JP2000190598A - Control device, printer and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer which is easy to understand the operation by anyone and capable of being simply and surely operated. SOLUTION: A region 61 for selecting a source device, a thumbnail tray 62 wherein image data included in the selected source device is indicated by a thumbnail, a region 63 for indicating an editing switch, a film tray 64 wherein an image selected for printing is indicated by a form to be printed and a region 65 wherein a switch for print-out is indicated are indicated on an operating screen 60 to be arranged from the right to the left. A user can grasp a flow of the operation from the screen at a glance, visually select the operation and confirm the result of the operation. As a result, anyone simply and surely can operate the printer and obtain the print-out of the desired image in the desired form.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus capable of recording an image on a medium and a control method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As one of media on which a color image can be recorded, as shown in FIG. 1, countless microcapsules 3a, 3a, 3a,
Recording media (hereinafter referred to as media) such as Cycolor media 1 having a photosensitive layer 6 containing b and 3c
It has been known. This medium exposes (exposes) a color image on the surface to inactivate the microcapsules in accordance with the image, and then applies pressure to break the active capsules and develop them. Further, by heating, color development is promoted to fix a color image, and a beautiful color image can be printed out on a medium. In recent years, a layer of a photosensitive material has been laminated on a film 2 made of polyester or the like.
A single-sheet composite type cycolor medium cut to a fixed size such as a plate or an A7 plate is commercially available, and a printing apparatus for color-printing this medium is under development.

The structure of the composite type cycolor medium 1 will be described in further detail. Microcapsules called thyris 3a to 3c are applied innumerably on a film 2 formed of polyester or the like. 3c includes cyan, magenta,
One of the yellow coloring substances and a sensitive substance called a photoinitiator having sensitivity to light of a specific wavelength are enclosed. Since the photoinitiator sealed in each of the thyris 3a to 3c is cured when irradiated with light of a specific wavelength, for example, light of a complementary color of each thyrist, the coloring substance sealed in the thyris according to the wavelength of the irradiated light Can be inactivated. After irradiating (exposing) light to the three-color thyristors 3a to 3c and crushing the activated thyristors 3a to 3c by applying a high pressure, the coloring material of each capsule and the coated receiver 4 And a predetermined color image is printed.

[0004] Therefore, the color medium 1 is a medium capable of color printing without requiring consumables such as toner, ink or ink ribbon.
It is a medium that can be supplied to the user at a low price because it is sufficient to provide a single layer of a photosensitive agent containing thyris. In addition, the printout has a unique gloss, and a beautiful image equivalent to a color print printed from a color negative on a conventional photographic paper can be obtained.

[0005]

In the recording process such as exposure, development and fixing, this color medium does not require a chemical solution or water, and can record a color image by a dry process. It has the great advantage that no waste liquid treatment is required. Furthermore, instead of printing a color image with two gradations of on / off per dot like an ink jet printer, a color image with multiple gradations per dot can be printed in the same way as a photograph, so subtle color reproducibility A good high-quality color image can be obtained.

[0006] Further, in the composite type color media, since the photosensitive layer is integrated with the media, there is no film for color change, and it becomes unnecessary when recording a color image on the media and is discarded. It is a medium where there is no such thing as a product. Therefore, since the consumables are only the medium on which the color image is recorded and there is no waste, the printing apparatus which can be used not only in a photo shop or a developing laboratory, but also in a home printing apparatus or various other places. It is suitable as.

Particularly, in recent years, digitized color images can be easily handled by a personal computer, a digital camera, or the like.
The opportunity to print out a plurality of color images stored in a recording medium (memory) capable of recording image data such as a flash ROM or a compact disk or a recording device (hereinafter collectively referred to as a source device) increases. ing. Therefore, not only at home or office, but also at event venues and stores, image data stored in the source device can be easily and
There is a strong demand for a printing device that can print out in a form desired by the user.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a control device for a printing apparatus, a printing apparatus, and a control method thereof, which are easy for anyone to understand and operate.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided a control device capable of controlling, via a screen, a printing device capable of selecting image data input from a source device and printing out the image data. A first area in which devices can be displayed and selected; a second area in which image data included in the source device selected in the first area is displayed as a thumbnail image; And a third area in which the image is displayed in a state where the image is printed is displayed in this order on the screen.

