JP2002086699A - Image processing device, printer and digital camera using the same, and expendable material housing container for printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform image processing being suitable for various kinds of printing media which can be fed by a simple operation in a printer wherein an expendable material housing container for the printer to feed a printing medium is detachable, or a digital camera which is integrally equipped with the printer. SOLUTION: An information storage means (1101) is provided in the expendable material housing container (C100) for the printer. Also, on the printer, a means (1102) to receive applicable information while cooperating with the printer is provided. In addition, a means (1105) which analyzes the received information and determines an optimal image processing method to perform a printing on a printing medium (paper) is provided. In a system which is constituted by combining them, the optimal image processing is automatically applied based on the information stored in the expendable material housing container for the printer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a printer, a consumable container for the printer, and a digital camera having the printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the rapid spread of digital cameras, there is an increasing demand for printing out images taken by digital cameras on the spot. In order to satisfy such a demand, there is a digital camera equipped with a printer having a unit for storing photographed image information and a printer for printing the image information in a visible manner.

[0003] As a mode of supplying a print medium (paper) to a printer for a digital camera, a paper package separated therefrom is used, paper is loaded from the package into a paper cassette, and the paper cassette is attached to the printer. There is a form in which the paper package itself is formed into a cassette in advance and this is directly inserted into the main body.

[0004]

However, while the types of print media supplied by a paper cassette or a paper package (hereinafter, referred to as a consumable container or a media pack for a printer) can be considered to be various,
Unless image processing according to the type is performed, it is impossible to print a photographed image or the like with high quality. In other words, even if an image processing system on the printer side is configured to support a certain type of print medium, the image processing system may not be able to support another type of print medium. It will also narrow the width.

Even if the image processing system is configured to be compatible with different types of print media, if the type of print media supplied by the printer cannot be properly determined, any type of print media will be used. The user is forced to perform a complicated operation of determining whether the printer is operating or notifying the printer via some interface. If an erroneous determination is made, image processing that is not appropriate for the print medium is performed and printing is performed, and the print medium is unnecessarily consumed.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of these as problems to be solved.
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus used in a printer that is capable of attaching and detaching a printer consumable material storage container for supplying a print medium, and performs image processing presented from the container and adapted to the stored print medium. Means for acquiring information for determining, image processing suitable for the print medium based on the acquired information, and means for applying the determined image processing to the image data, I do.

Further, the present invention relates to an image processing method used in a printer which is capable of attaching and detaching a printer consumable material storage container for supplying a print medium, wherein the method is adapted to the print medium presented and stored from the container. Obtaining information for performing image processing to be performed, determining image processing suitable for the print medium based on the obtained information, and performing the determined image processing on image data. It is characterized by having.

Here, the image processing may include a color conversion processing or a halftoning processing.

In the above, the information may include type information indicating the type of print medium stored in the container.

[0010] The image processing includes printing means for performing printing on the print medium, and a relative position in the sub-scanning direction of the print means with respect to the same area of the print medium. The method may include a process of changing and setting the number of times of the main scanning when forming an image in the area by performing the main scanning a plurality of times while changing the number according to the type information.

The determining means or the step may set a parameter for performing image processing conforming to the type information acquired by the acquiring means. The setting may be performed using a table that stores information indicating the type of medium and parameters for performing image processing suitable for the information in association with each other.

Further, the information further includes format information indicating a format of the information, or the format information and extended information relating to a parameter for performing image processing compatible with a print medium stored in the container. The determination means or step analyzes the format information and sets a parameter stored in advance or a means or step of selecting whether to set a parameter presented as the extended information from the container. Can be included.

Further, the present invention relates to a consumable material storage container for a printer for storing a print medium to be supplied to a printer, wherein information for performing image processing suitable for the stored print medium is stored. It is characterized by comprising means for storing and means for presenting the information.

Here, the information may include type information indicating the type of the stored print medium.

Further, the information further includes format information indicating a format of the information, or the format information and extended information relating to parameters for performing image processing compatible with a print medium stored in the container. It can be.

Further, the information storage means may include a nonvolatile storage means.

Further, the printer of the present invention comprises the above-described image processing apparatus, means for detachably supporting the printer consumable container, and image processing by the image processing apparatus based on information presented from the container. The applied image data
Means for printing on a print medium supplied from the container.

Further, the digital camera according to the present invention includes an image processing apparatus as described above, means for detachably supporting a consumable material storage container for a printer, and image processing by the image processing apparatus based on information presented from the container. And a means for printing the image data to which the image data has been applied on a print medium supplied from the container, and an image pickup means for obtaining image data by performing image pickup.

In these, the printing means may use an ink jet head which performs printing by discharging ink onto the print medium.

Here, the ink jet head may include an element for generating thermal energy for causing film boiling of the ink as energy used for discharging the ink.

In addition, the present invention resides in a control program for causing the image processing device of the above-described printer or digital camera to execute the above-described image processing method.

In the present invention, the information storage means is provided inside the consumable material storage container (media pack) for the printer. The printer is provided with a means for receiving the information in cooperation with the printer. Further, there is provided means for analyzing the received information and determining an optimal image processing method for printing on a print medium (paper). In a system configured by these combinations, optimal image processing is automatically applied based on information stored in the consumable container for a printer.

