JP2000326565A - Printer and control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely prevent an image data recorded on a recording medium from being erased by providing means for controlling a data read means and a memory means to read out an image data from a recording medium and to store the read out image data when the recording medium is loaded. SOLUTION: In a street installation printer, an incorporated CPU controls a charging section when a bill or a coin is thrown into a charge throw-in opening 2DZ made in a housing 2 and image information recorded on a recording medium is printed out on a print medium. A media unit section 4 is provided with media inserting sections 4A-4C receiving a plurality of kinds of recording media. When a recording media prepared by a user is inserted into a corresponding media inserting section 4A-4C, the recording media is reproduced using a driver in a relevant media inserting section 4A-4C and then the image information is read out and stored in a recording means. Subsequently, the stored image information is printed out.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer device and a control method therefor, and is suitably applied to, for example, a street-type printer device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a street-type printer of this type, a recording medium obtained as a result of imaging by a digital camera is taken in, and an image corresponding to image information recorded on the recording medium is printed in a predetermined printing mode. One designed to print on a medium has been proposed.

In such a printer, a touch panel type monitor is provided on the front surface of a housing, an insertion section for inserting a recording medium, a billing section for inserting bills and coins, and an ejection section for ejecting a printing medium. A personal computer and a plurality of printers are built therein.

In this printer device, when a recording medium desired by a user is inserted into an insertion portion provided on a front portion of a housing, the user is required to set print contents in accordance with a print procedure displayed on a monitor. The image data is read from the recording medium as needed, and each image based on the image data is displayed on a monitor.

[0005]

However, in this printer apparatus, while the user is setting the print contents in accordance with the print procedure using the monitor, the print contents are recorded on the recording medium due to some cause (for example, power failure). Image data may be erased.

In a printing apparatus, if a user accidentally removes a recording medium while the recording medium is being accessed, image data recorded on the recording medium may be erased or destroyed. is there.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to propose a printer device and a control method thereof that can guarantee image data recorded on a recording medium.

[0008]

According to the present invention, there is provided a printer for printing an image based on image data read from a loaded recording medium on a printing medium. Data reading means for reading data, storage means for storing image data read from the recording medium by the data reading means, and when the recording medium is loaded, controlling the data reading means to read the image data from the recording medium. And a control means for controlling the storage means and storing the image data.

As a result, in this printer device, even when the image data recorded on the loaded recording medium is deleted or destroyed due to a failure or the like at the time of setting the print content, the image data is read from the storage means. Thus, an image based on the image data can be printed on a printing medium.

Further, according to the present invention, in a printer device for printing an image based on image data read from a loaded recording medium on a printing medium, an image is output from a loaded recording medium through a predetermined insertion slot. A data reading means for reading data, a lid provided to be openable and closable so as to cover the insertion opening, a detecting means for detecting the open / closed state of the lid, and a lid in a closed state based on a detection result by the detecting means In this case, control means is provided to control the data reading means to execute the image data reading operation, and to control the data reading means to stop the image data reading operation when the lid is open.

As a result, in this printer apparatus, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally removing the recording medium while the image data is being read from the loaded recording medium, and thus, the image data recorded on the recording medium can be prevented. It is possible to prevent erasure or destruction of existing image data.

Further, according to the present invention, in a control method of a printer apparatus for printing an image based on image data read from a loaded recording medium on a printing medium, the method comprises the steps of: Is read out and the image data is controlled to be stored.

As a result, according to the control method of the printer, even when the image data recorded on the loaded recording medium is erased or destroyed due to a failure or the like at the time of setting the print content, the stored image data is stored. By reading the data, an image based on the image data can be printed on a printing medium.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) Configuration of Printer Device According to the Present Embodiment In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a street-installed printer device according to the present embodiment as a whole, and an inclined surface on the front side of the upper surface 2A of the housing 2. 2AS, a display unit 3 and a media unit unit 4 are arranged, and an upper surface unit 2 of the housing 2 is provided.
A signboard part 5 for advertisement display is detachably attached to the flat surface 2AF on the rear side of A.

In the printer 1, as shown in FIG. 2, a monitor 3A having a touch panel 3AT and a plurality of press-type adjustment buttons 3B for image adjustment are provided below the monitor 3A, as shown in FIG. Is a diversion of a commercially available display device disposed on the front surface 3F, and the display device is exposed such that the monitor 3A is exposed through an opening 2AM of a predetermined size formed on the upper surface 2A of the housing 2. It is stored in the housing 2.

