JP2002059625A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer in which the total number of print sheets can be grasped before starting of printing and the time being elapsed before ending of printing can be predicted after starting of printing by making possible to display the total number of print sheets and to display decrement from the total number of sheets for every print. SOLUTION: A frame number written with print control information in memory cards 9a, 9b is recognized, and based on the recognition results, an operation processing section 81b operates a total number of print sheets from a number of print sheets set in each frame number written with the print control information and a default value preset in a frame number set with no print control information. The total number of print sheets is displayed at a display section 2e. After starting by printing, a CPU 81 decrements the total number of print sheets as the print operation progresses at the operation processing section 81b and the decremented values is count down and displayed at the display section 2e.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer device, and more particularly to a printer device for printing based on print control information such as the number of prints written in correspondence with image information captured and stored by an electronic imaging device. The present invention relates to a printer capable of displaying the number of sheets and subtracting and displaying each print.

[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. Since printing is performed, it is not necessary to speed up the operator over a long period of time, and since a PC for controlling the print instruction operation is not required in terms of the system, it is extremely important to improve the performance of the device and downsize the device. It is effective and has high expectations in the future.

As such a printer, there is a printer system proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-8537, for example. In the printer system according to this proposal, the order and number of image data to be printed are determined in the card operation device, that is, by writing print control information (also referred to as a print job).
When you insert a memory card with POF settings,
First, the print control information is read, the image data is read from the memory card in an order determined by the print control information, and the image data is printed out by the number specified by the print control information.

Prior to the start of printing, the total number of prints set in the print control information and the number of recording papers stored in the printer system are obtained. If the number of recording papers is larger than the total number of prints, The start of printing based on the print control information is instructed and executed.

[0006]

However, in the printer system proposed in JP-A-6-8537, the total number of prints set in the print control information is obtained prior to the start of printing.
Since this is not displayed, there is a problem that the user cannot know the total number of prints before printing. In addition, since there is no indication of the number of sheets to be printed after the start of the printing operation, there is also a problem that the time until the end of printing cannot be predicted.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problem, and enables display of the total number of prints and subtraction display for each print from the total number of prints so that the total number of prints can be ascertained prior to the start of printing. It is another object of the present invention to provide a printer device capable of predicting a time from the start of printing to the end of printing.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer apparatus capable of printing image information captured and stored by an electronic image capturing apparatus in correspondence with the image information. Setting means for setting a print control mode for printing the image information based on the received print control information, a frame number in which the print control information is written when the print control mode is set, and the print control information. Determining means for determining a frame number for which the print control information has been written, and calculating means for calculating the total number of prints from the number of prints set for each frame number for which it has been determined that the print control information has been written If the print control mode is set, the calculated total number of prints is displayed. If not set to control mode it is characterized in that comprising a display means for performing display, which means that it is not set to the print control mode.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the printer having the above configuration, when the print control mode is set by the determination means, the frame number in which the print control information is written and the print control information And the total number of prints to be printed is calculated from the number of prints set for each frame number for which the print control information has been determined to be written by the calculating means. . Then, the display means displays the calculated total number of prints when the print control mode is set, and that the print control mode is not set when the print control mode is not set. Is displayed. As a result, a display according to the presence or absence of the setting of the print control mode can be performed prior to the printing, so that the user can be informed and grasped of the set contents without fail.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printer according to the first aspect, wherein the image information and the print control information are stored in a storage medium detachable from the printing apparatus. It is assumed that.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the same operation as in the first aspect of the present invention is achieved even when a removable storage medium storing the image information and the print control information is used in the printing apparatus. Thus, a similar effect can be obtained.

A printer according to a third aspect of the present invention is the printer according to the first or second aspect,
The arithmetic means subtracts the total number of sheets to be printed as the printing operation proceeds, and the display means counts down and displays the subtracted value.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the same operation and effect as those of the first or second aspect of the present invention can be obtained. Since the number of sheets is subtracted and the subtracted value is displayed as a countdown by the display means, the user can predict the time from the start of printing to the end of printing. Further, when the printing is completed, the total number of prints to be printed is displayed on the display means, so that the user can be notified that the executed printing operation has been completed. In addition, such a display is displayed by a numerical value using, for example, seven segments included in the display means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the printer device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the calculating means is configured to output the recording paper at a timing after printing is completed or at a timing when the recording paper is sucked before printing. It is characterized in that the total number of prints is subtracted.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to obtaining the same operation and effect as the third aspect of the present invention, the calculating means determines whether the recording paper is discharged after printing is completed or before recording. Since the total number of sheets to be printed is subtracted at the timing when is sucked, the countdown display can be performed more clearly and reliably.