[0023]

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

In the present specification, "print" (sometimes referred to as "record") refers not only to the formation of significant information such as characters and figures, but also to the perception of human beings, whether significant or insignificant. Regardless of whether or not it is evident, it refers to a case where an image, a pattern, a pattern, or the like is widely formed on a print medium, or a case where the print medium is processed.

The term "printing medium" means not only paper used in general printing apparatuses but also inks such as cloth, plastic films, metal plates, glass, ceramics, wood, leather, etc. In the following, it is also referred to as “paper” or simply “paper”.

In this specification, a "camera" refers to a device or device that optically captures an image and converts an optical image into an electric signal, and is also referred to as an "imaging unit" in the following description.

Further, “ink” (also referred to as “liquid”) is to be interpreted broadly as in the definition of “print” described above. , A pattern, etc., processing of a print medium, or ink processing (for example, solidification or insolubilization of a coloring material in ink applied to the print medium).

One form of the head in which the present invention is effectively used is a form in which film boiling occurs in a liquid using thermal energy generated by an electrothermal transducer to form bubbles.

"Basic Configuration" First, the basic configuration of the apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The device described in the present example is an imaging unit (hereinafter, also referred to as a “camera unit”) that optically captures an image and converts it into an electric signal.
And an image recording unit (hereinafter, also referred to as a “printer unit”) that records an image based on an electric signal obtained by imaging. Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus described in this example will be described as a “camera with a built-in printer”.

In the apparatus main unit A001, the camera unit A
A printer unit (recording device unit) B100 is integrated with the back side of the unit 100. The printer unit B100 records an image using ink and a print medium supplied from the media pack C100. In this configuration, the device body A
As is clear from FIG. 5 when the exterior is removed from the outer side of FIG. 5, the media pack C100 is inserted into the right side of the apparatus main body A001 in the figure, and the printer unit B100 is inserted into the left side of the apparatus main body A001 in the figure. Is arranged. When recording is performed by the printer unit B100, the camera unit A1
The position of the apparatus main body A001 can be set so that the liquid crystal display unit A105 described later at 00 is located above and the lens A101 is located below. In this printing position, a printing head B120 described later in the printer unit B100 is used.
Is in a posture of discharging ink downward. The recording posture may be the same posture as the posture in the shooting state by the camera unit A100, and is not limited to the above-described recording posture. From the viewpoint of the stability of the printing operation, the printing position in which the ink is ejected downward is preferable.

In the following, the mechanical basic configuration of the apparatus of this embodiment will be described by dividing it into A "camera unit", B "media pack", and C "printer unit". Will be described as D “signal processing system”.

A "Camera Unit" The camera unit A100 basically constitutes a general digital camera, and includes a printer unit B10 described later.
The digital camera with a built-in printer as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 1 to 3, A101 is a lens, A102 is a finder, A1
02a is a finder window, A103 is a flash, A10
Reference numeral 4 denotes a release button, and A105 denotes a liquid crystal display unit (external display unit). As will be described later, the camera unit A100
Processing of data captured using CD, Compact Flash (registered trademark) memory card (CF card) A107
It stores images in the printer unit, displays the images, and exchanges various data with the printer unit B100. A discharge unit A109 discharges a print medium C104 on which an image has been recorded when the photographed image is recorded on a print medium C104 described below. A108 shown in FIG. 5 is a battery as a power source for the camera unit A100 and the printer unit B100.

B "Media Pack" The media pack C100 is detachable from the apparatus main body A001, and in this case, is inserted from the insertion portion A002 (see FIG. 3) of the apparatus main body A001 to thereby obtain the media pack C100 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. The insertion portion A002 is closed as shown in FIG. 3 when the media pack C100 is not mounted, and is opened when the media pack C100 is mounted. FIG. 5 shows the media pack C100.
Shows a state in which the exterior has been removed from the apparatus main body A001 to which is attached. Pack body C101 of media pack C100
As shown in FIG. 4, a shutter C102 is provided so as to be slidable in the direction of arrow D. Shutter C102
When the media pack C100 is not mounted on the apparatus main body A001, it slides to the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG.
When it is attached to the position 1, it slides to the position indicated by the solid line in FIG.

The ink pack C is provided in the pack body C101.
103 and a print medium C104 are accommodated. FIG.
In the ink pack C103, the print medium C1
04. In the case of this example, ink pack C
Three 103s are provided so as to individually accommodate Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) inks, and about 20 print media C104 are accommodated in an overlapping manner. Those inks and print medium C104
Means that the best combination for image recording was selected,
They are housed in the same media pack C100. Therefore, various media packs C100 (for example, media packs for ultra-high image quality, normal image quality, seals (split seals), etc.) having different combinations of ink and print medium are prepared, and the images to be recorded are prepared. These media packs C100 are selectively loaded into the apparatus main assembly A0 in accordance with the type and use of the print medium on which the image is formed.
By mounting the ink cartridge on the print medium 01, an image suitable for the purpose can be reliably recorded using the optimal combination of ink and print medium. Further, the media pack C100 is provided with an EEPROM (identification IC) to be described later, and the EEPROM stores identification data such as ink contained in the media pack and the type and remaining amount of the print medium.

When the media pack C100 is mounted on the main assembly A001 of the apparatus, the ink pack C103 has Y,
Through three joints C105 corresponding to the M and C inks, respectively, it is connected to an ink supply system of the apparatus main body A001 described later. On the other hand, the print medium C104
Are separated one by one by a separation mechanism (not shown), and are then sent out in the direction of arrow C by a feed roller C110 (see FIG. 9) described later. The driving force of the paper feed roller C110 is supplied from a transport motor M002 (see FIG. 9), which will be described later, provided on the apparatus main assembly A001 side, via a connecting portion C110a.