In this case, the upper surface 2A of the housing 2 has
A perforation hole 2AH having a predetermined diameter (for example, about 1 mm in diameter) is formed corresponding to each adjustment button 3B. As a result, when the user presses the desired adjustment button 3B through the corresponding perforated hole 2AH using a pin or the like, the display unit 3 causes the monitor 3A to press the pressed adjustment button 3B. Various image adjustment operations according to 3B can be performed.

Further, the media unit section 4 is provided with media insertion sections 4A to 4C corresponding to a plurality of types of recording media (not shown). The media insertion sections 4A to 4C correspond to the types of recording media prepared by the user. 4C insertion slot 4
By inserting the media into the AI-4CI, the recording media can be reproduced using a driver (not shown) built in the media insertion sections 4A-4C.

A door 2D is engaged with the front surface 2F of the housing 2 so as to be openable and closable in the direction of arrow a or in the opposite direction about one edge of the housing 2 as a center of rotation, and a part of the front surface 2F. Is formed. The door portion 2D is provided with a lock 2DA and a handle 2DB corresponding to the other side edge of the front surface portion 2F of the housing 2, and is locked when the door portion 2D is in a closed state, thereby performing maintenance. At times other than when the worker unlocks the lock, it is possible to prevent a user other than the worker from intentionally opening the door 2D.

As shown in FIG.
When the door unit 2D is opened using the DB, the display unit 3 and the media unit unit 4
Is provided, and the operator is informed that a personal computer (not shown), first and second printers 6 and 7, a charging unit 8 and a power supply unit 9 (FIG. 2) are provided in the lower stage. It is designed to allow visual confirmation.

The door 2D has a card outlet 2DX, a charge inlet 2DY, and a card inlet 2DX corresponding to the installation positions of the first and second printers 6 and 7 and the charging unit 8 provided inside the housing 2. A charge discharge port 2DZ is formed, of which print media (postcards, stickers, etc.) can be taken out between the first and second printers 6 and 7 via the card discharge port 2DX, and the charge discharge port 2DX is formed. Bills and coins can be inserted or removed from the charging section 8 through the input port 2DY and the charge discharge port 2DZ.

(2) Internal Configuration of Printer 1 Actually, as shown in FIG. 4, the personal computer 10 includes a display unit 3, first and second printers 6 and 7, and a media unit unit 4. , Billing unit 8
In addition, the power supply unit 9 can be controlled to a predetermined state according to the operation of the operation input unit (mouse or keyboard) 11 and the touch panel 3AT.

As shown in FIG. 5, the personal computer 10 has a so-called GUI (Graphical User Interface).
e) the touch panel 3AT as the interface 12
And the CPU 13 are sequentially connected via the bus 13 so that the operator can give various commands S1 to the CPU 14 via the touch panel 3AT.

When the recording medium is inserted into the media insertion sections 4A to 4C of the media unit section 4 and a command is given from the user, the CPU 14 reads the working program stored in the RAM 15 to start the operation processing. The image data D1 representing the printing contents and the printing procedure according to the command is read from the ROM 16 and supplied to the monitor 3A via the bus 13 and the interface 12 in order.

When a user inserts bills and / or coins through a charge slot 2DZ provided on the front surface 2F of the housing 2, the CPU 14 controls the billing unit 8. That is, the billing unit 8 includes a bill identifying unit 8A that identifies the type of bill and measures the number of each type, and a coin mechanism unit 8B that identifies the type of coin and measures the number of each type
Under the control of the CPU 14, the charging control unit 8C
However, the total amount of money inserted by the banknote recognition unit 8A and / or the coin mechanism unit 8B is determined by the user on the touch panel 3A
It is determined whether or not the charge is equal to or more than the set charge for the desired number of print media set on T.

The charging control unit 8C sends the charging approval signal S2 to the CPU 14 only when the total amount of the input is equal to or more than the set amount set on the touch panel 3AT, and when the amount of the input is larger than the set amount. Is configured to discharge the difference from the toll outlet 2DY provided on the front surface 2F of the housing 2 via the bill validating portion 8A and / or the coin mechanism portion 8B.

When the CPU 14 receives the charge authorization signal S2, the desired printing medium (post card, post card, etc.) of the printing contents set by the user in the first or second printers 6 and 7 is used.
The printer on which the sticker is mounted is controlled to start the printing operation. At this time CP
The U14 is configured to back up the image data D2 based on the recording medium inserted into each of the media insertion units 4A to 4C, by temporarily recording the image data D2 on the hard disk 17.

