JP2002326404A - Print system, printing method, digital camera, storage medium, program, print controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem that printing must be repeated from the start or a selection must be repeated using a camera when printing is interrupted without completing preset print setting due to end of battery or sheet and printing is restarted. SOLUTION: The print system for printing a plurality of sheets of image continuously based on print setting information including at least information for designating images to be printed comprises means for inputting image data which is not set to be printed, means for printing image data inputted by the input means, means for storing interruption information concerning to print setting completed before interruption based on interruption of printing which is based on the print setting information, and means for controlling restart of printing based on the print setting information based on the interruption information stored in the storage means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a print system, and more specifically, to output electronic information captured by an electronic still camera or a video camera by a printer via a computer, or to provide a recording medium or communication means. The present invention relates to a print system suitable for performing print output via a printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, heat-sensitive paper is used as printing paper, and a plurality of heating elements arranged in a main scanning direction are selectively driven to convey the paper in a sub-scanning direction. There is a line thermal transfer type printer that performs printing in a dot line shape.

In recent years, with the progress of digital cameras, digital video cameras, scanners, and other input devices that handle images, thermal printer printers have also attracted attention as printing means. Because ink jet printers have only two choices, whether to skip droplets or not, let small droplets land on paper and obtain apparent resolution and gradation by means of error diffusion etc. On the other hand, in the case of a thermal transfer type printer, the controllable heat value can be easily changed in one pixel, so that a large number of gradations can be obtained for one pixel. In addition, a smoother and higher quality image can be obtained as compared with an ink jet printer. In addition, because the performance of thermal heads and the performance of paper materials have also been improved, it has become possible to obtain image prints that are as good as silver halide photographs in finish quality, especially in keeping with the progress of digital cameras in recent years. It is drawing attention as a printer for natural images.

Therefore, such a printer device and a photographing device such as a digital camera and a digital video camera are directly connected or integrally formed, and a device for processing photographed image information such as a computer is used. A system for printing without intervention has also appeared.
According to such a system, image information from a digital camera or digital video can be easily printed out in a photographic manner, which is very convenient.

As an example of these, see, for example,
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 0-243327 describes the connection between an image input device and an image output device. According to this, it is an image input / output system that connects an image output device and an image input device, wherein the image output device receives and outputs an image signal from the image input device and outputs the image signal. A power supply unit that supplies power to an input device, wherein the image output device transmits image data to the image output device, and outputs the image by a connection cable for receiving power supply from the image output device. Connected to a device, having a determination unit for determining whether to receive power supply from the image output device, and a power supply unit, by the determination unit,
When it is determined that the power supply can be received from the image output device, the power from the image output device is used, and when it is determined that the power supply cannot be received, the power from the power supply unit is used. It is. According to this, since the power supply is received from the image output device, the print output can be performed without worrying about the remaining power of the image input device such as a digital camera.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-65182 discloses power saving during printing.
According to this, a compound camera having an electronic viewfinder and a photographing means for recording video information on a recording medium and a printer means for printing and outputting the video information on a recording paper are integrated, wherein the printer means Control means is provided for controlling the supply of power to the electronic viewfinder to be stopped while the video information is being printed out on paper. According to this, power is not supplied to the electronic viewfinder during printing, which is useful for power saving.

Further, when a digital camera and a printer are directly connected to each other to print image information captured by the digital camera, both the digital camera and the printer require a power supply such as an AC adapter. As a result, power consumption is reduced, the battery can be operated, and it can be used outdoors as a mobile device.

[0008] Further, the digital camera side
Information such as how many images to print and how to print them is set in advance, and once printing starts, multiple types of images that have been set can be printed automatically. Has become.

[0009]

However, when used as a mobile device, or particularly when the number of prints is large, the battery may run out during printing and printing may be interrupted. It is also conceivable that the print settings that have been set in advance are not completed and are interrupted halfway due to a cause such as running out of paper. In such a case, when printing is restarted, there is a problem that printing is restarted from the beginning, or a key selection is performed again.

In addition, if continuous printing is interrupted, re-starting completely from the beginning wastes paper and ink and wastes the time required for printing. Also, select only non-printed images again,
It is time-consuming to re-designate the print, and there is still room for erroneous selection of images and erroneous designation of the number of prints, which may waste paper, ink, and time. If the number of prints becomes large, the above problem becomes even greater, and there is a problem that a print system that is easy for the user to use cannot be provided.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has as its object to solve all or at least one of the above problems. Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily resume printing when printing according to print setting information is interrupted halfway. It is a further object of the present invention to reduce the time and consumable waste due to interruptions. Further, it is suitable for a print system in which a digital camera and a printer are connected or integrally configured,
An object of the present invention is to reliably provide printing of a plurality of images.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of images are continuously printed on the basis of print setting information having information for designating an image to be printed. Input means for inputting image data set to be printed, printing means for printing image data input by the input means, and printing based on print setting information is interrupted. Storage means for storing interruption information relating to print settings that have been completed before interruption, and control means for controlling to restart printing based on the print setting information based on the interruption information stored in the storage means. And a printing system having the following features.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera for continuously outputting a plurality of images based on print setting information having at least information for designating an image to be printed. Input means for inputting print setting information, output means for outputting image data to a printer based on the print setting information, first storage means for storing image data, and interruption of printing based on the print setting information. A second storage unit for storing interruption information relating to print settings that have been completed before the interruption, and a control unit for controlling to restart printing based on the print setting information based on the interruption information stored in the storage unit. And a digital camera having the following features.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus for continuously outputting a plurality of images based on print setting information having at least information for designating an image to be printed. An output unit that outputs image data to an external printing apparatus based on the information, and a storage unit that stores, based on the interruption of printing based on the print setting information, interruption information regarding print settings that have been completed before the interruption, A print control device comprising: control means for controlling to restart printing based on the print setting information based on the interruption information stored in the storage means.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <First Embodiment> A basic system configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. This printing system employs a sublimation type thermal transfer recording method in a printer unit, and can print out electronic image information for an arbitrary number of prints. The print system will be described according to the procedure.

An embodiment of a general thermal transfer recording apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a side surface of a recording apparatus according to the embodiment. First, the overall configuration of the recording apparatus will be described. The recording paper P is loaded on the apparatus main body 1 from a paper cassette 2 and separated and fed one by one by a paper feed roller 3. At this time, the recording paper P is pushed up by a push plate 21 urged by a spring 20.
The sheet feed roller 3. Then, the recording paper P conveyed by the paper feed roller 3 is nipped and conveyed by the conveying roller pair 4 so as to be able to reciprocate in the recording section. The transport roller pair 4 includes a pinch roller 42 and a grip roller 41.

In the recording section, a platen roller 5 and a thermal head 6 which generates heat in accordance with recording information are opposed to each other with a recording paper transport path interposed therebetween. The ink sheet 8 having the ink layer coated with the ink and an overcoat layer overcoated on the printing screen to protect the printing screen is pressed against the recording paper P by the thermal head 6 and selectively heated. Then, a predetermined image is transferred and recorded on the recording paper P, and the protective layer is overcoated.

The ink sheet covers the printing area of the recording paper P, and has a size substantially equal to the size of the printing sheet P, and includes yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) ink layers and an overcoat (OP) layer. The recording paper P is placed at the recording start position P
The number is returned to 1, and is sequentially superimposed and transferred on the recording paper. As described above, the recording paper P is reciprocated by the transport roller pair 4 by the number of inks of each color and the number of overcoat layers.

