JP2002059595A - Portable printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable printer whose mobility can be improved by simplifying selection of a recording medium by previously setting a storage medium mounting means to preferentially print when a power button is set to the on position. SOLUTION: When printing an image information signal from a memory card 9 mounted in the first socket 82a or the second socket 82b of a storage medium mounting means 82, when the memory card 9 is mounted in only one of the first and second sockets, in response to setting of a power button 30a to the on position, recording on the memory card 9 is read and when the memory card is mounted in both sockets, recoding in a first memory card 9a mounted in the first socket 82a is preferentially read out in response to setting of the power switch 30 to the on position, whereby selection of the recording medium is simplified and the mobility of the device can be improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable printer device having a plurality of storage medium mounting means capable of mounting a plurality of storage media such as a memory card, and more particularly to a printer which preferentially prints when a power button is turned on. The present invention relates to a portable printer capable of simplifying the operation of selecting a recording medium and improving the mobility of the apparatus by setting a storage medium mounting means for operation in advance.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, personal computers and video recording devices have become widespread, and various printer devices capable of recording images of these devices have been proposed, and their demand has been increasing. Therefore, there is a demand for an inexpensive printer device capable of producing high-quality printed images, and there is also a strong demand for a small, lightweight, and portable printer device so that printing can be performed anytime and anywhere as a mobile printer device.

In recent years, as a storage medium for storing various types of information, it is common to use a very small memory card typified by a smart media, a compact flash (registered trademark), a memory stick, or the like for image recording. For example, images taken with a digital camera can be recorded and stored on these memory cards, and the images in this memory card can be imported into a personal computer or the like, and if necessary, printed out with a color printer device. It is possible.

[0004] With the advance of such storage medium technology, a memory card as storage means for storing print target data such as image information is conventionally provided with a detachable mounting means, and the image information stored in the memory card is provided. There have been proposed various printer devices capable of reading and printing.

As this type of printer, for example, there is a printer described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-118090. In this proposal, it is possible to insert the image information stored in the memory card into the mounting means through an insertion port provided in the printer device, and to print the image information. Also, print control information on image data to be printed, so-called D
When print control information called POF (abbreviation of Digital Print Order Format) is written, printout can be performed based on the print control information, and an automatic print control method based on such print control information is available. It has been disclosed.

[0006] In addition, with respect to an apparatus capable of mounting two memory cards, there is an image display apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-26563, for example. In this proposal, a device that enables a spread display similar to that of a book is provided, in which a mounting means capable of mounting two memory cards, a main body having first and second display units, and a combination of these two display units are provided. And a combination of the two memory card drivers, which has the same function and portability as a book, and displays electronic publishing as a medium replacing paper. Display is realized.

[0007]

However, as described above, there are many types of small memory cards, and in the printer device proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-118090, one memory card is used. Since only the card mounting means is provided,
Only one type of memory card can be installed,
In the worst case, there is a problem that the number of printers corresponding to the type of the memory card must be prepared, which is inefficient.

In order to solve this problem, it is only necessary to provide a plurality of mounting means capable of mounting a plurality of types of memory cards in the printer device. In particular, assuming a portable printer device, its application is considered to be used at the business site, and even if various types of memory cards are presented at the business destination, color images can be printed out immediately on the spot. Its effectiveness is enormous. However, if a configuration is provided in which a plurality of memory card mounting means are provided to satisfy the above requirement, for example, when a plurality of memory cards are mounted on the plurality of memory card mounting means, any one of the memory cards is selected. It is necessary to selectively switch between printing and displaying on a display. In order to solve this problem, a control procedure must be provided to select one of the memory card mounting means after turning on the power of the printer, and to display a warning if it is not selected. However, it is not reasonable to execute such a control procedure for a person who usually determines the type of memory card to be used, that is, it is possible to omit a user's selection operation and immediately perform a desired memory operation. It is desirable to include a control procedure that can print out the image on the card.

However, the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-2656 describes
The image display device described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3 has a configuration having both a mounting means capable of mounting two memory cards and a driver for these two memory cards. However, the control procedure as described above is not described. Has not been
Since the two memory card mounting means are simply selected and switched using the recording and playback buttons, the operation of selecting the memory card cannot be simplified and the printing operation cannot be executed immediately. there were.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and a storage medium mounting means for preferentially performing a printing operation when a power button is turned on is set in advance to select a recording medium. It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable printer device capable of simplifying the operation and improving the mobility of the device.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable printer device for recording a plurality of image data.
A first storage medium mounting means for mounting the first storage medium, and a second storage medium for mounting a second storage medium for recording a plurality of image data.
Storage medium mounting means, a main power switch for turning on / off the power of the apparatus, and a main power supply when a storage medium is mounted only in one of the first and second storage medium mounting means. In response to the switch being turned on, the recorded contents of the storage medium are read out, and when the storage medium is mounted in both the first and second storage medium mounting means, the storage is read out in response to the main power switch being turned on. Control means for preferentially reading out the recorded contents of the storage medium mounted on the first storage medium mounting means.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the portable printer device having the above-described structure, the control means mounts a storage medium only in one of the first and second storage medium mounting means. When the main power switch is turned on, the recorded contents of the storage medium are read out, and when the storage medium is mounted in both the first and second storage medium mounting means, the main power switch is turned on. In response to the above, control is performed such that the recorded contents of the storage medium mounted on the first storage medium mounting means are preferentially read out, thereby simplifying the operation of selecting a memory card as a cumbersome and cumbersome storage medium. As a result, the mobility of the device can be improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable printer device, wherein a first storage medium mounting means for mounting a first storage medium for recording a plurality of image data, and a second storage for recording a plurality of image data. A second storage medium mounting means for mounting a medium, a main power switch for turning on / off the power of the apparatus, and a storage medium when the storage medium is mounted on both the first and second storage medium mounting means. Priority order selecting means for preliminarily selecting and determining which one of the first and second storage media is to be preferentially read out of the recorded content in response to the turning on of the main power switch; The first and second
When the storage medium is mounted only in one of the storage medium mounting means, the recorded content of the storage medium is read out in response to the turning on of the main power switch, and the first and second storage media are read out.
When the storage medium is mounted in both of the storage medium mounting means, the control for preferentially reading the recorded contents of the storage medium predetermined by the priority order selection means in response to the turning on of the main power switch. Means are provided.

According to the second aspect of the invention, in addition to the same effects as the first aspect of the invention, the same effects can be obtained, and the priority order selecting means is provided so that the read-out priority of the storage medium can be freely determined. Since the order can be determined, the mobility of the apparatus can be further improved for construction.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable printer device, wherein first storage medium mounting means for mounting a first storage medium for recording a plurality of image data, and second storage for recording a plurality of image data. A second storage medium mounting means for mounting a medium, a main power switch for turning on / off the power of the apparatus, and a storage medium when the storage medium is mounted on both the first and second storage medium mounting means. Priority order selecting means for preliminarily selecting and determining which one of the first and second storage media is to be preferentially read out of the recorded content in response to the turning on of the main power switch; The first and second
When the storage medium is mounted only in one of the storage medium mounting means, the recorded content of the storage medium is read out in response to the turning on of the main power switch, and the first and second storage media are read out.
When a storage medium is mounted in both of the storage medium mounting means, the stored content of the storage medium determined in advance by the priority order selection means is preferentially read in response to turning on the main power switch, and When the storage medium having a higher priority than the already mounted storage medium is newly mounted after performing the priority reading, the recording content of the newly mounted storage medium is automatically automatically corresponding to the mounting operation. And reading control means.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to obtaining the same effect by acting in the same manner as the second aspect of the present invention, the storage medium already mounted after the priority reading is performed by the control means. When a storage medium with a higher priority is newly mounted, control is performed so that the recorded contents of the newly mounted storage medium are automatically read in response to the mounting operation, so that the mobility of the apparatus is further improved. Can be improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable printer device, wherein a thermal head for printing an image based on image data recorded on a storage medium having a plurality of image data recorded thereon is supplied from a paper supply means. Paper transport means for transporting paper to be printed by the thermal head, a first storage medium mounting means for mounting a first storage medium for recording a plurality of image data, and a plurality of image data. A second storage medium mounting means for mounting a second storage medium for recording, a main power switch for turning on / off the power of the apparatus, a print operation start instruction means for instructing a start of a print operation; When a storage medium is mounted on both of the second storage medium mounting means, one of the first and second storage mediums corresponding to the turning on of the main power switch. Priority order selecting means for preliminarily selecting and deciding whether to preferentially read the recorded content of the storage medium, and the storage medium is mounted only in one of the first and second storage medium mounting means. When the main power switch is turned on, the recorded contents of the storage medium are read out in response to the turning on of the main power switch. When the storage medium is mounted in both the first and second storage medium mounting means, the main power switch is turned off. In response to ON, the priority order selecting means preferentially reads the recording content of the storage medium, and after performing the priority reading and during the printing operation, When a storage medium having a higher priority than the mounted storage medium is newly mounted, at the moment when the mounting operation is performed, the thermal head which is continued in response to the input of the print operation start instructing means is immediately connected. And control means for automatically reading the recorded contents of the new attached storage medium by de said sheet conveyance means after completion of the printing operation and is characterized by comprising a.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the same effect as in the third aspect of the invention, the same effect can be obtained, and the printing operation is performed after the priority reading is performed by the control means. If a storage medium having a higher priority than a storage medium that is already mounted is newly mounted during the operation, the input of the print operation start instructing means corresponds to the input of the printing operation at the moment when the mounting operation is performed. After the completion of the printing operation by the thermal head and the paper conveying means, which has been continuously performed, the recording contents of the newly mounted storage medium are controlled to be automatically read, so that the mobility of the apparatus can be further improved. It becomes possible.