In this case, the first and second printers 6, 7 are loaded with postcards and stickers as printing media, respectively, and thus the first and second printers 6, 7 are provided.
Is the print data D3 according to the print content set by the user.
Is printed on a post card or a sticker, and then sent out to a card outlet 2DX provided on the front surface 2F of the housing 2.

(3) Printing Process In practice, when the user presses the touch panel 3AT of the display unit 3, the CPU 1
4 is a print processing procedure RT1 shown in FIG. 6 from step SP0.
When the initial screen PM displayed on the monitor 3A of the display unit 3 as shown in FIG. 7 is touched via the touch panel 3AT in the following step SP1, the process proceeds to step SP2, and FIG. On the menu, icons IC1 to IC3 representing "print on postcard", "print on sticker", and "save to another recording medium" are displayed as a menu as an operation selection screen PF1.

The CPU 14 selects one icon IC1 of the operation selection screen PF1 in step SP2.
When IC3 is selected by the user, the process proceeds to the next step SP3, where the types of recording media (memory stick, compact flash, smart media, floppy (registered trademark) disk, A media selection screen PF2 in which a list of icons IC4 to IC9 corresponding to compact disks and PC cards is displayed.

When the icon (for example, the PC card IC 9) corresponding to the recording medium desired by the user is selected on the medium selection screen PF2 displayed on the monitor 3A, the CPU 14 proceeds to step SP4.
As shown in FIG. 10, a message PM1 indicating "Please insert a recording medium (PC card)." Is displayed according to the icon.

Subsequently, when the recording medium selected by the user is inserted from the media insertion units 4A to 4C, the CPU 14
Proceeds to step SP5 and proceeds to the media insertion section 4A-
By controlling a reproduction drive system (not shown) in the 4C, image data recorded on the recording medium is read, and a message PM2 indicating that data is currently being read is displayed on the monitor 3A as shown in FIG. Display as

In this step SP5, the CPU 14
When reading of the image data from the recording medium is completed, the process proceeds to step SP6, in which the image data is once recorded on the hard disk in the hard disk device 17 for backup.

Thereafter, the CPU 14 proceeds to step SP7 and displays a message on the monitor 3A indicating that the backup to the hard disk has been completed and that the recording medium has been removed.

Thereafter, the user inserts the media insertion section 4A.
4C, the CPU 14
Proceeds to step SP8, and proceeds to step SP2 described above.
It is determined whether to print based on the contents of the icons IC1 to IC3 selected in.

If a positive result is obtained in step SP8, this means that printing is performed on a post card or a sticker in step SP2 described above.
At this time, the CPU 14 proceeds to step SP9 and displays a print selection screen PF3 as shown in FIG. 12 on the monitor 3A.

On the print selection screen PF3, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of a plurality of images based on the image data recorded on the recording medium are displayed as thumbnail images TNA1 to TNA10. Operation buttons CB1 to CB4 for arbitrarily selecting all images are displayed below each of the thumbnail images TNA1 to TNA10. Of these, buttons CB1 and CB2 shift to the previous or next ten thumbnail images, respectively. Button CB3 is a button for selecting all the images, and button CB4 is a button for indicating the end of the selection.

When all the images desired by the user are selected from the plurality of thumbnail images TNA1 to TNA10 displayed on the monitor 3A in this manner, the CPU 14 proceeds to step SP10 and displays the images on the monitor 3A as shown in FIG. A print setting screen PF4 as shown is displayed.

The print setting screen PF4 displays thumbnail images TNA1 to TNA in an image frame PF4A of a predetermined size.
The NA 10 is enlarged to a predetermined size one by one and displayed, and a setting image PF4B for setting print content (number of prints, image rotation, size adjustment) is displayed adjacent to the image frame PF4A.

The setting image PF4B includes an increase / decrease setting button SB1 for setting the number of prints and 90
Rotation button SB for rotating left and right in [°] units
2. A setting button SB3 for setting whether or not to adjust the size of the image according to the size of the printing medium, and a button SB4 for indicating the end of the setting are arranged. Further, a set fee corresponding to the number of prints is displayed as a fee display image SM1 above the setting image PF4B.

