JP2001096819A - Printing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing apparatus which can print and output images picked up by a digital camera or the like singly and can record image data picked up by a digital camera or the like to a CD-R. SOLUTION: The printing apparatus has a memory card interface 10, a CD-R interface 13, a parallel interface 11 and the like, so that the apparatus can print images recorded to a memory card 18, images recorded to a CD-R 19 or the like, and images from a digital camera or the like which are read via the parallel interface 11. In addition, the printing apparatus can record image information of the memory card 18 and image information read via the parallel interface 11 to the CD-R 19 or the like singly without passing the information through the other computer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, and more particularly, to a printing apparatus for printing out an image, such as an ink jet printer, a laser printer, or a sublimation type thermal transfer printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a so-called digital camera that converts an image into an electric signal using a solid-state imaging device and records the converted signal as a dental signal on a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like has become widespread.

Conventionally, in order to create a hard copy by outputting an image signal to paper or photosensitive paper, a computer reads the image signal, converts the image signal into a format suitable for a printing device, and then converts the image signal to a printing device by a computer. Had to be controlled.

That is, data recorded in a semiconductor memory or the like is transmitted to a computer via a serial communication interface (such as an RS-232C standard interface) or a PCMCIA adapter, and after the computer performs necessary processing, transmits the data to the computer. A hard copy was created using a connected printing device (inkjet printer, laser printer, etc.).

However, since computers (personal computers, etc.) are not widely used, there is a strong demand for the development of a product that can make a hard copy without a computer. Products that have appeared. Alternatively, a digital camera and a printer connected with a dedicated adapter cord so that the photographing data of the digital camera can be directly printed by the printer have appeared.

[0006]

However, this type of conventional apparatus can only print photographing data, and makes a backup of data recorded in a semiconductor memory or the like for recording photographing data of a digital camera. Or copying the data in the semiconductor memory to another medium and making it possible to record new image data in the semiconductor memory, it is not possible to use the photographed data in the semiconductor memory later or print it again later. In such a case, it is necessary to back up the data recorded in the semiconductor memory using a computer.

Also, an image fixed on a negative film (or a positive film) photographed by a silver halide camera is scanned by a dedicated scanner to be converted into a digital signal, and a disk recording / reproducing apparatus (CD-ROM (hereinafter, referred to as CD-ROM) to which a disk medium can be attached and detached. A lab service for recording on a removable disk (portable recording medium) such as a mini-disc or the like on a removable disk recording / reproducing apparatus) is performed. You had to ask the lab to print it, or use a computer to do it yourself.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. For example, a first object of the present invention is to print out an image taken by a digital camera or the like by a printing apparatus alone. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus capable of recording image data captured by a digital camera or the like on a CD-R.

A second object of the present invention is to propose a printing apparatus capable of directly printing and outputting an image recorded on a disk medium without any other apparatus.

As one means for achieving the above object, for example, the following arrangement is provided.

That is, the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a memory card interface means on which a memory card can be inserted, and a disk drive means on which a disk medium can be attached and detached.

[0012] For example, another device interface means for receiving image information from another image information supply device, and the memory card mounted via the memory card interface means for receiving the image information received via the other device interface. And a memory card writing means capable of writing to the memory card.

[0013] For example, there is provided a disk medium writing means which can write the image information received via the other device interface to the disk medium mounted via the disk drive means.

Further, for example, there is provided detection means for detecting the recording medium loaded in the apparatus, and operation mode display means for determining and displaying an operation mode operable in the apparatus based on the information detected by the detection means. It is characterized by. Alternatively, there is provided an operation mode designating means for designating a mode actually operating from the display operation control mode of the operation mode display means.

Still further, for example, the operation mode display means includes a print mode in which print information is printed out at least in a predetermined manner, and a recording medium for storing predetermined information received by the apparatus in a recording medium loaded in the apparatus. It is characterized in that the writing mode is displayed by betting the operation mode operable on the device.

[0016]

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

[Embodiment of the Invention] In an embodiment of the present invention, a printing apparatus (printer) is provided with a semiconductor memory card reader, a parallel interface, and a CD-R unit integrally. It is characterized by the following. In the present embodiment, a case where an ink jet printer is used as a printing apparatus will be described as an example.
However, the printing apparatus is not limited to an ink jet printer, and it goes without saying that various printers such as a laser beam printer and a sublimation type thermal transfer printer can be used.