A portable printer according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the portable printer according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the first and second storage media are of the same type. It is a storage medium.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the portable printer according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first and second storage media are different types of storage media. It is characterized by being.
According to the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention, the first and second
Even if the storage medium is the same type of storage medium or a different type of storage medium, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the above-described invention.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable printer device, wherein first storage medium mounting means for mounting a first storage medium for recording a plurality of image data, and the first storage medium for recording a plurality of image data. Second and third storage medium mounting means for mounting a second storage medium different from the storage medium, a main power switch for turning on / off the power of the apparatus, and both the first and second storages When a medium is mounted in at least two places of the first to third storage medium mounting means, the first and second storage media are turned on in response to turning on of the main power switch.
Priority order selecting means for preliminarily selecting and deciding whether to preferentially read out the recorded content of any one of the storage media, and the storage medium is provided only in one of the storage medium mounting means. When the main power switch is turned on, the recorded contents of the storage medium are read out, and when both the first and second storage media are mounted on the storage medium mounting means, When the main power switch is turned on, the contents of the storage medium determined in advance by the priority order selection means are read out preferentially and stored in the second and third storage medium mounting means of the storage medium mounting means. And control means for preferentially reading the second storage medium when a medium is mounted.

According to the invention of claim 8, the first storage medium mounting means for mounting the first storage medium for recording a plurality of image data, and the first storage medium for recording the plurality of image data, Is the second in which a different type of second storage medium is mounted.
And when the third storage medium mounting means is provided, the control means preferentially reads the recorded contents of the storage medium predetermined by the priority order selection means in response to the turning on of the main power switch, When a storage medium is mounted in the second and third storage medium mounting means of the storage medium mounting means, control is performed such that the second storage medium is read out preferentially. A similar effect can be obtained.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable printer according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the priority order selecting means includes a predetermined priority provided in the apparatus. It is a setting state maintaining means for maintaining a setting state.

A portable printer according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the portable printer according to the eighth aspect, wherein the setting state maintaining means is a DIP switch provided in the apparatus. is there. A portable printer according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the portable printer according to the eighth aspect, wherein the setting state maintaining means is a memory switch including a storage element provided in the apparatus. It is.

According to the invention of claims 8 to 10,
In addition to obtaining the same functions and effects as the inventions of the first to seventh aspects, the priority order selecting means may be a setting state maintaining means for maintaining a predetermined setting state provided in the apparatus, for example, a DIP switch or With the configuration using the memory switch, the priority order of the storage medium on which printing is performed can be easily selected and determined, and this greatly contributes to downsizing of the apparatus.

[0026]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Structure) FIGS. 1 and 2 are for explaining the schematic structure of a portable printer to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire structure of the apparatus, and FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the principal part of an apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1, a portable printer device 1 according to the present embodiment has a main body cover 2 for accommodating various mechanical mechanisms and components required for a printing function, a board, and the like. The main body bottom part 3 attached to the lower part of the device 1 forms a housing, and constitutes a main external part of the device 1.

A paper cassette mounting opening for mounting a paper cassette 5 capable of accommodating a plurality of recording papers 6 is provided on a main body cover 2 on the front side (left front in FIG. 1) of the apparatus 1. 2a are formed, and the sheet cassette 5 is detachably mounted through the sheet cassette mounting opening 2a.

An opening / closing lid 4a for closing the paper feed cassette mounting opening 2a when the paper feed cassette 5 is removed from the apparatus is provided at a corresponding portion of the main body bottom portion 3 so as to be openable and closable. The opening / closing lid 4a is provided with a locking means 4c for holding the closed state when the lid is closed, and a locking means provided at a position corresponding to the locking means 4c and the main body cover 2 (FIG. (Not shown), the opening / closing lid 4a is locked.

An opening 2f is formed on the right side surface of the main body cover 2 when viewed from the front side. The main frame 12b is exposed through the opening 2f and disposed inside the apparatus.
Is formed with an ink cassette insertion opening 2b for mounting the ink cassette 7 around which the ink ribbon 7a is wound. The ink ribbon 7a is formed by sequentially and repeatedly applying a plurality of thermal transfer inks such as yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and transparent overcoat ink (OP).

An opening / closing lid 4b for closing the opening 2f is provided on the main body cover 2 so as to be openable and closable.
Locking means 4d for holding the closed state when closed as in the case of the opening / closing lid 4a is provided, and locking means (not shown) provided at a position corresponding to the locking means 4d and the main body cover 2. ), The opening / closing lid 4b is locked.

A battery mounting groove 2c for detachably mounting a battery 8 as driving power supply means required for carrying is formed on the rear side (rear side on the right side in the figure) of the main body cover 2. ing. A mounting portion 8a formed on a mounting surface of the battery 8 is fitted into and fitted to the battery mounting groove 2c, and a locking portion provided on the upper portion of the battery mounting portion 8a. The engagement state of the battery 8 can be maintained by engaging the engaging portion (not shown) provided at a position corresponding to the battery mounting groove 2c with the portion 8c.

On the surface of the mounting portion 8a of the battery 8, there are provided a plurality of battery pieces 8b for supplying the power stored in the battery 8 to the inside of the device 1.
When the battery 8 is mounted in the battery mounting groove 2c, the battery 8 comes into contact with a battery section (not shown) provided on the back side of the device 1 and is electrically conducted, so that power is supplied to the inside of the device 1. Can be supplied.

An operation panel 2 is provided on the upper surface of the main body cover 2.
d, display unit 2e, first and second memory card insertion slots 2
h, 2i, etc. are provided. The operation panel 2d includes operation buttons 30a to 30i as instructing means for instructing the apparatus 1 to execute various control operation execution commands, and an LED (light emitting diode) for lighting and displaying the progress of the printing operation.
And display lamps 31a to 31d.

The operation buttons 30a to 30i include a power button 30a for instructing power-on and power-off, a print button 30b for instructing a print operation, and a print mode (standard print, index print, all-frame print, DPOF print, etc.). A print mode selection button 30c to select, a sharpness button 30d to select image quality (standard, soft, sharp), a division button 30e to select the number of divisions of division print (no division, 2, 4, 9, 16 screens), a date print A date button 30f for designating a date print display mode; a card switching button 3 for switching the memory card 9 as priority order selection means
0g, a frame number / print number switching button 30h for switching between a print frame number designation mode and a print number (copy number) designation mode, a (+) button for increasing or decreasing the number of frame numbers or the number of prints, and a (-) button 30i. .
The switches such as the card switching button 30g are configured using, for example, a DIP (Dual inline packge) switch as setting state maintaining means for maintaining the predetermined setting state, or not shown in the apparatus. It may be configured using a memory switch that can maintain the setting state in conjunction with the nonvolatile memory.

The display lamps 31a to 30d have a printing lamp 3 which lights up to indicate that printing is in progress.
1a, a ribbon / paper lamp 31 for illuminating and displaying the end of the ink ribbon, the absence of the paper cassette, and the absence of the recording paper.
b, an open / close lid of the ribbon cassette, an error lamp 31c for illuminating and displaying a communication error, etc., reading of data from the memory card 9 (during access), and a rechargeable battery (not shown)
And the power button 30 with the DC connector 10 connected.
There is an access / charge lamp 31d that illuminates and indicates that charging is being executed when the power is turned off by a.

