Method for operating a printing system for printing images and / or documents, and printing system for carrying out the method

Abstract

Method for operating a printing system for printing images and / or documents, wherein the printing system (1) comprises at least one printing module (2) with a printer, an operator interface (12) and a computer, wherein a machine-readable code is read via a camera (14) of the printing module (2) to release a previously transmitted print job, characterized in that the machine-readable code is generated and transmitted to the uploading device after the print job has been uploaded to the printing system or a server associated with the printing system.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a printing system for printing images and / or documents and to a printing system for carrying out the method.

[0002] Such printing systems are also known as "print terminals" or "instant print kiosks" and are used in retail stores such as drugstore chains, supermarkets, and similar establishments to enable customers to print their digital images from a device such as a mobile phone or smartphone. These printing systems often also have a reader for digital storage media such as USB sticks or memory cards.

[0003] The selection of images to be printed is usually done after connecting the mobile phone or the storage device via a user interface of the printing system. The image is then output via a printer assigned to the user interface. This process typically blocks the corresponding printer for a relatively long time due to the time-consuming selection of images to be printed, the possible definition of image cropping, and other post-processing.

[0004] A common solution for stationary devices involves uploading the print job, including the images or documents to be printed, to a central server, for example, via the Internet. The print job is then processed there, and the printed images or documents are sent to the user. Alternatively, the images or documents can be stored at a previously specified retail store, for example, where the user can pick them up.

[0005] Further solutions can be found, for example, in US 2013 / 0253127 A1, US 2016 / 0170695 A1 or US 2010 / 0091314 A1.

[0006] The existing solutions work satisfactorily in themselves, but offer limited flexibility. Furthermore, a relatively large number of printers and operator interfaces would be required for faster processing, which is often not possible due to space and cost constraints.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of eliminating the disadvantages of the prior art and of providing a method for operating a printing system and a corresponding printing system which is relatively easily scalable, wherein the operating times required by a user are kept to a minimum and wherein a complete upload of the images is ensured.

[0008] In a method for operating a printing system for printing images and / or documents, wherein the printing system has at least one printing module with a printer, a user interface, and a computer, the invention provides that a machine-readable code is read via a camera of the printing module to release a previously transmitted print job. The method is characterized in that the machine-readable code is generated when the print job is uploaded to the printing system or a server assigned to the printing system and is transmitted to the uploading terminal device.

[0009] The creation of the print job, i.e. in particular the selection and, if necessary, post-processing of the images and / or documents, takes place without directly using a printer in the printing system. Accordingly, theoretically any number of users can create and submit print jobs simultaneously on their own devices. After the print job has been submitted, a machine-readable code is generated and sent to the user's device. With this machine-readable code, for example a so-called QR code or another two-dimensional code, the user then goes to the desired printing module and has the code read via its camera. This essentially activates the print job and outputs the images or documents via its printer. Operation is extremely simple, as the machine-readable code is simply read by the printing system, without the need for often error-prone input from the user.Furthermore, the images or documents are completed in close proximity to the print module's user interface immediately after the code is read, allowing the user to remove the images or documents directly. This minimizes the risk of image or document confusion.

[0010] Preferably, the printing system provides a wireless access network. All of the printing system's print modules are then integrated via this access network, ensuring that the user can select any print module after transmitting the print job to the printing system. Furthermore, a wireless access network based on one of the known standards, i.e., a so-called WLAN, offers the advantage that no physical connection needs to be established between the user's end device and the printing system. Rather, access is possible for all WLAN-enabled end devices, such as mobile phones or smartphones, tablets, or laptops, regardless of manufacturer, without additional adapters or similar, and more end devices can access the network simultaneously than the number of print modules provided by the printing system.

[0011] In a preferred training option, the printing system hosts a web interface that provides browser-based access for creating the print job. Creating the print job involves, in particular, selecting and uploading images and / or documents, which can be done on the user's device, such as a mobile phone. Browser-based access allows for the creation and transmission of the print job to be platform-independent and without the installation of a special program.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the print job can be created in a program, particularly offline, with the print job being transferred to the printing system or a server associated with the printing system at a later time. Such a program can, if necessary, provide additional functions and can also be used when the user is outside of the access network provided by the printing system.

[0013] The machine-readable code can then be saved, displayed, or printed on the device and scanned at any time via the printing system's camera. By then, the print job has already been submitted, but the previously transmitted code is required for approval and thus for printing the images or documents. This virtually eliminates the possibility of printing third-party images or documents.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the machine-readable code is transmitted to a mobile phone and read by the camera of the printing system from a display of the mobile phone. The mobile phone represents a mobile terminal from which the print job may have previously been transmitted to the printing system. The machine-readable code is thus available to the user immediately after the print job has been transmitted, allowing them to select the appropriate printing module for creating the images and / or documents either directly or later. The mobile phone with its display can simply be held in front of the camera of the printing system, thus eliminating the need to print the code beforehand.

