JP2003191577A - Print system and digital camera and printer constituting the system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print system in which convenience of a user is ensured sufficiently even if power supply is interrupted during print operation by taking an optimal countermeasure at the time of resuming print operation depending on the situation immediately before power interruption. <P>SOLUTION: For each step of print processing, e.g. feeding of a print sheet 46 by a sheet feed motor 49, color conversion into print data by a DSC controller 3, print operation by a thermal head 38, down/up operation of the thermal head 38 by a head position control motor 41, or the like, information of start, end and error is stored in a nonvolatile memory 53. In the print system, a digital camera 1 and a printer 21 are coupled functionally such that print operation is restarted from the way with reference to that information if possible, otherwise discharge of the print sheet 46, heading of an ink ribbon 33, or the like, is performed in preparation for next print operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing system, a printer and a digital camera which constitute this system, and in particular, the operation is interrupted due to some cause such as a power supply being cut off carelessly during a printing operation. The present invention relates to an improvement in technology that enables a reasonable response when the operation is restarted even if something happens.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The applicant of the present application has proposed a system including a digital camera and a printer for printing an image photographed by the digital camera in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-200850. In this proposal, the image selected as a print target is displayed on the display unit of the digital camera so that the image can be confirmed, and the data representing the confirmed image is sent to the printer. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily and surely select and confirm the image to be printed and print the intended image.

In such a system, for example, when a paper jam in the printer or a trouble in the printing operation occurs, a technique for displaying such a fact on the camera side connected to the printer is also special. Kaihei 10-33655
It is proposed in Japanese Patent No.

[0004]

On the other hand, the applicant of the present invention has proposed a system including a digital camera and a printer for printing an image taken by the digital camera.
When the power is cut off carelessly or when the power is temporarily not supplied due to battery replacement, when the operation restarts, the operation that has already been executed is automatically performed. The technique described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-8017
No. 4 publication.

On the other hand, the operation of the printer is managed on a job-by-job basis, and when this printer is restarted, the operation is continued from the job following the already executed job. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-26017 has also proposed a method of taking appropriate measures for the interruption of the operation. The technique described in this publication is adapted to execute from a job that can be processed by adaptively changing the processing order of jobs that are units of operation.

However, this Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-26
The technology described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 017 is incapable of changing the order of processes for processes such as paper feeding, head-down, color screen printing, head-up, and paper ejection, in which the time-sequential order is determined. Therefore, it is not applicable technology.

Thus, in a system including a digital camera and a printer for printing an image taken by the digital camera, even if the print operation is interrupted due to some factor, the most reasonable response is to resume the operation. As a result, this type of system, which is convenient for the user, has not yet been sufficiently and concretely proposed.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a system including a digital camera and a printer for printing an image taken by the digital camera, even if the print operation is interrupted due to some factors. It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique in which the most appropriate coping operation is performed at the time of restarting depending on the situation, so that the convenience for the user is sufficiently achieved.

[0009]

To achieve the above object, in the printing system according to the first aspect of the present invention, a digital camera and a printer each provided with control means for controlling the operation are functionally coupled. In the digital camera, the digital camera sequentially transfers data representing an image to be printed to the printer, and predetermined steps for printing one image by the printer. The print command operation for issuing each print command for sequentially executing the print operation in 1) and each operation of 1) are configured to be executed under the control of the control means of the printer. Prints the one image corresponding to the data sequentially transferred from the digital camera side in response to the print command issued. It is configured so that the printing operation at each predetermined step for performing the printing operation can be sequentially executed under the control of the control unit of the self, and each print command for printing one image from the digital camera side is provided. In response, the history of the step is recorded so that each step of the printing operation executed in the process of printing the one image on the printer side can be recognized at a time later than the time when the operation of the step should be executed. The above-mentioned respective control means are configured to cooperate with each other so as to maintain.