For example, when the “left” button of the rotation button SB2 is pressed, the thumbnail images TNA1 to TNA10 displayed in the image frame PF are displayed in the image frame PF4A as shown in FIG. The image is displayed rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise.

Subsequently, when the CPU 14 confirms that the user has set the print contents for all the thumbnail images TNA1 to TNA10, the CPU 14 proceeds to step SP11, and selects the printing medium (for example, a post card) selected by the user.
And a set fee corresponding to the number of prints, together with a message indicating "Please insert money."
Display on A.

When the charging control unit 8C determines that the user has inserted money (bills and / or coins) of the amount equal to or greater than the set fee from the fee slot 2DZ, the CPU 14
In step SP12, the printing operation is started by controlling the first printer 6 loaded with the printing medium (for example, a post card).

Thereafter, when the printing operation by the first printer 6 is completed in step SP12, the CPU 14
Proceeding to step SP13, the difference between the total amount of the input money and the set fee is displayed together with a message indicating "printing is completed" according to the judgment of the charging control unit 8C, and the charging unit 8 is further controlled to change. The payment is made such that the amount of the minute is discharged from the charge discharge port 2DY provided on the front part of the housing.

Thereafter, the CPU 14 returns to step SP1 and repeats the same processing as described above.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP8, this means that the data is to be stored in another recording medium in step SP2 described above. At this time, the CPU 14 proceeds to step SP14 to display on the monitor 3A. 15 displays a save selection screen PF5 as shown in FIG.

On the save selection screen PF5, a plurality of images (for example, ten) are displayed as thumbnail images TNB1 to TNB10 based on image data recorded on the recording medium. Each thumbnail image TNA
Buttons CB among operation buttons CB1 to CB4 for arbitrarily selecting all the images described above are provided below 1 to TNA10.
1, CB2 and CB4 are displayed.

When all the images desired by the user are selected from the plurality of thumbnail images TNB1 to TNB10 displayed on the monitor 3A in this manner, the CPU 14 proceeds to step SP15, and proceeds to step SP15. Please do. "Is displayed.

Subsequently, when the user inserts the floppy disk from the media insertion sections 4A to 4C, the CPU
14 proceeds to step SP16 and displays on the monitor 3A in FIG.
A save setting screen PF6 as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed.

The save setting screen PF6 displays each of the thumbnail images TNB1 to TNB10 one by one in an enlarged size and displays the thumbnail images TNB1 to TNB10.
A setting image PF6A for setting storage contents is displayed adjacent to the NB. This setting image PF6A includes
Multiple types (eg JPEG (joint photographic codin
g experts group), TIFF (tag image file forma
t) and a BMP (bitmap)), a format setting button SB5 for setting a storage format of a still image file and a save button SB6 for executing storage.

Subsequently, when the CPU 14 confirms that the user has set the storage contents for all the thumbnail images TNB1 to TNB10, the CPU 14 proceeds to step SP17,
By controlling a recording drive system (not shown) in the corresponding media insertion unit, the image data read in step SP4 is recorded on a floppy disk. At this time, if the read image data has been erased or destroyed, the CPU 14
7 to read image data from the hard disk and record it on the floppy disk.

Thereafter, the CPU 14 proceeds to step SP18, displays on the monitor 3A a message indicating that "Please remove the floppy disk." And confirms that the floppy disk is removed by the user. It returns to step SP1.

As described above, the CPU 14 again executes steps SP1 to SP13 or SP1 to SP8 to SP14 to S
By sequentially repeating P18, the user prints all desired images out of a plurality of images based on the image data recorded on the recording medium on a post card or a sticker, or performs the recording on the recording medium prepared by the user. Only a desired image out of a plurality of images based on the image data recorded on the medium can be stored on the floppy disk.

(4) Operation and Effect of the Present Embodiment In the above-described configuration, in the printer 1, when a recording medium desired by the user is inserted into the media insertion sections 4A to 4C corresponding to the type, the printer 1 The computer 10 reads out all the image data recorded on the recording medium and records the image data on the hard disk in the hard disk device 17 to make a backup.

Therefore, the printing process procedure RT described above by the user
Even if the image data recorded on the recording medium is erased or destroyed due to some cause (for example, a power failure) while setting the print content according to the above method,
The personal computer 10 has a hard disk device 2
By reading the image data from the hard disk by controlling the computer 7, an image based on the image data can be printed or stored in a floppy disk.