In this control device, the images to be operated or selected in each step are arranged in one screen in the order of operation in accordance with the steps (procedures) from the acquisition of the image data from the source device to the printing out on the medium. Will be displayed. Therefore, the user can correctly operate according to the intuitive flow. Therefore, the user can easily and definitely operate without having to read the manual in advance, learn the precautionary notes or see the help screen, and learn the operation method. Furthermore, since the screen from the selection of the source device to the printout is displayed on one screen, it is possible to redo the operation in each step or to perform the operation alone, and how the output image data changes accordingly. Can be grasped very easily.

Further, since the image data recorded on the source device and the selected image data are always displayed as images, the user can visually recognize the image to be printed out. Therefore, desired image data can be easily selected and printed out without any trouble.

Therefore, a printing apparatus equipped with such a control device and an output unit for recording and outputting an image displayed in the third area of the control device, or displaying the screen and displaying With the accompanying printing device that performs the following control, a user-friendly printing device that can be easily operated by anyone can be provided.

1. A step of displaying a control screen having the above-described configuration.

2. Displaying image data included in the source device selected in the first area in the second area;

[0015] 3. A step of selecting or editing an image displayed in the second area and displaying the image in the third area.

4. A step of printing out the image displayed in the third area.

In particular, a printing apparatus in which an output unit can record and output an image on a cut-sheet medium having a photosensitive layer provided with a microcapsule containing a color-forming substance formed on the surface, as described above. The only consumables are media, and do not require chemicals or water during the process of recording a color image on the media, and do not generate any waste such as waste liquid or garbage during the process. Therefore, maintenance other than replenishment of the medium is almost unnecessary, and there is no environmental problem such as chemical damage. For this reason, it is suitable for a printing apparatus that is installed alone in a store, event venue, office, or the like, and is shared by a plurality of users. Therefore, by adopting a control device or a control method that allows the user of the present invention to easily operate and select a desired image in a short time, color images digitized by the spread of devices such as personal computers and digital cameras can be easily obtained. It is possible to provide a printing device that meets the demand for output.

Further, a fourth area in which a function for selecting or editing an image displayed in the second area is switch-displayed, and a fifth area in which a function for printing out a third displayed image is switch-displayed. Area can be displayed on the screen along with the first to third areas. In this case, by displaying the first, second, fourth, third, and fifth areas in this order, in addition to the flow of the image,
The functions to be operated or operable in each step in accordance with the steps (procedures) up to the printout are displayed on one screen in the order of operation. Therefore, the user can more easily operate correctly.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 shows the printer 10 according to the present invention as viewed from the front. The printer 10 of the present embodiment is a stand-alone type printer developed to record a color image recorded on a source device including various types of memories or recording devices on the above-described color medium. The printer 10 includes a substantially rectangular housing 11 supported by a support leg 18 so as to be able to stand on its own. A liquid crystal panel (operation panel) 22 having a function of a control panel and a monitor panel is arranged at an upper portion, and a lower portion thereof. An input area 21 for mounting a source device in which a color image is stored is arranged on the left side of. On the right side of the input area 21, a paper discharge port 31 for outputting a color medium on which a color image is printed is arranged.

The main configuration of the printer 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the device arrangement inside the device from the right side, and FIG.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an arrangement of a layer where printing devices are installed below the layer where the liquid crystal panel 22 is installed. The upper part of the printer 10 in this example is a control section 20, and the LCD panel 2
2 is disposed on the front, and a control board 2 having substantially the same function as the personal computer motherboard is provided behind it.
5 are arranged. Therefore, this control section 20
However, it has a function as a control device for controlling the entire printer 10 including the LCD panel 22, the input devices arranged in the input area 21, the printing device, and the like.