The pack body C101 is provided with a wiper C106 for wiping a recording head of a printer unit described later, and an ink absorber C107 for absorbing waste ink discharged from the printer unit. ing. The recording head in the printer section reciprocates in the main scanning direction indicated by arrow A as described later. When the media pack C100 is detached from the apparatus main body A001, the shutter C102 slides to the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 4, and the joint C105, the wiper C106,
And protect the ink absorber C107 and the like.

C "Printer Unit" The printer unit B100 of this example is a serial type using an ink jet recording head. This printer section B1
00 will be described separately for C-1 "print operation unit", C-2 "print medium transport system", and C-3 "ink supply system".

C-1 "Print Operation Section" FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the entire printer section B100, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the printer section B100 with a part removed.

As shown in FIG. 5, the leading end of the media pack C100 mounted on the apparatus main body A001 is located at a fixed position inside the main body of the printer section B100. The print medium C104 sent out from the media pack C100 in the direction of arrow C is transmitted to
While being sandwiched between the F roller B101 and the LF pinch roller B102, the sheet is conveyed on the platen B103 in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow B. A carriage B104 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow A along the guide shaft B105 and the lead screw B106.

On the carriage B104, as shown in FIG.
A bearing B107 for the guide shaft B105 and a bearing B108 for the lead screw B106 are provided. At a fixed position of the carriage B104, as shown in FIG. 7, a screw pin B109 protruding inside the bearing B108 is attached by a spring B110. Then, the tip of the screw pin B109 fits into the spiral groove formed on the outer peripheral portion of the lead screw B106, so that the rotation of the lead screw B106 is converted into the reciprocating movement of the carriage B104.

The carriage B104 has Y, M,
Ink jet recording head B1 capable of discharging C ink
20 and a sub-tank (not shown) for storing ink to be supplied to the recording head B120. The recording head B120 is formed with a plurality of ink ejection ports B121 (see FIG. 8) arranged in a direction intersecting the main scanning direction of the arrow A (in this example, orthogonal to the main scanning direction). The ink discharge port B121 forms a nozzle capable of discharging ink supplied from the sub tank. As a means for generating energy for ejecting ink, an electrothermal converter provided for each nozzle can be used. The electrothermal transducer generates bubbles in the ink in the nozzles by being driven to generate heat, and discharges ink droplets from the ink discharge port B121 by the bubbling energy.

The sub-tank has a smaller capacity than the ink pack C103 stored in the media pack C100, and has a size that stores at least an amount of ink necessary for recording an image of one print medium C104.
In the sub-tank, an ink supply portion and a negative pressure introduction portion are formed in the ink storage portions for each of the Y, M, and C inks, and these ink supply portions are individually provided to the corresponding three hollow needles B122. The negative pressure introduction sections are connected to a common supply air port B123. In such a sub-tank, as described later,
When the carriage B104 moves to the home position as shown in FIG. 6, ink is supplied from the ink pack C103 of the media pack C100.

In the carriage B104 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 24 denotes a needle cover. When the needle B122 and the joint C105 are not connected to each other, the needle cover 122 is moved to a position for protecting the needle B122 by the force of the spring as shown in FIG. When connecting, the needle B122 is pushed upward in the figure against the force of the spring to release the protection of the needle B122. The moving position of the carriage B104 is the carriage B1.
04 encoder sensor B131 and printer unit B1
00 linear scale B132 on the main body side (see FIG. 6)
And is detected by. The movement of the carriage B104 to the home position indicates that the carriage B10 has moved.
The HP (home position) flag B133 on the fourth side and the HP sensor B134 (FIG.
See).

In FIG. 7, at both ends of the guide shaft B105, support shafts (not shown) are provided at positions eccentric from the center axis. The position of the carriage 104 is adjusted by rotating and adjusting the guide shaft B105 about its support shaft, so that the recording head B120 and the platen B
The distance between the print medium 103 and the print medium C 104 (also referred to as “paper distance”) is adjusted. The lead screw B106 is driven to rotate by a carriage motor M001 via a screw gear B141, an idler gear B142, and a motor gear B143. Also,
B150 is a flexible cable for electrically connecting a control system described below and the recording head B120.

The recording head B120 is provided with a carriage B10.
By ejecting ink from the ink ejection port B121 in accordance with the image signal while moving in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow A together with 4, the image for one line is recorded on the print medium on the platen B103. By repeating such a recording operation for one line by the recording head B120 and a conveyance operation of a predetermined amount of the print medium in the sub-scanning direction of an arrow B by a print medium conveyance system described later, images are sequentially printed on the print medium. Record

C-2 "Print Medium Transport System" FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the components of the print medium transport system in the printer section B100. In FIG. 9, B201
Denotes a pair of discharge rollers, and one of the upper discharge rollers B201 in the figure includes a discharge roller gear B202 and a relay gear B2.
03, and is driven by the transport motor M002.
Similarly, the above-described LF roller B101 is connected to the transport motor M via the LF roller gear B204 and the relay gear B203.
002. The discharge roller B201 and the LF roller B101 convey the print medium C104 in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow B by the driving force of the conveyance motor M002 at the time of normal rotation.

