JP4946125B2 - Operation program and photographic printing apparatus batch management system storing the operation program - Google Patents

Description

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an operation program in a server that collectively manages various settings of a client terminal and a collective management system for a photo print apparatus that stores the operation program.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of computer networks and communication environments, operation programs that collectively manage and operate settings of various terminals arranged at stores in a business type that develops a chain at the head office or headquarters have been put into practical use. This includes, for example, storefront machines installed in DPE (Development Printing Enlargement) stores that are deployed in a chain, and setting programs such as print unit price by size are distributed all at once from server devices located in the headquarters. ing.

Patent Document 1 discloses an online real estate search information collective management system capable of collectively registering and managing various types of information to be searched for real estate information. According to this, the real estate data registered in the server device can be collectively delivered to the client terminals connected via the network, and the user can search / browse the delivered data to make reservations / contracts, etc. It can be carried out.
JP 2002-83027 A (published on March 22, 2002)

However, the conventional operation program has the following problems.
That is, in today where many competing stores are opened, it is necessary to develop services rooted in the region, for example, setting a special price for a limited time, but various settings are collectively made by server devices located in the headquarters etc. The operation program or management system to be managed cannot easily cope with changing various settings at individual client terminals.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a program or system for collectively managing various settings in a photo printing apparatus serving as a client terminal by a server apparatus, and capable of performing various settings according to the contents desired from the client terminal side. An object of the present invention is to provide an operation program for causing a computer to execute a method for collectively managing printing apparatuses, and a batch management system for a photographic printing apparatus storing the operation program.

  An operation program according to a first aspect of the invention is an operation for causing a computer to execute a method for collectively managing a print unit price required when a plurality of client terminals connected to a server device via a network calculate a charge for print output. A program comprising first to fourth steps. In the first step, the server device accepts an input of a print unit price. In the second step, the server device sets the print unit price based on the input value received in the first step. In the third step, the client terminal receives an input of the print unit price. In the fourth step, when an input is accepted in the third step, the server apparatus or the client terminal preferentially sets the input value accepted in the third step as the print unit price.

Here, when the input of the print unit price is accepted at the client terminal, the input value input at the client terminal is set with priority over the print unit price. In other words, even if the print unit price is set in the second step, when the input of the print unit price is accepted in the third step, this input value is preferentially set as the print unit price.
The client terminal referred to here is a photo processing device that is arranged in a DPE or the like and used by a store clerk for business purposes, or a device that performs photo printing, such as a store reception device installed in a store (hereinafter referred to as a photo print device). In addition, a personal computer or the like that controls the photo printing apparatus is also included.

  Conventionally, in a management system in which a server device and a plurality of client terminals are connected via a network and managed collectively, the operation has been performed to collectively set unilaterally based on the print unit price input on the server device side. Yes. For this reason, for example, even when a certain client terminal wants to lower the print unit price as a service period, it is not easy to change the print unit price setting according to the will of the client terminal.

Therefore, in the operation program for causing the computer to execute the method for collectively managing the client terminals of the present invention, the third step of accepting the input of the print unit price on the client terminal side, and the case of accepting the input of the print unit price on the client side Includes a fourth step of preferentially setting the input value as the print unit price.
As a result, since the print unit price can be set based on the unit price input on the client terminal side, it is possible to set a unique print unit price in each client terminal.

  As a result, even with an operation method in which the setting of the print unit price in the client terminal is collectively managed by the server device, it is possible to easily change the print unit price desired on the client terminal side.

The operation program according to the second invention is the operation program according to the first invention, and the fourth step is performed by the server device.
Here, when the print unit price is input at the client terminal, the server device performs the fourth step of preferentially setting the input value as the print unit price.
As a result, it is possible to grasp the contents of the print unit price requested by each client terminal on the server device side, and it is possible to easily add a process for making a decision on the requested print unit price.

The operation program according to the third invention is the operation program according to the first invention, further comprising a fifth step of performing authentication at the client terminal. Then, the fourth step is performed by the client terminal after the authentication is performed in the fifth step.
Here, when the print unit price is input at the client terminal, the client terminal performs the fourth step of preferentially setting the input value print unit price. The apparatus further includes a fifth step for performing authentication in order to limit operators who can change the print unit price.

