JP2002059612A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer which can notify each user that a frame, in which print control information is written, is not present on a recording medium, e.g. a memory card, by displaying the fact on a display means. SOLUTION: When DPOF print mode is set under a state where a memory card 9 is loaded, a CPU 81 of the printer makes a decision whether a frame, in which print control information is written along with image information, is present or not. When a decision is made that the print control information is not set in any frame, a display implying that fact, e.g. a display of 'non', is presented at a display section 2e by 7 element segment display method.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer device, and more particularly to a printer device in which print control information such as the number of prints written in correspondence with image information captured and stored by an electronic image capture device is not set. And a printer device that can notify the user of the fact by displaying the fact.

[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 response to such demands, recently, a memory card storing data to be printed such as image information is detachable, and various printer devices capable of printing the image information stored in the memory card have been developed. Proposed. Among them, print control information on image data to be printed, so-called DPOF, is stored in the memory card.
Print control information called “Digital Print Order Format” is written, and the printing apparatus capable of printing out based on the print control information automatically prints a predetermined number of images (frames) by a predetermined number based on the print control information. Since printing is performed, it is not necessary to speed up the operator over a long period of time, and since a PC for controlling the print instruction operation is not required in terms of the system, it is extremely important to improve the performance of the device and downsize the device. It is effective and has high expectations in the future.

As such a printer, there is a printer system proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-8537, for example. In the printer system according to this proposal, the order and number of image data to be printed are determined in the card operation device, that is, by writing print control information (also referred to as a print job).
When you insert a memory card with POF settings,
First, the print control information is read, the image data is read from the memory card in an order determined by the print control information, and the image data is printed out by the number specified by the print control information.

As another conventional technique, when a detachable memory card is inserted into a printer device, it is determined whether or not there is a frame in which print control information is written. After determining whether or not to print based on the information, an execution process is performed based on the result of the determination process. On the other hand, when there is no printing process, there is a printer device that does not perform a display process of a message or the like and displays nothing. Such a printer device is a well-known technology.

[0006]

However, when there is no frame in which the print control information is written, a printer that displays nothing, such as a message, is displayed only when the printer control information is written. If the system operation of displaying the message to that effect is not recognized, it is difficult to determine whether there is really a frame in which the print control information is written, in other words, the user must recognize the state. There was a problem that it was not possible. Further, there is a possibility that some users may mistakenly think that a malfunction has occurred. Also,
In the printer system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-8537, the display is described such that a warning message for replenishing the recording paper is displayed on the monitor only when the number of recording papers is smaller than the number of prints during the printing operation. However, when there is no frame in which the print control information is written, there is no description about a display method for surely informing the user of the fact, which causes inconvenience.

In view of the above, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problem. When there is no frame in which print control information is written on a recording medium such as a memory card, the fact is displayed on display means. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer device that can inform a user of the printer device.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a printer device performs printing based on print control information such as the number of prints written in correspondence with image information captured and stored by an electronic imaging device. A print control mode setting means for reading the print control information written in correspondence with the image information, and predetermined print control information being written when the print control mode is set. Determination means for determining whether or not there is a frame, display means for displaying at least information on printing, and when it is determined that the print control information has not been set for all frames, it has not been set. And a display control means for performing a display meaning.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the print control mode is set by the print control mode setting means and the print control information written corresponding to the image information is read, the determination means is set. It is determined whether or not there is a frame in which the predetermined print control information is written, and when it is determined that the print control information is not set in all the frames, the display control unit is not set. Is displayed on the display means. Thus, it is possible to reliably notify the user that the print control information is not set for all the frames.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer device in which image information captured and stored by an electronic image capturing device and print control information such as the number of prints set corresponding to the predetermined image information are stored. A removable storage medium, a print control mode setting means for reading print control information written in correspondence with the image information, and the image forming apparatus, when the print control mode is set with the storage medium loaded, Determining means for determining whether or not there is a frame in which the print control information is written together with information; display means for displaying at least information relating to printing; and that the print control information is not set for all frames. And display control means for performing a display indicating that no setting has been made when the determination has been made. .