Therefore, these operation buttons 30a to 30a
30i and the display lamps 31a to 31d are provided on the operation panel 2 having a size suitable for reducing the size of the portable printer device.
Since they are appropriately arranged on the d, there is no need for an arrangement space in the main body, which greatly contributes to downsizing of the printer device.

The display section 2e is arranged in a notch in the operation panel 2d. This display section 2e
Is an LCD, for example, which is used for control processing during a printing operation by the apparatus 1 (print mode embodiment, image quality mode designation, division mode designation, memory card switching designation, date printing designation, date printing display mode / switching designation, file Name, frame number / number of prints specified, frame number or number of prints displayed, character display indicating that DPOF is not set, and remaining battery level display) are displayed. Details will be described later.

The first and second memory card insertion slots 2
h and 2i are formed corresponding to sockets (not shown) as storage medium mounting means provided inside the main body, respectively, and include first and second memory card insertion openings 2h and 2i.
i, two different first information recording image information signals (which may include print control information) to be printed via i.
And the second memory cards 9a and 9b are inserted respectively. Also, the first and second memory cards 2h, 2i
Can be detachably attached to the corresponding socket. As the first memory card 9a, for example, smart media (SM) is used, and as the second memory card 9b, for example, compact flash (CF) is used. In the present embodiment, the type of the memory card and the number of the memory cards are not limited to those described above, and it is needless to say that another memory card such as a memory stick may be combined.

As described above, the first memory card 9a or the second memory card 9b is inserted into each slot (not shown) provided with the first and second memory card insertion holes 2h and 2i. Thus, an image information signal and print control information necessary for printing from any of the memory cards 9 can be captured.

A dust cover 2j for closing the memory card insertion openings 2h and 2i is provided in the body cover 2 near the first and second memory card insertion openings 2h and 2i so as to be openable and closable. I have. This dust cover 2
j has a notch 2k provided at a predetermined position of the main body cover 2 so that the end thereof can be easily gripped and can be easily opened. By opening the dust cover 2j, the first and second memory card insertion slots 2h and 2i are opened.
When the dust cover 2j is exposed and closed, the engaging claw 2m protruding from the open / close end is engaged with the engaging hole 2n provided on the main body side. Prevents dust and other intrusions.

An eject button 21 for ejecting the second memory card 9b, such as a compact flash, is provided near the second memory card insertion slot 2i.
Is provided. When the second memory card 9b is ejected, the second memory card 9b is ejected by pressing the eject button 21.

On the other hand, a normal AC power is converted into direct current (DC) and supplied into the apparatus 1 at the rear end of the side of the main body cover 2 opposite to the side where the ink cassette insertion slot 2b is provided. DC connector 10 is detachably attached. The DC connector 10 receives a general AC power through an AC outlet 10a, and transfers the received AC power to the AC / DC converter (AC / DC converter) provided in the AC outlet 10a or between the AC outlet 10a and the DC connector 10. The power is converted into a direct current power supply (DC) by a not shown) and supplied to the device 1 as drive power for the device 1.

Further, in the printer 1 of the present embodiment, not only the image information signal is simply taken in by the first and second memory cards 9a and 9b, but also the image information from a personal computer, a video recording / reproducing device or the like. It is also possible to capture signals. That is, body cover 2
A PC connector (not shown) to which the PC connector 11 connected to the above-described personal computer, video recording / reproducing device, or the like can be removably mounted is provided on the front side of the side surface of the PC. Therefore, in the printer device 1 of the present embodiment, the first and second memory cards 9a, 9a
PC connector 1 connected to various image equipment other than b
Since various image information signals can be captured by the method 1, the range of use can be expanded.

The paper feed cassette 5 used in the printer 1 is capable of storing a plurality of recording papers 6, and has a detachable cover 5a on the upper surface. The cover 5a is formed by cutting out the leading end portion of the sheet feeding cassette 5 on the insertion side, and the uppermost layer of the plurality of recording papers 6 stored through the cutout portion is exposed. Paper cassette 5
At the time of insertion, a paper feed roller (not shown) arranged inside the apparatus 1 by positioning by the leading end of the paper feed cassette 5
Abuts on one sheet of recording paper 6 exposed from the cutout portion of the cover 5a, and is driven to rotate, so that one sheet of recording paper 6 can be surely conveyed to the inside of the apparatus. ing.

On the other hand, the substrate 22 is disposed on the bottom side of the printer 1 as shown in FIG. 2, and is a circuit group necessary for performing a printing operation, for example, an IC circuit (not shown) for controlling a recording paper feed. ) And at least one of an ink ribbon feed control IC circuit (not shown) mounted thereon.
A power board 22b provided on the control board 22a so as to be arranged on one side of the printer device 1 and provided with a charging circuit and the like capable of charging the battery 8, and a power board 22b on the back side of the power board 22b. Slots 82a, 82 for mounting the first and second memory cards 2h, 2i.
and a medium socket unit substrate 22c to which the “b” is attached.

The control circuit board 22a and the power board 22b are connected to the control circuit board 22a as shown in FIG.
23 as a connecting means provided at one end of the connector
Is connected to one end of the power board 22b. The control circuit board 22a and the medium socket unit board 22c are connected to one end of the medium socket unit board 22c via a connector 63 provided as a connection means provided on one end of the control circuit board 22a. You. That is, by mounting each substrate in this manner, the entire substrate 22 is formed in a substantially L-shape, and an arrangement configuration suitable for miniaturization of the device is obtained.

Also, on the control board 22a, a circuit group necessary for a printing operation, such as an IC circuit (not shown) for controlling a recording paper feed or an IC for controlling an ink ribbon feed is provided.
And a circuit such as a video signal processing circuit. A PC connector to which the PC connector 11 is removably mounted is provided at a side end on the control board 22a. Further, at the front end on the control board 22a,
A plurality of connectors (not shown) for electrically connecting to various electronic components (not shown) mounted on the device are provided. Note that these circuits and connectors are electrically connected by a print pattern 31 provided on the control board based on a necessary wiring form.

The power board 22b is formed in an L-shape with the control board 22a by a connector 23. The connector 23 is electrically connected to various electronic components on the control board side. ing. Although not shown, a charging circuit for charging the battery 8 and a control I / O for controlling the thermal head 20 and the thermal head driving mechanism are arranged on the inner surface of the power board 22b.
A C circuit and the like are provided. Further, a connector (not shown) for making an electrical connection to a thermal head driving mechanism, a large capacitor, and the like (not shown) is provided at a side end of the power board 22b.

On the other hand, the medium socket unit substrate 22c
Is a first memory card socket as shown in FIG.
(Not shown) and second memory card socket 82b
Are attached to the inner surface by attachment members 61, respectively. The attachment member 61 is attached to the power board 22b, and the socket is fixed by screwing a base end of the attachment member 61 to the medium socket board 22c with a screw 64.

The medium socket unit board 22
c is a support member 60 whose base end is attached to the surface of the main body bottom 3 in order to secure a certain degree of strength against a pressing force generated when various memory cards are mounted.
Are fixed by screws 64. That is, when the medium socket unit substrate 22c is attached to the support member 60, various memory cards 9 are mounted.
It is possible to prevent the device from being damaged by the pressing force generated due to the mounting of a and 9b.

Although not shown, the power board 22b is provided on the back side of the medium socket unit board 22c.
A connection member electrically connected to the charging circuit is arranged, and the connection member includes a battery section 8b of the battery 8.
A battery piece for contacting and electrically connecting the battery is provided so as to protrude. Therefore, when the battery 8 is mounted in the battery mounting groove 2c of the main body cover 2, the battery piece of the connecting member and the battery piece 8b of the battery 8 come into contact with each other and become conductive, so that the battery 8
Can be supplied into the main body of the printer device 1.

According to the above configuration, the length of the wiring can be reduced, the size and weight of the printer can be reduced, and an optimal printer for portable use can be configured. Further, even if the manufacturing process of the substrate is taken into consideration, the substrate 22 is composed of the three substrates 22a, 22b, and 22c, so that the manufacturing process of the substrate can be performed by sharing each of the substrates, and the assembling process is also possible. Because it can be easily performed, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing process,
It greatly contributes to cost reduction.