According to the above configuration, the printer 1
Then, each media insertion part 4A-4 of the media unit 4
C. All the image data recorded on the recording medium inserted in C is recorded on the hard disk and backed up, so that even if the image data recorded on the recording medium is erased or destroyed, Printer device 1 capable of printing an image based on data or storing the image on a floppy disk, and thus guaranteeing image data recorded on a recording medium
Can be realized.

(5) Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiment, the media unit 4 is applied as data reading means for reading image data from a recording medium, and each of the media insertion sections 4A constituting the media unit 4 is used. 4C to 4C, the recording media can be inserted into the inside, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the image data is reproduced for a plurality of types of recording media. If possible, it can be widely applied to various other data reading means.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the hard disk of the hard disk device 17 in the personal computer 10 is applied as storage means for storing the image data read by each of the media insertion sections 4A to 4C of the media unit 4 is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be widely applied to various storage units having a capacity capable of storing image data read from a recording medium.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when a recording medium is loaded, the media unit 4 is controlled to read image data from the recording medium, and the hard disk device 17 is controlled to read the image data from the hard disk drive. Although the description has been given of the case where the CPU 14 in the personal computer 10 is applied as the control means to be stored in the storage device, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be widely applied to various other control means.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, in the case of the media unit 4 as the data reading means, the respective media insertion portions 4A to 4C are directly exposed from the inclined surface 2AS of the upper surface 2A of the housing 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a lid is provided so as to be openable and closable so as to open or close the media insertion portions 4A to 4C as the insertion ports, and the user erroneously removes the recording medium during backup. May be prevented.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 17, for example, a rectangular thin plate whose upper end is rotatably supported on a support shaft 20 provided at a predetermined position on the inclined surface 2AS of the housing 2 is formed. Protective cover (lid) 21 is inserted into media insertion section 4A-
4C is attached to be openable and closable so as to cover 4C and form a part of the inclined surface 2AS.

A projection 2 is provided on the surface 21A of the protective cover 21 near the upper end thereof facing the media insertion portions 4A to 4C.
While 1AT is formed, a receiving hole 4CH is formed at a predetermined position of the media insertion portion 4C. In this receiving hole 4CH, an interrupter-type sensor 22 (FIG. 18A) as a detecting means is built in, and whether or not the projection 21AT is inserted using the sensor 22, that is, the protective cover 21 is closed. It is configured to be able to detect whether it is in a state or not.

When the protective cover 21 is in the open state, as shown in FIG.
C is exposed from the inclined surface 2AS of the upper surface portion 2A, and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8B, when the protective cover 21 is in the closed state, the media insertion portions 4A to 4C are covered by the protective cover 21, and the protrusion 21AT enters the receiving hole 4CH and is detected by the sensor 22.

The detection result by the sensor 22 is given to the CPU 14 in the personal computer 10. Thus, the CPU 14 as a control means controls the operation of reading the image data from the recording medium based on the detection result of the sensor 22.

In practice, in the printer 1, when the recording medium desired by the user is inserted into the media insertion sections 4A to 4C corresponding to the type in step SP4 of the printing processing procedure RT1, the personal computer 10 CPU 14 in the above-described print processing procedure R
The media protection processing procedure RT2 as shown in FIG. 19, in which the same reference numerals are given to the parts corresponding to T1, is executed from step SP20.

In the following step SP21, the CPU 1
4 determines whether or not the sensor 22 is in the ON state (that is, the state in which the sensor 22 is inserted into the receiving hole 4CH). If a negative result is obtained, the process proceeds to step SP22 and the monitor 3
After displaying a message "Close the lid." On A, the process returns to step SP21 again.

On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained in step SP21, the CPU 14 proceeds to step SP5, where a reproduction drive system (not shown) in the media insertion units 4A to 4C is provided.
, The image data recorded on the recording medium is read, and the fact that the data is currently being read is displayed on the monitor 3A as a message PM2 (FIG. 11).

In this step SP5, the CPU 14
When reading of the image data from the recording medium is completed, the process proceeds to step SP6, in which the image data is once recorded on the hard disk in the hard disk device 17 for backup.

Subsequently, the CPU 14 proceeds to step SP23 to determine whether or not the backup has been completed. If a positive result is obtained, the CPU 14 proceeds to step SP24 to open the lid on the monitor 3A and remove the medium. Is displayed after displaying a message stating "."
Proceed to P7.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP23, this means that the backup has not been completed yet, and at this time, the CPU 14 proceeds to step SP25, in which the sensor 22 is turned on (that is, the sensor 22 is turned off). In the hole 4CH).