The printing system according to the second aspect of the present invention is a printing system in which a digital camera provided with control means for controlling its operation and a printer are functionally coupled to each other. Under the control of its own control means, a print paper conveyance control for causing the printer to convey the print paper to a predetermined position for printing, for each image to be printed, A color conversion process for converting predetermined color component data into print data in a form suitable for printing by the printer, and print data of the color component relating to one image formed by this color conversion process to the printer side. Data transfer processing for transferring, head projection drive control for projecting the head of the printer to a predetermined printing operation position , A head retraction drive control for retracting the head of the printer from the printing operation position, and the printer is configured to perform printing under the control of its own control unit. A print sheet conveying operation for conveying a print sheet for each one image, a print operation for performing printing on the print sheet by its own head in a form corresponding to the print target data transferred from the digital camera side, The digital camera is configured to execute each of a head projecting drive operation for projecting the head to a predetermined printing operation position and a head retraction driving operation for retracting the head from the printing operation position. Process specifying data for specifying each one of the controls and processes by the control means It is configured to request the printer for each start confirmation data, each end confirmation data, and each error data that respectively indicate the start and end of the control or the process and the error represented by the process specific data, and acquire these data. , The printer, by the control means of its own, the processing specific data, the start confirmation data, the end confirmation data, and the error data requested from the digital camera side,
The data is stored in its own storage means, and the corresponding one of the start confirmation data and the end confirmation data is updated so as to match the actual situation at that time when the request from the digital camera is received. It is configured to do.

Further, in the print system according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the print system according to the second aspect of the invention, when the digital camera is activated, the control means of the digital camera itself allows the printer to identify each process. Data, each start confirmation data, each end confirmation data, and each error data are requested, and these data are acquired, and the command content to be transmitted to the control means on the printer side is determined based on the acquired data. The printer is configured to respond to the instruction content by the control means of the printer.

A printing system according to a fourth invention is the printing system according to the second invention, wherein the storage means of the printer is a non-volatile memory.

A print system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the print system according to the second aspect, wherein the digital camera identifies image data to be printed, image specifying data, and information in which the image data is stored. The medium specifying data for specifying the recording medium, the camera specifying data for specifying itself, or the DPOF (Di
Gital Print Order Format) data is supplied to the printer, and the printer holds the data supplied from the digital camera so that the data can be read from the digital camera side connected to itself. It is configured as follows.

A digital camera according to a sixth aspect of the invention is a digital camera applied to a print system in which a digital camera provided with control means for controlling its operation and a printer are functionally coupled to each other, Under the control of the control means of its own, for each image to be printed, a print paper transport control for transporting the print paper to a predetermined position for performing printing on the printer, and each predetermined one for the image. Conversion processing for converting the color component data of the above into the print data of a form suitable for printing by the printer, and the print data of the color component relating to one image formed by this color conversion processing is transferred to the printer side. Data transfer processing for controlling the head projection drive control for projecting the head of the printer to a predetermined printing operation position, The head retracting drive control for retracting the head of the printer from the printing operation position is performed, and each control or process is performed by the control unit. Requesting the printer to specify the process specifying data for specifying the data, the start and end of the control or process represented by the process specifying data, the start confirmation data and the end confirmation data, and the error data for indicating the error, respectively. Is configured to obtain the data of.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera according to the sixth aspect, when the self-device is activated, the control means of the self makes the printer identify the process specific data and the start confirmation. A device configured to request data, each end confirmation data, and each error data, acquire these data, and determine the content of the command to be transmitted to the control means on the printer side, depending on the acquired data Is.

A printer according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is a printer applied to a printing system in which a digital camera provided with control means for controlling its operation and a printer are functionally coupled to each other. Under the control of the control means, a print sheet conveying operation for conveying a print sheet for each image to be printed, and a head of its own in a form corresponding to the print data transferred from the digital camera side A print operation for performing printing on the print paper, a head protruding drive operation for protruding the head to a predetermined print operation position, and a head retraction drive operation for retracting the head from the print operation position are configured to be executed. For each one image to be printed, which is performed under the control of the control means on the digital camera side, A print paper transport control for transporting the print paper to a predetermined position for printing by the printer, and a color for converting each predetermined color component data relating to the image into print data having a form suitable for printing by the printer. Conversion processing, data transfer processing for transferring the print data of the color component of one image formed by this color conversion processing to the printer side,
Of the above-mentioned respective controls and processing of the head projection drive control for projecting the head of the printer to a predetermined printing operation position and the head retraction drive control for retracting the head of the printer from the printing operation position, From the digital camera side, process identification data identifying each one, start confirmation data and start confirmation data and end confirmation data that respectively represent the start and end of the control or process represented by the process identification data, and an error are output from the digital camera side. When requested, the corresponding data is held in its own storage means so that the corresponding data can be supplied to the digital camera in accordance with the request, and the corresponding one of the start confirmation data and the end confirmation data is recorded as described above. When receiving a request from the digital camera side, update it to match the actual situation at that time Those configured to.