The basic operation of the printer having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG.
The uppermost recording paper 6 stored in the paper supply cassette 5 is transported by the paper supply roller 18 into the printer apparatus 1. At this time, the recording paper 6 can be transported smoothly by the rotation of the paper feed roller 18 since the base end of the paper feed cassette 5 on the printer side is formed in an R shape.

A pinch roller 1 disposed in front of the inside of the apparatus
5 and guide rollers 41a, 41b and 41c which form recording paper transport paths 43a and 43b attached to the main frame are provided in front of the grip roller 40, and the recording paper 6 transported by the paper feed roller 18 is provided. Is transported between the pinch roller 15 and the grip roller 40 via the formed transport path 43a while pushing up the tape member 42 attached to the guide plate 41c.
At this time, although not shown, whether or not the recording paper 6 is normally conveyed is detected by a sensor attached near the recording and conveying path of the guide plate 41b, and provided on the control board 22a in accordance with the detection result. Main control unit (C
The presence or absence of the start of the printing operation is determined by the PU 81 (see FIG. 3). If it is not transported normally,
U81 causes the display section 2e on the main body cover 2 to display an error or the like, and otherwise controls the drive to start the printing operation.

When the printing operation is started, the recording paper 6 is nipped by the pinch roller 15 and the grip roller 40, and the driving of the recording paper feeding / ribbon feeding mechanism is controlled by the CPU 81 so that the surface is provided with a non-slip means. The rotation of a certain grip roller 40 adjusts the conveyance of the recording paper 6 during printing. That is, the leading end of the recording paper 6 is conveyed through the recording paper conveyance path 44 formed by the guide plates 13a and 13b, and the rear end of the recording paper 6 is located at the print start point between the thermal head 20 and the platen roller 14. The conveyance of the recording paper 6 is controlled so that the recording paper 6 arrives.

At the time of printing, the recording paper 6 and the ink ribbon 7a are separated from the thermal head 20 and the platen roller 1 by the rotation of the grip roller 40 and the pinch roller 15.
4 while being pressed and transferred, and a control circuit provided on the power board 22b allows a current to flow through the heating element of the thermal head 20, thereby dissolving or sublimating the thermal transfer ink on the ink ribbon 7a and recording. The image is transferred to paper 6 and printed. At the same time, at the time of printing, the ink ribbon 7a feed required at the time of printing is also controlled by the ink ribbon feed control circuit.

In this case, when printing the first color yellow (Y) of the ink ribbon 7a on the recording paper 6, the recording paper 6 is transported to the left side in the figure by the pinch roller 15 and the grip roller 40, and the recording paper 6 is printed. Paper 6 and ink ribbon 7
is transferred while being pressed between the thermal head 20 and the platen roller 14, and an image information signal corresponding to yellow (Y) is supplied to a heating element (not shown) of the thermal head 20.

The leading end of the recording paper 6 at this time is in a recording paper transport path 44 composed of a U-shaped guide plate 13a and a guide plate 13b of the same shape provided inside the guide plate 13a. On the other hand, the rear end portion of the recording paper 6 is transported to the recording paper transport path 43b while pushing down the tape member 42 attached to the guide plate 41c via the transport path 43a.
The first color printing is performed.

The position of the thermal head 20 at the time of printing is, for example, three positions (a position moved upward, a position moved downward as shown in the figure, and an intermediate position between them) in a standby state. (A partial position) by the thermal head drive mechanism.
Controls the position.

When the printing of the first color yellow (Y) on the recording paper 6 is completed, the CPU 81 drives and controls a thermal head driving mechanism (not shown) to move the thermal head 20 from the platen roller 14 side. The recording paper 6 is returned to the rear of the printer device 1 (to the right in the drawing) by the pinch roller 15 and the grip roller 40 while being moved apart to the partial position. Recording paper 6 in the order of magenta (M), third color cyan (C), and transparent overcoat (OP)
Color printing is performed by superimposing each color sequentially on the top.

Until the printing of each color is started, the recording paper 6 is held by the grip roller 40 and the pinch roller 15.
The recording paper 6 is transported to the rear side (to the right in the drawing) of the printer apparatus 1 at this time. When the trailing end of the recording paper 6 is detected by a sensor (not shown), the rotation of the pinch roller 15 and the grip roller 40 controls the trailing end of the recording paper 6 based on the detection result. Is set at the print start position of the thermal head 20 and the platen roller 14.

When the heating resistor of the thermal head 20 transfers each thermal transfer ink of the ink ribbon 7a to the recording paper 6, the contact position of the platen roller 14 with the heating resistor of the thermal head 20 is not a regular position. In the case where the position shift has occurred, by selecting and replacing a pair of bushes 50 corresponding to the position shift,
By decentering the center position of the rotation axis of the platen roller 14,
It is also possible to adjust to a regular position.

When printing of all the colors is completed in this way, the printed recording paper 6 is discharged to the outside of the apparatus through the recording paper transport path 43b by a paper feeding mechanism (not shown) for discharging, and the printing operation is completed. I do. In addition,
The ejection of the recording paper 6 after the printing is completed is detected by another sensor as a recording paper transport position detection unit, and the detection result is supplied to the CPU 81 to complete printing of one screen. Timing is recognized.

In the above-described printer device, the image information signal captured and stored by the electronic image capturing device is stored in the first memory card 9a or the second memory card 9b loaded in the printer device. When printing by taking in, or when print control information such as the number of prints corresponding to the image information signal, that is, information on DPOF is written, the print control information is read and a printing operation based on the print control information is performed. (Also referred to as an automatic print mode).

Therefore, when performing printing based on the image information signal from the memory card 9, the portable printer of the present embodiment simplifies the operation of selecting a recording medium and improves the mobility of the apparatus. Improvements have been made to make this happen. Embodiments in which such an improvement has been made are shown in FIGS.

First Embodiment FIGS. 3 to 7 show a first embodiment of a portable printer according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical circuit configuration of a main part mounted on the apparatus of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a display diagram showing all display characters and display marks that can be displayed on a display unit.
FIG. 5 shows a display example of the display unit at the time of a control operation which is a feature of the apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a display diagram when the power button is turned on, and FIG. FIG. 5B shows a state where the first memory card is present, FIG.
FIG. 6C shows a state in which a second memory card is present, and FIG. 6 is a display diagram when switching is performed by a card switching button. FIG. 6 (b) shows the state when the second memory card is inserted or the second memory card is switched, FIG. 6 (c) shows the state when the memory card without recording is inserted, and FIG. 7 shows the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a main control operation performed by a CPU in the apparatus, which is a feature of the embodiment.

In the portable printer device 1 shown in FIG. 3, the first memory card 9a or the second memory card 9b in which print control information is stored together with an image information signal to be printed is included in the storage medium mounting means 82. When the image information signals from the memory card 9 are to be printed by attaching them to the corresponding first socket 82a or second socket 82b, respectively, the first and second sockets 82a and 82b
When the memory card 9 is mounted in only one of the locations, the recorded contents of the memory card 9 are read in response to the turning on of the power button 30a, and the memory is stored in both the first and second sockets 82a and 82b. When the card 9 is mounted, a main configuration for controlling to preferentially read the recorded contents of the first memory card 9a mounted on the first socket 82a in response to the turning on of the power button 30a. Is shown.

As shown in FIG. 3, the portable printer 1 has a parallel port interface 80, a CPU 81 as control means, a storage medium mounting means 82, a memory 83,
LCD controller 84, recording paper feed / ribbon feed mechanism 8
5, at least the operation buttons 30 and key interface 86 as print operation instructing means and priority order selecting means, a print controller 87, a battery controller 88, a thermal head 20, a battery 8, and a display unit 2e.

The parallel port interface 80
It is a communication means for connecting to the personal computer 70 and exchanging electronic data with the personal computer 70. When an image signal to be printed is taken from the personal computer 70, the image signal is taken into the apparatus by the parallel port interface 80.

The storage medium mounting means 82 removably mounts the memory cards 9 of the first and second memory cards 9a and 9b, and transfers image signals to be printed, print control information, and the like from the memory cards 9 into the apparatus. It performs reading, writing to the memory card, and the like, and includes first and second sockets 82a and 82b, and first and second memory card interfaces 82c and 82d. .