[0016]

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

(Structure) FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining a schematic structure of a printer device to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire structure of the device, and FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of a main part.

As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 1 according to the present embodiment includes a main body cover 2 for accommodating various mechanical mechanisms and components required for a printing function, a board, and the like, and a lower portion of the main body cover 2. A main body of the apparatus 1 is formed by forming a housing with the main body bottom 3 attached to the main body.

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 left front 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.

In addition, an opening / closing lid 4a for closing the sheet feeding cassette mounting opening 2a when the sheet feeding 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 on the right side surface of the main body cover 2 when viewed from the front side, and the main frame 12b is 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 a 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 And a date button 30f for designating a 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.

The display section 2e is arranged in a notch in 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 board / number of prints specified, frame number or number of prints displayed, character display indicating that DPOF is not set, remaining battery display, etc.) 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.

In the vicinity of the second memory card insertion slot 2h, an eject button 21 for ejecting the second memory card 9b such as a compact flash is used.
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 supply through an AC outlet 10a, and converts the received AC power supply into an AC receptacle 10a or an AC / DC converter provided between the AC outlet 10a and the DC connector 10. The electric power is converted into a direct current power supply (DC) by a power supply (not shown) and supplied to the apparatus 1 as driving power for the apparatus 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 or a video recording / reproducing device. 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 supply cassette 5 used in the printer 1 can store 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 notch of the cover 5a, and is driven to rotate, so that one sheet of recording paper 6 can be reliably transported into the apparatus. I have.

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 for controlling a recording paper feed (not shown). ) 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.

The control circuit board 22a and the power board 22b are connected to the control circuit board 22a as shown in FIG.
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. Is done. 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.

Further, on the control board 22a, a circuit group necessary for a printing operation, such as an IC circuit (not shown) for controlling a recording paper feed or an IC for controlling an ink ribbon feed, 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. 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, as shown in FIG. 2, the medium socket board 22c is provided with a first memory card socket (not shown).
And the second memory card socket 82b
1 are attached to the inner surface. The attachment member 61 is attached to the power board 22b, and the base end of the attachment member 61 is connected to the medium socket board 22c.
Each socket is fixed by being screwed with the 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.

According to 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
The guide plates 41a, 41b, and 43c that form recording paper transport paths 43a and 43b to which the main frame 12 is attached are provided at a stage preceding the grip roller 40 and the grip roller 40, and the recording paper transported by the paper feed roller 18 is provided. 6 is conveyed between the pinch roller 15 and the grip roller 40 via the formed conveyance path 43a while pushing up the tape member 42 attached to the guide plate 41c. At this time, although not shown, a sensor as a recording paper conveyance position detection unit attached near the recording conveyance path of the guide plate 41b detects whether the recording paper 6 is normally conveyed, and based on the detection result, Accordingly, the presence or absence of the start of the printing operation is determined by the main control unit (CPU 81; see FIG. 3) provided on control board 22a. When the sheet is not normally conveyed, the CPU 81 causes the display section 2e on the main body cover 2 to display an error or the like, and otherwise, performs the drive control 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, and the driving of the recording paper feeding / ribbon feeding mechanism is controlled by the CPU 81 so that 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 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 7 a 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 drawing, 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 the 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 conveyance 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 9a to be loaded in the printer device. When print control information such as the number of prints, that is, information related to DPOF is written, the print control information may be read and a print operation may be executed based on the print control information.

When the DPOF print mode is executed as described above, in the related art, the total number of prints set in the print control information is obtained prior to the start of printing. However, since this is not displayed, the user is required to print. There was a problem that the total number of prints could not be known before and the number of prints to be performed after the start of the printing operation was not displayed, so that it was impossible to predict the time until the end of printing. .

Therefore, in the printer of the present embodiment, the first memory card 9a or the second memory card 9
When a is inserted, the frame number in which the print control information is written is recognized from the memory card 9 together with the image information, and thereafter, printing is performed from the number of prints set in each frame number in which the print control information is written. The total number of sheets to be printed is calculated, and the calculated total number of printed sheets is displayed on the display unit.After the start of printing, the total number of sheets to be printed is subtracted with the progress of the printing operation.
This subtraction value is displayed as a countdown on the display unit. This makes it possible to grasp the total number of prints prior to the start of printing and to estimate the time from the start of printing to the end of printing. Embodiments for realizing this are shown in FIGS.

