JP2002059620A - Portable printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small and lightweight portable printer in which a long lifetime can be realized at a low cost by an arrangement wherein automatic print mode is stopped by turning off a power supply button during execution of automatic print mode. SOLUTION: When a power supply button 30 is turned off during continuous printing of a plurality of sheets of image based on print control information, power supply of the printer is turned off upon ending print operation of one recording sheet being printed at the moment of turning off the power supply button. Consequently, a portable printer is provided in most rational shape while reducing the size and weight and realizing a long battery lifetime.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable printer having a battery and an automatic print mode function capable of performing printing based on print control information such as the number of prints corresponding to a plurality of image data. The present invention relates to a portable printer capable of realizing miniaturization, weight reduction, and long battery life at low cost by having a configuration in which the automatic print mode is stopped by turning off a power button during execution of the print mode.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, personal computers and video recording devices have become widespread, and various printer devices capable of recording images of these devices have been proposed, and their demand has been increasing. Therefore, there is a demand for an inexpensive printer device capable of producing high-quality printed images, and there is also a strong demand for a small, lightweight, and portable printer device so that printing can be performed anytime and anywhere as a mobile printer device.

In response to such demands, recently, a memory card storing data to be printed such as image information is detachable, and various printer devices capable of printing the image information stored in the memory card have been developed. Proposed. Among them, print control information on image data to be printed, so-called DPOF, is stored in the memory card.
Print control information called “Digital Print Order Format” is written, and the printing apparatus capable of printing out based on the print control information automatically prints a predetermined number of images (frames) by a predetermined number based on the print control information. As we print (also called automatic printing),
Since it is not necessary to restrain the worker for a long time and the system does not require a PC for controlling the print instruction operation, it is extremely effective for improving the device performance and miniaturizing the device. Expectations are great.

Conventionally, as this type of printer, there is, for example, a printer described in JP-A-2000-118090.

[0005] In this proposal, automatic printing based on the print control information as described above is possible,
After the start of this automatic printing, even if the printing operation itself is interrupted against the user's intention due to an unexpected situation such as running out of recording paper or a sudden power failure, the automatic operation is performed when the printer returns to the operable state. A technique capable of restarting printing halfway has also been disclosed. Further, by providing and pressing a cancel button for canceling various operations, execution of automatic printing can be canceled.

With such a configuration, the designated automatic print operation can be appropriately executed, the designated print can be reliably obtained without excess or deficiency, and a printer device with good operability is realized.

[0007]

When a portable printer is considered, miniaturization and weight reduction are indispensable requirements. Therefore, it is desirable to minimize the number of operation buttons and the like provided on the main body of the apparatus. It is possible to realize a small-sized and lightweight printer suitable for portable use.

However, the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-1
In the printer device proposed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 18090, despite the above-mentioned demands,
Since the cancel button is simply provided to improve the operability, an arrangement space for arranging the cancel button is specially required, and there is a problem that it becomes a major obstacle to downsizing. . A CP for controlling various operations of the entire apparatus in accordance with the arrangement of the cancel button.
In addition to the necessity of a dedicated port for the U, it is also necessary to add a circuit of a considerable scale for restarting the printing operation after the printing operation has been interrupted. There are many disadvantages in extending the life.

In view of the above, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has a configuration in which the automatic print mode is stopped by turning off a power button during execution of the automatic print mode, so that the size and weight can be reduced. It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable printer device that can realize a long battery life at low cost.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable printer device comprising: a battery power supply; a plurality of image data; and a storage medium storing print control information corresponding to each of the plurality of image data. A thermal head for printing an image based on the recorded image data on a sheet, a sheet conveying unit for conveying a sheet supplied from a sheet feeding unit and performing printing by the thermal head, and a power supply for the apparatus A main power switch for turning on and off, a print operation start instructing unit for instructing a start of a print operation, and a power supply from the battery power unit in response to a print operation start instruction from the print operation start instructor. By controlling the thermal head and the sheet conveying means, an image based on the image data is printed on the sheet by the pre-printing. When the main power switch is turned off during continuous printing of a plurality of images based on the print control information, the main power switch is turned off. And control means for turning off the power of the apparatus after the end of the printing operation of one sheet on which printing is performed at the instant.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the portable printer having the above-mentioned configuration, the control means responds to the print operation start instruction from the print operation start instruction means and responds to the instruction from the battery power supply means. By controlling the thermal head and the sheet conveying means with electric power, a plurality of images based on the image data are continuously printed on the sheet based on the print control information, and a plurality of images based on the print control information are printed. If the main power switch is turned off during continuous printing, the power of the apparatus is turned off at the moment when the main power switch is turned off after the printing operation of one sheet of paper being printed is completed. Controlled, so it is necessary to add a cancel button or a circuit of a considerable scale to resume the printing operation halfway after the printing operation is interrupted. Need not, therefore, most reasonable miniaturized for portable, it is possible to prolong the life of the lighter and the battery.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the printer device according to the first aspect, the print control information includes data for specifying whether or not each of the image data is printed. It is assumed that.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the printer according to the first aspect, the print control information includes data specifying whether or not each of the image data is to be printed and the number of prints when printing is performed. It is characterized by having.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the portable printer according to any one of the first to third aspects, the print operation based on the print control information is designated as having print. An operation of printing a specified number of images based on image data is sequentially and continuously performed for all image data in a storage medium designated as having print.

According to the second to fourth aspects of the present invention, the same operation as the first aspect of the present invention can be performed even when a print based on the print control information, that is, a DPOF print mode as an automatic print mode is executed. And effects can be obtained.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the portable printer according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the battery detecting means for detecting the remaining battery level of the battery power supply means is provided. Wherein the control unit detects the remaining battery level by the battery detection unit and controls the printing operation immediately before starting the sheet conveyance operation by the paper feeding unit when performing the printing operation. Is what you do.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the same operations and effects as those of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention can be obtained, and even when a print mode based on the print control information is executed, When the printing operation is performed by the control unit, the battery detection unit detects the remaining battery level and controls the printing operation immediately before the paper feeding operation by the paper feeding unit is started. Since the automatic print mode can be executed without worrying about the amount, usability and device reliability can be improved.