A first memory card 9a (SM) is removably mounted in the first socket 82a, and the first memory card 9a (SM) is detachably mounted on the first socket 82a by a first memory card interface 82c electrically connected to the first socket 82a. The print target image signal and print control information stored in one memory card 9a are taken in by the CPU 81. Also,
The first memory card 9 is connected to the first memory card 9 via the first socket 82a by the first memory card interface 82c.
It is also possible to supply an image information signal for writing to a.

A second memory card 9b (CF) is detachably mounted on the second socket 82b.
The image signal to be printed and the print control information stored in the second memory card 9b are taken into the CPU 81 by a second memory card interface 82d electrically connected to the socket 82b.
Further, the second memory card interface 82d can supply an image information signal for performing writing or the like to the second memory card 9b via the second socket 82b.

The memory 83 is a storage means for reading and storing an image signal to be printed from the first or second memory card 9a, 9b and data from the personal computer 70 under the control of the CPU 81.

The liquid crystal controller 84 supplies a liquid crystal display signal and a liquid crystal control signal to a display unit 2e (a liquid crystal display, for example, an LCD) as a display means under the control of the CPU 81 to control a display image on the display unit 2e. Is what you do.

The key interface 86 transmits an instruction signal from the operation button 30 to the CPU 81. For example, when the power of the apparatus is turned on or off by pressing the power button 30a, the power of the apparatus is turned on. Alternatively, an instruction signal indicating OFF is supplied to the CPU 81.

The print controller 87 supplies a print signal and a print control signal to the thermal head 20 to control the printing operation, and also controls the driving of the recording paper feeding / ribbon feeding mechanism 85 in accordance with the printing operation.

The recording paper feed / ribbon mechanism 85 is used to drive the ribbon in accordance with the driving of the recording paper feeding mechanism including the pinch roller 15 and the grip roller 40 as the recording paper conveying means. And a ribbon feeding mechanism.

Also, the battery controller 88
The power supply is turned on / off with respect to U81, the battery capacity of the battery 8 is detected before the start of printing, and the detected remaining battery amount information is transmitted to the CPU 81.

The recording paper transport position detecting section 89 is constituted by a plurality of sensors arranged near the suction position and the discharge position of the recording paper 6 on the recording paper transport path. 6 to obtain respective timing signals based on the suction timing and the discharge timing.
Supply to PU81.

The CPU 81 as print control means
The personal computer includes at least a priority order selection unit 81a, a print control information recognition unit 81b, an arithmetic processing unit 81c, and a battery check unit 81d that can select and set at least the priority order of the memory card 9 that executes printing. 70, the operation data from the operation button 30, the first or second memory card 9
a. Decoding of print control information from 9b, PC 70
Alternatively, the print target image data from the first and second memory cards 9a and 9b is stored in the image memory 83, displayed on the display unit 2e, and the print controller 87 prints the thermal head 20 and the recording paper feed / ribbon feed mechanism. The memory card 9 for executing the print operation based on the operation of the card switching button 30g in the operation button 30 using the priority order selection section 82a, the operation of the drive 85, the calculation of the remaining amount of the battery 8, the determination of the presence or absence of the battery capacity for one print, Setting of the priority order and execution processing.

The CPU 81 controls the decoding of print control information from the first or second memory card 9a, 9b and the display control on the display unit 2e. 9 to recognize the frame number in which the print control information is written together with the image information,
Based on this recognition result, the total number of prints to be printed is determined from the number of prints set for each frame number in which print control information is written based on the recognition result and the information set in advance for frame numbers for which print control information is not set. An arithmetic process is performed to control the total number of prints to be displayed on the display unit 2e. After the start of printing, the total number of prints to be printed is subtracted with the progress of the lint operation. Control to display countdown.

When the CPU 81 executes the DPOF mode as an automatic print mode or another print mode, for example, immediately before the printing operation is started by the recording paper feeding / ribbon feeding mechanism 85, the battery checking unit 81d executes the same. , Based on the battery capacity detected from the battery controller 88,
It is determined whether or not printing for one sheet is possible. If it is determined that printing for one sheet is not possible due to insufficient capacity, control is performed so as to stop the printing operation. When the battery check unit 81d determines that the battery capacity is insufficient, the CPU 81 controls the print controller 88 to stop the printing operation and turns off the display on the display unit 2e. The liquid crystal controller 84 is controlled so that the

Further, the CPU 81 inserts the first memory card 9 a or the second memory card 9 b in which the print control information is stored together with the image information signal to be printed, into the corresponding first socket included in the storage medium mounting means 82. When the image information signal from the memory card 9 is printed by being mounted on the second socket 82a or the second socket 82b, the memory card 9 is mounted only on one of the first and second sockets 82a and 82b. In this case, the recorded contents of the memory card 9 are read out in response to the turning on of the power button 30a, and the first and second sockets 82a and 82 are read.
When the memory card 9 is attached to both of the first socket 82b and the second socket 82b, the first socket 82 corresponds to turning on of the power button 30a.
is controlled so as to preferentially read the recorded contents of the first memory card 9a attached to the first memory card 9a.

In the present embodiment, the first card 9a (SM) is preferentially selected by the priority selecting section 81a.
However, it is also possible to set the priority of the second memory card 9b (CF) by operating a card switching button 30h constituted by a DIP switch in the operation button 30, for example. in this case,
The priority selection section 81a stores and sets the priority information of the selected memory card 9, and sets the power button 30
When a is pressed, the CPU 81 reads out the priority order information from the priority order selection section 81a, and controls to read the recorded contents of the memory card 9b based on the read out priority order information.

In the printer 1 of the present embodiment, the CP
By the display control of U81, the display of the display characters and the display marks as shown in FIG. 4 can be displayed on the display unit 2e.

For example, in the display example of FIG. 4, the print mode is designated by the print mode button 30c, the image quality mode is designated by the sharpness button 30d, the division mode is designated by the division button 30e, and the date designation and the date print display mode switching designation are designated. A date button 30f, a memory card designation is a card switching button 30d, a frame number / print quantity designation is a frame number / print quantity switching button 30h, and a frame number or print quantity display switching is a (+) button (-) button 30i. , So that they can be switched as needed.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show display examples associated with the control operation, which is a feature of the present embodiment. For example, when the power button 30a is turned on and the non-insertion state of the memory card 9 is confirmed via the first and second memory card interfaces 82c and 82d, the CPU 81 displays the display shown in FIG. The liquid crystal controller 84 is controlled so as to be displayed on the unit 2e, and when it is confirmed that the memory card 9 is inserted, if the inserted memory card 9 is the first memory card 9a (SM), FIG. And the second memory card 9b
If it is (CF), the liquid crystal controller 84 is controlled so that the display shown in FIG. 5C is displayed on the display unit 2e. In addition, when the presence of the card is determined, the display of the last frame of the shooting frame stored in the read memory card 9 after reading the image information signal and the print control information of the inserted card is described above. The arithmetic processing is performed by the arithmetic processing unit 81 and displayed on the display unit 2e.

The CPU 81 has a first socket 82
When the memory cards 9a and 9b corresponding to both the a and the second socket 82b are respectively mounted,
First memory card 9 from which recorded contents have been read preferentially
The display based on a (SM), that is, the display shown in FIG. 6A (flashing at the beginning of the display start) is displayed on the display unit 2e. In this case, when switching to the second memory card 9b (CF) at the request of the user, the CPU 81 recognizes this operation signal by pressing the card switching button 30d, and as shown in FIG. In the display section 2e, the display "SM" is switched to the display "CF", and at the same time, the switched second memory card 9 is displayed.
The recorded content of b (CF) is read, and the final processing frame display of the photographed frames stored in the arithmetic processing unit 81c is displayed on the display unit 2e in the same manner as described above.

When there is no record on the inserted memory card 9, the CPU 81 displays “SM” or “CF” indicating the type of the memory card 9 and indicates that there is no record content. The display “000” is displayed on the display unit 2e at the same time.

(Operation) Next, a control operation which is a characteristic of the printer shown in FIG. 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The printer device 1 is configured to control a series of basic operations related to printing as described in FIG. 2 based on a main routine of the CPU 81.

On the main routine, a memory card processing routine, which is a feature of the present embodiment, is executed. That is, when the power button 30a of the apparatus 1 is pressed, an instruction signal indicating that the power is turned on is transmitted to the key interface 8.
6 and received by the CPU 81.
Recognizes this instruction signal and turns on the power by controlling the battery controller 88, whereby the memory card processing routine shown in FIG. 7 is started.