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an attachment / detachment in which image information imaged and stored by the electronic imaging device and print control information such as the number of prints set corresponding to the predetermined image information are stored. Even when a flexible storage medium is used, it operates in the same manner as in the first aspect of the invention, and can achieve the same effect.

A printer according to a third aspect of the present invention is the printer according to the first or second aspect,
The display control means displays that the print control information is not set for all frames by character display using a seven-segment display method.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the same operation and effect as those of the first or second aspect can be obtained. In addition, the display control means can display a character using a 7-segment display method. For example, "non", "Non", "NO"
By displaying any of "N", "No" and "no", it can be displayed that the print control information is not set for all the frames.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer according to the first or second aspect,
When the print control information is not set for all the frames, the display control means displays a numeral 0.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the same operation and effect as those of the first or second aspect can be obtained, and the display control means sets the print control information for all frames. If not, the number 0 is displayed, so that the user can be informed at a glance that the print control information is not set for all the frames.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer according to the first or second aspect, wherein
The display control means causes the display means to display DPOF in response to the setting of the print control information reading mode.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the printer of the fifth aspect, the DPOF display by the display means is displayed adjacent to a non-zero display. It is.

According to the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention, the same operation and effect as those of the first or second aspect of the present invention can be obtained. In response to the setting, DPOF is displayed on the display means, and DPOF is displayed.
Since the OF display is displayed adjacent to the non-zero display displayed by the 7-segment display method, the DPOF print mode is set more clearly and at a glance, and all the frames are displayed. The user can be notified that the print control information has not been set.

[0019]

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

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

As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 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, and a lower portion of the main body cover 2. A main body of the apparatus 1 is formed by forming a housing with the main body bottom 3 attached to the main body.

A paper cassette mounting opening for mounting a paper cassette 5 capable of storing a plurality of recording papers 6 is provided on a main body cover 2 on the front side (the front left side in the figure) 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 opening and closing the sheet cassette mounting opening 2a when the sheet cassette 5 is removed from the apparatus is provided at a position corresponding to the bottom 3 of the main body. 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, and 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 portable use is formed on the rear side (rear 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, a plurality of battery pieces 8b for supplying the power stored in the battery 8 to the inside of the device 1 are provided.
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, full 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 And a date button 30f for designating a date print display mode, a card switching button 30g for switching the memory card 9, 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, Number or number of prints The increase or decrease (+) button and (-) button 30i, and the like.

The display lamps 31a to 30d have a printing lamp 3 for lighting up that printing is being performed.
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.

The display section 2e is arranged in a cutout portion of 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 board / number of prints specified, frame number or number of prints displayed, character display indicating that DPOF is not set, remaining battery display, etc.) 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) provided inside the main body, respectively.
And two different types of first and second memory cards 9a and 9b, which record image information signals (which may include print control information) to be printed via the memory card insertion openings 2h and 2i, respectively. . The first and second memory cards 2h and 2i are detachably mountable to corresponding sockets. As the first memory card 9a, for example, smart media (SM) is used, and as the second memory card 9b, for example, Compact Flash (registered trademark) (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 or the like 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 2h.
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 supply through an AC outlet 10a, and converts the received AC power supply into an AC receptacle 10a or an AC / DC converter provided between the AC outlet 10a and the DC connector 10. The electric power is converted into a direct current power supply (DC) by a power supply (not shown) and supplied to the apparatus 1 as driving power for the apparatus 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 signal from a personal computer, for example, can be taken in. It is. That is, a PC connector (not shown) to which the PC connector 11 connected to the above-described personal computer, video recording / reproducing apparatus, or the like can be detachably attached is provided on the front side of the side surface of the main body cover 2. I have.
Therefore, in the printer device 1 of the present embodiment, various image information signals can be captured by the PC connector 11 connected to various image devices in addition to the first and second memory cards 9a and 9b. , It is possible to expand the range of use.