[0018]

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

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

As shown in FIG. 1, a portable printer 1 according to the present embodiment has a main body cover 2 for housing various mechanical mechanisms, components, and boards necessary for a printing function, and a main body cover 2 for the main body cover 2. The main body bottom part 3 attached to the lower part of the device 1 forms a housing, and constitutes a main external part of the device 1.

A paper cassette mounting opening for mounting a paper cassette 5 capable of accommodating a plurality of recording papers 6 is provided on a main body cover 2 on the front side (the front left side in the figure) of the apparatus 1. 2a are formed, and the sheet cassette 5 is detachably mounted through the sheet cassette mounting opening 2a.

An opening / closing lid 4a for closing the sheet cassette mounting opening 2a when the sheet cassette 5 is removed from the apparatus is provided at a corresponding portion of the main body bottom 3 so as to be openable and closable. The opening / closing lid 4a is provided with a locking means 4c for holding the closed state when the lid is closed, and a locking means provided at a position corresponding to the locking means 4c and the main body cover 2 (FIG. (Not shown), the opening / closing lid 4a is locked.

An opening 2f is formed in a right side surface of the main body cover 2 when viewed from the front side, and the main frame 12b exposed through the opening 2f and disposed inside the apparatus.
Is formed with an ink cassette insertion opening 2b for mounting the ink cassette 7 around which the ink ribbon 7a is wound. The ink ribbon 7a is formed by sequentially and repeatedly applying a plurality of thermal transfer inks such as yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and transparent overcoat ink (OP).

An opening / closing lid 4b for closing the opening 2f is provided on the main body cover 2 so as to be openable and closable.
Locking means 4d for holding the closed state when closed as in the case of the opening / closing lid 4a is provided, and locking means (not shown) provided at a position corresponding to the locking means 4d and the main body cover 2. ), The opening / closing lid 4b is locked.

A battery mounting groove 2c for detachably mounting a battery 8 as driving power supply means required for carrying is formed on a rear side (rear right side in the drawing) of the main body cover 2. ing. A mounting portion 8a formed on a mounting surface of the battery 8 is fitted into and fitted to the battery mounting groove 2c, and a locking portion provided on the upper portion of the battery mounting portion 8a. The engagement state of the battery 8 can be maintained by engaging the engaging portion (not shown) provided at a position corresponding to the battery mounting groove 2c with the portion 8c.

On the surface of the mounting portion 8a of the battery 8, a plurality of battery pieces 8b for supplying the power stored in the battery 8 to the inside of the device 1 are provided.
When the battery 8 is mounted in the battery mounting groove 2c, the battery 8 comes into contact with a battery section (not shown) provided on the back side of the device 1 and is electrically conducted, so that power is supplied to the inside of the device 1. Can be supplied.

An operation panel 2 is provided on the upper surface of the main body cover 2.
d, display unit 2e, first and second memory card insertion slots 2
h, 2i, etc. are provided. The operation panel 2d includes operation buttons 30a to 30i as instructing means for instructing the apparatus 1 to execute various control operation execution commands, and an LED (light emitting diode) for lighting and displaying the progress of the printing operation.
And display lamps 31a to 31d.

The operation buttons 30a to 30i include a power button 30a for instructing power on and power off, a print button 30b for instructing a print operation, and a print mode (standard print, index print, full frame print, DPOF print, etc.). A print mode selection button 30c to select, a sharpness button 30d to select image quality (standard, soft, sharp), a division button 30e to select the number of divisions of division print (no division, 2, 4, 9, 16 screens), a date print A date button 30f for designating the date print display mode, a card switching button 30g for switching the memory card 9, a frame number / print number switching button 30h for switching between a print frame number designation mode and a print number (copy number) designation mode, Number or number of prints The increase or decrease (+) button and (-) button 30i, and the like.

On the display lamps 31a to 30d, a printing lamp 3 is lit to indicate that printing is being performed.
1a, a ribbon / paper lamp 31 for illuminating and displaying the end of the ink ribbon, the absence of the paper cassette, and the absence of the recording paper.
b, an open / close lid of the ribbon cassette, an error lamp 31c for illuminating and displaying a communication error, etc., reading of data from the memory card 9 (during access), and a rechargeable battery (not shown)
And the power button 30 with the DC connector 10 connected.
There is an access / charge lamp 31d that illuminates and indicates that charging is being executed when the power is turned off by a.

Therefore, these operation buttons 30a to 30a
30i and the display lamps 31a to 31d are provided on the operation panel 2 having a size suitable for reducing the size of the portable printer device.
Since they are appropriately arranged on the d, there is no need for an arrangement space in the main body, which greatly contributes to downsizing of the printer device.

The display section 2e is arranged in a cutout portion of the operation panel 2d. This display section 2e
Is an LCD, for example, which is used for control processing during a printing operation by the apparatus 1 (print mode embodiment, image quality mode designation, division mode designation, memory card switching designation, date printing designation, date printing display mode / switching designation, file Name, frame number / number of prints specified, frame number or number of prints displayed, character display indicating that DPOF is not set, and remaining battery level display) are displayed. Details will be described later.

The first and second memory card insertion slots 2
h and 2i are formed corresponding to sockets (not shown) provided inside the main body, respectively.
And two different types of first and second memory cards 9a and 9b, which record image information signals (which may include print control information) to be printed via the memory card insertion openings 2h and 2i, respectively. . The first and second memory cards 2h and 2i are detachably mountable to corresponding sockets. As the first memory card 9a, for example, smart media (SM) is used, and as the second memory card 9b, for example, Compact Flash (registered trademark) (CF) is used. In the present embodiment, the type of the memory card and the number of the memory cards are not limited to those described above, and it is needless to say that another memory card or the like may be combined.

As described above, the first memory card 9a or the second memory card 9b is inserted into each slot (not shown) provided with the first and second memory card insertion holes 2h and 2i. Thus, an image information signal and print control information necessary for printing from any of the memory cards 9 can be captured.