[0015] In an alternative or additional embodiment, the machine-readable code can be applied to a print medium and read from there by the camera of the printing system. This allows the printing system to be used with stationary devices that transmit the print job to the printing system, for example, via the Internet. The user can then go to the printing system at a later time with the code applied to the print medium to print their images or documents.

[0016] Preferably, the images and / or documents are processed on the mobile phone, in the printing system, or on the server. Processing can, in particular, involve adapting to the color representation of the printer included in the print module. Furthermore, this can include, for example, retouching red-eye and brightening or darkening individual areas. Furthermore, sections can be defined, for example, and these sections can be displayed enlarged. However, further processing, particularly through predefined or variable filters, is also conceivable.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the print job can be uploaded to a central server from any internet-enabled device. After the machine-readable code has been read from the server, the print system can download and output the print job. This allows the user to transmit the print job to the server from any location with an internet connection and only later decides which printing system and print module will output the images or documents. The server represents a central memory that all connected printing systems can access, regardless of their location. This access is initiated by reading the machine-readable code that uniquely identifies the print job to be processed.

[0018] To select a print module, the corresponding print module is preferably first activated by touching a touch-sensitive display, and then the machine-readable code is read via the camera. Touching the display wakes up the camera, which therefore only needs to be supplied with power for a relatively short time. This keeps energy consumption low and prevents continuous environmental monitoring, which is often prohibited by law. The touch-sensitive display is particularly part of the print module's user interface.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, different user levels of the print module are enabled via the machine-readable code. The machine-readable code, typically generated in conjunction with a print job, only enables basic functions of the print module. However, more advanced functions can then be enabled via another machine-readable code, for example, for an administrator, allowing settings on the print module and / or printing system to be viewed and changed. This provides a relatively simple form of access control.

[0020] Preferably, additional information is incorporated into the images and / or documents via the machine-readable code. This additional information can be, for example, crop marks, labels or similar. In particular, an additional code can be read in. This additional code can be read in by the print module after the code associated with the print job. An alternative solution can provide for this code to be read in by the end device, for example the user's smartphone. This can then be read in by the print module by holding the end device in front of the camera. It is also conceivable that reading in the additional code leads to a defined change in the code for the print job, so that only a single code needs to be read in by the print module.

[0021] It is particularly preferred that the printing system provides additional consumables, such as picture frames, each of which is provided with a second machine-readable code. The information required for these consumables can then be incorporated into the print job by reading the second machine-readable code.

[0022] Advantageously, the printing modules of a printing system are networked with each other, allowing them to share their respective storage and computing capacities. Each printing module then does not require a particularly powerful computer, since the computers of several printing modules can together provide sufficient performance when needed. Additionally, a central computer unit can be provided, which can be activated as needed.

[0023] In a printing system for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, it is provided according to the invention that it has at least one printing module with a printer, a user interface and a computer, wherein the user interface has a camera for reading a machine-readable code.

[0024] By combining the number of print modules into a printing system, a capacity can be provided as needed. Direct operation, meaning a user only occupies a print module for a relatively short time, which is required for reading the code and the actual printing process. Overall, this allows for high utilization of the printing system with minimal waiting times for operators.

[0025] It is particularly preferred that the printing module has a cuboid-shaped housing, with several printing modules arranged one above the other and / or next to each other and interconnected. This design allows the printing system to be easily adapted to different spatial conditions. In particular, it makes it possible to accommodate a relatively large number of printing modules in a confined space while remaining easily accessible.

[0026] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a printing module of a printing system in spatial view, Fig. 2 the printing module with the front part open, Fig. 3 a printing system with several printing modules, Fig. 4 a printing system with several printing modules and a multifunctional element, Fig. 5 the pressure module with a collecting element in spatial view and Fig. 6 the printing module after Fig. 5 in side view.

[0027] In Fig. 1 shows a three-dimensional representation of a printing system 1 with a printing module 2. The printing module 2 has a cuboid-shaped housing 3 with a body 4. The body 4 comprises an upper part 5 and a base part 6, which are each connected to one another via side parts 7, 8 such that the upper part 5 and the base part 6, together with the two side parts 7, 8, form the body 4 in the shape of a rectangular frame. The front of the body 4 is closed by a front part 9 and the rear by a back part 10. Edges 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d of the body, i.e. transitions from the side parts 7, 8 to the base part 6 or upper part 5, are relatively strongly rounded. This enables a one-piece or single-piece production of the body 4 and minimizes, for example, the risk of a user getting caught on these edges. The body 4 as well as the front part 9 and the back part 10 are preferably made of a plastic.