A printer according to a ninth aspect is the printer according to the eighth aspect, wherein the storage means is a non-volatile memory.

A printer according to the tenth invention is the printer according to the eighth invention.
In the printer according to the invention, the digital camera specifies image specifying data for specifying an image to be printed, medium specifying data for specifying an information recording medium in which the image data is stored, and camera specifying data for specifying itself. , Or DPOF (Digital PrintO related to the above image)
rder format) data is configured to be supplied to the printer, and the data supplied from the digital camera is retained so that it can be read from the digital camera connected to itself. It is composed.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 11 show an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing system.

The print system of the present embodiment includes an image input device 1 (for example, an electronic still camera (digital camera)).
Therefore, in the following, it is appropriately omitted as DSC1 or the like. )
And an image forming apparatus 21 (which is, for example, a sublimation type printer unit, and will be abbreviated as the printer 21 and the like hereinafter). The DSC 1 and the printer 21 are electrically coupled to each other by a connection means 12 including a signal transmission element formed of, for example, a signal cable or a pair of connectors provided in each.

The connecting means 12 for electrically connecting the DSC 1 and the printer 21 is not limited to the one using a conductor, but a wireless communication means using electromagnetic waves, light or the like may be applied as the connecting means. It is possible, and various means for functionally connecting the both can be applied.

First, the DSC 1 will be described.

The DSC 1 includes an image pickup unit 2 and a DS.
The C controller 3, the camera operation switch 4, the liquid crystal monitor 5, the SDRAM 6, the FlashRom 7, the recording medium 8, the USB host controller 9, the external bus line 10, the camera power supply circuit 11, and the connection means 12 are connected. It is configured to include a part and.

The DSC controller 3 is a control means and is a system LSI for achieving a function as an electronic still camera, and includes a CCD interface circuit 3a, a memory interface circuit 3b, a video encoder circuit 3c, and an image. The size conversion circuit 3d, the image compression / expansion circuit 3e, and the RISC controller 3f are included.

The image pickup unit 2 has a photographing lens for optically forming a subject image and a CC for converting the optical image formed by the photographing lens into an electrical signal.
The image pickup device includes a D image sensor and an image pickup device drive circuit for driving the image pickup device.

The camera operation switch 4 is the DSC.
1 includes a plurality of switches operated by the user to instruct various operations according to the first aspect, and includes, for example, a release switch for instructing a shooting operation.

For example, when a release switch, which is one of the operation switches, is operated, the RISC controller 3f
Captures image data of a subject from the image pickup unit 2 via the CCD interface circuit 3a. This image data is transferred to SD via the memory interface circuit 3b.
It is adapted to be stored in the RAM 6.

The RISC controller 3f controls the image size conversion circuit 3d to convert the image data into image data adapted to the resolution of the liquid crystal monitor 5 as the display means.

The video encoder circuit 3c takes in the converted image data and displays the photographed subject on the liquid crystal monitor 5. The liquid crystal monitor 5 is used not only for displaying image data but also for indicating the operating state of the system.

The image compression / expansion circuit 3e converts the image data into J
The image data is compressed by being encoded into PEG data, or is expanded by performing a process of decoding image data that has been made into JPEG data. The image data converted into JPEG data by the image compression / expansion circuit 3e is passed through the memory interface circuit 3b, for example, SSFDC (Solid State Floppy Disk Card) or CF.
It is stored in the recording medium 8 which is an information recording medium such as (CompactFlash).