A dust cover 2j for closing the memory card insertion openings 2h and 2i is provided in the body cover 2 near the first and second memory card insertion openings 2h and 2i so as to be openable and closable. I have. This dust cover 2
j has a notch 2k provided at a predetermined position of the main body cover 2 so that the end thereof can be easily gripped and can be easily opened. By opening the dust cover 2j, the first and second memory card insertion slots 2h and 2i are opened.
When the dust cover 2j is exposed and closed, the engaging claw 2m protruding from the open / close end is engaged with the engaging hole 2n provided on the main body side. Prevents dust and other intrusions.

An eject button 21 for ejecting the second memory card 9b, such as a compact flash, is provided near the second memory card insertion slot 2i.
Is provided. When the second memory card 9b is ejected, the second memory card 9b is ejected by pressing the eject button 21.

On the other hand, a normal AC power is converted into direct current (DC) and supplied into the apparatus 1 at the rear end of the side of the main body cover 2 opposite to the side where the ink cassette insertion slot 2b is provided. DC connector 10 is detachably attached. The DC connector 10 receives a general AC power through an AC outlet 10a, and transfers the received AC power to the AC / DC converter (AC / DC converter) provided in the AC outlet 10a or between the AC outlet 10a and the DC connector 10. The power is converted into a direct current power supply (DC) by a not shown) and supplied to the device 1 as drive power for the device 1.

Further, in the printer 1 of the present embodiment, not only the image information signal is simply taken in by the first and second memory cards 9a and 9b, but also the image information from a personal computer, a video recording / reproducing device or the like. It is also possible to capture signals. That is, body cover 2
A PC connector (not shown) to which the PC connector 11 connected to the above-described personal computer, video recording / reproducing device, or the like can be removably mounted is provided on the front side of the side surface of the PC. Therefore, in the printer device 1 of the present embodiment, the first and second memory cards 9a, 9a
PC connector 1 connected to various image equipment other than b
Since various image information signals can be captured by the method 1, the range of use can be expanded.

The paper feed cassette 5 used in the printer 1 is capable of storing a plurality of recording papers 6, and has a removable cover 5a on the upper surface. The cover 5a is formed by cutting out the leading end portion of the sheet feeding cassette 5 on the insertion side, and the uppermost layer of the plurality of recording papers 6 stored through the cutout portion is exposed. Paper cassette 5
At the time of insertion, a paper feed roller (not shown) arranged inside the apparatus 1 by positioning by the leading end of the paper feed cassette 5
Abuts on one sheet of recording paper 6 exposed from the cutout portion of the cover 5a, and is driven to rotate, so that one sheet of recording paper 6 can be surely conveyed to the inside of the apparatus. ing.

On the other hand, the substrate 22 is provided on the bottom side of the printer 1 as shown in FIG. 2, and is a circuit group necessary for performing a printing operation, for example, an IC circuit (not shown) for controlling a recording paper feed. ) And at least one of an ink ribbon feed control IC circuit (not shown) mounted thereon.
A power board 22b provided on the control board 22a so as to be arranged on one side of the printer device 1 and provided with a charging circuit and the like capable of charging the battery 8, and a power board 22b on the back side of the power board 22b. Slots 82a, 82 for mounting the first and second memory cards 2h, 2i.
and a medium socket unit substrate 22c to which the “b” is attached.

As shown in the figure, the control circuit board 22a and the power board 22b
23 as a connecting means provided at one end of the connector
Is connected to one end of the power board 22b. The control circuit board 22a and the medium socket unit board 22c are connected to one end of the medium socket unit board 22c via a connector 63 provided as a connection means provided on one end of the control circuit board 22a. You. That is, by mounting each substrate in this manner, the entire substrate 22 is formed in a substantially L-shape, and an arrangement configuration suitable for miniaturization of the device is obtained.

Also, on the control board 22a, a circuit group necessary for a printing operation, for example, an IC circuit for controlling a recording paper feed or an IC for controlling an ink ribbon feed (not shown) is provided.
And a circuit such as a video signal processing circuit. A PC connector to which the PC connector 11 is removably mounted is provided at a side end on the control board 22a. Further, at the front end on the control board 22a,
A plurality of connectors (not shown) for electrically connecting to various electronic components (not shown) mounted on the device are provided. Note that these circuits and connectors are electrically connected by a print pattern 31 provided on the control board based on a necessary wiring form.

The power board 22b is formed in an L-shape with the control board 22a by a connector 23, and the connector 23 is electrically connected to various electronic components on the control board side. ing. Although not shown, a charging circuit for charging the battery 8 and a control I / O for controlling the thermal head 20 and the thermal head driving mechanism are arranged on the inner surface of the power board 22b.
A C circuit and the like are provided. Further, a connector (not shown) for making an electrical connection to a thermal head driving mechanism, a large capacitor, and the like (not shown) is provided at a side end of the power board 22b.

On the other hand, the medium socket unit substrate 22c
Is a first memory card socket as shown in FIG.
(Not shown) and second memory card socket 82b
Are attached to the inner surface by attachment members 61, respectively. The attachment member 61 is attached to the power board 22b, and the socket is fixed by screwing a base end of the attachment member 61 to the medium socket board 22c with a screw 64.

The medium socket unit substrate 22
c is a support member 60 whose base end is attached to the surface of the main body bottom 3 in order to secure a certain degree of strength against a pressing force generated when various memory cards are mounted.
Are fixed by screws 64. That is, when the medium socket unit substrate 22c is attached to the support member 60, various memory cards 9 are mounted.
It is possible to prevent the device from being damaged by the pressing force generated due to the mounting of a and 9b.

Although not shown, the power board 22b is provided on the back side of the medium socket unit board 22c.
A connection member electrically connected to the charging circuit is arranged, and the connection member includes a battery section 8b of the battery 8.
A battery piece for contacting and electrically connecting the battery is provided so as to protrude. Therefore, when the battery 8 is mounted in the battery mounting groove 2c of the main body cover 2, the battery piece of the connecting member and the battery piece 8b of the battery 8 come into contact with each other and become conductive, so that the battery 8
Can be supplied into the main body of the printer device 1.