Input area 2 located below control section 20
1 is a CD-ROM device 2 on which a CD-ROM can be mounted.
1a and a PC card device 2 to which a memory card can be attached
1b, and an APS film scanner 21c to which an APS film can be attached. CD-RO
The M device 21a can be mounted with a compact disk (CD) memory device capable of reading or inputting / outputting digital information, and can read image data and the like stored therein. The same applies to the PC card device 21b, in which a card-shaped memory device such as a ROM card or a RAM card is mounted, and information such as image data stored therein can be read. Further, the APS film scanner 21c can attach and detach a package type film (APS film) having a narrow film width and a recording magnetic layer formed on the back surface, digitize an image recorded on the APS film, and attach the APS film to the back surface. The recorded information can be read.

The printer 10 of this embodiment can mount disk devices such as a floppy disk and a hard disk in addition to these three types of different memory devices. Furthermore, it is also possible to connect to a personal computer locally or to a network via a printer cable and a LAN. Therefore, a computer having these memories or a recording function can be used as a source device for image data.

On the same level as the input area 21, devices constituting the output unit 30 of the printer 10 of this embodiment are arranged.
From the rear 13 to the front 12, a cartridge 32 for accommodating a plurality of media 1, a photosensitive stage 33, a pressure developing unit 34, and a paper discharge tray 35 are sequentially arranged in a substantially linear manner. A halogen lamp 36 for fixing is installed above the paper discharge tray 35, so that the color medium 1 can be taken out from the paper discharge port 31 when the fixing is completed. Further, a projector-type exposure device 41 is disposed below the housing 11.
The light beam emitted from the exposure device 41 is
3 is projected on the medium 1, and a desired image (latent image) is formed on the medium 1. In this example, a mirror 44 for bending the light from the exposure device 41 90 degrees in the middle is provided.

Referring to FIG. 3, the printer 10 of the present embodiment will be described.
The process of recording a color image on the Psycolor medium 1 will now be described. First, in the cartridge 32, a single-sheet-shaped sycolor medium 1 cut into a predetermined size of a composite type, for example, A6 or B7 is stored. Printer 10 of this example
Is intended to be able to receive orders from a plurality of users in order, so that the size of the cartridge 32 is set so that a large amount of media can be stored. The cartridge 32 of this example has 300 to 500
It is designed to store about one sheet of media at a time.

Medium 1 stored in cartridge 32
Are the pickup roller 32a and the feed roller 3
9a guides the photosensitive stage 33 one by one in order. The photosensitive stage 33 of the present example has a shaft 33a in the paper feed direction.
Is a four-sided body rotatable around the medium, and each side thereof can hold the medium 1. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 3, the medium 1 is set on a surface facing upward on the photosensitive stage 33, and the medium 1 is exposed when the surface rotates to a position facing the exposure device 41. In the printer 10 of the present example, the projector type exposure apparatus 4
The color image projected from 1 to the medium 1 is converted into data of a color image acquired from a source device such as a memory device set in the input area 21 by the characteristics of the medium 1 and further by the projector type exposure device 41. The image is generated in consideration of characteristics and the like, and is exposure data for exposing the medium 1. Such data processing can be performed by the control board 25, or can be processed by the control unit of the exposure apparatus 41 or the like.

When exposure of one medium 1 is completed, the photosensitive stage 33 further rotates in the same direction, and a plurality of media are exposed in order. When the surface holding the exposed medium 1 faces upward, the exposed medium 1 is fed in the direction of the pressure developing unit 34, and the unexposed medium 1 is supplied from the cartridge 32 instead. In the pressure developing unit 34, the two units which are arranged vertically and which are
The medium 1 is guided between the two pressure rollers 34a and 34b, and the medium is pressed. As a result, the microcapsules which remain in an inactive state during exposure are crushed, and the color-forming reaction in the process described above occurs.
The pressurized and developed medium 1 is further fed by a feeder 39 b and guided to a discharge tray 35.

A halogen lamp 36 serving as a heat source and a light source is provided above the discharge tray 35 so that the medium 1 fed to the discharge tray 35 is irradiated with heat rays and light rays from above. Has become. Therefore, the medium exposed and pressurized and developed inside the discharge tray 35 is heated and fixed, and a desired color image appears on the medium 1. The discharge tray 35 is irradiated with heat rays and light rays from above, so that the media fed after the pressure development are sequentially fixed and stacked. Then, when a series of printing ordered by the user is completed, the discharge port 31
Can be opened to take out the psuedo media stored in the paper discharge tray 35.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method of operating the printer 10 of this embodiment. 6 to 8
2 shows a screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel 22 arranged in the control section 20. In the printer 10 of this example, first, at step 51, the screen 60 shown in FIG. The screen 60 is mainly composed of five areas 61 to 65.
Through 65 are arranged side by side in the left and right directions of the liquid crystal panel 22.