The paper feed cassette 5 used in the printer 1 can store a plurality of recording papers 6, and has a removable 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 notch of the cover 5a, and is driven to rotate, so that one sheet of recording paper 6 can be reliably transported into the apparatus. I have.

On the other hand, the substrate 22 is provided 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.

As shown in the figure, the control circuit board 22a and the power board 22b
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. Is done. 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, for example, an IC circuit for controlling a recording paper feed or an IC for controlling an ink ribbon feed (not shown) 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, and 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, as shown in FIG. 2, the medium socket board 22c is provided with a first memory card socket (not shown).
And the second memory card socket 82b
1 are attached to the inner surface. The attachment member 61 is attached to the power board 22b, and the base end of the attachment member 61 is connected to the medium socket board 22c.
Each socket is fixed by being screwed with the screw 64.

The medium socket unit substrate 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.

With 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.

The pinch roller 1 disposed in front of the inside of the apparatus
The guide plates 41a, 41b, and 43c that form recording paper transport paths 43a and 43b to which the main frame 12 is attached are provided at a stage preceding the grip roller 40 and the grip roller 40, and the recording paper transported by the paper feed roller 18 is provided. 6 is conveyed between the pinch roller 15 and the grip roller 40 via the formed conveyance 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. The presence or absence of the start of the printing operation is determined by the main control unit (see FIG. 3 by the CPU 81). If it is not transported properly,
The CPU 81 causes the display section 2e on the surface of 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, the driving of the recording paper feed / ribbon feed mechanism is controlled by the CPU 81, and 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.

During 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 this recording is performed. 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 to the upper part, a position moved to the lower part as shown in the figure, and an intermediate position between them) in the 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 control IC circuit 38
Drives the thermal head drive mechanism 21 to move the thermal head 20 away from the platen roller 14 and to the partial position, while the pinch roller 15 and the grip roller 40 move the recording paper 6 to the rear of the printer 1. (Rightward direction in the figure), and thereafter, the above operation is repeated, and the recording paper 6 in the order of magenta (M) for the second color, cyan (C) for the third color, and a 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 for discharging, not shown, and the printing operation is completed. I do.

In the above-described printer, the image information signal to be printed is transmitted to the first memory card 9.
a or the second memory card 9a, print control information such as the number of prints, that is, DPOF, corresponding to the image information signal imaged and stored in the selected memory card 9 by the electronic imaging device. Information may have been written.

In such a case, in the related art, when there is no frame in which the print control information is written,
Of course, in a printer device that does not display any message or the like, if the system operation that a message to that effect is displayed only when the printer control information is written is not recognized, the print control information is actually written. It is difficult to determine whether or not a frame is present, and there is a possibility that some users may mistakenly think that a malfunction has occurred.

Therefore, in the printer of the present embodiment, when the memory card 9 is inserted, it is determined whether or not there is a frame in which the print control information is written, and if so, based on the print control information. If it is determined that printing is to be performed after the process of determining whether or not to print, the print target image data sent from the memory card 9 is temporarily stored in the buffer memory of the printer device, and the print control information is written. The print target image data corresponding to the frame is read, and the printout is performed at any time based on the print control information. On the other hand, if the image data does not exist, the display means that there is no frame in which the print control information is written to the memory card. Is displayed on the display unit. An embodiment for realizing this is shown in FIGS.