On the other hand, when the transport motor M002 rotates in the reverse direction, the switching slider B211 and the switching cam B2
The pressure plate head B 213 and a lock mechanism (not shown) are driven through the drive unit 12, and a driving force is transmitted to the paper feed roller C 110 on the side of the media pack C 100. That is,
The pressure plate head B 213 is driven by the driving force of the transport motor M002 during the reverse rotation, passes through the window C102A of the shutter C102 of the media pack C100 (see FIG. 4), and print media C integrated in the media pack C100.
104 is pressed downward in FIG. As a result, the print medium C104 at the lowermost position in FIG.
The sheet 100 is pressed on the sheet feeding roller C110 in the sheet 100. A lock mechanism (not shown) locks the media pack C100 with respect to the apparatus main body A001 by the driving force of the transport motor M002 at the time of reverse rotation, and
0 removal is prohibited. Media pack C10
The zero-side paper feed roller C110 carries out one print medium C104 at the lowermost position in FIG. 4 in the direction of arrow C by transmitting the driving force at the time of reverse rotation of the transport motor M002.

As described above, when the transport motor M002 rotates in the reverse direction, only one print medium C104 is taken out from the media pack C100 in the direction of the arrow C. Thereafter, when the transport motor M002 rotates forward, the print medium C104 is rotated. Is transported in the direction of arrow B.

C-3 "Ink Supply System" FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the components of the ink supply system in the printer unit B100, and FIG. 11 is a diagram when the media pack C100 is mounted on the components of the ink supply system. It is a top view.

The joint C105 of the media pack C100 mounted on the printer section B100 is connected to the needle B12 on the carriage B104 side moved to the home position.
2 (see FIG. 8). The main body of the printer unit B100 is provided with a joint fork B301 (see FIG. 10) located below the joint C105, and the joint fork B301 is connected to the joint C1.
By moving 05 upward, the joint C105 is connected to the needle B122. This forms an ink supply path between the ink pack C103 on the media pack C100 side and the ink supply unit of the sub tank on the carriage B104 side. A carriage B10 moved to the home position is provided on the main body of the printer unit B100.
A supply joint B302 is provided below the fourth supply air port B123 (see FIG. 8). This supply joint B302 is provided via a supply tube B303.
It is connected to a pump cylinder B304 of a pump as a negative pressure source. The supply joint B302 is connected to the supply air port B123 on the carriage B104 side by being moved up by the joint lifter B305. Thus, a negative pressure introducing path is formed between the negative pressure introducing portion of the sub tank on the side of the carriage B104 and the pump cylinder B304. The joint lifter B305 moves the joint fork B301 up and down together with the supply joint B302 by the driving force of the joint motor M003.

The negative pressure introducing section of the sub-tank is provided with a gas-liquid separating member (not shown) that allows the passage of air and prevents the passage of ink. The gas-liquid separation member allows the air in the sub-tank to be sucked through the negative pressure introduction passage, thereby supplying ink from the media pack C100 to the sub-tank. When the ink in the sub-tank reaches the gas-liquid separation member, when the ink is sufficiently replenished, the gas-liquid separation member stops the passage of the ink, so that the ink supply is automatically stopped. The gas-liquid separation member is provided in an ink supply unit in an ink storage portion for each ink in the sub tank, and automatically stops replenishing ink for each of those ink storage portions.

The main body of the printer unit B100 is provided with a suction cap B310 capable of capping the recording head B120 (see FIG. 8) on the carriage B104 moved to the home position. The suction cap B310 has a suction tube B311 inside.
, A negative pressure is introduced from the pump cylinder B304 through the ink discharge port B1 of the recording head B120.
The ink can be sucked and discharged (suction recovery processing) from the ink cartridge 21. The recording head B120 also removes ink that does not contribute to image recording, if necessary, with a suction cap B3.
10 (preliminary discharge processing). Suction cap B
The ink in the ink cartridge C107 in the media pack C110 flows from the pump cylinder B304 through the waste liquid tube B312 and the waste liquid joint B313.
Is discharged.

The pump cylinder B 304 forms a pump unit B 315 together with a pump motor M 004 for reciprocatingly driving the pump cylinder B 304. Pump motor M004 is
It also functions as a drive source for moving the wiper lifter B316 (see FIG. 10) up and down. Wiper lifter B31
No. 6 moves the wiper C106 to a position where the recording head B120 can be wiped by moving the wiper C106 of the media pack C100 mounted on the printer unit B100 upward.

In FIGS. 10 and 11, B321
Is a pump HP sensor for detecting that the operating position of the pump constituted by the pump cylinder B 304 is at the home position. A joint HP sensor B322 detects that the ink supply path and the negative pressure introduction path described above have been formed. B323 is a chassis that forms the main body of the printer unit B100.

D "Signal Processing System" FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of the camera unit A100 and the printer unit B100.

In the camera section A100, 101 is a CCD as an image sensor, 102 is a microphone for voice input, 103 is an ASIC for performing hardware processing, 10
Reference numeral 4 denotes a first memory for temporarily storing image data and the like;
Reference numeral 5 denotes a CF card (“CF card A1
07), an LCD (corresponding to the “liquid crystal display unit A105”) for displaying a captured image or a reproduced image, and 120
Is a first CPU for controlling the camera unit A100.