As a result, it is possible to switch to a program mode in which the print unit price input at the client terminal is set with priority over the print unit price set by the server device by performing authentication processing.
As a result, it is possible to immediately change the print unit price desired at the client terminal, and it is possible to restrict the change of the print unit price setting by the authentication.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic print apparatus batch management system comprising: a server apparatus storing an operation program according to any one of the first to third inventions; and a plurality of apparatuses connected to the server apparatus via a network. Client terminal.
Here, when the server device receives an input of the print unit price at the client terminal, an operation program including a step of setting the input value input at the client terminal with priority over the print unit price is stored.

  Thus, even in a system in which the setting of the print unit price in the client terminal is collectively managed by the server device, it is possible to easily change the print unit price desired on the client terminal side.

According to the operation program according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily change the print unit price desired on the client terminal side even in the operation method in which the print unit price setting in the client terminal is collectively managed by the server device. It becomes.
According to the operation program according to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible to grasp the contents of the print unit price desired by each client terminal on the server device side, and easily add a process for making a decision on the desired print unit price. It becomes possible.

According to the operation program of the third invention, it is possible to immediately change to the desired print unit price at the client terminal, and to restrict random change of the print unit price by performing authentication. It becomes possible.
According to the operation program according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, even in a system in which the setting of the print unit price in the client terminal is collectively managed by the server device, it can be easily changed to the print unit price desired on the client terminal side. Become.

[First Embodiment]
A collective management system 1 for a photographic printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[Overall configuration of batch management system 1 for photo printing apparatus]
A photographic print apparatus collective management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a system that collectively manages photographic print apparatuses arranged in DPE stores mainly deployed in a chain, as shown in FIG. Server device 2, storefront reception devices (client terminals) 4, 6, 7 and photo processing device (client terminal) 5 etc. (client not shown) arranged in each store and connected to server device 2 via network 3 Terminal).

The server device 2 is disposed, for example, at the headquarters of a chain store or the like, and collectively manages various settings of the photo print devices (store reception devices 4, 6 and 7 and the photo processing device 5) disposed at each store. Is going.
The network 3 is a network that connects the server device 1 and the photo print device (store reception devices 4, 6, 7 and photo processing device 5). For example, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service using the Internet is provided. Can be used.

  The store reception devices 4, 6 and 7 are photographic printing devices installed at the stores of DPE stores, and acquire image data from various recording media including CD-R and USB memory, mobile phones with cameras, etc. When the necessary number of prints and the contents of the image processing are input by the operator, photo printing is performed by reflecting the input contents. As shown in FIG. 3, the storefront reception devices 4, 6, and 7 include a terminal device 21 including a monitor 23 and the like, and a printer 22. The terminal device 21 is placed on a printer 22 and includes a monitor 23 and a media drive 24 such as a flash memory, a CD-ROM, and a floppy (registered trademark) disk. The printer 22 prints the image data acquired by the media drive 24 of the terminal 21 based on the number of prints set by the operator and the content of the image processing. The monitor 23 is a touch panel type display device, and can set the print unit price, which will be described in detail later, by touch operations such as icons and buttons, in addition to setting the number of prints and image processing contents.

  The photographic processing apparatus 5 is a photographic printing apparatus called a so-called digital minilab, and includes an operation station 31 and a printing station 32 as shown in FIG. The operation station 31 includes a monitor 34, a keyboard 35, a mouse 36, a computer unit 37, and a film scanner 38. Then, the operation station 31 takes in the image data from the media such as the developed photographic film or the memory card in which the digital image data taken by the digital camera or the like is stored, and prints it from the media drive of the film scanner 38 or the computer unit 37. Data is generated and transmitted to the print station 32 connected via the cable 33. The monitor 34 is a display device for displaying various processing statuses and instructing various operations. In addition to setting the number of prints and image processing contents, the setting of the print unit price, which will be described in detail later, etc. Etc. Based on the print data received from the operation station 31, the print station 32 performs exposure processing and development processing on the photographic paper to form a photographic print image.