FIGS. 3 to 8 show an embodiment of the printer device according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit configuration of a main part mounted on the device of FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a display diagram showing all display characters and display marks that can be displayed on the display unit. FIG. 5 shows a display example of the display unit based on the result of determining whether or not DPOF has been set, and FIG.
FIG. 5 (b) shows a display when no DPOF is set, which is a feature of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a seven-segment display that no DPOF is set. FIG. 7 is a display diagram showing another display example.
"0" in 7 segments that POF is not set
FIG. 8 is a view showing the display when the C is displayed.
3 is a flowchart showing an example of a control operation characteristic of a PU. The printer device 1 shown in FIG. 3 reads the image information signal by loading the first memory card 9a or the second memory card 9a storing the image information signal to be printed into the print control mode reading section 82. Then, it is determined from the read image information signal whether or not there is a frame in which the print control information is written, and if there is, a determination is made as to whether or not to print based on the print control information. When it is determined, the print target image data sent from the memory card 9 is temporarily stored in the buffer memory of the printer device, and the print target image data corresponding to the frame in which the print control information is written is read. Printout is performed at any time based on the print control information.
A main configuration for displaying on the display unit 2e that there is no frame in which the print control information is written in the memory card 9 when there is no frame is shown.

As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 1 has a parallel port interface 80, a CPU 81 as display control means, a print control mode reading unit 82 as print control mode setting means, a memory 83, a liquid crystal controller 84, and operation buttons 30. , Key interface 86, print controller 87, battery controller 88, thermal head 20, battery 8, and display unit 2e.

The parallel port interface 81
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 81.

The print control mode reading section 82 detachably mounts any one of the first and second memory cards 9a and 9b, and outputs a print target image signal, print control information, and the like from the memory card 9. For reading data into the device, or writing data to the memory card, and the like. The first and second sockets 82a and 82b
And first and second memory card interfaces 8
2c and 82d.

A first memory card 9a (SM) is removably mounted on the first socket 82a, and is connected to the first socket 82a by a first memory card interface 82c which is 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 removably 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 first 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.

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 section 2e (a liquid crystal display such as an LCD) as a display means, and controls a display image on the display section 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 print mode designation button 30c is pressed, the DPO
When the F mode is selected, an instruction signal indicating execution of the DPOF mode is supplied to the CPU 81. The operation buttons 30 include a power button 30a, a print button 30b, a print mode selection button 30c, a sharpness button 30d, a split button 30e, a date button 30f, a card switching button 30g, and a frame number / print number switching button 30h as described above. , (+) Button and (-) button 3
0i (see FIG. 1), and supplies an instruction signal corresponding to the operated button to the key interface 86.

The print controller 87 supplies a print signal and a print control signal to the thermal head 20 to control the printing operation, and controls the driving of a recording paper feeding / ribbon feeding mechanism (not shown) in accordance with the printing operation. .

The battery controller 88 has a CP
The power is supplied to U81 and the remaining amount information of the battery 8 is transmitted to the CPU 81.

The CPU 81 as display control means decodes communication data from the personal computer 70, decodes operation data from the keyboard 86, and reads the first or second memory card 9.
a. Decoding of print control information from 9b, PC 70
Alternatively, image data to be printed from the first and second memory cards 9a and 9b is stored in the image memory 83, displayed on the display unit 2e, printed by the thermal head 20, and a recording paper feed / ribbon feed mechanism (not shown) is driven. And the calculation of the remaining amount of the battery 8 and the like.

Further, in the printer 1 of the present embodiment, the display of the display characters and the display marks as shown in FIG. 4 can be displayed on the display section 2e by the display control of the CPU 81.

For example, in the display example shown in FIG. 4, the print mode is designated by the print mode button 30c using standard print, index print, all-frame print, and D print.
Any one of the POF printing modes can be selected and switched as appropriate. The image quality mode is designated by the sharpness button 30d, and the division mode is designated by the division button 3d.
0e, the date button and date print display mode switching designation are designated by the date button 30f, the memory card designation is designated by the card switching button 30d, the frame number / print quantity designation is designated by the frame number / print quantity switching button 30h, The display can be switched as required by the (+) button (-) button 30i. In the display when the print designation mode is selected, the display indicating the index print, the all-frame print, and the DPOF print are displayed individually in the display form as shown in FIG. Is turned off to indicate that the standard print mode has been designated by turning off the nine squares in the index display on the left side in the figure.