In the printer section B100, 210 is
An interface 201 between the camera unit A100 and the printer unit B100, an image processing unit 201 (2 for binarizing an image)
202, a second memory used for performing image processing; 203, a band memory control unit;
4 is a band memory, 205 is a mask memory, 206 is a head controller, and 207 is a printhead (“printhead B12
0), 208 is an encoder (corresponding to “encoder sensor B131”), 209 is an encoder counter, 2
Reference numeral 20 denotes a second CPU for controlling the printer unit B100;
1 is a motor driver, 222 is a motor (“motor M00
1, M002, M003, M004 ") 223
Is a sensor ("HP sensors B134, B321, B322").
224, an EEPROM built in the media pack C100, 230, an audio encoder unit, 25
0 is a power supply unit ("Battery A108") for supplying power to the entire apparatus.
).

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of signal processing in the camera unit A100. In the shooting mode, the lens 107
The image captured by the CCD 101 through the
Signal processing (CCD signal processing) by C103
It is converted into a V luminance two-color difference signal. Further, the image data is resized to a predetermined resolution, JPEG-compressed, and recorded on the CF card 105. The voice is input from the microphone 102 and stored in the CF card 105 via the ASIC 103. Regarding the recording of the sound, it can be stored at the same time as the shooting or as a post-recording after the shooting. In the playback mode, the JPE
The G image is read out, JPEG-decompressed by the ASIC 103, and further resized to the display resolution.
06 is displayed.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of signal processing in the printer section B100.

An image reproduced on the camera unit A100 side, that is, an image read from the CF card 105 is an ASIC.
The image data is JPEG-decompressed by 103 and resized to a resolution suitable for printing. The resized image data (YUV) is sent to the interface unit 210
Is sent to the printer section B100 via the. Printer section B
100, the image processing unit 201 performs image processing on the image data sent from the camera unit A100 as shown in FIG.
It converts image data into RGB signals, input γ correction according to camera characteristics, color correction and color conversion using a look-up table (LUT), and conversion into binary signals for printing. In the binarization process, error diffusion (E
D) To perform the processing, the second memory 2 is used as an error memory.
02 is used. In the case of this example, the binarization processing unit in the image processing unit 201 performs an error diffusion process, but other processes such as a binarization process using a dither pattern may be performed. The binarized print data is temporarily stored in the band memory 204 by the band memory control unit 203. Encoder counter 2 of printer unit B100
09, every time the carriage B104 on which the recording head 207 and the encoder 208 are mounted moves a certain distance,
An encoder pulse from the encoder 208 enters. Then, in synchronization with the encoder pulse, the band memory 2
04 and the print data from the mask memory 205, and based on the print data, the head controller 20
6 controls the recording head 207 to perform recording.

The band memory control in FIG. 14 will be described as follows.

The plurality of nozzles in the recording head 207 are formed in rows so as to have a density of, for example, 1200 dpi. When the carriage is scanned once in order to print an image using such a recording head 207, the number of nozzles in the sub-scanning direction (hereinafter, also referred to as “vertical (Y direction)”) is equal to the number of nozzles in the main scanning direction (hereinafter, referred to as “vertical (Y direction)”). , "Horizontal (X direction)
In this case, it is necessary to create print data for the print area (print data for one scan) in advance.
After the recording data is created by the image processing unit 201,
Band memory 204 by band memory control unit 203
Is stored once. After one scan of print data is stored in the band memory 204, the carriage is scanned in the main scanning direction. At this time, encoder pulses input from the encoder 208 are counted by the encoder counter 209, print data is read from the band memory 204 according to the encoder pulses, and ink droplets are ejected from the print head 207 based on the image data. You. When the bidirectional printing method of printing an image (forward printing and backward printing) at the time of forward scan and backward scan of the print head 207 is adopted, image data is transferred from the band memory 204 according to the scan direction of the print head 207. Is read. For example, at the time of forward pass recording, the address of the image data read from the band memory 204 is sequentially incremented, and at the time of backward pass recording, the address of the image data read from the band memory 204 is sequentially decremented.

Actually, when the image data (C, M, Y) created by the image processing unit 201 is written into the band memory 204 and one band of image data is prepared, the scanning of the recording head 207 is performed. Becomes possible. Then, the recording head 207 is scanned, image data is read from the band memory 204, and the recording head 207 records an image based on the image data. During the recording operation, image data to be recorded next is created in the image processing unit 201,
The image data is written to an area of the band memory 204 corresponding to the recording position.

As described above, the band memory control is performed for the recording data (C, M, Y) created by the image processing unit 201.
Is written in the band memory 204 and the operation of reading out the print data (C, M, Y) to be sent to the head control unit 206 in accordance with the scanning operation of the carriage is performed while switching.

The mask memory control in FIG. 14 will be described as follows.

This mask memory control is necessary when the multi-pass printing method is adopted. In the case of the multi-pass printing method, a print image for one row having a width corresponding to the length of the nozzle row of the print head 207 is printed by dividing the print head 207 into a plurality of scans. That is, the transport amount of the print medium that is transported intermittently in the sub-scanning direction is set to 1 / N of the length of the nozzle row. For example, when N = 2, one row of the recorded image is scanned twice. (N-pass printing), and when N = 4, a print image for one line is printed in four scans (4-pass printing). Similarly, when N = 8, 8-pass printing is performed, and when N = 16, 16-pass printing is performed. Therefore, the recording image for one line is recorded by the recording head 207.
Is completed by multiple scans.