When an affirmative result is obtained in step SP25, this indicates that the recording medium is currently being accessed. At this time, the CPU 14 returns to step SP23 again and waits for the end of the backup. .

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP25, this means that the user may erroneously remove the recording medium while the recording medium is being accessed.
Proceeds to step SP26 to stop the backup, and then proceeds to step SP27 to display an error on the monitor 3A. Thereafter, the CPU 14 proceeds to step SP7.

At this step SP7, the CPU 14
Displays a message on the monitor 3A that the backup to the hard disk has been completed and that the recording medium has been removed, and then proceeds to step SP28 to end the data protection processing procedure RT2.

According to this configuration, the media unit 4
A protective cover 21 that covers each of the media insertion portions 4A to 4C is openably and closably attached so that the image data recorded on the recording medium can be read only when the protective cover 21 is in the closed state. It is possible to prevent a user from accidentally removing the recording medium while the recording medium is being accessed, thereby avoiding erasure or destruction of image data recorded on the recording medium. Thus, a printer device that can guarantee the image data recorded on the recording medium can be realized.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the protective cover 21 serving as the lid has a manual structure which can be opened and closed, and an interrupter type which detects the presence or absence of the projection 21AT according to the open / closed state of the protective cover 21. Sensor 22
Has been described in the media unit 4, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the lid may be configured to automatically open and close in response to a user operation. Various types of sensors may be applied as detection means as long as they can be detected.

In this case, the lid may be made of a net in addition to a rectangular thin plate in consideration of preventing insertion of a user's finger or the like, and may be sealed in consideration of prevention of intrusion of dust and dirt. A possible plate shape may be used.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the protective cover 21 is in the closed state, the corresponding media insertion portions 4A to 4C of the media unit 4 are controlled to read the image data based on the detection result of the sensor 22. A case has been described in which the CPU 14 in the personal computer 10 is applied as a control unit that controls the media insertion units 4A to 4C to stop the image data reading operation when the protection cover 21 is in the open state while performing the operation. But,
The present invention is not limited to this, and various other control means may be widely applied.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, there is provided a monitor 3A for displaying an image based on the image data read from the recording medium, and a plurality of press-type screen adjustments are provided on the same surface as the monitor 3A. As the display unit 3 on which the adjustment button 3B is disposed, a display device for a commercially available personal computer is diverted as it is, and the monitor 3A is exposed from the upper surface 2A of the housing 2 so that the monitor 3A is exposed. 2 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various other display devices may be applied.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a hole having a predetermined diameter is formed at a predetermined position corresponding to a plurality of adjustment buttons 3B provided on the same surface as monitor 3A on upper surface 2A of housing 2. By drilling hole 2AH,
The case where each of the adjustment buttons 3B is connected to the perforated hole 2AH has been described. The point is that if the plurality of adjustment buttons 3B covered by the upper surface 2A of the housing 2 can be pressed from the outside, Alternatively, various other methods may be used.

Further, in the above embodiment, FIG.
Has been described in which the print setting image PF4 for the print setting using the post card as the print medium is displayed on the monitor 3A in the print processing procedure RT1 shown in FIG. 20, but the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, a print setting image PF7 for print setting using a sticker as a print medium may be displayed on the monitor 3A as a GUI.

In this case, the print setting image PF7 is one selected thumbnail image TNA1 to TNA10.
Is displayed on a plurality of (for example, 16) stickers, the thumbnail images TNA1 to TNA10 are displayed one by one in a predetermined size of an image frame PF7A, and the thumbnail images TNA1 to TNA10 are displayed one by one. A setting image PF7B for setting print contents (number of prints, image rotation, size adjustment) may be displayed adjacent to the image. Further, different thumbnail images TNA1 to TNA10 may be assigned to a plurality of (for example, 16) stickers and displayed, and in this case, the print setting image P
Thumbnail images TNA1 to TN are included in the image frame PF7A of F7.
A10 may be sequentially displayed one by one, and may be sequentially allocated to the corresponding stickers.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a printer device for printing an image based on image data read from a supplied recording medium on a printing medium is shown in FIG.
Although the description has been made of the case where the street-mounted printer device 1 as shown in FIG. 1 is applied, the present invention is not limited to this and can be widely applied to printer devices having various other configurations.