The CPU 81 first performs initialization in the process of step S50, for example, initializes the electrical system including the initialization of the CPU 81, initializes the mechanism, and the like, and then proceeds to the determination process of step S51. I do. Note that C
The initialization of the PU 81 also includes the setting of the priority memory card specified by the card switching button 30g, that is, the setting of the priority information of the priority order selection unit 81a. afterwards,
When the initialization is completed, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the first memory card 9a (SM) is mounted on the first socket 82a in the determination processing of step S51. In the processing, the recorded contents recorded on the first memory card 9a (SM) are read, and thereafter, for example, a display as shown in FIG. 5B is displayed on the display unit 2e. On the other hand, the first memory card 9
If a (SM) is not mounted, the process proceeds to step S
It moves to 52.

Since the first memory card 9a (SM) is not inserted in the judgment processing of step S52, the CPU 81 determines in the judgment processing of the second socket 82b
It is determined whether or not the second memory card 9b (CF) is inserted in the memory card.
In step 5, the recorded contents recorded in the second memory card 9 b (CF) are read, and then, for example, the display unit 2
e is displayed as shown in FIG. 5 (c). on the other hand,
If the second memory card 9b (CF) has not been inserted, the process proceeds to step S54.

In the process of step S54, the first and second
The CPU 81 determines that none of the memory cards 9 of the memory cards 9a and 9b are mounted in the corresponding first and second sockets 82c and 82d, and the CPU 81 displays that no memory card is mounted, that is, FIG.
The liquid crystal controller 84 is controlled so that the display shown in FIG.

After that, the CPU 81 returns the process to the step S51, and again determines whether or not the first memory card 9a is mounted preferentially. Is repeated until the above processing is performed. The operation of the card switching button 30h causes the second memory card 9b (C
When F) is prioritized, following the initial setting in step S50, it is determined in step S51 whether or not there is a CF, and in step S52 whether or not there is an SM.

(Effects) Therefore, according to the present embodiment, both the first and second sockets 82a and 82b provided in the mounting means are provided in the first and second memory cards 9a and 82b.
a, 9b (SM and CF) are attached, the first memory card 9a preferentially attached to the first socket 82a after the power button 30a is turned on.
Since the contents of (SM) are automatically controlled to be read, the troublesome and troublesome operation of selecting a memory card can be simplified, and as a result, the mobility of the device can be improved.

Second Embodiment (Structure) The structure of a portable printer of this embodiment is as follows.
The configuration is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 3), except that the first and second memory cards 9a and 9b are both smart media (SM).
In response to this, the first and second smart media (hereinafter,
SM1 and SM2) are configured to be mountable, and the memory card 9 read preferentially after the power button 30a is depressed in the priority order selection unit 81a in the CPU 81 is set in the SM1. The feature is that the priority information is fixedly set such that

(Operation) In the present embodiment, the CPU 8
1 executes the card processing routine shown in FIG. 7 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. However, in the determination processing in step S51, it is determined whether the SM1 is mounted in the first socket 82a. In the determination processing of the subsequent step S52, control is performed so as to determine whether the SM2 is attached to the second socket 82a. At the same time, in the process of step S53, the CPU 81 reads the recorded content recorded in the SM1, and then causes the display unit 2e to display a display as shown in FIG. In the processing of S55, the recorded contents recorded in the SM2 are read, and thereafter, for example, a display as shown in FIG. 5B is displayed on the display unit 2e.
In this case, C is set so that SM1 and SM2 can be recognized.
The display control is performed by the PU 81.

The other controls are substantially the same as in the first embodiment.

(Effect) Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even if the first and second sockets 82a and 82b capable of mounting the same type of memory cards (SM1 and SM2) are provided, As in the first embodiment, after the ON operation of the power button 30a, the recording contents of the SM1 attached to the first socket 82a are automatically controlled so as to be preferentially read out, so that it is cumbersome and troublesome. The operation of selecting a memory card can be simplified, and as a result, the mobility of the device can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the case where SM1 and SM2 are used as memory cards of the same type has been described.
First and second sockets 82a and 82, into which a compact flash (hereinafter, referred to as CF1 and CF2) can be mounted.
2b.

Further, the control of the card selection processing in the present embodiment is not described in the prior art in which the same type of memory card can be inserted, and the effect of the present embodiment is large by executing the present embodiment. It will be.

Third Embodiment FIGS. 8 and 9 show a third embodiment of a portable printer according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit configuration of a main part of the device provided with a plurality of sockets into which a plurality of types of memory cards can be mounted, and FIG. 9 shows an example of a main control operation by the CPU of FIG. It is a flowchart shown. FIG.
In the figure, the same components as those in the device of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and only different portions will be described. (Configuration) The configuration of the portable printer device of the present embodiment is as follows.
The configuration is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 3), except that the third, fourth, and fifth memory cards 9c, 9d, and 9e can be further mounted. The storage medium mounting means 82 includes the fourth and fifth sockets 82c, 82d, and 82e and the corresponding third, fourth, and fifth memory card interfaces 82C, 82D, and 82E. Is characterized in that priority information is set so that the memory card 9 that is read preferentially after the power button 30a is pressed becomes the first memory card 9a (SM1) in the priority order selection unit 81a.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the first socket 82a has SM1 as the first memory card 9a, the second socket 82b has SM2 as the second memory card 9b, The third socket 82c mounts a first compact flash (hereinafter, referred to as CF1) as a third memory card 9c, and the fourth socket 82d mounts a second compact flash (hereinafter, referred to as CF4) as a fourth memory card 9d. CF2) and the fifth
A memory stick (hereinafter, referred to as MS) is mounted as the fifth memory card 9e in the socket 82e.

Correspondingly, each of the memory card interfaces 82A to 82E fetches a print target image signal and print control information stored in the corresponding type of memory card 9 into the CPU 81, an image information signal, and the like. And the like are written.

When the card switching button 30g in the operation button 30 is operated, the priority order selecting section 81a, for example, allows the memory cards 9 of both SM and CF to be inserted in at least two places of the first to fourth sockets 82a to 82d. When the power button 30a is turned on, the SM
Priority information determined by previously selecting which of the memory cards 9 of the memory card 9 and the CF memory card 9 should be read preferentially is recorded. Here, it is assumed that priority is given in the order of SM1, SM2, CF1, CF2, and MS.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the CPU 81
The memory card 9 is provided only in one of the first to fifth sockets 82a to 82e of the storage medium mounting means 82.
When the power button 30a is turned on, the recorded contents of the memory card 9 are read out, and SM and C are stored in the first to fifth sockets 82a to 82e.
When both of the F memory cards 9 are mounted, the SM memory card 9 based on the priority information of the priority selection section 82a is corresponded to the turning on of the power button 30a.
Is read out preferentially, and the third to fifth sockets 82c to 82c to among the first to fifth sockets 82a to 82e are read out.
When the memory card 9 is mounted only on the memory card 82e, the control is performed so that the CF memory card 9 is read preferentially.

The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 3).

(Operation) Next, a control operation which is a characteristic of the printer shown in FIG. 8 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 9, the same processes as those in the flowchart (see FIG. 7) in the first embodiment are denoted by the same step S numbers.

In the printer 1, a series of basic operations related to printing as described with reference to FIG. 2 are controlled based on a main routine of the CPU 81.

On the main routine, a memory card processing routine, which is a feature of the present embodiment, is executed. That is, when the power button 30a of the apparatus 1 is pressed, an instruction signal indicating that the power is turned on is transmitted to the key interface 8.
6 and received by the CPU 81.
By recognizing this instruction signal and controlling the battery controller 88 to turn on the power, the memory card processing routine shown in FIG. 9 is started.

The CPU 81 first performs initialization in the process of step S50, for example, initializes the electrical system including the initialization of the CPU 81, initializes the mechanisms, and the like, and then proceeds to the determination process of step S61. I do. Note that C
The initialization of the PU 81 also includes the setting of the priority memory card specified by the card switching button 30g, that is, the setting of the priority information of the priority order selection unit 81a. Thereafter, when the initialization is completed, the CPU 81 proceeds to step S
In the determination process of 61, it is determined whether or not the first memory card 9a (SM1) is mounted on the first socket 82a. If the first memory card 9a (SM1) is mounted, the first memory card 9a (SM1) is processed in the process of step S63. SM1) is read, and thereafter, for example, the display unit 2e is shown in FIG.
The display as shown in (b) is displayed. In this case, although not shown, SM1 is displayed on the memory card switching designation display. On the other hand, if the first memory card 9a (SM1) is not inserted, the process proceeds to step S62.