With the above configuration, the length of the wiring can be reduced, the size and weight of the printer can be reduced, and an optimal printer for portable use can be configured. Further, even if the manufacturing process of the substrate is taken into consideration, the substrate 22 is composed of the three substrates 22a, 22b, and 22c, so that the manufacturing process of the substrate can be performed by sharing each of the substrates, and the assembling process is also possible. Because it can be easily performed, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing process,
It greatly contributes to cost reduction.

The basic operation of the printer having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG.
The uppermost recording paper 6 stored in the paper supply cassette 5 is transported by the paper supply roller 18 into the printer apparatus 1. At this time, the recording paper 6 can be transported smoothly by the rotation of the paper feed roller 18 since the base end of the paper feed cassette 5 on the printer side is formed in an R shape.

The pinch roller 1 disposed in front of the inside of the apparatus
5 and guide rollers 41a, 41b and 41c which form recording paper transport paths 43a and 43b attached to the main frame are provided in front of the grip roller 40, and the recording paper 6 transported by the paper feed roller 18 is provided. Is transported between the pinch roller 15 and the grip roller 40 via the formed transport path 43a while pushing up the tape member 42 attached to the guide plate 41c.
At this time, although not shown, whether or not the recording paper 6 is normally conveyed is detected by a sensor attached near the recording and conveying path of the guide plate 41b, and provided on the control board 22a in accordance with the detection result. Main control unit (C
The presence or absence of the start of the printing operation is determined by the PU 81 (see FIG. 3). If it is not transported normally,
U81 causes the display section 2e on the main body cover 2 to display an error or the like, and otherwise controls the drive to start the printing operation.

When the printing operation is started, the recording paper 6 is nipped by the pinch roller 15 and the grip roller 40, the driving of the recording paper feed / ribbon feed mechanism is controlled by the CPU 81, and the surface is provided with a non-slip means. The rotation of a certain grip roller 40 adjusts the conveyance of the recording paper 6 during printing. That is, the leading end of the recording paper 6 is conveyed through the recording paper conveyance path 44 formed by the guide plates 13a and 13b, and the rear end of the recording paper 6 is located at the print start point between the thermal head 20 and the platen roller 14. The conveyance of the recording paper 6 is controlled so that the recording paper 6 arrives.

During printing, the recording paper 6 and the ink ribbon 7a are separated from the thermal head 20 and the platen roller 1 by the rotation of the grip roller 40 and the pinch roller 15.
4 while being pressed and transferred, and a control circuit provided on the power board 22b allows a current to flow through the heating element of the thermal head 20, thereby dissolving or sublimating the thermal transfer ink on the ink ribbon 7a and recording. The image is transferred to paper 6 and printed. At the same time, at the time of printing, the ink ribbon 7a feed required at the time of printing is also controlled by the ink ribbon feed control circuit.

In this case, when printing the first color yellow (Y) of the ink ribbon 7a on the recording paper 6, the recording paper 6 is transported to the left side in the figure by the pinch roller 15 and the grip roller 40, and this recording is performed. Paper 6 and ink ribbon 7
is transferred while being pressed between the thermal head 20 and the platen roller 14, and an image information signal corresponding to yellow (Y) is supplied to a heating element (not shown) of the thermal head 20.

The leading end of the recording paper 6 at this time is in a recording paper transport path 44 composed of a U-shaped guide plate 13a and a guide plate 13b of the same shape provided inside the guide plate 13a. On the other hand, the rear end portion of the recording paper 6 is transported to the recording paper transport path 43b while pushing down the tape member 42 attached to the guide plate 41c via the transport path 43a.
The first color printing is performed.

The position of the thermal head 20 at the time of printing is, for example, three positions (a position moved to the upper part, a position moved to the lower part as shown in the figure, and an intermediate position between them) in the standby state. (A partial position) by the thermal head drive mechanism.
Controls the position.

When the printing of the first color yellow (Y) on the recording paper 6 is completed, the CPU 81 drives and controls a thermal head driving mechanism (not shown) to move the thermal head 20 from the platen roller 14 side. The recording paper 6 is returned to the rear of the printer device 1 (to the right in the drawing) by the pinch roller 15 and the grip roller 40 while being moved apart to the partial position. Recording paper 6 in the order of magenta (M), third color cyan (C), and transparent overcoat (OP)
Color printing is performed by superimposing each color sequentially on the top.

Until the printing of each color is started, the recording paper 6 is held by the grip roller 40 and the pinch roller 15.
The recording paper 6 is transported to the rear side (to the right in the drawing) of the printer apparatus 1 at this time. When the trailing end of the recording paper 6 is detected by a sensor (not shown), the rotation of the pinch roller 15 and the grip roller 40 controls the trailing end of the recording paper 6 based on the detection result. Is set at the print start position of the thermal head 20 and the platen roller 14.

When the heating resistor of the thermal head 20 transfers each thermal transfer ink of the ink ribbon 7a to the recording paper 6, the contact position of the platen roller 14 with the heating resistor of the thermal head 20 is not a regular position. In the case where the position shift has occurred, by selecting and replacing a pair of bushes 50 corresponding to the position shift,
By decentering the center position of the rotation axis of the platen roller 14,
It is also possible to adjust to a regular position.

When printing of all the colors is completed in this way, the printed recording paper 6 is discharged to the outside of the apparatus through the recording paper transport path 43b by a paper feeding mechanism for discharging, not shown, and the printing operation is completed. I do. In addition,
The ejection of the recording paper 6 after the printing is completed is detected by another sensor as a recording paper transport position detection unit, and the detection result is supplied to the CPU 81 to complete printing of one screen. Timing is recognized.

By the way, in the printer device as described above, the image information signal imaged and stored by the electronic image pickup device in the first memory card 9a or the second memory card 9b to be loaded in the printer device. If print control information such as the number of prints, that is, information related to DPOF is written, the print control information is read and a print operation (also referred to as an automatic print mode) is performed based on the print control information. There is.