In practice, the mask memory 205 stores mask data for allocating image data to a plurality of scans of the print head 207. The mask data and the logical product (AND) data of the image data are stored in the mask memory 205. Then, the recording head 207 ejects ink to record an image.

In FIG. 14, the CF card 105
Are sent to the printer unit B100 via the interface 210 by the ASIC 102 in the same manner as the image data. Printer section B100
Is encoded (encoded) by the audio encoder 230 and recorded as code data in an image to be printed. When it is not necessary to add audio data to a print image, or when printing an image without audio data, naturally, coded audio data is not printed and only the image is printed.

In the present embodiment, the description has been given of a printer built-in camera in which the camera unit A100 and the printer unit B100 are integrated. However, the camera unit A100
And the printer unit B100 can be separated into separate devices, and the same configuration can be realized in a configuration in which they are connected by the interface 210, and the same function can be realized.

[Characteristic Configuration] Hereinafter, embodiments of the characteristic configuration of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 15 shows the configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the main part of the present invention, particularly extracted from the basic configuration described above.

In FIG. 11, reference numerals 1102 to 1105 denote constituent elements on the printer unit B100 side.
02 is an information reading unit, 1103 is an information setting unit, 110
4 is an image processing system, and 1105 is a control unit. Here, the information reading unit 1102, the information setting unit 1103, and the control unit 1105 correspond to the printer unit B10 shown in FIG.
The CPU 220 may be configured as a part of the functions executed by the CPU 220 or as required hardware (interface, RAM, ROM, etc.). Also, the image processing system 1
104 includes the image processing unit 201 and the memory 202 in the configuration of FIG.

The information storage unit 224 in the form of an EEPROM installed in the media pack C100 stores data such as the type of print medium contained in the media pack C100.

FIG. 16 shows an example of the data structure of the information stored in the information storage section 224. An area 224A for storing format information is located at the beginning of the storage area for all information. This format information specifies the format of the information that follows. The area following this is an area 22 for storing paper information.
4B. This paper information is the media pack C10
0 is for presenting information relating to the type of paper mounted on the paper, and its format can be arbitrarily determined. Normally, data consists only of these format information and paper information,
The data format having such a configuration is hereinafter referred to as a basic format.

On the other hand, when the stored print medium is a newly developed or provided print medium, the type of the print medium is special, and an image preset in the image processing system 1104 of the printer unit B100 is used. An area 224C for storing extended information may be provided subsequent to the sheet information area 224B in case the processing parameters cannot cope with the case. This extended information can include a necessary part or all of the image processing parameters to be used in the printer unit B100 and the type thereof. A data format having a configuration that also includes such extended information is hereinafter referred to as an extended format.

When the media pack C100 is inserted into the main body, the media pack C100 and the printer unit B1
00 and 00 are electrically coupled via connectors arranged at both joints. Control unit 1 of printer unit B100
When detecting this connection, the information reading unit 105
After the information stored in the information storage unit 224 is read out via the information storage unit 2, the information is sent to the information setting unit 1103. The information setting unit 1103 analyzes the information, sends data processed according to the result to the image processing system 1104, and selects an image processing parameter.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the series of sequences.

When connection of the media pack C100 is detected, first, format information is read in step S201. Next, in step S202, the read format information is analyzed to determine whether or not the format information is valid. If invalid information is included, the flow branches to step S208, and default parameters are set. On the other hand, if the format is valid, the process proceeds to step S203, and it is determined whether the information structure is the basic format or the extended format.

If the information type determined in step S203 is the basic format, paper information, which is the only data in the basic format, is read in step S204. Next, in step S205, the sheet information is analyzed. As a result of the analysis, if the paper information is invalid, the process branches from step S206 to step S208, and a default parameter is selected. On the other hand, if the information is valid, the process proceeds from step S206 to step S207, and an image processing parameter optimal for the paper is selected according to the analyzed result.

The image processing parameters assumed here are any desired parameters usually used in the image processing system 1104 to the image processing unit 201 of the printer unit B100. For example, it is a constant for γ conversion, a parameter for color conversion (a table when a table conversion method is used, a masking coefficient when a masking method is used, and the like). In addition, for example, parameters for the halftoning process (the size and threshold of the dither mask in the case of dithering, and the shape and coefficient of the diffusion window in the case of error diffusion) can be considered. These parameters themselves are stored in advance in the memory or the like of the printer unit B100, and the correspondence between the optimal parameters and the paper type is also stored in a table.

When the paper type is a divided sticker, the same content is read out a plurality of times and the instruction to print the same image a plurality of times is sent to the printer unit B.
100 may be stored in the EEPROM of the media pack C100.

Steps S207 and S208
In this example, an optimal parameter is selected using this correspondence. The above is the operation for the data in the basic format.

On the other hand, if the data format is the extended format, the process branches from step S203 to step S209. The data structure in the case of the extended format is shown in FIG.
At least one or more pieces of information are stored under the sheet information. In step S209, all the extended information below it including the paper information is read and sent to the information analysis unit in step S210. In step S210, such information is analyzed, and the type of the included parameter is specified. In step S211, the validity of the data is determined, and if the data is invalid, step S2
Branching to 08 selects the default parameter.