The image data converted into JPEG data is not limited to being stored in the recording medium 8. For example, FlashRo storing a program code for controlling the RISC controller 3f is stored.
It is also possible to store in a partial area of m7.

A FlashRom 7, a recording medium 8, and a USB host controller 9 are connected to the external bus line 10 connected to the DSC controller 3.

When the DSC 1 and the printer 21 are connected, the DSC controller 3 is also configured to control the entire printing system configured by connecting them. At this time, the DSC controller 3 needs to send command data and image data relating to the print operation to a microcomputer (hereinafter, abbreviated as a microcomputer) 22 that is a control unit that controls the printer 21. In this embodiment, the DSC 1 and the printer 21
A USB (Universal Serial Bus), which is one of the serial buses, is adopted as an example of a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from. The microcomputer 22 has a built-in USB device controller 22a and can receive command data and image data transmitted from the DSC controller 3. The microcomputer 22 executes a processing routine corresponding to the command data from the DSC controller 3. In this USB connection, the DSC controller 3 is the master (host side) and the microcomputer 22 is the slave. Therefore, in the present example, the microcomputer 22 side is basically a system in which the DSC controller 3 is connected to operate, and by itself corresponds to a subsystem in the system.

The connection means 12 allows the USB
In addition to the above connection, the power supply line of the DSC 1 and the power supply line of the printer 21 are also connected so that power can be supplied from the printer 21 side to the DSC 1 side.

That is, the camera power supply circuit 11 of the DSC 1
Is configured to include a secondary battery, and when the DSC 1 independently operates as a camera, the secondary battery serves as a power source. On the other hand, when the DSC 1 and the printer 21 are connected, the printer power supply circuit 5 of the printer 21 is connected.
5 is a power source for the entire printing system. Furthermore, when the DSC 1 and the printer 21 are connected, the secondary battery of the camera power supply circuit 11 can be charged from the printer power supply circuit 55.

Next, the printer 21 will be described.

The entire system of the printer 21 is controlled by the microcomputer 22. The microcomputer 22 controls the printer 21 to execute a printing operation based on a command or image data transmitted from the DSC 1. Therefore, in the configuration example shown in this embodiment, the printer 21 alone corresponds to a subsystem of a system that executes a printing operation. Further, the microcomputer 22 is configured to include the USB device controller 22a as described above.

The printer 21 has a power jack 56.
The AC adapter 57 is connected via the. The printer power supply circuit 55 converts the power supplied from the AC adapter 57 into a voltage suitable for each circuit unit in the printer 21, and then distributes the voltage.

The printer operation switch 54 includes a power switch, a print permission switch, a frame number selection switch and the like.

After connecting the DSC 1 and the printer 21, the user can print desired image data by operating these switches included in the printer operating switch 54.

Photographic paper (described as "paper" in the figure) 46
Are stored in the paper tray 45, and after being taken out from the paper tray 45, the pinch roller 48
It is sandwiched and held by the grip roller 47.

The paper feed motor 49 drives the grip roller 47 to take out the printing paper 46 from the paper tray 45, convey it for printing, and discharge it after printing is completed. These are for performing each, and are configured by, for example, a stepping motor.

The stepping motor drive circuit 50 supplies drive power to the paper feed motor 49 to drive the paper feed motor 49 based on a control signal from the microcomputer 22, thereby moving the printing paper 46 arbitrarily.

The paper position sensor 51 is constituted by using an element such as a photo reflector (PR), and the printing paper 46 is used.
Is detected and the detection result is output to the microcomputer 22.

The non-volatile memory 53 is a storage means, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Pr).
ogrammable Read-Only Memory), FeRAM (Ferroel)
ectricRandom Access Memory), S with battery backup
It is configured by using an element such as a RAM, so that the stored information can be retained even when the power supply to the printer 21 is stopped.

The information stored in the non-volatile memory 53 is, for example, print-related information (process specific data) which is history information indicating the printing execution state of the printer 21, print parameters indicating the characteristics of the printer 21, and the like. Can be mentioned.