Regarding the execution of such an automatic print mode, in the related art, after the execution of the automatic print is started,
Even if the printing operation itself is interrupted against the user's intention due to unexpected situations such as running out of chart paper or sudden power failure, automatic printing can be resumed from the middle when the printer returns to the operable state, In addition, by providing and pressing a cancel button for canceling various operations, execution of automatic printing can be canceled, but a cancel button is simply provided to improve operability. Therefore, an arrangement space for arranging the cancel button is specially required, which is a major obstacle to downsizing. With the arrangement of the cancel button, a port dedicated to a CPU for controlling various operations of the entire apparatus is also required, and a considerably large-scale circuit for resuming the printing operation from the middle after the printing operation is interrupted. Since the addition is also indispensable, there are many disadvantages in reducing the size and weight and extending the life of the battery.

Here, considering automatic printing such as DPOF executed once, when this is actively canceled by the user's will, usually, a series of printing operations (all the contents for which automatic printing is set) In most cases, active printing is stopped for the purpose of completely not doing it at all (for example, if you accidentally start automatic printing,
In the case where the medium to be printed is mistaken, etc.), the necessity of interrupting and then continuing to resume is low.
Also, in the case of a portable printer device, in most cases, in a printing operation using only a battery power supply or an AC power supply using an AC outlet or the like, the printing operation is performed with the battery power supply normally connected. The fact that there is at least a possibility that the automatic print operation will be interrupted due to a sudden power failure or the like is not so large as to use at least a battery.

Accordingly, the portable printer of the present embodiment has been made in view of such circumstances. That is,
In the case where active cancellation is performed after the start of automatic printing such as DPOF, in most cases, the series of printing operations (all contents for which automatic printing is set) are actively stopped for the purpose of not performing the printing operation at all. Therefore, it can be said that the power can be turned off as it is. Therefore, when the power button of the printer is turned off, the DPO
The automatic print such as F is stopped (reset) so that even if the cancel button is not required, practical use is not impaired at all, and the execution is resumed after the printer operation is interrupted. Even if no circuit is provided for the printer, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the portable printer device in the most rational form, without substantially deteriorating practical usability in consideration of the actual frequency of occurrence.
It is possible to achieve a longer battery life. FIGS. 3 to 7 show an embodiment for realizing the miniaturization, weight reduction and long battery life of the portable printer device.

3 to 7 show an embodiment of the portable printer device according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit configuration of a main part mounted on the device of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a display diagram showing all display characters and display marks that can be displayed on the display unit, and FIG. 5 is a display diagram showing a display example of the display unit displayed at the time of a control operation which is a feature of the device of the present embodiment. FIG. 5A is a display diagram when the DPOF mode is executed, FIG. 5B is a display diagram when a print stop operation is received in response to the pressing of the power button during the DPOF mode, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a main control operation by a CPU mounted in the apparatus, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a DOPF mode execution processing routine of FIG. 6 which is a feature of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the DPOF print mode will be described as an example of the automatic print mode of the printing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this mode. For example, it can be applied to all-frame print mode.

In the portable printer device 1 shown in FIG. 3, the first memory card 9a or the second memory card 9b storing the print control information together with the image information signal to be printed is mounted on the print control mode reading section 82. D
In the case of executing the POF print mode, the thermal head 20 and the recording paper feeding / recording / power supply from the battery 8 are performed in response to a print operation start instruction from the print button 30b.
By controlling the ribbon feeding mechanism, a plurality of images based on the image information signal are continuously printed on the recording paper 6 based on the print control information, and a plurality of images based on the print control information are continuously printed. When the power button 30a is turned off during the operation, a main configuration for controlling the power of the apparatus to be turned off after the printing operation of one recording sheet 6 being printed is completed at the moment when the power button 30a is turned off. Is shown.

As shown in FIG. 3, the portable printer device 1 has a parallel port interface 80, a CPU 81 as control means, a print control mode reading unit 82,
Memory 83, liquid crystal controller 84, recording paper feed / ribbon feed mechanism 85, operation buttons 30 and key interface 86 as print operation instructing means, print controller 87, battery controller 88, recording paper transport position detector 89, for print history information It comprises at least a memory 90, a thermal head 20, a battery 8, and a display unit 2e.

The parallel port interface 80
It is a communication means for connecting to the personal computer 70 and exchanging electronic data with the personal computer 70. When an image signal to be printed is taken from the personal computer 70, the image signal is taken into the apparatus by the parallel port interface 80.

The print control mode reading section 82 stores the memory card 9 of the first and second memory cards 9a and 9b.
Is mounted in a detachable manner, and an image signal to be printed, print control information, and the like are read from the memory card 9 into the apparatus, or writing and the like are performed on the memory card. The first and second sockets 82a, 82a, 82b, first and second memory card interfaces 82c, 82
d.

A first memory card 9a (SM) is removably mounted in the first socket 82a, and a first memory card interface 82c is electrically connected to the first socket 82a. The print target image signal and print control information stored in one memory card 9a are taken in by the CPU 81. Also,
The first memory card 9 is connected to the first memory card 9 via the first socket 82a by the first memory card interface 82c.
It is also possible to supply an image information signal for writing to a.

The second memory card 9b (CF) is detachably mounted on the second socket 82b.
The image signal to be printed and the print control information stored in the second memory card 9b are taken into the CPU 81 by a second memory card interface 82d electrically connected to the socket 82b.
Further, the second memory card interface 82d can supply an image information signal for performing writing or the like to the second memory card 9b via the second socket 82b.

The memory 83 is a storage means for reading and storing an image signal to be printed from the first or second memory card 9a, 9b and data from the personal computer 70 under the control of the CPU 81.

Under the control of the CPU 81, the liquid crystal controller 84 supplies a liquid crystal display signal and a liquid crystal control signal to a display unit 2e (a liquid crystal display such as an LCD) as a display means, and controls a display image on the display unit 2e. Is what you do.