<Configuration of the Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a central processing unit (C
PU), and controls the entire apparatus according to the control procedure stored in the ROM 3 to control the printer mechanism, image signals, and recording signals to the printer. 2 is a random access memory (RA) which is a work area of the CPU 1.
M) and 3 are read-only memories (ROM) for storing control procedures of the CPU 1 and the like.

Reference numeral 4 denotes an encoder for outputting a signal indicating the state of movement of the head cartridge 5 of the ink jet printer;
Is a detachable head cartridge, 6 is a DC motor as a driving source, 7 is a motor driver that supplies driving power to the motor 6, 8 is a head driver that supplies a driving signal to a recording head mounted on the head cartridge, and 9 is a head driver. Motor driver 7, head driver 8, encoder 4 and CPU 1
The printer interface 9 controls the interface of the printer.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a memory card interface which controls an interface with the memory card 18 when the memory card 18 is inserted into the memory card connector. Reference numeral 11 denotes a digital camera (not shown) and the present apparatus is an IEEE1394.
It is a parallel interface that manages the interface when connected by a parallel table. A serial interface can be provided as needed.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a CD-R interface for controlling an interface with a CD-R drive 13 built in the apparatus. Reference numeral 14 denotes a compression / decompression module for compressing and decompressing an image. Reference numeral 15 denotes an operation panel for manually controlling the apparatus. Reference numeral 16 denotes an operation panel interface, 17 denotes a transport unit for controlling transport of recording paper, 18 denotes a memory card which can be mounted on the memory card interface 10, and 19 denotes a CD-ROM which can be mounted on the CD-R drive 13.
R.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the operation panel 15 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 21 denotes a display, which displays various set values, operation procedures, warnings, and the like. Reference numeral 22 denotes a reset switch for initializing the apparatus of the embodiment, 23 denotes a start switch for instructing start of printing or recording of image data from the memory card 18 to the CD-R 19, and 24 denotes a start switch for instructing the start of recording of image data from the memory card 18 to the CD-R 19. Alternatively, it is a print mode switch for selecting a mode for printing an image read via the parallel interface 11.

Reference numeral 25 denotes a memory card 18 to a CD-R 19
And a backup mode switch for selecting a mode for recording image data from a digital camera or the like input from the parallel interface 11 into the CD-R 19. 26 is a frame No. for setting a frame number. The setting switch is used to set a frame number of an image to be printed in the print mode and a frame number of an image recorded on the CD-R 19 in the backup mode.

Reference numeral 27 denotes a number setting switch for setting the number of prints. Reference numeral 28 denotes a numeric key switch, which also includes a clear switch. Indicators 29, 30, and 31 indicate which of the following functions (input and output from the three interfaces below) can be selected by lighting.

Reference numerals 32, 33 and 34 denote interface selection switches, 32 is an input / output from a memory card interface, 33 is an input / output from a CD-R interface, and 34 is a switch for selecting input / output from a serial interface. It is.

<Description of Operation> The operation control of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described below.

(1) Overall Control First, overall control of the apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

When power is applied to the apparatus of the present embodiment, the processing shifts to the processing in FIG. 3, and first, in step S, an initialization processing is executed. For example, predetermined initialization such as initializing the RAM 2 and returning the cartridge head 5 to the initial position is performed. Next, in step S2, the memory card interface 10, the CD-R interface 1
2. The state of the parallel interface 11 is detected.

In the following step S3, step S2
The selectable operation mode is determined according to the combination of the interfaces used according to the state detection result, and one or both of the built-in lamps of the selectable mode selection switches 24 and 25 are turned on. And step S
Proceed to 4. FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the use state of each interface and selectable operation modes in this embodiment.

In step S4, the state of the mode selection switch is detected. Print mode switch 24 is ON
If so, the process proceeds to step S5 to determine whether the print mode can be selected. When the print mode can be selected, the process proceeds to step S7, and print mode processing is executed.

On the other hand, if the print mode switch 24 is not ON in step S4, and if the print mode cannot be selected in step S5, the process proceeds to step S6. Then, in step S6, the state of the backup mode switch is detected. If the backup mode switch is ON, the process proceeds to step S8, and it is determined whether the backup mode can be selected. When the backup mode can be selected, the process proceeds to step S9 to execute the backup mode process.

On the other hand, if the backup mode switch 25 is not ON in step S6, and if the backup mode cannot be selected in step S8, the process returns to step S2, and the state of each interface is detected again.

(2) Description of Print Mode Processing Next, details of the print mode processing in step S7 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of the print mode processing in this embodiment.