[0028] A user interface 12 is formed in the front part 9. The user interface 12 comprises a touch-sensitive display 13, i.e., a so-called touch display, and a camera 14.

[0029] Furthermore, a removal opening 15 in the front part 9 provides unhindered access to a removal compartment 16, which is attached to the inside of the front part 9 and thus lies within the housing 3. The removal compartment 16 serves to hold finished print media such as images and / or documents and covers the removal opening 15 on the inside in such a way that no access to a receiving space for a printer formed in the housing 3 is possible through the removal opening 15.

[0030] In Fig. 2, the printing module 2 is shown with the front part 9 open. The front part 9 is pivotally attached to the side part 8 and can be opened like a door. This allows access to the interior of the housing, in which a receiving space 17 for a printer is formed. The receiving space 17 is divided by a shelf 18, on which the printer is positioned. The shelf 18 rests on webs 19 that connect the side parts 7, 8 to one another on the inside and extend perpendicularly from the base part 6. The webs 19 have projections on which the shelf 18 can be arranged at different heights. This allows adaptation to different printers.

[0031] On an inner side of the front part 9, not only the removal compartment 16 but also a receiving compartment 21 are arranged. The receiving compartment 21 is located in a position where it covers the user interface 12, which is visible from an outer side of the front part 9. The receiving compartment 21 houses a computer in the form of a mini-PC, such as a Raspberry Pi, which is connected to the user interface and can control a printer located in the receiving space 17, for example, via USB (Universal Serial Bus). Furthermore, the computer has wired and wireless network connections.

[0032] The receiving compartment 21 and the removal compartment 16 are connected to each other via side walls 27, 28, thus forming a single unit. This results in high stability with a relatively large contact area with the inner side 20 of the front part 9, which is thus also stiffened.

[0033] Both the upper part 5 and the base part 6 each have a centrally located round opening 22, 23, which is surrounded by partially circular slots 24, 25. These openings 22, 23 allow air to be exchanged and thus cool the receiving space 21, and they also allow cables for power supply and data transmission to be routed through them into the interior of the housing 3. The slots 24, 25 can be used for a fastening device (not shown), for example, to fix print modules 2 arranged one above the other to one another. In the simplest case, the fastening device is formed by several screw-nut pairs.

[0034] An upper side of the upper part 5 can be covered by a cover element 26. In this exemplary embodiment, the rectangular cover element 26 has protruding feet in its corner regions, which can be pressed into corresponding recesses in the upper part 5 and thus hold the cover element 26 to the body 4. Alternatively, a fastening geometry could also be formed on the cover element 26, with which it can be fastened, in particular locked, in the opening 22 or the slots. If necessary, a recess can be formed in the upper part 5 to accommodate the cover element 26 more or less flush.

[0035] Ventilation openings 29 are formed in the back part 10, the shape and number of which can vary. Furthermore, for good air exchange and thus effective cooling of the receiving space 17, ventilation slots are formed between the front part 9 and the body 4, as well as between the back part 10 and the body 4. These slots run parallel to the body and are so narrow that they are not noticeable at first glance. Nevertheless, they allow for good ventilation.

[0036] The front part 9 is pivotally mounted on the side part 8 and can be secured to the other side part 7 via a retaining device 30, which includes a lock 31 that is operated by a key. This reliably prevents unauthorized opening of the print module 2. Instead of a mechanical lock 31, a magnetic lock, for example, could be used as an alternative, although this generally does not offer any security against theft.

[0037] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a printing system with two stacked print modules 2a, 2b, which are arranged on top of each other and mounted on a separate module 32. The separate module 32 differs from the print modules 2a, 2b only in its different front panel, lacking a user interface and removal opening. Otherwise, the module 32 is identical to the print modules 2a, 2b and offers additional storage space, for example, for consumables.

[0038] The print modules 2a, 2b, and module 32 are connected to each other via fastening devices (not shown) and fixed at a desired angle around their vertical axis. The fastening devices engage in the partially circular slots, with the upper side of the uppermost print module 2a being provided with a cover element. The print modules are supplied via power and data lines that are routed invisibly through the corresponding openings.

[0039] In Fig. Figure 4 shows another printing system with two printing modules 2a, 2b, wherein a multifunctional element 33 is arranged on the upper side of the upper printing module 2a, extending perpendicularly to the upper side of the printing module 2a. In this example, the multifunctional element 33 has a display 34 and grooves 35 into which clipboards, hooks, and the like can be inserted.