The key interface 86 transmits an instruction signal from the operation button 30 to the CPU 81. For example, when the power of the apparatus is turned on or off by pressing the power button 30a, the power of the apparatus is turned on. Alternatively, an instruction signal indicating OFF is supplied to the CPU 81.

The print controller 87 supplies a print signal and a print control signal to the thermal head 20 to control the printing operation, and controls the driving of the recording paper feeding / ribbon feeding mechanism 85 in accordance with the printing operation.

The recording paper feed / ribbon mechanism 85 is used for driving the recording paper feed mechanism including the pinch roller 15 and the grip roller 40 as the recording paper conveying means, and for feeding the ribbon in accordance with the driving. And a ribbon feeding mechanism.

The battery controller 88 has a CP
The power supply is turned on / off with respect to U81, the battery capacity of the battery 8 is detected before the start of printing, and the detected remaining battery amount information is transmitted to the CPU 81.

The recording paper transport position detecting section 89 is constituted by a plurality of sensors arranged near the suction position and the discharge position of the recording paper 6 on the recording paper transport path. 6 to obtain respective timing signals based on the suction timing and the discharge timing.
Supply to PU81.

In the print history information memory 90, at the time of printing, when the battery check unit 81c of the CPU 81 determines that there is at least one printable battery capacity, it is determined that one print is not possible. The print history information indicating the number of frames to be printed set by the print control information and the number of printed frames and the number of prints out of the number of prints is stored by the CPU 81. It is controlled.

The CPU 81 as the print control means
It comprises at least a print control information recognition section 81a, an arithmetic processing section 81b, a battery check section 81c, and a print mode discrimination section 81d, and decodes communication data from the personal computer 70 and operates data from the operation buttons 30. Decryption, the first or second memory card 9a,
9b, decodes the print control information from the computer 9b, stores the image data to be printed from the personal computer 70 or the first and second memory cards 9a, 9b in the image memory 83, displays it on the display 2e, and prints the thermal head by the print controller 87. 20, the drive of the printing and recording paper feed / ribbon feed mechanism 85, the calculation of the remaining amount of the battery 8, the determination of the presence or absence of the battery capacity for one print, and the print mode associated with the pressing of the print mode selection button 30c by the print mode determining unit 81d. And the like.

The CPU 81 controls the decoding of the print control information from the first or second memory card 9a, 9b and the display control on the display unit 2e. 9 to recognize the frame number in which the print control information is written together with the image information,
The number of prints set for each frame number in which print control information is written based on this recognition result, and the total number of prints from a default value set in advance for frame numbers for which print control information is not set Is calculated, and the total number of prints is controlled to be displayed on the display unit 2e. After the start of printing, the total number of prints is subtracted with the progress of the printing operation, and the subtracted value is displayed on the display unit 2e. Is controlled to display a countdown.

Further, when executing the DPOF mode, which is the automatic print mode, the CPU 81 responds to the instruction to start the printing operation from the print button 30b by using the electric power from the battery 8 and the thermal head 20 and the recording paper feed / feed.
The print controller 87 is controlled to drive the ribbon feed mechanism 85 to continuously print a plurality of images on the recording paper 6 based on the image information signal based on the print control information, and to print a plurality of images based on the print control information. Power button 30 during continuous printing of
When a is turned off, the battery controller 88 is controlled so that the power supply of the apparatus is turned off after the printing operation of one recording sheet 6 which is printing is completed at the moment of turning off.

Further, when the CPU 81 executes the DPOF mode or another print mode, for example, immediately before the printing operation is started by the recording paper feed / ribbon feed mechanism 85, the battery check unit 81c causes the battery controller 88 to operate. It is determined whether or not at least one print is possible based on the battery capacity detected from the printer. If it is determined that one print is not possible due to insufficient capacity, the print operation is stopped. To control.

When the battery check section 81c determines that the battery capacity is insufficient, the CPU 81 controls the print controller 88 so as to stop the printing operation and displays the display section 2e.
The liquid crystal controller 84 is controlled so that the display at is turned off.

In the printer 1 of this embodiment, the CP
By the display control of U81, the display of the display characters and the display marks as shown in FIG. 4 can be displayed on the display unit 2e.

For example, in the display example of FIG. 4, the print mode is designated by the print mode button 30c, the image quality mode is designated by the sharpness button 30d, the division mode is designated by the division button 30e, and the date designation and date print display mode switching designation are designated. A date button 30f, a memory card designation is a card switching button 30d, a frame number / print quantity designation is a frame number / print quantity switching button 30h, and a frame number or print quantity display switching is a (+) button (-) button 30i. , So that they can be switched as needed.

(Operation) Next, a control operation which is a characteristic of the printer shown in FIG. 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The printer device 1 performs a series of basic operations related to printing as described with reference to FIG.
The control is performed based on one main routine. That is, when the power button 30a of the apparatus 1 is pressed, an instruction signal indicating that the power is turned on is transmitted to the key interface 8.
6 and received by the CPU 81.
By recognizing this instruction signal and controlling the battery controller 88 to turn on the power, the main routine shown in FIG. 6 is started.

The CPU 81 first performs initialization in the process of step S50, for example, performs initialization of the electric system including the initialization of the CPU 81, initialization of the mechanism, and the like, and proceeds to the determination process of the subsequent step S51. And migrate.

In the determination processing of step S51, the CPU 8
1 judges whether or not the print mode selection button 30c has been pressed, and if it is determined that the print mode selection button 30c has been pressed, the processing shifts to the determination processing of the next step S52. If not, the process returns to step S51 again, and the determination is repeated until the print mode selection button 30c is pressed.

Then, in the determination process of step S52, the CPU 81 determines which print mode has been selected by pressing the button 30c to the print mode selection by the print mode determining unit 81c, and determines that the print mode is the normal print mode. In step S53, the process proceeds to step S53. If it is determined that the mode is the DPOF print mode as the automatic print mode, the process proceeds to step S53.
Move to 54.