Since the first memory card 9a (SM1) is not mounted in the judgment processing of step S62, the CPU 81 determines in the judgment processing of the second socket 82
b, it is determined whether or not the second memory card 9b (SM2) is mounted. If it is, the recorded contents recorded in the second memory card 9b (SM2) in the process of step S65 Is read, and then, for example, a display as shown in FIG. 5B is displayed on the display unit 2e.
In this case, although not shown, SM2 is displayed on the memory card switching designation display. On the other hand, the second memory card 9
If b (SM2) is not mounted, the process proceeds to step S64.

In the judgment processing of step S64, since the first and second memory cards 9a and 9b (SM1 and SM2) are not mounted, the CPU 81 stores the third memory in the third socket 82c in this judgment processing. Card 9c
It is determined whether or not (CF1) is mounted, and if so, the recording content recorded on the third memory card 9c (CF1) is read in the process of step S67, and then, for example, the display unit A display as shown in FIG. 5C is displayed in 2e. In this case, although not shown, CF1 is displayed on the memory card switching designation display. on the other hand,
If the third memory card 9c (CF1) has not been inserted, the process proceeds to step S65.

In the determination processing of step S65, the first to third memory cards 9a, 9b, 9c (SM1, SM
2, CF1) is not mounted, so the CPU 81
Determines in the determination process whether or not the fourth memory card 9d (CF2) is mounted in the fourth socket 82d. If the fourth memory card 9d (CF2) is mounted, the fourth memory card 9d is processed in step S69. (CF2) is read, and thereafter, for example, the display unit 2e is shown in FIG.
The display as shown in (c) is displayed. In this case, although not shown, CF2 is displayed on the memory card switching designation display. On the other hand, if the fourth memory card 9d (CF2) is not inserted, the process proceeds to step S68.

In the determination processing in step S68, the first to fourth memory cards 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d (SM1,
SM2, CF1, and CF2) are not mounted, the CPU 81 determines in this determination process the fifth socket 82e.
It is determined whether or not the fifth memory card 9e (MS) has been inserted.
In the process 0, the contents recorded in the fifth memory card 9e (MS) are read, and thereafter, for example, MS is displayed in the memory card switching designation display on the display unit 2e (not shown). On the other hand, the fifth memory card 9e (M
If S) is not mounted, the process proceeds to step S54.

In the process of step S54, the first to fifth memory cards 9a to 9e (SM1, SM2, CF1,
CF2, MS), the CPU 81 determines that the memory card 9 is not mounted in the corresponding first to fifth sockets 82a to 82e, and the CPU 81 displays that no memory card is mounted, that is, FIG. The liquid crystal controller 84 is controlled so that the display shown in FIG.

Thereafter, the CPU 81 returns the process to the step S51, and again determines whether or not the first memory card 9a (SM1) is preferentially mounted.
Thereafter, the same process is repeated until any memory card 9 is inserted. (Effects) Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of types of memory cards 9a to 9e (SM1, SM2, CF1.
CF2, MS) to which first to fifth sockets 82 can be attached.
a to 82e, the power button 30
After the ON operation of a, automatic control is performed so as to preferentially read out the recorded contents of the SM1 attached to the first socket 82a, so that the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Becomes possible.

Fourth Embodiment: FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a fourth embodiment of a portable printer device according to the present invention, and showing an example of a control operation by a CPU which is a feature of the present embodiment. . FIG. 10 shows the first type shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 shows an execution subroutine of step S55 on the flowchart of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, first, a processing routine based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is executed similarly to the first embodiment. Therefore, FIG.
Are omitted for simplification of description, and only different portions will be described. (Configuration) The configuration of the portable printer device of the present embodiment is as follows.
The configuration is substantially the same as the configuration in the first embodiment (see FIG. 3), except for the control operation of the CPU.
When a new high-priority memory card 9 is inserted during operation, control can be performed so that the card is switched to read the recorded contents of the memory card 9 and the print operation is executed in response to the insertion operation. It is a characteristic that

(Operation) Next, a control operation which is a feature of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

In the printer 1 of this embodiment, when the power button 30a is turned on, the processing routine shown in FIG. 7 is executed similarly to the printer of the first embodiment. When the processing in step S55 (see FIG. 7) is executed, a memory card sub-processing subroutine which is a feature of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is started.

That is, the second memory card 9b (C
When only the memory card 9B (CF) is loaded in the second socket 82b, the CPU 81 first selects a memory card having a higher priority than the memory card 9b (CF) currently loaded in the processing of step S80 (in this case, SM) is newly added to the first socket 82a or not, and if it is determined that it is additionally installed, step S81 is performed.
In the process (1), the recorded contents recorded on the memory card having the higher priority (the first memory card 9a (SM)) are read, and then, for example, a display as shown in FIG. . On the other hand, if it is determined that the memory card having the higher priority (the first memory card 9a (SM)) is not inserted, the processing is performed in step S
Move to 82.

The CPU 81 determines whether or not there is a memory card selection switching instruction operation by the card switching button 30g of the operation button 30 in the determination processing of step S82. If there is, the CPU 81 performs the processing of step S83. The recorded contents recorded on the memory card 9 switched and selected by the user are read, and thereafter, a display based on the memory card 9 is displayed on the display unit 2e (FIG. 6A).
Alternatively, FIG. 6B is displayed. On the other hand, when there is no memory card selection switching instruction operation by the card switching button 30g, the process proceeds to step S84.

If it is determined that there is no memory card selection switching instruction operation by the card switching button 30g, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the power button 30a is in an off state in the next determination processing of step S84. If it is on, the process proceeds to step S87. If it is off, the battery controller 88 turns off the power of the entire apparatus in the process of step S85.
Is controlled, the memory card processing routine is terminated in the subsequent step S86, and the process returns to the main routine. In the process of step S85, for example, when the print mode is being executed, the process is performed so that the power of the entire apparatus is turned off after the completion of printing of one sheet in the print mode, and a display corresponding to this is performed. The display control of the unit 2e is executed.

When it is confirmed that the power button 30a is turned on,
The CPU 81 determines the print mode selected by the print mode selection button 30c in the determination processing of step S87, and if it determines that the print mode is the normal print mode, shifts the processing to step S88. The print controller 87 is controlled so as to execute a mode in which a frame number and the number of prints are designated and printing is executed. If it is determined that the mode is the DPOF print mode as the automatic print mode, the process proceeds to step S89.

Then, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the print button 30b has been pressed in the determination processing of step S89. If the print button 30b has not been pressed, the processing proceeds to step S89.
80, and if it is pressed, it is determined that the DPOF print mode is to be executed, and the process is continued in step S9.
Set to 0 or later.

Then, in the process of step S90, the CPU 81 uses the recording paper feeding / ribbon feeding mechanism 85 by using the detection information from the recording paper conveyance position detecting unit 89 to record the recording paper 6 in the recording paper.
Is set to the print start position, and thereafter, in the subsequent step S91, for example, one image data is read from the memory 83 and transferred to the print controller 87. First, the first color yellow (Y) as in the basic operation described in
Is started, and in the subsequent processing of step S92, the recording paper 6 is printed by the recording paper feeding / ribbon feeding mechanism 85 again using the detection information from the conveyance position detecting unit 89 so that the recording paper 6 is set at the printing start position. The controller 87 is controlled, and then, in the process of step S93, the above operation is repeated thereafter, and the second color magenta (M), the third color cyan (C), and the transparent overcoat (OP) are formed on the recording paper 6 in this order. Color printing is performed by superimposing each color sequentially.

During the printing operation, the CPU 81 operates the print controller so as to drive a thermal head driving mechanism (not shown) so that the thermal head 20 is appropriately arranged at the position described with reference to FIG. 2 in accordance with the printing operation. 87 is controlled.

When the first print is completed,
In the subsequent step S94, the CPU 81 determines whether or not there is a number of sheets to be printed further continuously based on the recognition result of the print control information by the print control information recognizing unit 81b. Returning to S90, the same processing as described above is repeated until the printing operation based on the print control information is completed. on the other hand,
If there is no continuous print number, the process returns to step S80.

Note that display control is performed by the CPU 81.
After starting printing, before starting the printing operation of the first color yellow (Y) in the process of step S74, for example, the arithmetic processing unit 81c calculates the total number of sheets to be printed from the print control information, and displays the display unit 2e. Then, after one print operation is completed in the process of step S93, the total number of prints is subtracted with the progress of the print operation, and the subtracted value is displayed as a countdown display on the display unit 2e. Control.