The thermal head 38 is fixed to the tip side of an arm 39, and the arm 39 is swung up and down around a rotation shaft 39a by the rotation of a cam 40,
It is designed to be driven up / down.

A platen roller 52 is arranged on the opposite side of the thermal head 38 with the printing paper 46 sandwiched therebetween.

The cam 40 corresponds to the head position control motor 4
The head position control motor 41 is driven by the drive power supplied from the head motor drive circuit 42 under the control of the microcomputer 22.

Further, the rotational position of the cam 40 is detected by a head position sensor 43 composed of an element such as a photo interrupter (PI).

The microcomputer 22 uses the head position sensor 4
3 based on the output from the head motor drive circuit 42
The position of the thermal head 38 is determined by controlling.

That is, by setting the thermal head 38 to the down position, the ink ribbon (referred to as “ribbon” in the drawing) 33 is pressed against the printing paper 46. In this state, the microcomputer 22 transfers one line of two-dimensional image data to the internal memory of the thermal head control circuit 25 in synchronization with the simultaneous movement of the printing paper 46 and the ink ribbon 33. As described above, the transfer is performed to the internal memory of the thermal head control circuit 25 in units of one column of the two-dimensional image data. The thermal head control circuit 25 converts the image data stored in the internal memory into a drive signal for driving the heater of the thermal head 38 and outputs the drive signal to the thermal head 38, whereby the thermal head 38 is heated. Then, the ink of the ink ribbon 33 is transferred to the printing paper 46.

The temperature of the thermal head 38 is measured by a temperature sensor 37 composed of an element such as a thermistor (TH).
The detection result is input to the microcomputer 22.

The ink ribbon 33 is thermally transferred onto the photographic printing paper 46 Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan).
Each of the dye transfer films and the protective film transfer film are stored in the ribbon case 32.

The position of each film provided on the ink ribbon 33 is detected by using a ribbon position sensor 36 formed of an element such as a photo reflector (PR) to detect the mark formed on the ink ribbon 33. By doing so, it is possible to grasp.

Further, the winding of the ink ribbon 33 is controlled by the microcomputer 22 under the control of the ribbon motor drive circuit 31.
The ribbon motor 30 is supplied with drive power from the.

At this time, whether or not the winding operation of the ink ribbon 33 is correctly executed is determined by monitoring the output of the ribbon movement detection sensor 35. That is, a disk 34 with a slit that rotates in synchronization with the rotation axis of the ribbon case 32 is provided, and the rotation state of the disk 34 with a slit is detected by a ribbon movement detection sensor 35 that is, for example, a photo interrupter (PI). The detection is performed and the detection result is input to the microcomputer 22.

Whether the ribbon case 32 is loaded in the printer 21 or not is determined by the ribbon case detection switch 2
9 is detected.

Further, the paper tray 45 is the printer 2
Whether or not it is loaded in No. 1 is detected by the paper tray detection switch 44.

FIG. 2 shows the DSC controller 3 on the DSC 1 side.
3 is a flowchart showing the operation of a main routine performed by the microcomputer 22 on the printer 21 side.

The DSC 1 and the printer 21 operate in cooperation with each other while communicating with each other.

When the DSC 1 and the printer 21 are connected so that the DSC controller 3 and the microcomputer 22 can communicate with each other and cooperate with each other, this printing system is constructed.

When the AC adapter 57 is connected to the image forming apparatus 21 and the power switch of the printer operation switch 54 is operated, the microcomputer 22 of the printer 21 is activated.

First, the microcomputer 22 uses internal registers and I
/ O is initialized (step S201), and the printer power supply circuit 55 is controlled to start supplying power to the camera power supply circuit 11 of the DSC 1 (step S202). By this power supply, the DSC1 is supplied from the camera power circuit 11.
The electric power is supplied to each circuit unit of, and the DSC controller 3 is activated.

In the DSC 1, first, the DSC controller 3 itself is initialized and the peripheral circuits are initialized (step S1).