The leftmost area 61 is an area (first area) for selecting a source device.
Source devices that can be selected with 0 are displayed vertically in a line. In the printer 10 of the present embodiment, a CD-ROM, a photo-CD, a floppy disk, a smart media, a compact flash card, an APS scanner, a hard disk, and a network computer can be selected as source devices. , Symbols, images or graphics corresponding to these are displayed in order from the top. Further, the liquid crystal panel 22 of the present example has a function as a touch panel, and the periphery of the image displaying each source device is defined as a switch (button) for selecting a source device corresponding to the image and a section 61a that functions. Have been. Therefore, the user can perform the operation of selecting the source device shown in step 52 of FIG. 5 by touching the button section 61a on which the desired source device is displayed with a fingertip or the like.

A space 62 on the right side of the area 61 is an area (thumbnail tray, second area) for displaying image data recorded on the selected source device as a thumbnail image. As shown in step 53 in FIG. 5, when a source device is selected, image data is read from a source device of any of the input devices arranged in the input area 21 or a source device connected by a cable or the like, The content is displayed as a reduced thumbnail. Depending on the source device, image data for displaying a thumbnail in addition to image data of a resolution to be printed out may be prepared in advance. If image data for thumbnails is not prepared, the printer 10
To create image data for thumbnails from image data for printout, and display them on the thumbnail tray 62.

FIG. 7 shows a state where the thumbnail 62 a is displayed on the thumbnail tray 62. Screen 6 of this example
0, the area of the thumbnail tray 62 is relatively large and the reduced size thumbnail 62a is stored in this area.
By displaying the images in an array, a large portion of the image data included in the selected source device can be displayed collectively. If not, a ruler 62b is displayed at the right end of the thumbnail tray 62,
By operating the ruler 62b with a fingertip or the like, thumbnails that cannot be displayed can be displayed in order.

Each of the thumbnails 62a displayed on the thumbnail tray 62 is recognized as a button. Therefore, in the operation of selecting a thumbnail in step 54 shown in FIG. 5, the user can select the image by touching the desired thumbnail 62a with a fingertip or the like. Then, the selected thumbnail 6
An image 64a to be printed is displayed on the film tray 64 by the image data corresponding to 2a. As shown in FIG. 8, the film tray 64
2 is located on the right side of the area 63 where the edit button is displayed.

The area 63 on the right side of the thumbnail tray 62
Is an area (a fourth area) in which the editing button 70 is arranged. Then, the thumbnail image selected in the thumbnail tray 62 is edited according to the conditions set in the editing area 63, and the image in that state is displayed on the film tray 64. In the editing area 63 of this example, a rotation button 71, a trimming button 72,
Five buttons or a group of buttons, a number designation button 73, an enlarged display button 74, and an all-selection button 75, are displayed.

FIG. 9 shows each editing button. The rotation button 71 shown in FIG. 9A determines whether to rotate the image 90 degrees clockwise when copying (printing out). This is used when, for example, a vertically long image displayed on the thumbnail tray 62 is rotated clockwise by 90 degrees to fit the outer shape of print paper. In this example, three buttons are prepared: an automatic determination button 71a, a 90-degree forced right rotation button 71b, and a rotation prohibition button 71c. When the automatic determination button 71a is pressed, the presence or absence of rotation is automatically determined according to the aspect ratio of the image so that the longer one matches the longitudinal direction of the print paper.
The button 71b for forced rotation is set to 90 regardless of the aspect ratio.
Rotate degrees. Further, the rotation prohibition button 71c is not rotated regardless of the aspect ratio. These buttons 71a,
Once any of 71b and 71c is operated,
The editing mode is maintained unless another button is operated. Therefore, the image selected on the thumbnail tray 62 is edited in the editing mode specified by the button, and is displayed on the film tray 64 in a state after the editing.