[0083]

As described above, according to the present invention, in a printer device for printing an image based on image data read from a loaded recording medium on a printing medium, data reading means for reading image data from the recording medium. Storage means for storing image data read from the recording medium by the data reading means, and controlling the data reading means to read the image data from the recording medium when the recording medium is loaded, And control means for storing the image data by controlling the image data, even when the image data recorded on the loaded recording medium is erased or destroyed due to a failure or the like at the time of setting the print content, The image data can be read from the storage means, and thus the image data recorded on the recording medium can be stored. Was capable printer can be realized.

Further, according to the present invention, in a printer apparatus for printing an image based on image data read from a loaded recording medium on a printing medium, the printing apparatus is configured such that the recording medium loaded therein through a predetermined insertion port is A data reading means for reading image data, a lid provided to be openable and closable so as to cover the insertion opening, a detecting means for detecting the open / closed state of the lid, and a lid closed based on a detection result by the detecting means. Control means for controlling the data reading means to execute the reading operation of the image data when in the state, and controlling the data reading means to stop the reading operation of the image data when the lid is open. Thus, while the image data is being read from the loaded recording medium, the user can be prevented from accidentally removing the recording medium, and The printer device capable of guarantee the image data recorded on the recording medium Te can be realized.

Further, according to the present invention, in a control method of a printer device for printing an image based on image data read from a loaded recording medium on a printing medium, when the recording medium is loaded, the image is read from the recording medium. By controlling the data to be read and the image data to be stored, the image data recorded on the loaded recording medium is erased or destroyed due to a failure or the like when setting the print content. Can read the stored image data,
Thus, it is possible to realize a method of controlling a printer device that can guarantee image data recorded on a recording medium.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a printer according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an external configuration of a display unit.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration of a printer device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the printer device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a personal computer.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a print processing procedure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an initial screen displayed on a monitor.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation selection screen displayed on a monitor.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a media selection screen displayed on a monitor.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a message display of a media insertion displayed on a monitor.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a message display during reading of data displayed on a monitor.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a print selection screen displayed on a monitor.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a print setting screen displayed on a monitor.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a print setting screen displayed on a monitor.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a save selection screen displayed on a monitor.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a save setting screen displayed on a monitor.

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a protective cover according to another embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a protective cover according to another embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining a media protection processing procedure;

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating a print setting screen according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer apparatus, 2 ... Housing, 2A ... Top part, 2
D: door part, 2F ... front part, 3 ... display part, 3A ... monitor, 3AT ... touch panel, 3B ...
... Adjustment buttons, 4 ... Media unit section, 4A-4
C: media insertion section, 5: signboard section, 6: first printer, 7: second printer, 8 ... billing section, 9 ...
Power supply unit, 10 personal computer, 11 operation input unit, 14 CPU, 17 hard disk drive, 20 support shaft, 21 lid unit, 21 AT projection,
22 ... Sensor, RT1 ... Print processing procedure, RT2 ...
Media protection processing procedure.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Tatsuya Kuroda 6-7-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Michitada Ueda 6-35, Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Corporation F term (reference) 2C061 BB06 CD15 2C087 AA09 AB01 BB16 BB17 BC12 BC14 CB02 CB15 DA10 5B021 DD19 NN00

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A printer device for printing an image based on image data read from a loaded recording medium on a printing medium, comprising: data reading means for reading the image data from the recording medium; Storage means for storing the image data read from the recording medium; and, when the recording medium is loaded, controlling the data reading means to read the image data from the recording medium; And a control unit for controlling the image data to store the image data. 2. A printer device for printing an image based on image data read from a loaded recording medium on a printing medium, wherein the image data is read from the loaded recording medium via a predetermined insertion port. Data reading means to be read; a lid provided to be openable and closable so as to cover the insertion opening; a detection means for detecting an open / closed state of the lid; and a lid based on a detection result by the detection means. Control means for controlling the data reading means to execute the image data reading operation when in the closed state, and for controlling the data reading means to stop the image data reading operation when the lid is in the open state; A printer device comprising: 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the lid has a projection on a surface facing the insertion opening, and the detecting means is a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the projection according to an open / close state of the lid. The printer device according to claim 2, wherein 4. A control method of a printer device for printing an image based on image data read from a loaded recording medium on a printing medium, the method comprising the steps of: when the recording medium is loaded, transferring the image data from the recording medium. A control method for a printer device, wherein the control is performed so that the image data is read and stored.