On the other hand, if it is valid, step S2
At 10, a parameter of the specified type is selected from the read extended information. As for parameters not included in the extension data, those stored in advance in the printer unit B100 are adopted. If there is a parameter corresponding to the paper information, this parameter is selected. select. The parameters selected through the above procedure are sent to the image processing unit in step S213.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the media pack C100 is provided with the EEPROM as the information storage means, and the information stored in the EEPROM is read out so that the optimum image processing parameters can be selected. Image processing suitable for a plurality of types of print media C104 can be performed with a simple operation. In addition, by storing the image processing parameters themselves in the media pack C100, it is possible to easily and quickly cope with a newly developed type of print medium or the like.

The configuration of the above information storage section is as follows.
In the above example, an EEPROM was used. This is the printer section B
This is effective when the required information is received from the 100 side and the retained information is appropriately rewritten, for example, when the number of stored print media C104 is reduced and recorded according to the progress of recording. If it is sufficient for the media pack C100 to simply present information relating to itself, it is not always necessary to use storage means such as an EEPROM capable of rewriting the stored contents.

The image processing performed in accordance with the information (print medium type information, etc.) presented by the media pack C100 in order to perform the image processing suitable for the stored print medium includes the above-described multi-pass printing. Processing for changing the number of passes and performing image formation can be included.

Further, some or all of the image processing parameters once taken in as extended information from a certain media pack and their types are retained in the printer unit B100 or the camera with a built-in printer even after the media pack is removed. You may put it. That is, in addition to the correspondence between the basic image processing parameters and the paper type stored in advance, newly acquired extended information may be added as appropriate.

Further, the program for performing the processing of the present embodiment described above may not necessarily be incorporated in advance, and may be directly or indirectly transmitted from a host computer or the like that supplies image data to the printing apparatus. May be supplied. For example, the scope of the present invention includes a configuration in which the program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a host computer, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by setting from the computer.

In this case, the program code itself realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the program code itself and a means for supplying the program code to the computer through communication or a storage medium are also included in the scope of the present invention. included.

Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk and a CD-ROM, a hard disk, an optical disk,
A magneto-optical disk, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, or the like can be used.

[0092]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A means for storing information relating to the type of print medium is provided in the print consumable container, and the information can be read out and the image processing parameters corresponding to the print medium can be selected. Thus, image processing suitable for a plurality of types of print media can be performed. In addition, by storing the image processing parameters themselves in the printing consumables storage container side, it is possible to easily and quickly cope with a newly developed type of printing medium or the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a camera with a built-in printer to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the camera of FIG. 1 as viewed obliquely from the front.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the camera of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a media pack that can be mounted on the camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an arrangement relationship of main components inside the camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a printer unit in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the printer shown in FIG. 6 with a part removed.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a carriage in the printer unit of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of components of a print medium transport system in the printer unit of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of components of an ink supply system in the printer unit of FIG.

11 is a plan view when a media pack is mounted on a component of the ink supply system of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of a camera unit and a printer unit in the camera of FIG. 1;

13 is an explanatory diagram of signal processing in the camera unit in FIG.

14 is an explanatory diagram of signal processing in the printer unit of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of the camera with a built-in printer illustrated in FIG. 12 and particularly illustrating a configuration of an embodiment according to a main part of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of information stored in an information storage unit of a media pack.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of an image processing sequence executed based on information taken from an information storage unit of a media pack.

[Explanation of symbols]

A001 Main unit A002 Insertion section A100 Camera section A101 Lens A102 Viewfinder A102a Viewfinder window A103 Strobe A104 Release button A105 Viewfinder A106 Liquid crystal display (external display) A107 Compact flash memory card (CF card) A107 Battery A109 Ejector B100 Printer (Recording unit) B101 LF roller B102 LF pinch roller B103 Platen B104 Carriage B105 Guide shaft B106 Lead screw B107 Bearing B108 Bearing B109 Screw pin B110 Spring B120 Recording head B121 Ink ejection port B122 Needle B123 Supply air port B124 Needle cover Needle cover Linear scale B133 HP flag B134 HP sensor B141 Screw gear B142 Idler gear B143 Motor gear B150 Flexible cable B201 Discharge roller B202 Discharge roller gear B203 Relay gear B204 LF roller gear B211 Switching slider B212 Switching cam B213 Pressure plate head B301 Joint supply fork B302 Pipe fork B302 Cylinder B305 Joint lifter B310 Suction cap B311 Suction tube B312 Waste liquid tube B313 Waste liquid joint B315 Pump unit B316 Wiper lifter B321 Pump HP sensor B322 Joint HP sensor B323 Chassis C100 Media pack C101 Pack body C102 Shut -C102A Window part C103 Ink pack C104 Print medium C105 Joint C106 Wiper C107 Ink absorber C110 Feed roller C110a Connecting part M001 Carriage motor M002 Transport motor M003 Joint motor M004 Pump motor 101 CCD 102 Microphone 103 ASIC 104 First memory 105 CF card (Corresponding to “CF card A107”) 106 LCD (corresponding to “liquid crystal display unit A105”) 107 Lens 120 First CPU 201 Image processing unit 202 Second memory 203 Band memory control unit 204 Band memory 205 Mask memory 206 Head control unit 207 Recording head (corresponding to “recording head B120”) 208 Encoder (corresponding to “encoder sensor B131”) 209 en Dakaunta 210 interface 220 first 2-CPU 221 motor driver 222 a motor ( "motor M001, M002, M00
223 sensor (“HP sensor B134, B321, B
224) 224 EEPROM 230 Audio encoder unit 250 Power supply unit (corresponding to "battery A108") 224A Format information storage area 224B Paper information storage area 224C Extended information storage area 1101 Information storage unit 1102 Information reading unit 1103 Information setting unit 1104 Image processing system 1105 Control unit