Thereafter, in the process of step S53, the CPU 81 controls the print controller 87 so as to execute the normal print mode (mode in which the frame number and the number of prints are designated and printing is executed).

On the other hand, when the automatic print mode (DPOF print mode) is selected, the CPU 81 controls the print controller 87 to execute the DPOF print mode in the processing of step S54. That is, the printing operation is automatically executed based on the print control information recognized by the print control information recognition unit 81a.

Thereafter, when each print operation is completed, C
The PU 81 determines that the printing operation has been completed, completes the process, and returns.

Next, a control example of the DOPF mode execution processing in step S54, which is a feature of the present embodiment, will be described with reference to FIG. Now, assuming that the DPOF print mode has been selected in the determination processing of step S52 in the main routine, the CPU 81 sets the DOP shown in FIG.
A processing subroutine for executing POF printing is started.

First, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the memory card 9 has been inserted into the socket in the determination processing of step S60. That is, it is determined whether the first memory card (SM) is mounted on the first socket 82a or the second memory card 9b (CF) is mounted on the second socket 82b. Is attached to the corresponding socket, the image signal to be printed and the print control information stored in the corresponding memory card 9 are transferred to the corresponding memory card interface 82c (or 8).
2d), it is taken into the CPU 81, and the CP
The data is once written in the memory 83 under the control of U81, and the process proceeds to step S62. At this time, when the print control information is read, it is stored in a memory in the CPU 81 and is decoded. On the other hand, when the memory card 9 is not inserted, the display unit 2 is processed in step S61.
In step e, the liquid crystal controller 84 is controlled so that a display indicating that the memory card 9 is not mounted, for example, a memory card switching designation display shown in FIG. 4 is blinked, or the routine in the DPOF print mode is ended.

When the memory card 9 is inserted,
The CPU 81 determines in step S62 that the power button 30
It is determined whether or not a is in the off state. If it is in the on state, the process proceeds to step S65. If it is in the off state, the power of the entire apparatus is turned off in the subsequent step S63. After the battery controller is controlled so as to perform the process, the routine in the DPOF print mode is terminated in the subsequent processing of step S64.

When the power button 30a is on,
The CPU 81 determines whether or not the print button 30b for instructing the start of print execution has been pressed in the determination processing of step S65. If the print button 30b has been pressed, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S66. The process returns to the process of step S51 of the main routine shown in FIG.

When the press of the print button 30b is confirmed, the CPU 81 determines again whether or not the memory card 9 has been inserted into the socket in the determination processing of step S66, similarly to the processing of step S60. If the memory card 9 is mounted on the corresponding socket, the process proceeds to step S68. If any memory card 9 is not mounted on the corresponding socket, the process proceeds to step S67. Step S in the processing
A process similar to the process of 61 is performed, that is, the display process of the display unit 2e or the routine in the DPOF print mode is ended.

Then, the CPU 81 reads the memory card 9
When the socket is confirmed to be mounted again, the next step S
In the determination process of 68, it is determined again whether or not the power button 30a is in the OFF state in the same manner as the process of step S62.
If it is on, the process proceeds to step S71. If it is off, the battery controller is turned off in step S69 in substantially the same manner as step S63. After controlling,
The routine in the DPOF print mode is ended by the process of step S70 following the process of step S64. The processing in step S69 is performed, for example, by using DP
When the OF print mode is being executed, processing is performed so that the power of the entire apparatus is turned off after the completion of printing of one sheet in the DPOF print mode, and the display control of the display unit 2e is executed accordingly. It has become so.

FIG. 5 shows an example of display control of the display unit 2e by the CPU 81 in this case. That is, the CPU 81
When the DPOF print mode is being executed, the power button 30a is determined by the determination processing in step S68.
Is confirmed to be in the OFF state, the process proceeds to step S69.
The DPOF print mode is stopped after the completion of printing of one sheet in the DPOF print mode,
The liquid crystal controller 84 is controlled so as not to display anything on the display unit 2e as shown in FIG. 5B, for example, indicating that the instruction to stop the DPOF print mode has been received by turning off the power button 30a. , And controls the battery controller 88 to turn off the power of the entire apparatus.

In the determination processing of step S71, the CPU 8
Before starting the print operation in the DPOF print mode, 1 determines whether or not at least one print is possible based on the battery capacity detected from the battery controller 88 by the battery check unit 81c, If it is determined that printing is not possible, the liquid crystal controller 84 is controlled in step S72 to display, for example, on the display unit 2e indicating that printing is not possible, or the DPOF print mode is set. The routine in is terminated. If the printing is being executed based on the DPOF print mode, a process similar to the process of step S69 is further performed.

On the other hand, in the judgment processing of the step S71,
If it is determined that printing is possible, the CPU 81
Is the transfer position detection unit 89 in the subsequent process of step S73.
Paper feed / ribbon feed mechanism 8 using the detection information from
5, the print controller 87 is controlled so that the recording paper 6 is set at the print start position. Thereafter, in the subsequent step S74, for example, one sheet of image data is read from the memory 83 and the print controller 87 is read out.
And firstly starts the printing operation of the first color yellow (Y) as in the basic operation described with reference to FIG. 2, and uses the detection information from the transport position detection unit 89 again in the subsequent step S75. The print controller 87 is controlled by the recording paper feed / ribbon feeding mechanism 85 so that the recording paper 6 is set at the print start position, and then, in step S7.
In the processing of step 6, the above operation is repeated, and the colors are sequentially superimposed on the recording paper 6 in order of magenta (M) for the second color, cyan (C) for the third color, and transparent overcoat (OP) in order to perform color printing. I do.

At the time of the printing operation, the CPU 81 operates the print controller to drive a thermal head driving mechanism (not shown) so that the thermal head 20 is appropriately positioned at the position described with reference to FIG. 2 in accordance with the printing operation. 87 is controlled.

When the first print is completed,
In the subsequent step S77, the CPU 81 determines whether or not there is a number of sheets to be printed continuously based on the recognition result of the print control information by the print control information recognizing section 81a. Returning to S66, the same processing is repeated until the printing operation based on the print control information is completed. on the other hand,
If there is no continuous print number, the process returns to step S51 of the main routine shown in FIG.