At this time, the recording paper P on which each ink layer has been printed is inverted at the front of the apparatus main body 1 and guided to the rear of the apparatus main body 1 via the front and lower guides of the paper cassette.
Since the recording paper P in the middle of printing goes outside, the space is not wasted or touched unintentionally because the recording paper P is turned outside in front of the apparatus. I have.

In addition, since the lower portion of the paper cassette 2 is directly used as a paper guide, the thickness of the apparatus main body 1 can be reduced, and the recording paper P is transferred to the ink cassette 7 and the paper cassette 2. The overall height of the apparatus main body 1 can be kept to a minimum by passing through the space between the apparatuses, thereby enabling downsizing.

Reference numeral 25 denotes a paper transport guide section of the paper cassette 2. A guide section for reversing the recording paper P, which has been reversed from the front of the apparatus main body 1, to the rear of the apparatus main body. The provision of the paper cassette 2 greatly contributes to downsizing of the entire apparatus main body 1.

Reference numeral 26 denotes a tray portion of the recording paper P printed and discharged on the upper surface of the paper cassette 2;
This also contributes to downsizing of the apparatus main body 1. After printing of each ink layer is completed, the recording paper P is guided to the discharge roller 1 (9-1) and the discharge roller 2 (9-2), and is discharged from the rear of the apparatus main body 1 to the front, and the recording operation is completed. The discharge roller 1 is configured to be brought into pressure contact only when the recording paper P is discharged,
It is configured so that stress is not applied during printing. The apparatus body 1 is provided with a guide portion 15 for the recording paper P, and guides the recording paper P.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a conveyance path switching sheet, and after the recording paper P is fed, the recording paper P is guided to a path on the discharge side.

The thermal head 6 for printing is provided integrally with the head arm 22 and the ink cassette 7 is provided.
When replacing the ink cassette 7, the user retreats to a position where it does not hinder the insertion and removal of the ink cassette 7. This evacuation operation is enabled by replacing the ink cassette 7 by pulling out the paper cassette 2. At this time, the head arm 22 is moved from a state in which the head arm 22 is held down by the cam portion 22-1 in conjunction with the attachment / detachment operation of the paper cassette 2. The second cam portion 2-1 is configured to move up and down by retracting.

In a normal thermal transfer recording apparatus, three colors of YMC are
Since recording is performed in turn-sequential order, it is necessary to perform control to accurately match the recording leading edge of each color. For this purpose, the recording paper P must be securely nipped and conveyed by the conveying roller pair 4 shown in FIG. For this reason, an unrecordable margin is required at the end of the recording paper P in the feed direction. In view of this, finally, in order to easily obtain a printed matter without an edge, as shown in FIG. A perforation 12 is provided so that can be easily cut off later by hand.

The present invention is carried out using the recording paper P having the above-described perforations and the thermal transfer recording apparatus, and the perforated area provided on the recording paper is overcoated.

The area indicated by the diagonally lower left diagonal lines is a print area, and is controlled so as to print an area including perforations. The overcoat is controlled to print substantially so as to include a region to be printed and a region to be printed slightly larger than the region to be printed.

A detailed description of the apparatus will be given below.

In the recording apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, the transport roller pair 4 includes a pinch roller 42 and a grip roller 41. The grip roller 41 is connected to an output shaft of a stepping motor (not shown) via a speed reduction mechanism. It is directly connected, and is driven freely forward and backward by the rotation control of this stepping motor. Since the recording paper P is firmly nipped by the transport roller pair 4 and is reciprocated, the recording paper P is also accurately position-controlled by the rotation control of the stepping motor and is transported. Now, as an example, the recording pitch for one line by the thermal head 6 is set to 85.
μm, and the number of steps of the stepping motor for transporting the recording paper P by one line is four steps.
The recording paper P can be transported by one line (that is, 85 μm) by controlling the rotation of the stepping motor in four steps. Assuming that the printing range shown in FIG. 4 is 144 mm in the transport direction, 1694 lines can be printed. To transport the recording paper by this amount, the stepping motor may be rotated by 6,776 steps.

In the recording apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, when the feed roller pair 4 is viewed from the feed roller 3, a recording paper leading end detection sensor 10 is placed near the feed roller pair 4. The leading end of the recording paper is detected, and after the detection, a predetermined line is fed and stopped within a range that can be nipped by the conveying roller pair 4. This position is the above-described position at the start of recording. From here, the thermal head is driven to generate heat in accordance with the recording information from the first Y yellow to record a predetermined image of each color ink or transfer the overcoat layer. When one color is completed, the recording paper is returned from this position in the direction of the paper discharge roller 9 and conveyed, and the predetermined number of lines are again fed back, and the YMC color and overcoat layer transfer are repeated four times.

In the recording apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, the distance between the recording paper leading edge detection sensor 10 and the position where the recording paper P is pressed by the platen roller 5 and the thermal head 6 is determined in consideration of the arrangement of components in the apparatus. Although the distance is set to 20 mm, it is not limited to this. At this time, the print shown in FIG. 3 is obtained by transferring and recording each color ink and transferring the overcoat layer as described below.

The color ink transfer and overcoat sequence will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. S1: The user instructs a print operation by a print button (not shown) or a print instruction from a digital camera or digital video camera. S2: The processing circuit 18 inside the apparatus main body 1 starts communication with the device that has executed the print instruction, and the processing circuit 18 checks various conditions necessary for printing with the device that has executed the print instruction. If necessary, image processing is performed on the print information of the image information. S3: When the printing preparation is completed, the processing circuit 18 sets the feed roller 3
Is driven to start feeding of the recording paper P. S4: After detecting the leading end of the recording paper, the stepping motor is rotated by a predetermined step to start printing. At this time, the printing start position is 12.465 mm with respect to the leading edge of the recording paper.
And S5: Subsequently, while rotating the stepping motor by four steps, the thermal head is driven to generate heat to perform printing for one line. The printing is rotated by a total of 6776 steps (1694 lines), and printing is completed. The printing end position at this time is 156.455 mm with reference to the leading edge of the recording paper. S6: Then, the stepping motor is rotated by about 10 lines (for 40 steps) and stopped for deceleration until reaching the stop. S7: From this state, the stepping motor is driven to rotate in the reverse direction, the recording paper P is conveyed in the direction opposite to that at the time of printing, and is returned by a predetermined number of steps (6776 steps minus deceleration). Is rotated for about 10 lines (for 40 steps) and stopped. S8: The above is repeated about three times for three colors of YMC, and the desired printed image is transferred and recorded on the recording paper P. S9: After that, the overcoat layer for protecting the printed screen is transferred once more. S10: Thereafter, the stepping motor is driven in the reverse direction to be guided to the discharge roller 3 as it is, and the discharge roller 3 is driven to discharge the sheet, thereby completing a series of operations.

In the above, when the recording paper P is fed, the control means 19 determines the number of steps of the stepping motor and the recording paper based on the recording paper leading edge detection signal detected by the recording paper leading edge detection sensor 10 first. Based on the positional relationship at the time of transporting P, the recording position management is performed by managing the number of steps of the rotation drive of the stepping motor at the time of printing all the prints. At the time of transfer recording of the overcoat layer, a detection sensor is provided at the leading end of the recording paper to detect the leading end of the recording paper, and the number of rotation drive steps of the stepping motor is controlled based on the signal to control the recording position. May be performed.