[Execution of operation program 13]
As shown in FIG. 2, the server device 2 includes a CPU (computer) 10, a memory 11 such as a RAM, and an external storage device 12 such as an HDD, and collectively manages client terminals stored in the external storage device 12. An operation program (hereinafter referred to as an operation program) 13 to be read is read into the memory 11. Thus, a state where the CPU 10 can execute a part of the processing shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 necessary for collectively managing the storefront reception devices 4, 6, 7 and the photo processing device 5 connected as client terminals. It becomes. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a part of the operation program 13 transmitted from the server apparatus 2 is replaced with a part of the operation program 13 executed in the shop front accepting devices 4, 6, 7 or the photo processing device 5. This is performed by the reception device 4, 6, 7 or the photo processing device 5 receiving and executing by the CPU 15. For example, when a Web server is used, a mechanism such as JAVA (registered trademark) applet, VB script (VISUAL BASIC (registered trademark) Script) can be used. Note that the program transmitted and received here includes data such as a print unit price, for example, backup data in which setting values in each photo printing apparatus are recorded.

<Operation of print unit price at the store reception desk 4>
In the batch management system 1 of the photo printing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the flow of changing the print unit price in the store reception device 4 is displayed on the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 and the monitor 23 described above, as shown in FIG. The screen will be described as follows.
In step S1 (first step), the server device 2 accepts the print unit price set in the photo print devices (store front receiving machines 4, 6, 7 and photo processing device 5) managed as client terminals. Specifically, input is performed on a setting screen (not shown) in which each print unit price can be input for the print size. The following description is for the storefront reception device 4, and the flow of setting change for the other devices 5, 6, and 7 is the same.

  In step S2 (second step), the server device 2 sets the print unit price of the storefront reception device 4 based on the print unit price input in step S1. By this step S2, the print unit price of the storefront receiving machine 4 is set. In this step, the server apparatus 2 distributes a program for setting the print unit price to other print apparatuses in a batch, that is, sets the print unit price in a batch.

In step S3, when there is a request to change the print unit price in the store reception device 4, a print unit price setting screen 40 for inputting the desired print unit price as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. The print unit price setting screen 40 is displayed, for example, by selecting a menu button or the like (not shown).
In step S4 (third step), for example, if the store owner who manages the storefront reception device 4 wants to change the print unit price in the storefront reception device 4 set in step S2, an input is made on the print unit price setting screen 40. . The store front accepting device 4 accepts the print unit price by being input to the print unit price setting screen 40.

In step S5, the server device 2 inquires the storefront reception device 4 every hour whether there is a change request for the print unit price. Here, when the input of the print unit price is confirmed in the storefront reception device 4, the process proceeds to step S6. Further, when no input is confirmed in the storefront reception device 4, nothing is processed here.
In step S6, if the input of the print unit price is confirmed in step 5, the print unit price is acquired.

In step S7 (fourth step), the server device 2 sets the print unit price of the storefront reception device 4 based on the print unit price acquired from the storefront reception device 4 in step S6. By this step S6, the print unit price of the storefront reception device 4 is reset to the desired print unit price.
By repeating the flow as described above, the print unit price inputted in the store reception device 4 as the client terminal is preferentially set instead of the print unit price set in the server apparatus 2 that collectively manages the client terminals. Operation becomes possible.

<Print unit price setting screen 40>
The following is a description of the print unit price setting screen 40 (see FIG. 6) that is actually displayed on the monitor 23 when the print unit price is set in the store reception device 4 included in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, the print unit price setting screen 40 includes a print size 41, a print unit price set value 42, a print unit price current value 43, a print unit price change value 44 that is a text box, and a touch operation. An information input button 45, a determination button 46, and an end button 47, which are possible buttons, are displayed.