The display control is performed by the CPU 81.
After the printing is started, before the printing operation of the first color yellow (Y) is started in the process of step S74, for example, the total number of sheets to be printed is calculated from the print control information by the calculation processing unit 81b, and the display unit 2e is displayed. Then, after one printing operation is completed in the process of step S76, the total number of sheets to be printed is subtracted with the progress of the printing operation, and the subtracted value is displayed as a countdown display on the display unit 2e. Control.

An example of this countdown display is shown in FIG.
This is shown in FIG. In the display shown in FIG. 5A, “DPOF” indicating that the DPOF print mode has been selected, the remaining battery level display, and the total print amount during printing based on the print control information are displayed on the screen of the display unit 2e. For example, “018” indicating the subtraction display of the number of sheets
Is displayed.

In the control operation example of the CPU 81 described above, the case where the DPOF print mode is selected and executed has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Also in the case of executing another print mode, a series of processing routines including a battery check and a reset process using a power button can be executed in substantially the same manner.

(Effect) Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the first memory card 9a or the second memory card 9b storing the print control information together with the image information signal to be printed is stored in the print control mode reading section 82. When the printer is mounted and the DPOF print mode is executed, in response to an instruction to start a print operation from the print button 30b,
The thermal head 20 and the recording paper feeding / ribbon feeding mechanism 85 are controlled by the power from the battery 8 to continuously print a plurality of images on the recording paper 6 based on the image information signal based on the print control information. If the power button 30a is turned off during continuous printing of a plurality of images based on the control information, the printing operation of one sheet of recording paper 6 being printed is completed at the moment when the power button 30a is turned off. It is configured to turn off the power of the device later, so even if the cancel button is not required, the practical use is not impaired at all, and the execution is restarted from the middle after the printer operation is interrupted A portable printer device that does not substantially degrade practical usability even if no circuit for providing the same is taken into account in consideration of the actual frequency of occurrence. In the most rational forms Te, smaller, lighter, and it is possible to realize a longer battery life.

As a result, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use, high-performance portable printer device not available in the prior art.

[0107] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but is included in the present invention even when the above-described embodiment is applied.

[0108]

As described above, according to the present invention, the automatic print mode is stopped by turning off the power button during the execution of the automatic print mode.
It is possible to provide a portable printer device that can realize miniaturization, weight reduction, and long battery life at low cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer device to which the present invention is applied.

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

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit configuration of a main part mounted on the printer device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a display diagram showing all display characters and display marks that can be displayed on the display unit in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a display diagram showing a display example of a display unit displayed at the time of a control operation which is a feature of the apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a main control operation by a CPU mounted in the apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a DPOF print mode execution processing routine of FIG. 6, which is a feature of the present embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer apparatus, 2 ... Body cover, 2a ... Feeding cassette mounting opening, 2b ... Ink cassette insertion opening, 2c ... Battery mounting groove, 2d ... Operation panel, 2e ... Display part, 2f ... Vent hole, 2g ... Opening 2h: 1st memory card slot, 2i: 2nd memory card slot, 2j ... dust cover, 2k ... notch 2l ... eject button, 3 ... bottom part of main body, 4a, 4b ... open / close lid, 4c, 4d ... lock Means 5 Paper feed cassette 5a Cover 6 Recording paper 7 Ink cassette 7a Ink ribbon 7b Ink ribbon supply reel 7c Ink ribbon take-up reel 8 Battery and 8a Mounting section , Ink ribbon 8b: battery section, 8c: locking part, 9a: first memory card (smart media), 9b: second memory card (con 10 ... DC connector, 10a ... AC outlet, 11 ... PC connector, 20 ... thermal head, 22 ... board, 22a ... control board, 22b ... power board, 22c ... medium socket unit board, 30a-30i ... operation Buttons, 31a to 31d: display lamps, 70: personal computer, 80: parallel port interface, 81: CPU, 81a: print control information recognition unit, 81b: arithmetic processing unit, 81c: battery check unit, 81d: print mode discrimination unit, 82: a print control mode reading unit, 82a: a first socket, 82b: a second socket, 82c: a first memory card interface, 82d: a second memory card interface, 83: a memory, 84: a liquid crystal controller , 85 ... Recording paper Ri / ribbon feed mechanism, 86 ... key interface, 87 ... print controller, 88 ... battery controller, 89 ... recording paper feed / ribbon feed mechanism, 90 ... transport position detecting unit.

Claims (5)

[Claims] A battery power supply means for printing on a sheet an image based on the image data recorded on a storage medium storing a plurality of image data and print control information corresponding to each of the plurality of image data; A thermal head, a paper transporting unit for transporting the paper supplied from the paper feeding unit and performing printing by the thermal head, a main power switch for turning on / off the apparatus, and an instruction to start a printing operation A print operation start instructing unit that controls the thermal head and the sheet conveying unit with power from the battery power unit in response to a print operation start instruction from the print operation start instructing unit. While continuously printing a plurality of images based on the image data based on the print control information, When the main power switch is turned off during continuous printing of a plurality of images based on the print control information, the printing operation of one sheet being printed at the moment when the main power switch is turned off. Control means for turning off the power of the apparatus after the operation is completed. 2. The portable printer device according to claim 1, wherein the print control information includes data for specifying whether or not each of the image data is printed. 3. The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print control information includes data for specifying whether or not each of the image data is to be printed and the number of prints when performing printing. Printer device. 4. The printing operation based on the print control information includes an operation of printing a specified number of images based on image data designated to be printed with all image data in a storage medium designated to be printed. The portable printer device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the process is sequentially and sequentially performed. 5. A battery detecting means for detecting a remaining battery level of the battery power supply means, wherein the control means is configured to perform the printing operation immediately before starting the sheet conveying operation by the sheet feeding means. The portable printer device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a print operation control is performed by detecting a remaining battery level by a battery detection unit.