In the above description, the transfer of the overcoat layer is performed only by turning ON / OFF the heating drive of the thermal head. However, at the start of the overcoat transfer, the amount of heat generation is gradually increased. At the end of the overcoat transfer, it is also possible to add a control that can be obtained by gradually reducing the calorific value.

Here, the communication between the device for executing the print instruction in S1 and the printer device will be described in further detail.

As an example, it is assumed that the digital camera DC executes the print instruction now. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram in which the digital camera DC and the printer device main body 1 are connected. It is assumed that the digital camera DC holds image information in a memory inside the digital camera DC after shooting. For the memory, a removable memory such as a compact flash (registered trademark) card or a smart media is convenient. Of course, the type of memory may be other than these. It is assumed that the digital camera DC is set to the reproduction mode and an arbitrary image is reproduced now. The reproduction of the image information can be checked at any time by the liquid crystal display device provided in the digital camera DC, so that the user can arbitrarily call the photographed favorite image information. If the printer 27 is in a state where it can communicate with the printer main body 1 via the cable 27 or wireless means, a predetermined print execution button (not shown)
Thus, necessary information is communicated from the digital camera DC to the printer device, and a print output is obtained from the printer device body 1.

The above-mentioned necessary information includes negotiation information with the digital camera DC and the digital camera D
C includes information on an image to be printed, information added to image information at the time of shooting or later, print control information such as print size, number of sheets, and designation of trimming.

Now, the contents relating to the present invention will be described in more detail. FIG. 5 is a schematic system block diagram on the camera side.

Reference numeral 501 denotes a CPU for controlling the camera device;
02 is a FLASH type program ROM in which a control program of the CPU 501 and display fonts, graphics data, font data for printing, and the like are stored;
Reference numeral 503 denotes a work DRAM of the CPU 501, and reference numeral 504 denotes a rewritable EEPROM that stores a printing state and the like.
M and 505 are circuits for controlling a CF (Compact Flash Memory) which is a removable medium for storing image data captured by a camera, 506 is an I / F connector unit, and 507 is a control circuit for communicating with a printer. , 508 are the I / F connector sections.

Reference numeral 510 denotes a camera image sensor C
CD, 511: LCD for camera liquid crystal display, 509: CC
An ASIC that performs various types of image processing on the image obtained in D510 and controls a process for displaying an image on the LCD 500. A function 510 controls the CCD 510 which is a camera image sensor, performs a color process and the like, generates a JPEG file in the CF memory, a function of compressing or expanding the image file into a JPEG image, a function of resizing the image size, High-performance processing including a control circuit for controlling display on the liquid crystal display device is performed.

FIG. 6 is a schematic memory map on the camera side. The program used for the CPU 501 is 00000
0h to 07FFFFh, display font, graphics data, and print font data are 08000
0h to 0FFFFFh. CPU 501
200000h to 5FFFFFh as work RAM
Are used for image data processing, printer communication, and the like. Although detailed addresses are omitted, 800000h to 80FFFFh are allocated as I / O areas.

First, the camera selects an image to be printed recorded in the CF using the UI (not shown). The number of prints, the image path, and the file name, which are the print information of each selected image, are developed on the work RAM as the entire print information, and at the same time, the EEPROM 504 is used.
Is also recorded. By repeating this operation a plurality of times, print control information of a plurality of images can be recorded as overall print information. When the selection is completed, a printing operation is started by pressing a predetermined print execution button (not shown).

The operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Initially, new printing is performed, so steps S501 to S502
In step S502, the printer 1 transfers the print image data to the printer 1 based on the entire print information and waits for the printer to return a print end status (S502). When printing of one image specified by the entire print information is completed, the process of S504 is performed, the information of the number of prints set for the image is reduced by 1, and if the remaining number is not zero in S510, S502 is performed. Then, the printing of the same image is repeated until the printing of the same number as the set number is completed.
If the number of sheets to be printed is zero in S510, the number of printed sheets, path and file name information, etc., which are print control information of the image printed in S511, are cleared.

Further, in S503, another image to be printed is
It is checked whether or not the print setting has been made, and if there is an image to be printed, the process proceeds to step S502, where the set image is fetched into the printer, and the set number of prints is repeated. If all the prints set in the overall print information have been completed (yes in S503)
In s), the entire print information is cleared (S505), and the print processing ends. When the number of prints, the path, and the file name, which are the entire print information of the print image, are corrected, the data in the EEPROM 504 is also corrected in the same manner.

However, if the battery capacity of the camera drops during the printing operation of a plurality of sheets and printing becomes impossible, it is necessary to replace the camera battery and turn on the power. For example, when the power capability of the camera is reduced during printing in accordance with the overall print setting as described above and only an output below a predetermined voltage can be obtained, the printing is interrupted, and the The interruption information that allows the user to know where the printing has been completed by the
04. The print setting information and the interruption information described above may be recorded on a memory card (CF) that can be inserted into and removed from the device where the image is recorded. The interruption information may be updated and recorded each time printing of one image is completed irrespective of the power capability. However, if it can be recognized that the power capacity will be reduced and it is about to be interrupted soon, after the recognition is made, the interruption information should be updated and recorded every time one print is completed. May be. Further, the recording location of the interruption information may be recorded not only in the memory card but also in a memory installed in the printer. Further, the interruption information may be recorded in both the memory on the camera side and the memory on the printer side. In this case, it is useful to check whether the interruption information or the entire print information has been changed before and after the print interruption.

On the other hand, if the data is not received during the reception of the print data, the printer 1 interrupts the processing as an error, and after performing a predetermined recovery process, becomes ready for printing and is in a wait state. Here, after the power source is replaced or switched to AC power source and the power source of the camera is turned on, a predetermined print execution button is pressed again to start a printing operation. Then, in S501, the EEPROM
By recognizing that the interruption information is recorded in 504, it is recognized that printing is in progress, and the process proceeds to S506.
Is automatically selected, and printing is selected to be continued. If it is determined in S501 that printing is being performed, the user may be allowed to select whether to restart printing in accordance with the print control information from the beginning.

In step S507, the EEPROM 5
Check the entire print information recorded in the file information 04. If the CF is omitted, the recorded content of the CF is changed, or the image data in the CF is erased, the file information is checked based on the file information. If there is no file to be accessed, the user is instructed to check CF in step S509.
To exit the printing process without performing the resuming process. If it is determined that the CF is the same as before the print interruption and that it is determined that the entire print information has not been changed, the print processing in step S502 starts.
The above process is repeated until printing is completed. Note that the above check includes processing such as recording a copy of the print control information in the memory of the printer or copying FAT information of the memory card to the memory of the printer before printing is interrupted. In advance, it is realized by collating with these copies by Mochi Nishikai. However, the checking method is not limited to this.

Since the user usually knows which CF image data he or she wants to print, step S507 is not always necessary, but it is preferable. Further, instead of the EEPROM 504 for recording print information, it is also possible to write and use the information in a FLASH type ROM 502.