The trimming button 72 shown in FIG.
Selects how to paste the image on the print paper. In this example, two buttons of a full size 72a and a cut size 72b are prepared. When the full size button 72a is pressed, the image is automatically scaled up or down to a size such that all of the image is printed on print paper. The surplus area of the print paper whose size does not match the image becomes a white margin.
On the other hand, when the user presses the cut size 72b, the image is enlarged or reduced so that the image does not have a margin. If there is a portion that protrudes from the print paper, the image of that portion is cut and discarded. Film tray 64
Displays the image edited in full size or cut size, so that the user can confirm the state of printing before the image is printed out.

The number designation button 73 shown in FIG.
Specifies the number of printouts of the selected image. For this purpose, an up / down switch 73a and a window 73b for displaying the selected number are provided.

The enlarged display button 74 shown in FIG.
Is used to enlarge and display the image on the thumbnail tray 62. When the enlarged display button 74 is pressed, the thumbnail 6 displayed on the thumbnail tray 62 is displayed.
When any one of 2a is selected, the screen is switched, and the selected image is enlarged and displayed to a size that can be almost printed. Then, when the display screen is touched again, the original display screen 60 is displayed.
Return to

The select all button 75 shown in FIG.
This is used when copying all the images displayed on the thumbnail tray 62 to the film tray 64.

In this way, the thumbnail 62a selected in step 54 of the operation flow of FIG.
5 is copied to a film tray (third area) 64. The film tray 64 of the present example is an area of a film image in which a percolation 69 is displayed on both sides, and an image of the selected thumbnail 62a is displayed as an image output on print paper. Even if the thumbnail 62a is displayed on the film tray 64, the state of the thumbnail 62a displayed on the thumbnail tray 62 does not change, and the same thumbnail 62a can be copied to the film tray 64 under different editing conditions. It is also possible to change the source device displayed in the first area 61, select images of a plurality of source devices on the same film tray 64, and print the images in one job.

A third area 65 on the right side of the film tray 64 is an area (fifth area) 65 on which a switch for printing out is displayed. Printer 1 of this example
0 is a delete button 77 in the switch operation area 65.
And a print button 78 are arranged vertically, and a window 79 for displaying the number of selected images on the film tray 64 is arranged between them.

The delete button 77 shown in FIG.
A button 77 for canceling the image once copied to the film tray 64, and for deleting one image at a time.
a, and an all delete button 77b for deleting all the images copied to the film tray 64. With the single image deletion button 77a pressed, the film tray 64
Touching any of the images copied to the device deletes the image. When the delete all button 77b is pressed, touching any of the images copied to the film tray 64 deletes all the images.

The print button 78 shown in FIG.
Is a switch for instructing the printing operation in step 56 in FIG. When an image to be printed is selected on the film tray 64, a print button 78 is displayed.
When is pressed, the images on the film tray 64 are sequentially printed out on the medium 1 by the output unit 30 of the printer 10. Then, as the printing process proceeds, the images copied to the film tray 64 gradually disappear. When the printout of all the images is completed, the film tray 64 becomes empty and the film tray 64 can be selected from the thumbnail tray 62.

As described above, on the display panel 22 for operating the printer 10 of this embodiment, the areas 61 to 65 for operating from selection of a source device and selection of an image to printing out are displayed on the same screen 60. Therefore,
The user can view and operate the operation screen 60 on the plane hierarchy. Further, an area 6 for selecting a source device
1, a thumbnail tray 62, an edit button area 63, a film tray 64, and a print button area 65
They are displayed in order from left to right according to the flow of operation. In particular, an area 61 for selecting a source device indicating the flow of image data, a thumbnail tray 62 and a film tray 64 are arranged so that images flow from left to right. Therefore, the user can visually grasp the flow of the operation, and can intuitively and correctly operate without reading an instruction manual or the like. For this reason, anyone can easily operate correctly without prior knowledge, and can print out a desired image without any hassle.