(Operation) Next, a control operation which is a characteristic of the printer shown in FIG. 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 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. In such an operation state on the main routine, for example, the user presses the print mode selection button 30c on the keyboard 85.
The print mode to execute is DP by pressing
Assuming that the OF mode is selected, the keyboard 85 receives an instruction signal indicating the execution of the DPOF mode via the key interface 86 and is taken in by the CPU 81. The CPU 81 recognizes the instruction signal, and as shown in FIG. A processing subroutine for executing the DPOF print shown is activated.

The CPU 81 first determines whether or not the print mode to be executed by pressing the print designation button is DPOF in the determination processing of step S50.
If the F mode has been selected, the process proceeds to the next step S5.
The process returns to step S50 if not, and the process is repeated until the DPOF mode is selected.

Then, in the determination processing of step S51, it is determined whether or not the memory card 9 is mounted on the socket. That is, the first memory card (SM) is inserted into the first socket 82a or the second memory card 9b (C
It is determined whether or not F) is mounted in the second socket 82b. If any of the memory cards 9 is mounted in the corresponding socket, the image signal to be printed stored in the corresponding memory card 9 or the like is output. The print control information is taken into the CPU 81 by the corresponding memory card interface 82c (or 82d), and once written into the memory 83 under the control of the CPU 81, and the process proceeds to step S52. At this time, when the print control information is read, it is stored in a memory in the CPU 81,
Will be decrypted. On the other hand, if the memory card 9 has not been inserted, the process returns to the determination process in step S50.

Then, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the DPOF is set in the inserted memory card 9 in the determination processing of step S52. That is, it is determined whether or not there is a frame in which predetermined print control information is written from data such as a print target image signal read in the above-described processing. Is set, and in the subsequent processing of step S53, the liquid crystal controller 85 is controlled so that the display shown in FIG. 5A is displayed on the display unit 2e, for example, and then the print execution button 30b
Is confirmed, the print controller 87 is controlled to print the corresponding frame with the number of sheets based on the decoded print control information, and the print operation in the DPOF mode is executed. After completion, the process returns to the main routine.

In the display shown in FIG. 5A, "DPOF" indicating that the DPOF mode has been selected, the remaining battery amount display, and the camera reservation setting (print control information) are displayed on the screen of the display unit 2e. For example, “035” indicating the total number of prints is displayed.

On the other hand, in the judgment processing of step S52,
If there is no frame in which the print control information is written, it is determined that the DPOF has not been set, and the process shifts to step S54 to perform a display process which is a feature of the present invention.

That is, the CPU 81 determines in step S
By the process of 54, all the frames have no print information,
The liquid crystal controller 85 is controlled so that a display meaning that the DPOF setting has not been made, for example, the display shown in FIG.

In the display shown in FIG. 5A, "DPOF" indicating that the DPOF mode has been selected, the battery remaining amount display, and the fact that the DPOF setting has not been made are displayed on the screen of the display section 2e. “Non” using the 7-segment display method is displayed.

In performing display using the 7-segment display method, which means that DPOF setting has not been performed, the CPU 81 does not use “non”, but, for example, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. “Non”, “NO” using three 7 segments and changing uppercase and lowercase
N "or" No "using two 7-segments and changing capital letters and small letters as shown in FIGS. 6 (c) and 6 (d).
One of the characters "no" is displayed on the display unit 2e.
Can also be displayed.

As shown in FIG. 7, for example, the CPU 81 does not display the letters of the alphabet using the seven-segment display method but displays the number “000” as shown in FIG. May be displayed on the display unit 2e. In this case, “0” using two 7 segments is used.
A display indicating "0" or "0" using one 7-segment is also conceivable.

Of course, these display selections can be freely switched and set by the user device.

Thereafter, the CPU 81 displays on the display unit 2e a message indicating that there is no camera reservation setting, and then returns the processing to step S50 or returns to the main routine.