<Second Embodiment> A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the parts that perform the same operations as the processing shown in the operation diagram of the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

First, the camera selects an image to be printed recorded in the CF using the UI (not shown). The number of prints, which are print information of the selected image, and the path and file name of each image are developed on the work RAM and are also recorded in the EEPROM 504. By repeating this operation a plurality of times, print control information of a plurality of images can be recorded as overall print information.
Further, the file information recorded in the CF is also EEPR
It is also recorded in the OM 504. When the selection is completed, a printing operation is started by pressing a predetermined print execution button (not shown).

Thereafter, the printing operation is executed in the same manner as in the flowchart of FIG. 7 of the first embodiment. However, if the battery on the camera side runs out during the printing operation of the plurality of sheets and printing becomes impossible, it is necessary to take measures such as replacing the battery or switching to an AC power source to start up the power source. On the other hand, if the data is not received during the reception of the print data, the printer 1 interrupts the processing as an error, and after performing a predetermined processing, becomes ready for printing and is in a wait state. Here, the operation when the power of the camera is turned on by performing measures such as battery replacement or switching to AC power will be described with reference to FIG. When the power is turned on, the connection with the printer 1 is automatically confirmed, and if the connection is confirmed, the next processing is started. If it is determined in step S531 that print processing remains based on the entire print information already recorded in the EEPROM 504 and the interruption information, the process proceeds to step S501. After that, the same processing as in the first embodiment is performed.

Thus, when the battery runs out,
It is anticipated that measures such as changing batteries and switching to AC power will be performed promptly, and it is common to want to continue printing after such measures. The example improves usability.

The time at the time of interruption is recorded in the interruption information, and this is referred to at the time of restoration, and when the operation is restored within a predetermined time from the time at which the interruption was made, the second embodiment is applied. Even if it does, it is more suitable. In this case, in the print control information, printing is automatically restarted from printing of an image whose printing has not been completed due to interruption. Because it was clear that he wanted to return soon,
This is because the above-described embodiment is preferable in such a case.

<Third Embodiment> A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 and FIG. Note that the same reference numerals are given to portions where the same operation as in the first embodiment is performed in the same operation diagram as in the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

First, the camera selects an image to be printed recorded in the CF using the UI (not shown). The CF I / F 506 develops the number of prints, which are print information of the selected image, and the path and file name of each image on the work RAM as overall print information.
Is recorded as a print information file in a root directory of a CF memory for recording a camera image connected to the camera.

After the selection is completed, a printing operation is started by pressing a predetermined print execution button (not shown). The operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the printing operation is started, the whole print information is read in S541, and based on the whole print information, the communication process in S544 is started, the data is transferred to the printer 1, and the printer waits for the printing completion status to be returned. (Initially, since the interruption information is not recorded, it is determined that there is no remaining print in S542, and the process proceeds to S544.) When one print is completed, printing is still performed through the processes of S545 and S546. If so, the process proceeds to S545. If not, a process S547 of clearing the information of the printed image from the entire print information is performed. Further, it is determined whether or not an image to be printed remains from the entire print information. The processing is entered, the entire print information is cleared, and the print processing ends. If an image to be printed remains, the process proceeds to step S544 and printing is continued.

When the number of prints, the path and the file name, which are the entire print information relating to the print image, are corrected,
At the same time, the print information in the root directory of the CF memory is similarly modified.

However, if the battery on the camera side runs out during the printing operation of a plurality of sheets and printing becomes impossible, it is necessary to replace the camera battery and turn on the power. On the other hand, if no data is received during reception of the print data, the printer 1 interrupts the process as an error,
After performing a predetermined process, the printer is ready for printing and is in a wait state. Here, the operation when the power of the camera is turned on will be described. When the power is turned on and the print operation is selected, the print information file in the route of the CF memory is analyzed in step S541, and if the subsequent print process is selected by the user in step S543, the print process starts in step S544 and proceeds to step S543. Repeat until printing of the number of sheets is completed.

Further, as shown in the second embodiment, when the connection to the printer 1 is confirmed when the power is turned on, it is possible to automatically start the continuous printing process.

<Fourth Embodiment> A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The parts performing the same operations as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is assumed to be an apparatus having a printer unit integrated with a digital camera and capable of immediately performing printing on the spot according to photographing. This apparatus employs an inkjet recording system in the printer unit, performs electronic imaging, stores the obtained image data in a memory, and prints out the video information stored in an arbitrary memory for an arbitrary number of prints. Can do that. This device will be described according to the procedure.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram of an ink jet recording apparatus unit IJRA to which the camera with a printer according to the present invention is applied. Here, the carriage HC drives the driving force transmission gears 1011 and 101 in conjunction with the forward and reverse rotation of the drive motor 1013.
Lead screw 100 rotating through 0, 1009
4 has a pin (not shown) that engages with the spiral groove 1005, and is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b.

An ink jet head cartridge 400 is mounted on the carriage HC. Reference numeral 1003 denotes a guide bar, and 1002 denotes a paper pressing plate, which presses the paper against the platen 1000 in the moving direction of the carriage.
Reference numerals 1007 and 1008 denote home position detecting means for confirming the presence of the carriage lever 1006 in this area and switching the rotation direction of the motor 1013.

Reference numeral 1016 denotes a member for supporting the cap member 1022 for capping the front surface of the recording head. Reference numeral 1015 denotes suction means for sucking the inside of the cap. The suction means recovers the suction of the recording head 400 through the opening 1023 in the cap.

Reference numeral 1017 denotes a cleaning blade;
Reference numeral 9 denotes a member that allows the blade to move in the front-rear direction, and these members are supported by a main body support plate 1018. It goes without saying that the blade is not in this form but a known cleaning method can be applied to this embodiment.

Reference numeral 1021 denotes a lever for starting suction for suction recovery, which comes into contact with the surface 1014 of the suction means.
The lever 1021 moves with the movement of the cam 1020 that engages with the carriage, and the driving force from the driving motor is controlled by a known transmission means such as clutch switching. The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured such that desired operations can be performed at the corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 1005 when the carriage HC is positioned in the home position side area. The above operation can be applied to any of the embodiments. Also, the image feed button 11
The 0, image return button 109 is used to select an image to be printed or an image to be reproduced, and is used to switch the image displayed on the display unit 511.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of a central section of a camera with a printer according to the present invention. In the camera section, lens units 1028a and 1028b of a photographing optical system are arranged for collapsible two-stage barrels 1029 and 1030, respectively.
An aperture unit 1031 controls the photographing light beam and also controls the exposure amount, and is similarly disposed in the lens barrel 1029. Reference numeral 1032 denotes a helicoid member for rotating the lens barrel 1030, and a cam projection 1030 of the lens barrel 1030.
a. The helicoid member 1032 is driven by a helicoid drive motor (not shown). The light beam that has passed through the above-described photographing optical systems 1028a and 1028b and the shutter unit 1031 is
An image is formed on 40.

1037a, 1037b, 1037c, 1
Reference numerals 038d and 1039e are optical lenses forming a finder. Of these, 1037b, 1037c,
Reference numeral 1038d moves in accordance with the angle of view adjustment (zoom operation) of the photographing optical system, so that the angle of view substantially the same as the angle of view of the photographing optical system can be confirmed. This optical finder is effective for preventing power consumption by using a liquid crystal display panel 2014 for displaying images. The aperture unit 1031 is driven so that the exposure amount of the solid-state imaging device (CCD) 1040 is properly maintained by feedback control.