FIGS. 3 to 7 show an embodiment of the 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. 1, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a display diagram showing all display characters and display marks that can be displayed on the display unit. FIG. 5 shows a display example of the display unit based on the result of determining whether or not DPOF has been set, and FIG.
FIG. 5B is a display diagram when the POF is set, and FIG.
FIG. 6 is a display diagram in the case where POF is not set, FIG. 6 is a display diagram showing a display example of a display of the total number of reserved cameras and a display of subtracting the number of prints during printing using the 7-segment display method, which is a feature of this embodiment FIG. 7 shows the C mounted in the device.
3 is a flowchart showing an example of a control operation characteristic of a PU. When the first memory card 9a or the second memory card 9a storing print control information together with an image information signal to be printed is mounted on the print control mode reading unit 82, the printer device 1 shown in FIG. The frame number in which the print control information is written together with the image information is recognized from the card 9, and then the total number of prints is calculated from the number of prints set in each frame number in which the print control information is written. Then, the calculated total number of prints is displayed on the display unit 2e, and after the start of printing, the total number of prints to be printed is subtracted with the progress of the printing operation, and the subtracted value is displayed on the display unit 2e as a countdown display. 2 shows the main configuration.

As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 1 has a parallel port interface 80, a CPU 81 as display control means, a print control mode reading unit 82 as print control mode setting means, a memory 83, a liquid crystal controller 84, and operation buttons 30. , A key interface 86, a print controller 87, a battery controller 88, a recording paper transport position detecting unit 89, 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 removably mounts any one of the first and second memory cards 9a and 9b, and outputs a print target image signal and print control information from the memory card 9. For reading data into the device, or writing data to the memory card, and the like. The first and second sockets 82a and 82b
And first and second memory card interfaces 8
2c and 82d.

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 first 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.

The liquid crystal controller 84 supplies a liquid crystal display signal and a liquid crystal control signal to a display section 2e (a liquid crystal display, for example, an LCD) as a display means under the control of the CPU 81 to control a display image on the display section 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 print mode designation button 30c is pressed, the DPO
When the F mode is selected, an instruction signal indicating execution of the DPOF mode is supplied to the CPU 81. The operation buttons 30 include a power button 30a, a print button 30b, a print mode selection button 30c, a sharpness button 30d, a split button 30e, a date button 30f, a card switching button 30g, and a frame number / print number switching button 30h as described above. , (+) Button and (-) button 3
0i (see FIG. 1), and supplies an instruction signal corresponding to the operated button to the key interface 86.

The print controller 87 supplies a print signal and a print control signal to the thermal head 20 to control the printing operation, and also controls the driving of a recording paper feeding / ribbon feeding mechanism (not shown) in accordance with the printing operation. .

The battery controller 88 has a CP
The power is supplied to U81 and the remaining amount information of the battery 8 is transmitted to the CPU 81.

The recording paper transport position detecting section 89 is composed of 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.

The CPU 81 as a control means includes at least a print control information recognizing section 81a and an arithmetic processing section 81b. The CPU 81 decodes communication data from the personal computer 70 and operates data (operation data) from the operation buttons 30. Decoding of the instruction signal), the first or second memory card 9
a. Decoding of print control information from 9b, PC 70
Alternatively, image data to be printed from the first and second memory cards 9a and 9b is stored in the image memory 83, displayed on the display unit 2e, printed by the thermal head 20, and a recording paper feed / ribbon feed mechanism (not shown) is driven. And the calculation of the remaining amount of the battery 8 and the like.

The CPU 81 controls the decoding control 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,
Based on this recognition result, the total number of prints is calculated from the number of prints set for each frame number in which the print control information is written, and the total number of prints is displayed on the display unit 2e. After the printing is started, the total number of sheets to be printed is subtracted with the progress of the printing operation, and the subtracted value is controlled to be displayed on the display unit 2e as a countdown.

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 using standard print, index print, all-frame print, D
Any one of the POF printing modes can be selected and switched as appropriate. The image quality mode is designated by the sharpness button 30d, and the division mode is designated by the division button 3d.
0e, the date button and date print display mode switching designation are designated by the date button 30f, the memory card designation is designated by the card switching button 30d, the frame number / print quantity designation is designated by the frame number / print quantity switching button 30h, The display can be switched as required by the (+) button (-) button 30i. In the display when the print designation mode is selected, the display indicating the index print, the all-frame print, and the DPOF print are displayed individually in the display form as shown in FIG. Is turned off to indicate that the standard print mode has been designated by turning off the nine squares in the index display on the left side in the figure.