The print size 41 displays the type of print size that can be output by the store reception device 4.
As the print unit price set value 42, the print unit price for each print size set in the server apparatus 2 is displayed.
The current value 43 of the print unit price indicates the print unit price for each current print size in the store reception device 4. If the print unit price has already been changed in the store reception device 4, the value is displayed here.

The change value 44 of the print unit price is a text box that is input when it is desired to change the print unit price at the store reception device 4. The operator touches the information input button 45 and inputs the print unit price.
The information input button 45 is a button for inputting a print unit price, and an arbitrary print unit price is input by a touch operation by an operator.

The decision button 46 is a button for confirming an input to the print unit price change value 44, and the input value is confirmed by a touch operation by the operator.
The end button 47 is a button for closing the print unit price setting screen 40, and the print unit price setting screen 40 is closed by a touch operation by the operator.
[Characteristics of batch management system 1 for photo printing apparatus]
(1)
The operation program 13 executed by the batch management system 1 of the photo print apparatus according to the present embodiment displays the print unit price setting screen 40 as shown in FIG. When an input is accepted in S4, the input value is preferentially handled, and a step S7 for setting a print unit price based on the input value is provided.

As a result, even in the system 1 in which the server unit 2 collectively manages the setting of the print unit price in the store reception devices 4, 6, and 7 and the photo processing device 5, the store reception devices 4, 6, 7 and the photo processing device 5 It is possible to easily change to the desired print unit price.
(2)
The operation program 13 executed by the batch management system 1 of the photo print apparatus according to the present embodiment has the server apparatus 2 preferentially set the input value as the print unit price when the print unit price is input at the store reception device 4. Set.

As a result, the server device 2 can grasp the contents of the print unit price requested by the store front reception device 4 side. Furthermore, when the print unit price desired by the store reception device 4 is acquired in step S6, a step of making a decision on the print unit price can be inserted.
(3)
In the operation program 13 executed by the batch management system 1 of the photographic printing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the server apparatus 2 makes an inquiry about whether or not the printing unit price is input in the store reception device 4 every hour.

Thereby, it becomes possible to easily detect the input of the print unit price in the server device 2. Furthermore, since the presence or absence of input in the storefront reception device 4 can be monitored at short intervals by setting the time of every hour, it is possible to respond quickly to the storefront reception device 4.
[Second Embodiment]
A collective management system 51 for a photo printing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and FIGS. 7 to 9. The description of the same configuration as the content described in the first embodiment is omitted, and here, the flow of setting change of the print unit price in the storefront accepting machine 4, the configuration of the print unit price setting screen 60, and the authentication screen 70 Etc. will be described.

<Operation of print unit price at the store reception desk 4>
In the batch management system 51 of the photo printing apparatus of the present embodiment, the flow of changing the print unit price in the store reception machine 4 is shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 and the monitor 23 described above, as shown in FIGS. Each screen will be described as follows.

  In step S21 (first step), the server device 2 accepts the print unit price set in the photo print devices (store front receiving machines 4, 6, 7 and photo processing device 5) managed as client terminals. Specifically, input is performed on a setting screen (not shown) in which each print unit price can be input for the print size. The following description is for the storefront reception device 4, and the flow of setting change for the other devices 5, 6, and 7 is the same.

  In step S22 (second step), the server device 2 sets the print unit price of the storefront reception device 4 based on the print unit price input in step S21. By this step S22, the print unit price of the storefront reception device 4 is set. In this step, the server apparatus 2 distributes a program for setting the print unit price to other print apparatuses in a batch, that is, sets the print unit price in a batch.

In step S23, if there is a request to change the print unit price in the store reception device 4, an authentication screen 70 is displayed in order to receive password authentication for the server device 2 as shown in FIG. The authentication screen 70 is displayed, for example, by selecting a menu button or the like (not shown).
In step S24, for example, when the store owner who manages the storefront reception device 4 wants to change the print unit price in the storefront reception device 4 set in step S22, the password is input on the authentication screen 70. The store reception device 4 receives the password when it is input to the authentication screen 70.

In step S25 (fifth step), the server device 2 performs a matching process for the password input in step 24, and performs an authentication process for a person who desires a change in the print unit price in the store reception device 4.
In step S26, only when the authentication is received in step S25, the print unit price setting screen 60 for inputting the print unit price as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed.