The imaged signal is transmitted to the image processing board 1026
Is processed. The processed signal is sent to the printer control board 10
The information is transmitted to a drive motor and the like necessary for a printing operation together with information such as a position control signal of the ink jet head cartridge 400 of the printer unit. The printing operation is started by a print button 2013, and the printing operation is started from the printer paper 1024 wound in a roll shape.
0, the printing paper 1024b is pulled out and printed. Reference numeral 1041 denotes a paper cutter portion formed by an outer cover, which is used to separate the print paper 1024a after printing. 1025 is a power supply.

First, a flow relating to basic photographing and printing will be described. FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of the photographing apparatus with the printer, and FIG. 11 is a basic flowchart. Note that the printing operation described with reference to FIG. 11 does not automatically print a plurality of images in accordance with the entire print information, but assumes a case where an image being selectively displayed is printed on the spot. ing. The photographer turns on the power switch 200
When "0" is input (S2001), the CPU 501 determines that the apparatus has been used last time and the power has been turned off for a predetermined time or more (here, 72 hours or more, but is not limited to this).
It is determined whether or not it has passed. (S2002) If 72 hours or more have elapsed, the CPU 501 issues a recovery pumping instruction to the printer ASIC 515 that controls the printer unit, and drives the printer unit 4.
(S2003) Here, the recovery pumping is to make the recording more effective in an ink jet recording type apparatus to be described later, and to clean the recording head by means of a suction pump or the like before performing recording on paper. . In this embodiment, this cleaning is performed when the power is turned on when there is an unused period of 72 hours or more in this embodiment.

When the photographer performs photographing, the photographer sets the photographing mode using the photographing mode setting means 517 (S2004). In this embodiment, a normal shooting mode and
There are several types of modes such as a portrait mode, and the photographing mode setting means 517 is specifically operated by a mode switch 2015, and this signal is transmitted to the CPU 501.
When the photographer adjusts the angle of view using the zoom lever 2016 during shooting, the SW 518 (the shutter button 20 in FIG. 12) is used.
12) to the first stroke, S
The W1 signal is input (S2005). The CPU 501 controls the imaging unit 51 via an ASIC 509 as an imaging control unit.
In step S2006, the exposure control value is determined, the distance measurement information is determined, and various conditions necessary for the exposure operation, such as the presence or absence of flash emission, are determined (S2006). When the photographer further depresses the SW 518 (corresponding to the shutter button 2012 in FIG. 12) to actually execute photographing, a SW2 signal is input to the CPU 501 (S2007). The CPU 501 drives the imaging unit 510 via an ASIC 509 as an imaging control unit to drive a lens for focusing, control the speed of a shutter, control the aperture of an aperture, and if necessary, perform a series of operations such as flash emission. An exposure operation is performed (S2008), and image information input to the solid-state imaging device 1040 is taken into the RAM 503 as a temporary storage memory unit (S2009). After that, the CPU 501 drives the display means 511, specifically, the liquid crystal display panel 2014 of FIG. 13 to display the image information captured (S2010). The above operation is repeated as the photographing operation.

If the user desires print output, the print output mode is set by the mode setting means 51.
7 (S2011). Next, the memory means 503
The image information captured by the image search button 110 and the image return button 109 are searched while looking at the liquid crystal display panel 2014, and the image information to be printed out is displayed. When the print button 2013 is pressed here, the print signal P
R is input, and the CPU 501 starts a printing operation (S2012). The printer control unit 515 includes the recording head 4
In order to make the printing operation more effective at the home position of 00, preliminary ejection is first performed to eliminate clogging of the recording head 400, recover the evaporating nozzle, and the like (S2013). Next, the printer control unit 515 outputs the image information stored in the memory unit 503 from the printer engine unit 516 after performing image processing for printer output (S2014). The printed printer paper 1024a printed by the printer engine unit 516 is automatically fed to a position where the print paper 1024a is cut off from the rolled print paper 1024, and is discharged (S2015).

Now, the contents relating to the present invention will be described in more detail.

First, the camera selects an image to be printed recorded in the CF using the UI (not shown). The number of prints, which are print information of the selected image, and the path and file name of each image are developed on the work RAM as the entire print information, and at the same time, the EEPROM 504 is used.
Is also recorded. By repeating this operation a plurality of times, print control information of a plurality of images can be recorded as overall print information. When the selection is completed, a printing operation is started by pressing a predetermined print execution button (not shown).

The operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Initially, new printing is performed, so the process proceeds from S571 to communication process S572 with the printer unit, where data is transferred.
Wait for printing to finish. When printing is completed, the process of S574 is executed, and the current number of prints is reduced by 1. If the number of remaining prints is not zero in S580, the process returns to S572.
581, the number of prints, which is print information of the image printed in
Clear path and file name information. Further, S573
In step S572, it is checked whether or not an image to be printed remains from the entire print information. If a print image remains, the process proceeds to step S572. If not, the entire print information is cleared in step S575, and the print process ends. When the number of prints, the path, and the file name, which are the entire print information relating to the print image, are corrected, the data in the EEPROM 504 is also corrected in the same manner.

However, if the battery capacity of the camera drops during the printing operation of a plurality of sheets and printing becomes impossible, it is necessary to replace the camera battery and start up the power supply. After the battery is replaced, the printer section is in a state of being ready for printing after performing predetermined processing, and is in a wait state. Here, a predetermined print execution button is pressed again to start a printing operation. The camera UI (not shown) is used to enter steps S571 and S576, and select to continue printing. EEPRO in advance in processing S577
Check the file information recorded in M504,
When it can be determined that they are the same CF, the process proceeds to step S572,
The print number, the path and the file name information are checked, the printing process is started, and the process is repeated until the set number of prints is completed.

Also, since it is usually known which CF image data the user uses for printing,
There is no problem even if step S507 is not performed. Further, instead of the EEPROM 504 for recording print information, FLASH
It is also possible to write the data in the type ROM 502 and use it. As shown in the second embodiment, it is also possible to start the continuous printing process when the power is turned on.

The present invention particularly includes a means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) for generating thermal energy as energy used for ejecting ink even in an ink jet recording system. The present invention brings about an excellent effect in a recording head and a recording apparatus of a system that causes a change in the state. For the representative configuration and principle, see, for example, US Pat.
It is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in JP-A Nos. 23129 and 4740796. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, this method uses a rapid heating method that exceeds the nucleate boiling corresponding to the recorded information on the electrothermal transducer disposed on the sheet or the liquid path holding the liquid (ink). By applying at least one drive signal that gives rise to a significant temperature rise, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer, and the film is boiled on the heat-acting surface of the recording head. This is effective because bubbles in the liquid (ink) can be formed. By the growth and contraction of the bubble, the liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection opening to form at least one droplet. When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of a liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable. As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Further, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination of the discharge port, the liquid path, and the electrothermal converter (a linear liquid path or a right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in each of the above-mentioned specifications, U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat.
A configuration using the specification of Japanese Patent No. 9600 is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 123670/1984, which discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and an opening for absorbing pressure waves of thermal energy. The present invention is also effective as a configuration based on Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 138461/1984 that discloses a configuration in which the holes correspond to the discharge portions.