(Effect) Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when print control information is not present in all frames as described above, a display indicating this, for example, “non” using a seven-segment display method Is displayed on the display unit 2e, it is possible to reliably inform the user that there is no frame in which the print control information is written, and there is no possibility that the user is mistaken for a failure. .

In this embodiment, when the DPOF mode is selected by the display control of the CPU 81, the DP
“DPOF” indicating the OF mode is displayed.
The display using the 7-segment display method indicating that there is no print control information in all frames such as “non” is “DPO”.
Since the display is performed in the vicinity of F ″, the user can recognize at a glance that all the frames have no print control information.

As a result, it is possible to provide a printer having an excellent print function compatible with DPOF.

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.

[0091]

As described above, according to the present invention, when there is no frame in which print control information has been written on a recording medium such as a memory card, this fact is displayed on the display means, thereby allowing each of them to display their own. Can be provided to a user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer device to which the present invention is applied. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a printer device according to an embodiment, and illustrating an overall configuration of the device.

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

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit configuration of a main part mounted on the printer device according to the embodiment 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 display diagram showing a display example of a display unit based on a result of determining whether or not DPOF is set.

FIG. 6 is a display diagram showing another display example in which a DPOF is not set in a seven-segment display.

FIG. 7 is a display diagram when “0” is displayed in seven segments indicating that DPOF is not set.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation that is a feature of a CPU mounted in the printer device of FIG. 3;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer apparatus, 2 ... Body cover, 2a ... Feeding cassette mounting opening, 2b ... Ink cassette insertion opening, 2c ... Battery mounting groove, 2d ... Operation panel, 2e ... Display part, 2f ... Vent hole, 2g ... Opening 2h: 1st memory card slot, 2i: 2nd memory card slot, 2j ... dust cover, 2k ... notch 2l ... eject button, 3 ... bottom part of main body, 4a, 4b ... open / close lid, 4c, 4d ... lock Means 5 Paper feed 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 Mounting section Ink ribbon 8b: battery section, 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 to 30i operation buttons Reference numerals 31a to 31d display lamps, 70 personal computer, 80 parallel port interface, 81 CPU, 82 print control mode reading unit, 82a first socket, 82b second socket, 82c first memory Card interface, 82d: Interface for second memory card, 83: Memory, 84: Liquid crystal controller, 84: Battery controller, 85: Keyboard, 86: Key interface, 87: Print controller, 88: Battery controller .

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] August 2, 2001 (2001.8.2)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0008

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0008]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a printer can print based on print control information written in correspondence with image information captured and stored by an electronic imaging device. In the printer device, a print control mode setting means capable of setting a mode for reading the print control information written in correspondence with the image information, and when the print control mode is set, predetermined print control information is written. Determining means for determining whether there is a frame, and display control means for performing a display indicating that the print control information is not set when it is determined that the print control information is not set for all the frames,
It is characterized by having.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0009

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the print control mode is set by the print control mode setting means and the print control information written corresponding to the image information is read, the determination means is set. It is determined whether or not there is a frame in which the predetermined print control information is written, and when it is determined that the print control information is not set in all the frames, the display control unit is not set. Is displayed on the display means. Thus, it is possible to reliably notify the user that the print control information is not set for all the frames. Printer device according to claim 2
The printer according to claim 1, wherein
The print control information is print number information.
Is what you do.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0010

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer device, comprising: a detachable storage medium storing image information picked up by an electronic image pickup device and print control information set corresponding to the image information; A print control mode for reading print control information written corresponding to the image information
And a mode setting unit that can set whether or not there is a frame in which the print control information is written together with the image information when a print control mode is set with the storage medium loaded. Determination means, display means capable of displaying at least information relating to printing, and display control means for performing display indicating that the print control information has not been set when it is determined that the print control information has not been set for all frames And characterized in that:

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0011

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a detachable storage device in which image information imaged and stored by the electronic image pickup device and print control information such as the number of prints set corresponding to the predetermined image information are stored. Even when a flexible storage medium is used, it operates in the same manner as the first aspect of the invention, and can achieve the same effect.