In the print mode process, first, in step S11, the built-in lamp of the backup mode switch 25 is turned off to indicate that the print mode has been selected. Subsequently, in step S12, one of the indicator lamps 29, 30, and 31 corresponding to the usable interface is turned on. Subsequently, in step S13, the state of the card selection switch 32 is detected. When the card selection switch 32 is ON, the process proceeds to step S14 to execute a card print process for printing an image recorded on the memory card 18.

On the other hand, if the card selection switch 32 is not ON in step S13, the process proceeds to step S15. Then, the state of the CD-R selection switch 33 is detected. C
If the DR selection switch 33 is ON, the process proceeds to step S16, where the CD for printing the image recorded on the CD-R19 is printed.
-Perform R print processing.

On the other hand, if the CD-R selection switch 33 is not ON in step S15, the process proceeds to step S17.
Then, the state of the parallel input selection switch 34 is detected. When the parallel input selection switch 34 is ON, the process proceeds to step S18 to execute a parallel input print input print process for receiving and printing an image from, for example, a digital camera or the like connected via the parallel interface 11.

If the parallel input selection switch 34 is not ON in step S17, that is, if none of the switches is selected, the process returns to step S13 to continue the processing for detecting each switch.

Next, the details of the card print processing shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the card print processing of FIG. 5 in the present embodiment.

In the card printing process, the CPU 1
First, in step S21, the image file of the designated frame number is inputted from the operation panel 15 in advance and stored in the memory card 18 mounted on the memory interface 10 in step S21. And writes it into RAM2.

Normally, since the image is compressed by JPEG, the compressed data is expanded by the compression / expansion module 14 in the following step S22. In the case of an image that has not been compressed, control is performed so that the decompression process is not performed. The expanded image data is temporarily stored in the RAM 2 again.

Next, the CPU 1 executes R in order to print out the data decompressed in step S23 from the printer.
It performs GB → YMCK color conversion, conversion to printer control data, and the like. The converted data is stored in the RAM 2 again. Next, in step S24, the printer interface 9
Print data is transmitted to the motor driver 7 and the head driver 8 via the
7 is printed according to a predetermined control procedure.

Next, in step S25, it is determined whether or not the number of prints set in advance from the operation panel 16 has been reached. If the number has not yet reached the predetermined number, the process returns to step S24 to repeat printing. If the number has reached the predetermined number, the process is terminated and the routine returns. The return destination executes the processing from step S2 in FIG.

Although the above description has been made in detail of the card print processing, the CD-R print processing in step S16 and the parallel input print processing in step S18 are also performed by substantially the same control procedures. The difference between the processes is that in the CD-R print process of step S16, a process of reading an image from a CD-R is performed in the process of step S21, and in the parallel input print process of step S18, for example, The point is that the image from the camera is read.
Other processes are substantially the same.

(3) Description of Backup Mode Processing Details of the backup processing in step S9 of FIG. 3 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the backup processing of FIG. 3 in the present embodiment.

In the backup process in step S9 of FIG. 3, first, in step S31, the built-in lamp of the print mode switch 24 is turned off, and the fact that the backup mode is selected is indirectly displayed. Then, step S3
In 2, in the backup mode, since it is a necessary condition that the CD-R can be used, the indicator lamp of the interface which can use the memory card or the parallel input is turned on.

In the following step S33, it is checked whether or not the card selection switch 32 has been pressed and turned on. If it is detected that the card selection switch 32 has been pressed and turned on, the process proceeds to step S34 to execute a card backup process.

On the other hand, if the card selection switch 32 is not depressed in step S33, step S35
To check whether the parallel input selection switch 34 has been pressed and turned on. Parallel input selection switch 34
Is pressed and turned on, the process proceeds to step S36,
Execute parallel input backup processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S35 that the parallel input selection switch 34 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S33 to monitor whether the card selection switch 32 or the parallel input selection switch 34 has been pressed.

The details of the card backup process in step S34 of FIG. 7 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the card backup process of FIG. 7 in the present embodiment.

In the card backup processing, the CP
U1 first reads the image file corresponding to the frame number previously input from the operation panel 15 into the RAM 2 based on the card backup procedure recorded in the ROM 3 in step S41.

Since the image is usually compressed by JPEG, the image file read in step S42 is expanded by the compression / expansion module 14. The expanded image data is recorded in the RAM 2.