Further, as a full line type recording head having a length corresponding to the width of the maximum recording medium that can be recorded by the recording device section, the length is determined by combining a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above-mentioned specification. Either a configuration that satisfies the above or a configuration as a single recording head that is integrally formed may be used, but by adopting these configurations, the present invention can be more effectively exerted. in addition,
A print head of a replaceable chip tank that can be electrically connected to the apparatus main body or supplied with ink from the apparatus main body by being attached to the apparatus main body, or a cartridge provided integrally with the print head itself The present invention is also effective when a type of recording head is used. It is preferable to add recovery means for the print head, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like, which are provided as components of the printing apparatus of the present invention, since the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. .

More specifically, a capping unit, a cleaning unit, a pressurizing or suctioning unit, a preheating unit using an electrothermal transducer or another heating element or a combination thereof, for the recording head. Performing a preliminary ejection mode in which ejection is performed separately from printing is also effective for performing stable printing. Further, the recording mode of the recording device section is not limited to recording only the mainstream color such as black, but may be configured integrally with the recording head or by combining a plurality of recording heads. It is extremely effective that the apparatus has at least one of the following.

As described above, an electronic image can be printed anytime and anywhere by using a printer and a digital still camera in the same housing and driven by a battery. Therefore, it is desirable to apply the present invention. In particular, compared to the case where only a printer is driven by a battery, power for photographing is also required and power consumption is severe. Therefore, application of the present invention is desirable.

<Fifth Embodiment> A printing system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print system according to the present invention. Captured image data is C
It is recorded in F3101. The user operates the GUI operation unit 3
Various operations are performed by operating 110. The GUI operation unit 3110 is connected to the GUI control unit 3107, and
The I control unit 3107 interprets a user operation according to a situation, sends a command to each unit via the bus 3104, and implements a user request.

To print the recorded image, the user selects the image to be printed and specifies the number of prints. Specifically, the user operates the GUI operation unit 3110 to display an image selection screen. At this time, the user operation is interpreted by the GUI operation unit 3107, and the GUI operation unit 3107 issues an image display command to the image selection unit 3106. The image selection unit 3106 issues an instruction to the IO control unit 3102 to read out the currently selected image data. IO control unit 31
02 reads data of the designated image from the CF 3101 and sends the image data to the display unit 3108 via the bus 3104. The display unit 3108 displays the sent image data.

The user can select the display format of the screen on the GUI operation unit 3107. Display one image on display unit 3
There is a format in which the display is performed using substantially the entirety of the display 108, and a format in which a plurality of reduced images are collectively displayed on the display unit 3108 simultaneously. If the format for displaying a plurality of images at a time has been selected, the image selection unit 3106 outputs the necessary amount of image data
The O control unit 3102 sends the required image data to the display unit 3108.

The user selects an image to be printed while viewing the image displayed on display portion 3108. If the image being displayed is to be printed, the selection button of the GUI operation unit 3110 is pressed, and the number of copies is subsequently specified. To select the next image, the user presses the image advance button of the GUI operation unit 3110 to display the next image, and repeats the same operation as necessary. When the selection of the image is completed, the user presses the selection end button of the GUI operation unit 3110 to terminate the image selection operation, and the print designation file of FIG. 16 in which the file name and the number of the selected images are described is stored in the CF 3101. .

FIG. 16 shows a print designation file of the print system according to the present invention. The print specification file is composed of text character strings, and is designed so that print specification files created by different devices can be handled. The print specification file treats a line from the beginning of a sentence to a line feed character as one line, and treats one line as one record. A section is composed of a plurality of records, and a print designation file is composed of a plurality of sections. Reference numeral 3201 denotes a character string indicating the start of a header section that is allowed to exist only once in one print specification file. As indicated by 3202, the date and time of creation of this print designation file is described in the header section. Reference numeral 3203 denotes a character string indicating the start of the job section. The job section describes a job ID of 3204, a print type of 3205, a number of prints of 3206, and an image file name of 3207, respectively. One job section is formed for each image for which printing is specified, and a plurality of job sections are repeated as necessary.

FIG. 19 shows a screen for starting or restarting printing. G after the user finishes printing
When a print button is pressed on the UI operation unit 3110, a screen as shown in FIG. 19 is displayed on the display unit 3108.
Here, when the cursor key of the GUI operation unit 3110 is operated to select “OK” and the enter button of the GUI operation unit 3110 is pressed, a print command is issued by the GUI control unit 3107, and the image selection unit 3106 is controlled by the IO control unit. A print designation file as shown in FIG. Subsequently, the read print designation file is analyzed to obtain the designated image file name and the number of prints. The image selection unit 3106 reads the designated image file from the CF 3101 through the IO control unit 3102, and sends the read image file to the print data generation unit 3105 together with the number of prints. The print data generation unit 3105 generates print data from the transmitted image data, and sends the print data to the printer via the communication unit 3109. If the specified number of prints is plural, the print data is repeatedly transmitted to the printer by the number of prints. This is performed for all the job sections described in the print specification file.

FIG. 17 is a data configuration diagram showing the printing status of the printing system according to the present invention. One data block is created corresponding to the print specification file shown in FIG.
101. Each of the data 3301 to 3306 has a data length of 4 bytes. Reference numeral 3301 denotes a flag indicating the validity of the entire data block. When a value other than 0 is entered here, the data is valid.
When 0 is entered, the data 3302 to 3306 are treated as meaningless. When printing is newly started, a value other than 0 is always stored, and when printing for all jobs specified in the print specification file is completed normally, 0 is stored. 3302
The file creation date and time indicated by the print designation file 3202 in FIG. 16 is stored. Reference numeral 3303 stores the file size of the print designation file. Reference numeral 3304 stores the number of job sections existing in the print designation file. Reference numeral 3305 stores the total number of prints of all job sections existing in the print designation file. Each data 3302 to 3305 is 3301
Is updated when printing is started with the flag of. Reference numeral 3306 stores the number of prints already completed in the print being executed at that time. However, if the print being executed at that time was restarted halfway, it indicates how many prints from the first print designation file have been completed. 330
The data No. 6 is updated each time one print is completed.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of a print restart process of the print system according to the present invention. In 3401, if the print status data as shown in FIG. If it does not exist, create a new one. When a new print job is created, it is assumed that there is no print job to be restarted. Also,
The print specification file is also read out at the same time, and it is checked whether the image file specified in each job section exists in the CF 3101. If there is an image file that does not exist, the job section is deleted. In this case, since the file creation date and time, the number of jobs, and the total number of prints are different, it is necessary to check the restart job in step 3402. At 3402, the validity of the print status data read at 3401 is checked. If print status data does not exist in 3401 and new data is created, it is treated as if there was no restart job. If the print status data can be read in 3401, the contents are checked by the 3103 data comparison unit. Here, not only is it checked whether the flag of 3301 is 0, but also CF3
The print designation file is read from 101, and all items such as the date and time of creation of the print designation file, the file size, the number of jobs, and the total number of prints are compared with the values stored as print status data. If any one of them has a difference, the print status data read out as not being able to be properly resumed is discarded, the print resume is not permitted, and all prints can only be started from the beginning. If you reset the print settings or delete an image file for which print has been specified between the time the print was interrupted and restarted, data that conflicts with the stored print status data will be detected, so restart printing. It is treated as if there was no print job to be done.