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0012

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the printer device according to the first , second or third aspect , the display control means controls all of the frames by character display using a seven-segment display method. To display that the print control information is not set.

[Procedure amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0013

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first aspect ,
In addition to obtaining the same operation and effect as the second or third aspect of the present invention, the display control means displays characters using a 7-segment display method, for example, "non", "No"
By displaying any one of "n", "NON", "No" and "no", it can be displayed that the print control information is not set in all the frames.

[Procedure amendment 8]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0014

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the printer of the first , second or third aspect , the display control means does not set the print control information for all frames. In this case, a numeral 0 is displayed.

[Procedure amendment 9]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0015

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first aspect ,
In addition to obtaining the same operation and effect as the invention of claim 2 or claim 3 , when the print control information is not set in all the frames by the display control means, the numeral 0 is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to inform the user at a glance that the print control information is not set for all the frames.

[Procedure amendment 10]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0016

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the printer device according to the first , second or third aspect , the display control means responds to the setting of a print control information reading mode. The display means
It is characterized by displaying " DPOF " . According to the invention of claim 6, the above-mentioned claim 1 or claim
In addition to obtaining the same functions and effects as the invention of item 3,
The print control information reading mode is set by the display control means.
In response to the setting, the display means displays the DPOF
And the DPOF display is displayed for 7 segments.
Table adjacent to the non-zero display in the
So that it is clearer and at a glance
The DPOF print mode is set and all
The print control information is not set for the frame
Can be notified to the user.

[Procedure amendment 11]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0017

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The printer apparatus according to the invention of claim 7, image
Read the print control information written corresponding to the image information.
Mode setting means that can be set to the print control mode
The image information when the print control mode is set.
Where the print control information is written together with the
Determining means for determining whether or not a mask exists;
Display means for displaying information about the print,
Judgment that the print control information is not set for the frame
Is displayed, it indicates that it is not set.
Display control means .

[Procedure amendment 12]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0018

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0018] The printer according to the invention of claim 8 is a contractor.
The printer device according to claim 7, wherein the image information and
When the storage medium storing the print control information is
It is characterized by being detachable. Claim 9
The printer device according to the present invention is claimed in claim 1, claim 2, claim
Claim 3, Claim 4, Claim 5, Claim 6, or Claim 7
Wherein the print control information is
The indication that it is not set is indicated by a number.
"0" means "NON" in English or "NO" in English
Is displayed.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A printer device capable of printing based on print control information such as the number of prints written in correspondence with image information captured and stored by an electronic imaging device. Print control mode setting means for reading the written print control information, and determining means for determining whether there is a frame to which predetermined print control information is written when the print control mode is set, at least; Display means capable of displaying information related to printing, and display control means for performing a display indicating that the print control information is not set when it is determined that the print control information is not set for all frames. A printer device characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. A removable storage medium storing image information captured and stored by an electronic imaging device and print control information such as the number of prints set corresponding to the predetermined image information; Print control mode setting means for reading the print control information written in correspondence with the image information; and when the print control mode is set with the storage medium loaded, the print control information is written together with the image information. Determining means for determining whether or not there is a frame that has been printed; display means for displaying at least information relating to printing; and setting when the print control information is determined not to be set for all frames. And a display control means for performing a display indicating that the printer is not in use. 3. The display control unit according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays, by character display using a seven-segment display method, that the print control information is not set for all frames. The printer device according to 1. 4. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays a number of 0 when the print control information is not set for all frames. 5. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the display control means causes the display means to display DPOF in response to setting of a print control information reading mode. . 6. The DPOF display by the display means is 0.
6. The printer device according to claim 5, wherein the printer device is displayed adjacent to a display other than the display.