In step S <b> 27, for example, the store owner who manages the storefront receiving machine 4 inputs the print unit price and the print unit price change setting period on the print unit price setting screen 60. The store front accepting device 4 accepts the print unit price by being input to the print unit price setting screen 60.
In step S28 (fourth step), the storefront reception device 4 sets the print unit price of the storefront reception device 4 based on the print unit price received from the storefront reception device 4 in step S27. By this step S28, the print unit price of the storefront reception device 4 is reset to the desired print unit price.

In step S29, it is a process in the case of changing from the server apparatus 2 the printing unit price of the shop front accepting machine 4 set in step S22, and the server apparatus 2 accepts the printing unit price. Specifically, as in step S21, input is performed on a setting screen (not shown) in which each print unit price can be input for the print size.
In step S <b> 30, the server device 2 inquires about whether or not the print unit price has been changed, and the print unit price change setting period, to the storefront reception device 4. Here, when the change of the print unit price is not confirmed in the storefront reception device 4 or when the change setting period does not match the date and time at the time of processing even if the change of the print unit price is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S31. Then, when the change of the print unit price is confirmed in the storefront reception device 4 and the change setting period matches the date and time at the time of processing, nothing is processed here.

In step S31, the server device 2 sets the print unit price of the storefront reception device 4 based on the print unit price received in step S29. By this step S31, the print unit price of the storefront reception device 4 is set.
By repeating the flow as described above, the print unit price inputted in the store reception device 4 as the client terminal is preferentially set instead of the print unit price set in the server apparatus 2 that collectively manages the client terminals. It becomes possible.

<Print unit price setting screen 60>
The following is a description of the print unit price setting screen 60 (see FIG. 8) that is actually displayed on the monitor 23 when the print unit price is set in the store reception device 4 included in the present embodiment. Here, as in the print unit price setting screen 40 (see FIG. 6), the print size 61, the print unit price set value 62, the print unit price current value 63, the print unit price change value 64, the information input button 66, and the enter button 67, the description of the end button 68 is omitted, and only the change setting period 65 having a different configuration is described.

The change setting period 65 is a text box for inputting a period during which the print unit price is changed. The operator touches the information input button 66 and inputs the change setting period 65.
<Authentication screen 70>
The following is a description of the authentication screen 70 (see FIG. 9) that is actually displayed on the monitor 23 when performing authentication in the storefront reception device 4 included in the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, the authentication screen 70 displays a password 71 that is a text box, an information input button 72 that is a button that can be touch-operated, a determination button 73, and an end button 74. Yes.
The password 71 is a text box for inputting a password in the storefront reception device 4. The operator touches the information input button 72 and inputs a password.

The information input button 72 is a button for inputting a password, and an arbitrary password is input by a touch operation by the operator.
The decision button 73 is a button for confirming the input to the password 71, and the input value is confirmed by a touch operation by the operator.
The end button 74 is a button for closing the authentication screen 70, and the authentication screen 70 is closed by a touch operation by the operator.

[Characteristics of Batch Management System 51 for Photographic Printing Apparatus]
(1)
The operation program 53 executed by the batch management system 51 of the photo printing apparatus according to the second embodiment displays a print unit price setting screen 60 as shown in FIG. When the input is accepted in step S27, the input value is treated preferentially, and step S28 for setting the print unit price based on the input value is provided.

As a result, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to set a unique print unit price in the storefront reception device 4.
As a result, even in the system 51 in which the server unit 2 collectively manages the print unit price settings in the store reception devices 4, 6 and 7 and the photo processing device 5 that function as client terminals, the client terminal side (the store reception device 4. It is possible to easily change the print unit price desired in 6.7 and the photo processing device 5).

(2)
The operation program 53 executed by the batch management system 51 of the photo printing apparatus according to the second embodiment, when the unit price of printing is input at the storefront receiving device 4, the storefront receiving device 4 sets the input value at step S28. Priority is set as the print unit price.
As a result, it is possible to immediately change to the desired print unit price.