(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. In such an operation state on the main routine, if the user selects the print mode to be executed to be the DPOF mode by appropriately pressing the print mode button 30c in the keyboard 85, for example, the keyboard 85 Receives an instruction signal indicating execution of the DPOF mode through the key interface 86, and
The CPU 81 recognizes this instruction signal and activates a processing subroutine for executing DPOF printing shown in FIG.

First, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the print mode to be selected and executed by pressing the print mode button 30c is DPOF in the determination process of step S50. If the DPOF mode is selected, the process proceeds to the next step. Otherwise, the process returns to step S50, and the determination is repeated until the DPOF mode is selected.

Then, in the determination processing of step S51, it is determined whether or not the memory card 9 is mounted on the socket. That is, the first memory card (SM) is inserted into the first socket 82a or the second memory card 9b (C
It is determined whether or not F) is mounted in the second socket 82b. If any of the memory cards 9 is mounted in the corresponding socket, the image signal to be printed stored in the corresponding memory card 9 or the like is output. The print control information is taken into the CPU 81 by the corresponding memory card interface 82c (or 82d), and once written into the memory 83 under the control of the CPU 81, and the process proceeds to step S52. At this time, when the print control information is read, it is stored in a memory in the CPU 81,
Will be decrypted. On the other hand, if the memory card 9 has not been inserted, the process returns to the determination process in step S50.

Then, the CPU 81 determines whether or not DPOF, which is the print control mode, is set in the inserted memory card 9 in the determination processing of step S52. That is, the print control information recognizing unit 81a determines whether or not there is a frame in which predetermined print control information is written from the data such as the print image information signal read in the process, and the print control information is written. If there is a frame in which the print control information is written together with the image information signal,
It is determined that the POF has been set, and the process proceeds to the subsequent step S53. On the other hand, if there is no frame in which the print control information has been written, it is determined that the DPOF has not been set, and The process shifts to step S54, and by this process of step S54, a display indicating that all the frames have no print information and the DPOF setting is not made, for example, a display shown in FIG. 5B is displayed on the display unit 2e. The liquid crystal controller 85 is controlled so as to perform the operation.

In the display shown in FIG. 5B, "DPOF" indicating that the DPOF mode has been selected, the remaining battery amount display, and the fact that the DPOF setting has not been made are displayed on the screen of the display unit 2e. “Non” using the 7-segment display method is displayed. When performing display using the 7-segment display method, which means that DPOF setting has not been performed, instead of “non”, for example, “Non”, which uses three 7-segments and changes uppercase and lowercase letters, Either “NON” or the character display of “No” or “no” using two 7-segments and changing capital letters and small letters may be displayed on the display unit 2e. For example, "000" is used as a display that means that DPOF setting has not been made, instead of alphabetical character display using the 7-segment display method.
May be displayed on the display unit 2e. In this case, a display indicating “00” using two 7 segments or “0” using one 7 segment may be considered. Of course, these display selections can be freely switched and set by the user device.

Thereafter, the CPU 81 displays on the display section 2e a message indicating that there is no camera reservation setting, and then returns the process to step S50 or returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination processing in step S53 that the DPOF has been set, the CPU 81 writes the print control information based on the recognition result in step S52 by the arithmetic processing unit 81b. The total number of prints to be printed is calculated based on the number of prints set for each frame number and the default value set in advance for the frame numbers for which print control information is not set. The liquid crystal controller 85 is controlled so that the display as shown in FIG. FIG.
In the display shown in (a), DPOF is displayed on the screen of the display unit 2e.
For example, “03” indicating “DPOF” indicating that the mode is selected, the remaining battery level display, and the total print number display in the camera reservation setting (print control information).
5 "is displayed.

Thereafter, the CPU 81 shifts the processing to the next step S55, and by recognizing the instruction signal supplied via the key interface 86 in this determination processing, determines whether or not the print button 30b has been pressed. If the print button 30b has not been pressed, the determination process is performed until the print button 30b is pressed, or the process returns to the step S53 to display the total number of prints again and display a print executable state to the user. Let them know that On the other hand, print button 3
If it is determined that 0b has been pressed, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S56, in which the print controller 87 is controlled to print the corresponding frame with the number based on the decoded print control information, and the DPOF mode is set. The printing operation is started, and the process proceeds to step S5.
Move to 7.

