PHOTOGRAPHIC ORDER SYSTEM

摘要

A method and system of producing image prints and other physical manifestations of images from an order specifiying one or more recipients (A,B,C) and, for each recipient, a set of one or more images associated with that recipient. For each recipient specified by the order, the images associated with the recipient are separated into at least one printable unit of images. Each printable unit of images can be scheduled for image processing and/or printing in an optimized manner (e.g., according to a global scheduling algorithm and/or a "just-in-time" scheduling algorithm). Also, for each recipient, the images associated with the recipient may be separated into one or more sub-orders (354, 356, 358), and each sub-order may be separated into one or more sub-batches. At least one batch made up of sub-batches that can be continuously printed on the same type of printer (e.g., sub-batches from different orders) can be assembled from the available sub-batches. An image cache can be used to store image data associated with the images while the images are queued for printing, and an image processor can be used to process the images prior to printing. After printing, the image prints can be aligned using alignment equipment and have any curling due to drying reduced using curl reduction equipment. In addition, the image prints can be backprinted using a backprinter. The image prints (1, 2) can then be binned, packaged, and shipped. Moreover, two or more sub-batches from the same sub-order can be combined and packaged and/or shipped together to the recipient associated with the sub-order.