(3)
The operation program 53 executed by the batch management system 51 of the photo printing apparatus according to the second embodiment further includes step S25 for performing authentication in order to permit the store reception device 4 to input the print unit price. ing.
As a result, it is possible to start a program mode in which the print unit price input at the client terminal is set with priority, and it is possible to limit the change of the print unit price in a disorderly manner.

(4)
In the operation program 53 executed by the batch management system 51 of the photo printing apparatus according to the second embodiment, the store reception device 4 receives the print unit price change setting period in step S27.
As a result, the program mode in which the print unit price is automatically managed collectively by the server device can be returned after the change setting period without needing to cancel the program mode in which the print unit price input at the client terminal is prioritized. Is possible.

[Other Embodiments]
As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary of invention.
(A)
In the photo print apparatus collective management systems 1 and 51 according to the first and second embodiments, the server apparatus 2 executes the operation programs 13 and 53 with respect to the storefront reception apparatuses 4, 6, and 7 or the photo processing apparatus 5. An example of transmitting a part of the program (for example, including backup data) has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, the server apparatus may transmit all the programs of the operation program to the storefront reception apparatus or the photo processing apparatus. Also in this case, the server device and the store reception device or the photo processing device can obtain the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments by executing the programs of the parts required for the collective management system. Can do.
(B)
In the photo print apparatus collective management systems 1 and 51 in the first and second embodiments, in order to confirm the change input of the print unit price in the store front receiving machines 4, 6, or 7 or the photo processing apparatus 5, the server apparatus 2 However, an example in which an inquiry is made to the storefront acceptors 4, 6, 7 or the photo processing device 5 in step S5 or step S30 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, if the storefront acceptors 4, 6, 7 or the photo processing device 5 accepts the print unit price in step S4 or step S27, the print unit price may be transmitted to the server device 2.
(C)
In the photo print apparatus collective management system 51 in the second embodiment, an example in which the password authentication process is performed in the server apparatus 2 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

The authentication process in step S25 may be executed in the storefront reception device 4. At this time, it is necessary to transmit a program related to the authentication process to the storefront receiving machine 4 and to transmit a matching table for the password to the storefront receiving machine. In this case, the same effect as that of the second embodiment can be obtained.
(D)
In the photo print apparatus collective management systems 1 and 51 in the first and second embodiments, an example of the network 2 using the Internet has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, the server device may be connected to the storefront reception device and the photo processing device by a dedicated line. Further, for example, in a store where a plurality of store terminals and photo processing devices are arranged, the server device may be connected to the store terminal and the photo processing device by a LAN (Local Area Network) in the store.
(E)
In the photo print apparatus collective management systems 1 and 51 in the first and second embodiments, an example in which the CPU 15 built in the storefront receiving machine 4 executes the operation programs 13 and 53 transmitted from the server apparatus 2 is shown. I gave it as an explanation. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, it may be executed by a CPU (not shown) built in the computer unit 37 included in the photo processing apparatus 5.
(F)
In the batch management system 51 of the photo printing apparatus according to the second embodiment, an example in which the change setting period 65 is input on the print unit price setting screen 60 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  On the print unit price setting screen 60, the input of the print unit price change setting period 65 is not necessarily required. However, when the change setting period 65 is input, the server apparatus automatically prints after the change setting period, without canceling the program mode for setting the print unit price inputted at the client terminal with priority. Since it is possible to return to the program mode in which the unit price is collectively managed, it is preferable to input in consideration of the operability of the operator.

(G)
In the photo print apparatus collective management system 1 in the first embodiment, the server apparatus 2 has been described with an example in which the interval at which the server apparatus 2 makes an inquiry to the storefront reception apparatus 4 is one hour. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the interval at which the server apparatus inquires may be every 2 hours or every day. Moreover, it is not limited to time, For example, it may be at the time of execution of various events, such as when the store reception machine 4 is started. Also in this case, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the collective management system 1 of the photo printing apparatus according to the first embodiment in which the input of the print unit price in the store reception device 4 is confirmed. Note that the shorter the inquiry interval, the more the request of the store reception device 4 can be reflected in real time, but the communication load with the server device 2 becomes a problem. It is desirable to set.