In this way, it is possible to flexibly cope with operations such as re-designating a print or erasing a file for which a print has been designated between the time the printing is interrupted and the time the printing is resumed. By preventing printing from being restarted when data is changed before and after, printing that is not intended by the user can be prevented from being performed without permission.

As a method of checking whether the print designation has been changed during the interruption of printing, a print designation file is duplicated when printing is newly started, saved in a camera or a printer, and copied and saved when printing is resumed. A method may be used in which the file is compared with the designated file, and if the file is the same, the restart of printing is permitted. However, as the number of images to be designated for printing increases, the size of the designated printing file also increases, the storage space required for copying and saving increases, and the processing time for comparing files also increases. I will. If the required storage area becomes large, the storage area becomes insufficient, so that information necessary for resuming printing cannot be stored, and printing may not be resumed. According to the method of this embodiment, since the amount of information to be stored is constant and smaller than the size of the print designation file, there is an advantage that the required storage area is small and the time required for the data comparison processing is short. If it is determined in step 3402 that there is no resume job, "Restart" in FIG.
The button is not displayed and the user cannot select to resume printing. If it is determined in 3402 that there is a resumed job, “Resume” in FIG. 19 is displayed, and the cursor has selected “Resume”. As a result, the user can select to resume printing only by making a single input with the "SET button" or the like, and the operation at the time of resuming is smooth.

This not only means that the operation can be performed smoothly but also that the printing is performed from the beginning can be prevented without restarting by mistake. That is, by omitting the operation of selecting "Resume" as much as possible, it is possible to reduce operation errors such as selecting "Cancel".

When the user selects and executes “resume” using the GUI operation unit 3110, a search is made for a job section to be resumed in 3403. Since the number of sheets already printed by the previous print job is stored in 3306, the job section of the print designation file shown in FIG. 16 is searched from the beginning of the file.
The designated number of prints for each job section is added and compared with the number of printed sheets stored in 3306 to determine the job section to be restarted.

If the previous print processing was interrupted during the printing of the job section in which the print processing was interrupted, the sum of the number of printed sheets and the designated number of prints for each job section does not match. In this case, the job section when the sum of the specified number of prints for each job section exceeds the number of prints for the first time is set as the current job section, and the total number of prints specified and the number of prints up to the job section preceding that job section Is the number of prints in the current job section, the value is subtracted from the designated number of prints in the current job section in 3405 to determine the number of prints in the current job section this time. At this point, the point at which the print job on the print designation file is restarted is determined. When the point at which the print job is to be resumed is determined, printing is performed at 3406. The image file name is read from the current job section, the print data is transmitted to the printer as described above with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, and the printing is executed. When the printing of one sheet is completed, it is checked at 3407 whether a print interruption instruction has been issued.

During the execution of printing, a print execution screen as shown in FIG. The user can interrupt the printing by selecting the “stop” button by operating the GUI operation unit and pressing the enter button.

The print interruption instruction is issued when the user presses the print interruption button on the GUI operation unit 3110,
If the print system is driven by a battery and the battery check determines that there is not enough remaining battery power to continue printing, it is issued by the system. The reason that the print suspension instruction is delayed until the printing of one sheet is completed is that if the printing is interrupted during the printing of one sheet, the printing ends incompletely.
This is to avoid waste of print paper and ink, which is avoided. If the battery capacity suddenly drops and the printing of one sheet is likely to be interrupted before it is completed, the paper is discharged with priority and the paper is discharged during printing. It is better to prevent stoppage. Especially, in the thermal transfer recording type printer used in the above description, since the thermal sublimation ink and the overcoat are pressed against the paper, if the printing is interrupted during the printing, the ink and the paper are stuck and cannot be removed. There is a risk that it will. This can cause equipment failure and render the ink film unusable.

If it is determined in step 3407 that there is no print interruption instruction, printing is continued. 3408
Check if the number of prints to be executed in the current job section has been printed. That is, it is determined whether the same image should be further printed. If printing of the same image has not been completed, the process returns to 3406, and printing is repeated by the same processing.

If it is determined at 3408 that the printing of the same image has already been completed, the next job section is read at 3409. The job section described next to the current job section on the print specification file in FIG. 16 is set as a new current job section. If the new current job section can be read, the next print job will exist.
At 410, it is determined that the print processing should be continued, and the process returns to 3406 to continue the print processing. If a plurality of prints are specified in the new current job section, the processes of 3406, 3407, and 3408 are repeated as many times as necessary.

If it is determined in 3410 that there is no next job, the print status data is updated in 3411 and the CF3
Then, the print processing is ended and the print processing ends. When the process reaches 3411 via 3410, all print jobs specified in the print specification file have been completed, and there is no restart job for the next time. Therefore, it is only necessary to set the flag of the print status data 3301 to 0 and invalidate the other data, so that it is not necessary to update the other data only by setting the flag of the 3301 to 0.

If a print interruption instruction is detected at 3407 during execution of the print processing, the next print is not started, and the print status data is updated at 3411. At this time, if the number of printed sheets matches the total number of prints in 3305, all the prints have been completed, so the flag of 3301 is set to 0, and the other data is not updated. To CF310
1 and the print processing ends.

If all the prints have not been completed, the flag of the print status data 3301 in FIG. 17 is set to a value other than 0, the number of prints up to the present is stored in the number of prints 3306, and the print status data is stored. CF3
Then, the print processing is ended and the print processing ends. If it is determined in 3402 that there is no resume job, 3404
In FIG. 16, the print designation data is read from the beginning, and printing is started from 3406 with the first job section as the current job. Thereafter, the processing is the same as when there is a restart job.

The present invention is particularly effective when a plurality of jobs are described in print control information for printing a plurality of images. This is because, compared to printing a plurality of images of the same type, in particular, an image that has been compressed and recorded needs to be expanded a plurality of times, so that power consumption is higher and printing is more likely to be interrupted. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the interruption of printing due to power consumption, but can also be applied to interruption due to shortage of printing paper or deterioration of printing conditions such as condensation or heat generation.

In the above-described embodiment, the interruption information is recorded in the RAM or the memory card in the camera when the battery voltage becomes low. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each time printing of one image is completed, the settings that have been completed may be recorded. This is because when the battery is cold or the battery performance itself has deteriorated, the voltage may suddenly drop. In such a case, it is better to record each time one image is printed. This is because interruption information can be reliably left.

The present invention is particularly effective when the camera and the printer are connected by a cable having a power line in the above embodiment. This is because the provision of the power line makes it possible to flexibly cope with a mode in which the power of one device is used and the battery is excessively consumed. The type of printer to which the present invention is applied may be an inkjet printer or an electrophotographic laser beam printer.

The present invention can be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.) or an apparatus composed of one device (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine). May be applied.

The software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is provided in an apparatus or a computer in the system connected to the various devices so as to operate the various devices so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiment. The present invention also includes a program code supplied and implemented by operating a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus according to a stored program to operate the various devices.

In this case, the program code itself of the software realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to the computer, for example, the program code The storage medium storing the information constitutes the present invention.

Examples of a storage medium for storing such a program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a CD-R.
An OM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the supplied program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the program code is
Even when the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized in cooperation with an OS (Operating System) running on a computer or other application software, such program codes are included in the embodiments of the present invention. No.