[0040] The statements according to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 can of course be easily combined with one another and with other printing modules in order to obtain a printing system with the desired capacity. In this case, all printing modules of a printing system are preferably networked with one another and provide a common access network, i.e. a so-called hotspot, for the users. In particular, the printing modules can share their respective computing and storage capacities. The user then selects the printing module for outputting the images or documents only after selecting and uploading the corresponding files. The selection is made via the user interface, for example by entering a specific code, whereby a machine-readable code, which is displayed, for example, on the mobile phone screen, is preferably read via the camera of the user interface.The printing process can then start very quickly, so that the printing module is available to the next user after a relatively short time.

[0041] Fig. Figure 5 shows the printing module 1 in a three-dimensional view, with a collecting element 36 suspended in the removal opening 15 for print media on an outer side of the front part 9. Longer print formats, such as panoramic prints or banners, are guided out of the removal opening 15 via first deflection elements 37 and then guided via a second deflection element 38 such that they finally reach the bottom part 6 of the printing module 1.

[0042] From the side view of the printing module 1 according to Fig. 6 it can be seen that the print formats are deposited on an extension 39 which extends below the printing module 1 parallel to the base part 6.

[0043] By means of corresponding feet or spacers (not shown) on the base part 6 of the printing module 1, sufficient space is available for the extension 39 even when several printing modules 1 are arranged one above the other and the extension 39 is not loaded by the weight of the printing module 1.

[0044] With the method according to the invention, operating the printing system is extremely simple for an operator. After uploading the print job containing the images or documents to be printed to the printing system, for example, from a mobile phone via the printing system's wireless access network, the operator simply needs to hold the mobile phone with the machine-readable code shown on the display in front of the camera to start the printing process. Incorrect entries are virtually eliminated, and operation is possible even without training.

[0045] With the help of a machine-readable code, additional functions can also be accessed. For example, picture frames are available that are equipped with a second machine-readable code. This code can also be read into the camera and adds crop marks, for example, to the images, making it relatively easy to adapt them to the geometry of the picture frame.

[0046] Furthermore, it is possible to print an additional machine-readable code, for example, on a key required to open the print module. When this code is read by the camera, additional functions are enabled, such as changing settings, displaying counter and fill levels, and the like.

[0047] The invention is not limited to one of the previously described embodiments, but can be modified in a variety of ways. For example, the printing system can also comprise more than the printing modules shown. Furthermore, instead of the cube shape shown with equal edge lengths, the housing could also be extended in at least one spatial direction. List of reference symbols 1 printing system 2 printing module 3 housings 4 Corpus 5 Top 6 Base part 7 Side panel 8 Side panel 9 Front part 10 back part 11 edge 12 User interface 13 Touch-sensitive display 14 Camera 15 Removal opening 16 removal compartment 17 Recording room 18 shelves 19 jetty 20 Inside 21 Storage compartment 22 Opening 23 Opening 24 slots 25 slot 26 Cover element 27 Side wall 28 Side wall 29 Ventilation opening 30 Holding device 31 Castle 32 Module 33 Multifunctional element 34 Advertisement 35 groove 36 collecting element 37 first deflection element 38 second deflection element 39 Extension

Claims

[1] Method for operating a printing system for printing images and / or documents, wherein the printing system (1) has at least one printing module (2) with a printer, a user interface (12) and a computer, wherein a machine-readable code is read in via a camera (14) of the printing module (2) to release a previously transmitted print job, characterized by that the machine-readable code is generated after the print job has been uploaded to the printing system or a server assigned to the printing system and is transmitted to the uploading device. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that a wireless access network is provided by the printing system (1). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the printing system (1) hosts a web access that provides browser-based access to create the print job. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the creation of the print job can be done offline by selecting the images and / or documents in a program, with the images and / or documents being transferred to the printing system or a server associated with the printing system at a later time [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the machine-readable code is transferred to a mobile phone and read from a mobile phone display via the camera of the printing system. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the machine-readable code is printed on a print medium and from there read via the camera of the printing system. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the images and / or documents are prepared on the mobile phone or in the printing system or on the server. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the print job is uploaded from any internet-enabled device to a central server and is downloaded and output by the printing system after the machine-readable code has been read. [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by To select a printing module, the corresponding printing module is first activated by touching a touch-sensitive display and then the machine-readable code is read via the camera. [10] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that different user levels of the print module are enabled via the machine-readable code. [11] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that additional information is inserted into the images and / or documents via the machine-readable code. [12] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the printing system provides additional consumables such as picture frames, each of which is provided with a machine-readable code. [13] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the printing modules of a printing system are networked with each other, whereby they can in particular share the respective storage and computing capacities. [14] Printing system (1) for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it has at least one printing module (2) with a printer, a user interface (12) and a computer, wherein the user interface (12) has a camera (14) for reading a machine-readable code. [15] Printing system according to claim 14, characterized bythat the printing module (2) has a cuboid-shaped housing (3), wherein in particular several printing modules (2) are arranged one above the other and / or next to each other and are networked with each other.

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