  According to the present invention, even in an operation method in which various settings in the client terminal are collectively managed by the server device, it is possible to easily change to various settings desired in the client terminal. It can be widely applied as a method for managing all of the above.

The system block diagram of the batch management system of the photographic printing apparatus which concerns on 1st and 2nd embodiment. The internal block diagram in the server apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the storefront reception device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the photographic processing apparatus of FIG. 1. The flowchart which showed the process of the server apparatus at the time of changing a printing unit price in a 1st embodiment, and a shop front reception machine. The print unit price setting screen displayed on the monitor of the shop front reception machine of FIG. 1 in the first embodiment. The flowchart which showed the process of the server apparatus at the time of changing a printing unit price in a 2nd Embodiment, and a shop front reception machine. In the second embodiment, a print unit price setting screen displayed on the monitor of the storefront reception device of FIG. In 2nd Embodiment, the authentication screen displayed on the monitor of the shop front reception machine of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Collective management system for photo printing devices 2 Server device 3 Network 4 Store front desk (client terminal)
5 Photo processing device (client terminal)
6 In-store reception machine (client terminal)
7 In-store reception (client terminal)
10 CPU (computer)
11 Memory 12 External Storage Device 13 Operation Program 15 CPU (Computer)
16 Memory 21 Terminal 22 Printer 23 Monitor 24 Media Drive 31 Operation Station 32 Print Station 33 Cable 34 Monitor 35 Keyboard 36 Mouse 37 Computer Unit 38 Film Scanner 40 Print Unit Price Setting Screen 41 Print Size 42 Print Unit Price Setting Value 43 Print Unit Price Current value 44 Print unit price change value 45 Information input button 46 Enter button 47 End button 51 Collective management system 53 for photo printing apparatus Operation program 60 Print unit price setting screen 61 Print size 62 Print unit price setting value 63 Current unit price value 64 Change value of print unit price 65 Change setting period 66 Information input button 67 Determination button 68 End button 70 Authentication screen 71 Password 72 Information input button 73 Determination button Down 74 Exit button S step

Claims (3)

An operation program for causing a computer to execute a method for collectively managing a print unit price required when a plurality of client terminals connected to a server device via a network calculate a charge for print output,
A first step in which the server device receives an input of a first print unit price;
Said server device, a second step of setting as the print unit price on the basis of the input value received in the first step, common to the previous SL first print unit price to the plurality of client terminals,
A third step in which any one of the plurality of client terminals receives an input of a second print unit price;
A fourth step of making an inquiry to the plurality of client terminals at predetermined time intervals to determine whether or not an input of the second print unit price has been accepted;
If it is determined that the input of the second print unit price in the fourth step is received, the server device, the second as a print unit price definitive only to the client terminal that has received the input of the second print unit price A fifth step of setting the print unit price of
Equipped with a,
Operational program to perform a method for centralized management of multiple client terminal to the computer. An operation program for causing a computer to execute a method for collectively managing a print unit price required when a plurality of client terminals connected to a server device via a network calculate a charge for print output,
A first step in which the server device receives an input of a first print unit price;
A second step in which the server device sets the first print unit price as a print unit price common to the plurality of client terminals based on the input value received in the first step;
A third step in which any one of the plurality of client terminals receives an input of a second print unit price;
A client terminal that has received the input of the second print unit price in the third step sets the second print unit price as its own print unit;
With
The client terminal that has received the input of the second print unit price sets the change setting period of the second print unit price, the server device determines whether or not the change setting period is exceeded, and the change setting period If it is determined that the first print unit price has been exceeded, the first print unit price is set for the client terminal that has received the input of the second print unit price.
An operation program that causes a computer to execute a method for managing multiple client terminals at once. In the client terminal, further comprising a step of performing authentication,
The fourth step, after the authentication has been performed, is performed by the client terminal,
The operation program according to claim 2 .

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