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) 5C052 F term (reference) 2C056 EA04 EB13 EB45 EB59 EC74 EC76 EE03 FA03 2C061 AP10 AQ05 AR01 AS11 HH03 HJ06 HK11 2C087 AA09 AC07 BA07 BA12 BA BD36 2C187 AC08 5C022 AA13 AC42 AC69 AC80 5C052 AA17 AB02 CC11 DD02 EE08 FA02 FA03 FB01 FC06 FD02 FD13 FE01 FE06 FE07 FE08

Claims (27)

[Claims] An image processing apparatus used in a printer having a detachable printer consumable material storage container for supplying a print medium, wherein image processing adapted from the container and adapted to the stored print medium is performed. Means for obtaining information to be performed, means for determining image processing suitable for the print medium based on the obtained information, and means for applying the determined image processing to image data. Image processing apparatus. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing includes a color conversion process. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing includes a halftoning process. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information includes type information indicating a type of a print medium stored in the container. 5. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit that performs printing on the printing medium includes a printing unit that performs printing on the printing medium and a relative position of the printing unit in the sub-scanning direction with respect to the same area of the printing medium. 5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of changing the number of times of main scanning when forming an image in the area by performing main scanning a plurality of times while changing the number of times, in accordance with the type information. Image processing device. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit sets a parameter for performing image processing suitable for the type information acquired by the acquisition unit. . 7. The setting means performs the setting by using a table holding information indicating one or more types of print media and parameters for performing image processing adapted to the information in association with each other. The image processing device according to claim 6. 8. The information further includes format information indicating a format of the information, or the format information and extended information related to a parameter for performing image processing compatible with a print medium stored in the container. The determination means includes means for analyzing the format information and selecting whether to set a parameter held in advance or to set a parameter presented as the extended information from the container. The image processing device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein 9. A printer consumable storage container for storing a print medium to be supplied to a printer, comprising: means for storing information for performing image processing suitable for the stored print medium. And a means for presenting the information. 10. The printer consumable container according to claim 9, wherein the information includes type information indicating a type of the stored print medium. 11. The information further includes format information indicating a format of the information, or the format information and extended information relating to a parameter for performing image processing compatible with a print medium stored in the container. The consumables storage container for a printer according to claim 9 or 10, wherein 12. The consumable material storage container for a printer according to claim 9, wherein said information storage means has a non-volatile storage means. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the consumable material storage container for a printer according to claim 9 is detachably supported, and Means for printing, on a print medium supplied from the container, image data subjected to image processing by the image processing apparatus based on the presented information. 14. The printer according to claim 13, wherein the printing unit uses an ink jet head that performs printing by discharging ink onto the print medium. 15. The printer according to claim 14, wherein the ink jet head has an element that generates, as energy used for discharging the ink, thermal energy that causes film boiling of the ink. 16. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a means for detachably supporting the consumable material storage container for a printer according to any one of claims 9 to 12, and Means for printing image data, which has been subjected to image processing by the image processing apparatus based on the presented information, on a print medium supplied from the container, and imaging means for performing imaging to obtain image data. A digital camera characterized in that: 17. The digital camera according to claim 16, wherein the printing unit uses an ink jet head that performs printing by discharging ink onto the print medium. 18. The digital camera according to claim 17, wherein the inkjet head has an element that generates thermal energy that causes film boiling of the ink as energy used for discharging the ink. . 19. An image processing method used in a printer in which a consumable material storage container for a printer for supplying a print medium is detachably mounted, wherein an image process presented from the container and adapted to the stored print medium is performed. Obtaining information to be performed; determining image processing suitable for the print medium based on the obtained information; and performing the determined image processing on image data. Image processing method. 20. The image processing method according to claim 19, wherein said image processing includes a color conversion process. 21. The image processing method according to claim 19, wherein the image processing includes a halftoning process. 22. The image processing method according to claim 19, wherein the information includes type information indicating a type of a print medium stored in the container. 23. The image processing device, comprising: a printing unit that performs printing on the print medium.
The number of times of the main scanning when forming an image in the same area of the print medium by performing main scanning a plurality of times while changing the relative position of the printing unit in the sub-scanning direction 23. The image processing method according to claim 22, further comprising a process of changing and setting the number according to the type information. 24. The image processing method according to claim 22, wherein, in the determining step, a parameter for performing image processing conforming to the type information acquired in the acquiring step is set. . 25. The determination step, wherein the setting is performed using a table holding information indicating one or more types of print media and parameters for performing image processing suitable for the information in association with each other. The image processing method according to claim 24, wherein 26. The information further includes format information indicating a format of the information, or the format information and extended information relating to a parameter for performing image processing compatible with a print medium stored in the container. The determining step includes a step of analyzing the format information and selecting whether to set a parameter held in advance or to set a parameter presented as the extended information from the container. The image processing method according to claim 24 or 25. 27. An image processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said image processing apparatus is a printer according to claim 13 or an image processing apparatus for a digital camera according to claim 16. Control program for implementing the method.