(Effects) Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when a new high priority memory card 9 is inserted during operation, the recorded contents of the memory card 9 are changed in accordance with the insertion operation. By controlling the card so as to read and execute the print operation, the mobility of the apparatus can be further improved as compared with the first embodiment.

As a result, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use, high-performance portable printer device not available in the prior art.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but is included in the present invention even when the above-described embodiment is applied.

[0136]

As described above, according to the present invention, by selecting in advance the storage medium mounting means for preferentially performing a printing operation when the power button is turned on, the recording medium selection operation can be performed. It is possible to provide a portable printer device that can be simplified and improve the mobility of the device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a portable printer device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a main part of the portable printer device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit configuration of a main part mounted on the portable printer device according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a display diagram showing all display characters and display marks that can be displayed on the display unit in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a view showing a display example of a display unit at the time of a control operation, which is a feature of the apparatus of the present embodiment, and showing a power button on operation;

FIG. 6 is a view showing a display example of a display unit at the time of a control operation which is a feature of the apparatus of the present embodiment, and is a display diagram when switching is performed by a card switching button.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a main control operation performed by a CPU in the apparatus, which is a feature of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the portable printer device according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 shows an electric part of a main portion of the device which is provided with a plurality of sockets into which a plurality of types of memory cards can be mounted. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a typical circuit configuration.

9 is a flowchart showing an example of a main control operation by the CPU of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a fourth embodiment of the portable printer device according to the present invention, and showing a control operation example by a CPU which is a feature of the present embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Portable printer apparatus, 2 ... Body cover, 2a ... Paper cassette installation opening, 2b ... Ink cassette insertion opening, 2c ... Battery mounting groove, 2d ... Operation panel, 2e ... Display part, 2f ... Vent hole, 2g ... Opening 2h ... First memory card slot, 2i ... Second memory card slot, 2j ... Dust cover, 2k ... Notch 2l ... Eject button, 3 ... Bottom part of the body, 4a, 4b ... Opening / closing lid, 4c, 4d ... Locking means, 5 ... Paper cassette, 5a ... Cover, 6 ... Recording paper, 7 ... Ink cassette, 7a ... Ink ribbon, 7b ... Ink ribbon supply reel, 7c ... Ink ribbon take-up reel, 8 ... Battery, 8A ... Attachment part, ink ribbon 8b: Battery piece, 8c: Locking part, 9a: First memory card (smart media), 9b: Second memory card Compact flash), 10 DC connector, 10a AC outlet, 11 PC connector, 20 thermal head, 22 board, 22a control board, 22b power board, 22c medium socket unit board, 30a-30i operation Buttons, 31a to 31d: display lamps, 70: personal computer, 80: parallel port interface, 81: CPU, 81a: priority selection section, 81b: print control information recognition section, 81c: arithmetic processing section, 81d: battery check section, 82: storage medium mounting means, 82a: first socket, 82b: second socket, 82c: first memory card interface, 82d: second memory card interface, 83: memory, 84: liquid crystal controller, 85 ... Recording paper feed / ribbon Ri mechanism, 86 ... key interface, 87 ... print controller, 88 ... battery controller, 89 ... recording paper transport position detecting unit.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A first storage medium mounting means for mounting a first storage medium for recording a plurality of image data, and a second storage medium mounting for mounting a second storage medium for recording a plurality of image data. Means, a main power switch for turning on / off the power of the apparatus, and turning on the main power switch when a storage medium is mounted only in one of the first and second storage medium mounting means. Read the recorded contents of the storage medium correspondingly,
When a storage medium is mounted on both the first and second storage medium mounting means, recording of the storage medium mounted on the first storage medium mounting means is performed in response to turning on of the main power switch. A portable printer device, comprising: control means for preferentially reading contents. 2. A first storage medium mounting means for mounting a first storage medium for recording a plurality of image data, and a second storage medium mounting for mounting a second storage medium for recording a plurality of image data. Means, a main power switch for turning on / off the power of the apparatus, and when the storage medium is mounted in both the first and second storage medium mounting means, the main power switch corresponds to the turning on of the main power switch. Priority order selecting means for preliminarily selecting and deciding whether to preferentially read out the recorded content of the first or second storage medium, and mounting the first and second storage media When the storage medium is mounted only on one of the means, the recorded content of the storage medium is read in response to the turning on of the main power switch,
When a storage medium is mounted in both the first and second storage medium mounting means, priority is given to the recording content of the storage medium determined in advance by the priority order selection means in response to turning on of the main power switch. A portable printer device, comprising: a control unit configured to read data in a portable manner. 3. A first storage medium mounting means for mounting a first storage medium for recording a plurality of image data, and a second storage medium mounting for mounting a second storage medium for recording a plurality of image data. Means, a main power switch for turning on / off the power of the apparatus, and when the storage medium is mounted in both the first and second storage medium mounting means, the main power switch corresponds to the turning on of the main power switch. Priority order selecting means for preliminarily selecting and deciding whether to preferentially read out the recorded content of the first or second storage medium, and mounting the first and second storage media When the storage medium is mounted only on one of the means, the recorded content of the storage medium is read in response to the turning on of the main power switch,
When a storage medium is mounted in both the first and second storage medium mounting means, priority is given to the recording content of the storage medium determined in advance by the priority order selection means in response to turning on of the main power switch. When a storage medium having a higher priority than a storage medium already mounted after performing the priority reading is newly mounted, the newly mounted storage medium is read in response to the mounting operation. A portable printer device, comprising: control means for automatically reading recorded contents. 4. A thermal head for printing an image based on image data recorded on a storage medium having a plurality of image data recorded thereon, and a thermal head for transporting a sheet supplied from a paper feeding means. Paper transport means for performing printing, first storage medium mounting means for mounting a first storage medium for recording a plurality of image data, and mounting a second storage medium for recording a plurality of image data A second storage medium mounting unit, a main power switch for turning on / off the power of the apparatus, a print operation start instruction unit for instructing a start of a print operation, and a print operation start instruction unit for both the first and second storage medium installation units. When a storage medium is mounted, the contents stored in one of the first and second storage media are preferentially read out in response to turning on the main power switch. Priority order selecting means for preliminarily selecting and deciding a watermark; and when the storage medium is mounted only in one of the first and second storage medium mounting means, the main power switch is turned on. Read the recorded contents of the storage medium correspondingly,
When a storage medium is mounted in both the first and second storage medium mounting means, priority is given to the recording content of the storage medium determined in advance by the priority order selection means in response to turning on of the main power switch. Read, and, after performing the priority read, and during the printing operation,
When a storage medium having a higher priority than the already mounted storage medium is newly mounted, the storage operation is continued in response to the input of the print operation start instruction means at the moment when the storage operation is performed. A portable printer device comprising: a thermal head; and control means for automatically reading out the recorded contents of the newly mounted storage medium after the printing operation by the paper transport means is completed. 5. The portable printer device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second storage media are the same type of storage media. 6. The portable printer device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second storage media are different types of storage media. 7. A first storage medium mounting means for mounting a first storage medium for recording a plurality of image data, and a second storage medium having a different type from the first storage medium for recording a plurality of image data. Second and third storage medium mounting means for mounting a storage medium; a main power switch for turning on / off the power of the apparatus; and both the first and second storage media are the first to third storage media. When the main power switch is turned on when at least two portions of the medium mounting means are mounted, whether to preferentially read the recorded content of one of the first and second storage media. Priority selection means for selecting and determining in advance, when a storage medium is mounted only in one of the storage medium mounting means, when the main power switch is turned on, the storage medium Read the recorded contents and When both the first and second storage media are mounted on the storage medium mounting means, priority is given to the recording content of the storage medium determined in advance by the priority order selecting means in response to turning on the main power switch. And control means for reading out the second storage medium preferentially when the storage medium is mounted on the second and third storage medium mounting means of the storage medium mounting means. A portable printer device comprising: 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said priority order selecting means is a setting state maintaining means provided in the apparatus for maintaining a predetermined setting state. Portable printer device. 9. The portable printer device according to claim 8, wherein the setting state maintaining means is a DIP switch provided in the device. 10. The portable printer device according to claim 8, wherein the setting state maintaining means is a memory switch including a storage element provided in the device.