Next, in step S43, the CD-R1
9, an image compression process is performed by the compression / decompression module 14 so as to convert the image file into an image file suitable for recording in the image file 9. Then, the compressed image data is recorded in the RAM 2. Next, the CPU 1 determines in step S44 that the CD-R1
9 to create an image file format to be recorded on (CD
-Converted to an image in the image file format to be recorded in R19), and converted to a CD-R via the CD-R interface 12.
Record for R19.

Although the above description has been made in detail of the card backup processing in step S34 in FIG. 7, the parallel input input backup processing in step S36 is also backed up by a substantially similar control procedure. The difference between the parallel input input backup processing is that the processing in step S4
In the CD-R print process, the process of reading an image from a CD-R is performed instead of the image read process of the first card. Other processes are substantially the same.

When the above-mentioned control procedure is being executed (during operation), an erroneous operation is performed, or when it is desired to return to the original step, the clear button on the operation panel 28 is pressed.
It is possible to return to the process of S2 in the flowchart of FIG.

In the above configuration, the semiconductor memory card reader is used by a printer to read an image taken by a digital camera capable of using the semiconductor memory card.

The CD-R device is an example of a removable disk, and the same applies to a mini disk device and the like. However, the CD-R device records data input from a digital camera to a printer and is photographed by a silver halide camera. When developing and requesting a print from a lab, a negative film (or a positive film) can be obtained by using a service that reads a negative film (or a positive film) with a scanner, converts the film into a digital signal, and records the digital signal on a CD-R or a mini-disc.

Data is read from a CD-R or a mini-disc on which an image photographed by a silver halide camera is digitally recorded and printed.

In the above description, an example in which a parallel interface is used as an interface with a digital camera has been described. However, when the digital camera is a machine of a type connected by a serial interface,
A serial interface may be provided, and images may be exchanged via the serial interface.

As a serial interface provided in this case, for example, an interface for inputting an image from a digital camera capable of outputting a serial signal in accordance with the IEEE 1394 standard to a printer can be considered.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the printer has a memory card reading interface,
Equipped with a removable disk interface such as a CD-R, a parallel interface or a serial interface, etc., images recorded on a memory card, images recorded on a CD-R, etc., images from a digital camera or the like read via a parallel / serial interface. In addition to being able to print images, memory card image information,
The image information read via the serial interface can be recorded on a CD-R or the like by the printer alone without using another computer.

[Other Embodiments] Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), the present invention is composed of one device. The present invention may be applied to an apparatus (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (a computer) of the system or the apparatus. It is needless to say that the present invention can also be achieved by a CPU or an MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Also,
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code.
It goes without saying that a case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented by performing some or all of the actual processing, and the processing performs the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into the memory provided in the function expansion card inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, the CPU included in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.

[0066]

As described above, according to the present invention, an image recorded on a memory card by a printing apparatus alone, a CD-R
Images recorded on a disk recording / reproducing device such as an OM, images read via a connection interface with another device can be printed out, and image information of a memory card can be output.
It is also possible to record image information from another device on a disk recording / reproducing device or the like by using the printing device alone without using another computer.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the operation panel shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an overall control flowchart of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a relationship between a use state of each interface and a selectable operation mode in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of the print mode processing of FIG. 3 in the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the card print process of FIG. 5 in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the backup processing of FIG. 3 in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the card backup process of FIG. 7 in the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 10 Memory card interface 11 Serial interface 12 CD-R interface 15 Operation panel

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A printing apparatus comprising: a memory card interface unit on which a memory card can be inserted; and a disk drive unit on which a disk medium can be attached and detached. 2. An apparatus interface means for receiving image information from another image information supply apparatus, and the image information received via the other apparatus interface to the memory card mounted via the memory card interface means. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a writable memory card writing unit. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a disk medium writing unit that can write the image information received via the other device interface to the disk medium mounted via the disk drive unit. Printing device. 4. An apparatus comprising: detecting means for detecting a recording medium loaded in the apparatus; and operating mode display means for determining and displaying an operating mode operable in the apparatus based on information detected by the detecting means. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is a printing apparatus. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an operation mode designating unit for designating a mode in which the operation mode is actually operated from the display operation control mode of the operation mode display unit. 6. The operation mode display means includes a print mode in which print information is printed out at least in a predetermined manner, and a recording medium writing mode in which predetermined information received by the apparatus is stored in a recording medium loaded in the apparatus. The printing device according to claim 5, wherein an operation mode bettable on the device is displayed. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein
A series of computer programs that implement the functions described in the section. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein
A computer-readable recording medium storing a computer program for realizing the functions described in the section.