After starting printing, the CPU 81 proceeds to step S
In the process of 57, the total number of sheets to be printed is subtracted by the arithmetic processing unit 81b as the printing operation proceeds, and the subtraction value is controlled to be displayed on the display unit 2e as a countdown. In this case, the CPU 81 determines the total number of sheets to be printed at a timing based on the suction timing signal or the discharge timing signal of the recording paper 6 from the recording paper transport position detection unit 89 supplied after the completion of printing of one sheet by the arithmetic processing unit 81b. The subtraction process is performed, and the subtraction value is displayed on the display unit 2e for each print.

Thereafter, when the printing operation is completed, the CP
U81 determines whether or not the printing operation has been completed in the subsequent determination processing of step S58. If the printing operation has not been completed, this determination processing is performed again. , The total number of prints to be printed that have been reserved by the camera (FIG. 5A or FIG. 6B)
Is displayed again to inform the user that the printing operation has been completed, and then the process returns to the main routine.

As described above, in the present embodiment, in the print start state, as shown in FIG. 6A, the 7-segment display method is used on the screen of the display unit 2e in addition to the display of "DPOF" and the remaining battery level. The used total number of reserved cameras is displayed, and during subsequent printing, a countdown display is subtracted for each print from the total number of prints, as shown in FIG. 6B. When the printing operation is finally completed, a countdown display is made from "001" to "000" (not shown) as shown in FIG. 6C, and then, as shown in FIG. Thus, the total number of reserved cameras to be printed is displayed.

(Effect) Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the memory card 9 in which the print control information is written together with the image signal to be printed as described above is loaded and the DP
When the OF print mode is executed, the total number of sheets to be printed is displayed on the display unit 2 using, for example, a seven-segment display method.
By displaying e, the total number of prints can be reliably informed and grasped to the user prior to the start of printing.

After the start of printing, the total number of sheets to be printed is subtracted with the progress of the printing operation, and the subtracted value is displayed on the display section 2e as a countdown display.
The user can predict the time from the start of the printing operation to the end of the printing.

Further, from the start of printing to the end of printing, "DPOF" indicating that the DPOF mode is selected is displayed on the screen of the display section 2e on which the total number of prints is displayed and the countdown is displayed as described above. Therefore, the user can recognize at a glance that the DPOF mode is being executed.

As a result, it is possible to provide a printer having an excellent print function compatible with DPOF, which is not available in the prior art.

Note that 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.

Also, in the present embodiment, the total number of prints is displayed and subtracted when the selected print mode is the DPOF mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this. However, it is needless to say that the display of the total number of prints and the subtraction display can be performed even when a plurality of prints are performed for each frame number in other print modes, and the same effect can be obtained. is there.

[0091]

As described above, according to the present invention, the total number of prints can be grasped prior to the start of printing by enabling display of the total number of prints and subtraction display for each print from the total number of prints. It is possible to provide a printer device that can predict the time from the start of printing to the end of printing.

[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. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a printer device according to an embodiment, and illustrating an overall configuration of the device.

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 based on a result of determining whether or not DPOF is set.

FIG. 6 is a display diagram showing a display example of a display of the total number of reserved cameras and a display of subtracting the number of prints during printing, which is a feature of the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a control operation which is a feature of a CPU mounted in the printer device of FIG. 3;

[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 8a Mounting section Ink ribbon 8b: battery section, 8c: locking part, 9a: first memory card (smart media), 9b: second memory card (compact) Flash), 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 to 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, 82: print control mode reading unit, 82a: first socket 82b: second socket, 82c: first memory card interface, 82d: second memory card interface, 83: memory, 84: liquid crystal controller, 84: battery controller, 85: keyboard, 86: key interface , 7 ... print controller, 88 ... battery controller, 89 ... recording paper transport position detecting unit.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A printer device capable of printing image information captured and stored by an electronic imaging device, wherein the image information is printed based on print control information written corresponding to the image information. Setting means for setting a print control mode; and determining means for determining, when the print control mode is set, a frame number in which the print control information is written and a frame number in which the print control information is not set. Calculating means for calculating the total number of prints from the number of prints set for each frame number for which it has been determined that the print control information has been written; and when the print control mode is set, Displays the calculated total number of prints. If the print control mode is not set, the Display means for displaying which means that it has not been set to control mode, the printer apparatus characterized by comprising a. 2. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the image information and the print control information are stored in a storage medium detachable from the printing device. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculating means subtracts the total number of sheets to be printed as the printing operation progresses, and the display means counts down the subtracted value. 3. The printer device according to 2. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the calculating means subtracts the total number of sheets to be printed at a timing when the recording paper is discharged after the printing is completed or at a timing when the recording paper is sucked before the printing. Printer device.