected, and the plurality of input devices are connected to the first interface via the input hub. The at least one output machine is connected to the second interface conversion control unit via the output hub, and the input hub and the output hub are directly connected. The printing system according to claim 1. The control device further manages a storage order of the output image data stored in the data holding unit, outputs the output image data to the output device in the storage order, and prints based on the image data from the output device. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the print system is output.

Images