Further, the supplied program code is stored in a memory provided in a function expansion board of the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, and then stored in the function expansion board or the function storage unit based on the instruction of the program code. It is needless to say that the present invention also includes a case where a provided CPU or the like performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0112]

As described above, according to the present invention, even when printing of a plurality of sheets is interrupted in the middle, continuous printing can be performed based on the information in the storage means. Can be selectively printed out. When the system is started up, it is possible to immediately enter the continuous printing mode by checking the information in the storage means.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart 1 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a sheet according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a connection state of the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic system block diagram of the camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic memory map of the camera system according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart at the time of printing according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a printing flowchart when starting up the system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart at the time of printing according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic system block diagram of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart at the time of printing according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of an ink jet recording apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram of a central sectional view of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print system according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows a print designation file of the print system according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a data configuration diagram showing a printing status of a printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a print restart process of the print system according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a screen for resuming printing of the printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a screen for interrupting printing by the printing system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Apparatus main body 2 Paper cassette 3 Paper feed roller 4 Transport roller pair 5 Platen roller 6 Thermal head 7 Ink cassette 8 Ink sheet 9-1 Discharge roller 1 9-2 Discharge roller 2 10 Recording paper edge detection sensor 11 SW2 signal 12 Perforation 13 Temporary storage image memory means 14 Print information memory means 4-2 Pinch roller 4-1 Grip roller 15 Guide section 16 Margin section 17 Printing area 18 Processing circuit 19 Control means 20 Spring 21 Push-up plate 22 Head arm 23 Head cover A 24 Head cover B 25 Paper transport guide section 26 Paper discharge tray section 27 Cable DC Digital camera DCLCD Digital camera liquid crystal screen 501 CPU 502 ROM 503 RAM 504 EEPROM 505 CF control section 506 CF I / F connector section 50 Printer communication control unit 508 Printer I / F connector unit 509 Camera control unit 510 CCD 511 LCD 515 Printer control unit 516 Printer engine 517 Mode setting unit 518 Various switches 3101 CF (memory card) 3102 IO control unit 3103 Data comparison unit 3104 Bus 3105 print data generation unit 3106 image selection unit 3107 GUI control unit 3108 display unit 3109 communication unit 3110 GUI operation unit 3201 to 3207 items described in the print specification file 3301 to 3306 items of print status data 3401 to 3411 Shows the flow of processing. Flowchart steps

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Claims (36)

[Claims] 1. A printing system for continuously printing a plurality of images based on print setting information having at least information for designating an image to be printed, wherein the image data having the setting to be printed is provided. Input means for inputting image data, printing means for printing the image data input by the input means, and interruption information relating to the print settings that have been completed by the interruption when the printing based on the print setting information is interrupted. Storage means for performing printing based on the print setting information based on the interruption information stored in the storage means. 2. The print system according to claim 1, wherein said input means inputs image data from an external digital camera. 3. The print system according to claim 1, wherein the print setting information includes a job for printing a plurality of types of images. 4. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the interruption is an interruption due to a decrease in power supply capability. 5. The print system according to claim 1, wherein the interruption is an interruption due to a shortage of print paper. 6. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit is driven by a battery. 7. The print system according to claim 1, wherein the interruption information is recorded in a nonvolatile memory of an external digital camera. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes a verification unit configured to verify whether the print setting information changes before and after the interruption. Print system. 9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control unit does not resume printing based on the interruption information when the verification unit determines that the print setting information has changed. The printing system according to 1. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the interruption information is updated each time printing of one image is completed and is recorded in the storage unit. Printing system. 11. The digital camera is connected by a connection line having a power supply line, and the printing unit is supplied with power from a power supply of the digital camera via the connection line. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10. 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes a determination unit configured to determine whether the memory card has been changed before and after the interruption. Printing system. 13. The printing system according to claim 12, wherein when the determination unit determines that the memory card has been changed, printing based on the interruption information is not restarted. 14. The print system according to claim 12, wherein the change of the memory card includes a case where information stored in the memory card changes. 15. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the printing unit interrupts printing while outputting an image on one recording sheet, the recording sheet in the middle of printing is ejected. A printing system according to claim 1. 16. A printing method for continuously printing a plurality of images based on print setting information having at least information for designating an image to be printed, wherein the image data set to be printed is provided. An input step of inputting the image data, a print step of printing the image data input in the input step, and when the printing based on the print setting information is interrupted, the interruption information regarding the print setting that has been completed by the interruption. A printing method, comprising: a storage step of storing; and a control step of controlling to restart printing based on the print setting information based on the interruption information stored in the storage step. 17. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inputting step includes inputting image data from an external digital camera.
3. The printing method according to 3. 18. The printing method according to claim 16, wherein the print setting information includes a job for printing a plurality of types of images. 19. The printing method according to claim 16, wherein the interruption is an interruption due to a decrease in power capability. 20. The printing method according to claim 16, wherein the interruption is an interruption due to a shortage of print paper. 21. The printing method according to claim 16, wherein the printing step is performed by a battery-driven printer.
0. The printing method according to any one of 0. 22. The printing method according to claim 16, wherein the storing step is recorded in a nonvolatile memory of the digital camera. 23. The method according to claim 16, wherein the control step includes a verification step of verifying whether or not the print setting information has changed before and after the interruption. How to print. 24. The printing method according to claim 23, wherein the control step does not restart printing based on the interruption information when it is recognized by the verification step that the print setting information has changed. Printing method described in. 25. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the interruption information is updated each time printing of one image is completed, and is recorded in the storing step. Printing method. 26. The method according to claim 16, wherein the control step includes a determination step of determining whether the memory card has been changed before and after the interruption. Printing method. 27. The printing method according to claim 26, wherein when it is determined in the determining step that the memory card has been changed, printing based on the interruption information is not restarted. 28. The printing method according to claim 26, wherein the change of the memory card includes a case where information stored in the memory card changes. 29. The printing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein when the printing unit interrupts printing while outputting an image on one recording sheet, the recording sheet in the middle of printing is discharged.
29. The printing method according to any one of claims 28 to 28. 30. A digital camera for continuously outputting a plurality of images based on print setting information having at least information for specifying an image to be printed, comprising: an imaging unit; and inputting the print setting information. An input unit, an output unit that outputs image data to a printer based on the print setting information, a first storage unit that stores the image data, and, when printing based on the print setting information is interrupted, A second storage unit that stores the interruption information regarding the completed print setting; and a control unit that controls, based on the interruption information stored in the storage unit, to restart printing based on the print setting information. A digital camera. 31. The digital camera according to claim 30, wherein the printer is integrated with the digital camera. 32. The digital camera according to claim 30, wherein the digital camera is driven by a battery. 33. The digital camera according to claim 30, wherein power is supplied from a power supply of the digital camera to the printer via a connection line having a power supply line. 34. A storage medium storing a computer-executable program, wherein the program has code information for executing the printing method according to any one of claims 16 to 29. Storage medium characterized by the following. 35. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program having code information for causing a computer to execute the printing method according to claim 16 when the computer is loaded into the computer. 36. A print control apparatus for controlling a printer to continuously output a plurality of images based on print setting information having information specifying at least an image to be printed, the print control information comprising: Output means for outputting image data to a printing apparatus based on the print control information, and when printing based on the print setting information is interrupted, storage control means for storing, in a memory, interrupt information on print settings that have been completed up to the interrupt. And a control unit for controlling to restart printing based on the print setting information based on the interruption information stored in the storage control unit.