Further, these areas 61 to 65 are displayed in the order of operation, and when operated, the result appears on the thumbnail tray 62 or the film tray 64 as needed.
Therefore, there is no operation of the character dialogue, the operation is performed according to an intuitive flow, and the result can be surely confirmed visually. Further, the image data is not character information such as a file name or data name, but is displayed as a thumbnail or printed image information on the screen 60.
Will be dealt with. Therefore, the user can visually grasp the selection and editing of the image data, so that the operation is simple and there is no mistake.

Also, on the screen 60 of the printer of this embodiment, the functions of the operation switches are displayed in a form that does not use characters such as symbols or graphics, so that each function can be visually grasped. It is possible. Further, since the touch panel-type operation panel 22 is used, a desired switch can be operated without any doubt.

Further, since the respective areas 61 to 65 are arranged in a plane, the contents of the operation and the result thereof are displayed together, so that even if there is an error, the cause thereof can be easily grasped. These areas 61 to 65
Are displayed on the same screen 60, so that the operation of a certain portion can be freely performed without any trouble. That is, since it is not necessary to switch the screen in order to return to the previous state or the state where the operation is repeated, it is necessary to look at the images displayed on the thumbnail tray 62 and the film tray 64 and also to see the state of all the edit switches. , The user can operate freely.

As described above, the operation flow is intuitively understood on the operation panel 22 of the printer 10 according to the present embodiment, all the operation results are displayed in an image, and the user can freely perform the operation again while observing all the states. The operation screen 60 incorporates various elements for realizing a user-friendly environment such as the operation screen. Therefore, the user can easily print out a desired image by operating while looking at the operation panel 22.

Further, the printer 10 of the present embodiment is a high-speed color printer employing a projector type exposure device 41, and does not require replenishment of toner, ink, and the like by using a cyclo-color medium, and also performs other maintenance. Very simple. Therefore, it is suitable to be installed and used in a place where a plurality of users can use it, for example, a market, an event hall, a store, and the like. For this reason, by displaying the above-mentioned very easy-to-understand operation screen 60 on the operation panel 22, even a user unfamiliar with the operation of a personal computer or the like can easily operate it in a short time. Therefore, a printer suitable for printing out a desired color image by a plurality of users in a place where users of various backgrounds gather can be realized.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the description is based on a printing apparatus that prints out on a color medium suitable for installation in a store or the like, but the printing apparatus to which the present invention can be applied is Not limited. For example,
The control device of the present invention can be applied to a printer including various types of output units such as a sublimation type, a color laser, an ink jet, and a fusion type, and an operation environment that is extremely easy for a user to understand can be realized. Of course, the size of the medium (print paper) is not limited to a small size such as A6, but may be B6 or larger, or A
Of course, the size may be 7 or less.

The above-described screen can be used as an interface for operating the printer from a personal computer to which the printer is connected, without being limited to the printer having a control device. In that case, software capable of realizing the operation flow shown in FIG. 5 can be included in a printer driver or the like and installed on a personal computer. Such software can be recorded and supplied on a suitable computer-readable recording medium, and a computer network such as the Internet is also included in the recording medium.
Further, it is also possible to provide the printer with a function as an HTML server so that the above-described screen display and the accompanying operation can be realized on a browser operated on a personal computer.

Further, in the above example, an area 61 for selecting a source device, a thumbnail tray 62, an area 63 on which an edit button is displayed, an area 65 on which a film tray 64 and a print button are displayed are displayed on the screen 60 from left to right. Although the example in which these areas are arranged is described, even if these areas 61 to 65 are arranged vertically, the operation flow can be sufficiently grasped. Further, a symbol or graphic indicating a function such as a source device or an edit button is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. Further, the type of source device, the editing function, and the like are not limited to the above-described example, and it goes without saying that the type of source device and the editing function can be increased or decreased.

In this embodiment, a touch panel type operation panel is described as an example. However, it is needless to say that a control device or a printing device capable of selecting respective images or operation buttons with a pointing device or the like may be used. It is.

Further, the control device may have an editing button or a printing button arranged outside the screen. In such a control device, the area 63 where the above-mentioned edit button is displayed and the area 65 where the print button is displayed are not displayed on the screen, or
It will be displayed intensively in the form of a menu bar. Even in such a screen, the flow of the operation for selecting an image is based on the first area for selecting the source device,
The thumbnail tray, which is the area, and the film tray, which is the third area, are arranged in a plane on the same screen in order, so that it is obvious. Therefore, a control device using such a screen also has sufficient operability. Also, anyone can easily display an image, select a desired image from the displayed images, and see at a glance how the selected image is printed. Therefore, the printing device
Anyone can easily and definitely operate it.

[0054]

As described above, in the control device of the present invention or the printing apparatus equipped with the control device,
The area from the source device selection area to the image selection and printout area is displayed on a single screen in a two-dimensional manner, making it possible to intuitively grasp the flow of operation. It is also possible to visually select an operation and check the operation result. Therefore, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus that can be easily and reliably operated by anyone, regardless of the level of the user, and that can print out a desired image in a desired form, and a control method thereof.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a psy-color medium.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a printer for a cycolor medium according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a device arrangement inside the printer illustrated in FIG. 1 from the right side.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a device arrangement inside the printer shown in FIG. 1 from above.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the printer shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on a liquid crystal panel of the printer shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state after a source device is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state after a thumbnail is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a diagram extracting and showing a button for editing on the screen shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a print button extracted from the screen illustrated in FIG. 6;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Media 3 Microcapsule (Siris) 6 Photosensitive agent layer 10 Printer 11 Housing 20 Control section (Control device) 21 Input area 22 Operation panel 25 Control board 30 Output part 31 Paper discharge port 32 Cartridge 33 Photosensitive stage 34 Pressure development unit 35 Discharge Tray 36 Halogen Lamp 41 Projector Type Exposure Device 60 Control Screen 61 Source Device Selection Area 62 Thumbnail Tray 63 Area where Edit Button is Displayed 64 Film Tray 65 Area where Print Button is Displayed

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A control device capable of controlling, via a screen, a printing device capable of selecting and printing out image data input from a source device, comprising: a first region capable of displaying and selecting a source device; A second area in which image data included in the source device selected in the first area is displayed as a thumbnail image; and a third area in which the selected image in the second area is displayed in a printed state. Are displayed in the screen in this order. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a fourth area in which a function of selecting or editing an image displayed in the second area is switch-displayed; and an image displayed in the third area. A control device having a fifth area in which a function for printing out is displayed as a switch, and the first, second, fourth, third, and fifth areas are displayed on the screen in this order. 3. A printing apparatus comprising: the control device according to claim 1; and an output unit that prints out an image displayed in the third area of the control device. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the output unit is capable of outputting an image to a cut-sheet medium having a photosensitive layer provided with a microcapsule containing a coloring substance formed on a surface thereof. Printing device. 5. A method for controlling a printing apparatus capable of selecting and printing out image data input from a source device, comprising: a first area in which a source device can be displayed and selected on a control screen; A second area in which image data included in the source device selected in the first area is displayed as a thumbnail image, and a third area in which the selected image in the second area is displayed in a printed state A first step of arranging and displaying the areas in this order; a second step of displaying image data included in the source device selected in the first area in the second area; A third step of selecting or editing an image displayed in the third area and displaying the selected image in the third area, and a fourth step of printing out the image displayed in the third area. Sign Method of controlling the apparatus. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, in the fourth step, a photosensitive layer provided with microcapsules containing a color-forming substance is displayed in the third area on a cut-sheet medium having a surface formed thereon. A method for controlling a printing apparatus, comprising printing out an image that has been printed. 7. A control program for a printing apparatus capable of selecting and printing out image data input from a source device, comprising: a first area capable of displaying and selecting a source device on a control screen; A second area in which image data included in the source device selected in the first area is displayed as a thumbnail image, and a third area in which the selected image in the second area is displayed in a printed state. A second process of displaying image data included in the source device selected in the first region in the second region; and a second process of displaying image data included in the source device selected in the first region in the second region. Instruction capable of executing a third process of selecting or editing an image displayed in the region and displaying the image in the third region, and a fourth process of printing out the image displayed in the third region To A computer-readable recording medium in which control program is characterized in that it is recorded that.