Next, is DSC1 started up as a single unit?
Alternatively, it is determined whether or not the printer has been started in a state of being connected to the printer 21 by, for example, whether or not power is being supplied from the printer 21 (step S2). Then, the operation mode shifts to the operation mode (step S3).

On the other hand, if the DSC controller 3 has been started up while being connected to the printer 21, the Vbus terminal of the USB is used to notify the microcomputer 22 that the DSC controller 3 has started up (step S4).

In the printer 21, the microcomputer 22
By monitoring the Vbus terminal and waiting for connection detection (step S203), the connection is detected,
It detects that the DSC controller 3 has started.

The DSC 1 initializes the USB host controller 9 and uses control transfer, which is one of the USB transfer modes, to make the microcomputer 2
2 is recognized as a device (step S
5).

In the printer 21, the microcomputer 22 uses the US
Processing corresponding to this recognition operation is executed via the B device controller 22a (step S204).

When the processing of these steps S5 and S204 is completed, the DSC controller 3 and the microcomputer 2
A communication line by USB is formed between the DSC controller 3 and the computer 2, and the DSC controller 3 is in a state of being able to control the microcomputer 22 via USB.

Next, the return operation on the DSC 1 side (step S
6) and the return operation on the printer 21 side (step S205)
And are done. The process of the return operation is a process of coping with the case where the power supply is stopped during the printing operation and then the power supply is restarted. A case where such a situation occurs may be, for example, a case where the AC adapter 57 is mistakenly inserted or removed during printing. This "return operation" will be described later in detail.

Thereafter, the DSC controller 3 transfers a command requesting printer status information to the microcomputer 22 and acquires these pieces of information (step S7).

In the printer 21, the microcomputer 22
When a command requesting information is received (step S20)
6) Create the requested printer status information based on the status of each switch, the status of each sensor, the information stored in the non-volatile memory 53, etc., and send it to the DSC 1 (step S207).

The operation of step S7 in the DSC1 and the operations of step S206 and step S207 in the printer 21 are executed periodically at a predetermined cycle by using the interrupt transfer which is one of the USB transfer modes. It has become.

The printer status information indicates whether or not the printer operation switch 54 has been operated, whether or not the printing operation is possible (presence or absence of the paper tray 45, presence or absence of the ribbon case 32, temperature of the thermal head 38, A paper jam,
Etc.) is included.

DSC controller 3 in DSC 1
Determines the operation status of the frame number selection switch of the printer operation switch 54 based on the printer status information acquired in step S7 (step S8).

If an operation is being performed, the number of frames is increased / decreased according to the operation (step S9).

Thereafter, the image data of the set number of frames is read from the recording medium 8 (step S10), the read JPEG data is decoded by the image compression / expansion circuit 3e (step S11), and the decoded and expanded image data is obtained. Is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 5 by controlling the video encoder circuit 3c (step S12).

When the user sees the image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 5 and determines that the image is the image to be printed, he / she sets the print permission switch of the printer operation switch 54 in order to execute the printing. It will be operated.

That is, when the step S12 is completed or the frame number selection switch is not operated in the step S8, next, the operation status of the print permission switch is judged based on the printer status information ( Step S13).

When the operation is performed here, it is determined based on the printer information whether printing is possible (step S14). If printing is not possible, a warning message is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 5. Is displayed (step S1
9). Specifically, for example, when it is determined that the ribbon case 32 is not loaded, a message such as "Please press the print permission button again after loading the ribbon case" is displayed here. become. After that, it transfers to the said step S7.

If it is determined in step S14 that printing is possible, printing processing on the DSC1 side (step S1) will be described in detail later.
5) and the printing process on the printer 21 side (step S208).

After that, it is judged whether or not the printing operation is normally completed (step S16), and if it is normally completed, the process proceeds to step S7.

On the other hand, if an abnormality occurs in the printing process, an error message is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 5 (step S17). Specifically, for example, when the ink ribbon 33 is cut, a message such as “The ink ribbon has been cut. Please remove the ink ribbon” is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 5.

After that, the operation is stopped and stands by until the abnormal situation is resolved (step S18), and after confirming that the printer 21 has returned to the normal state based on the printer state information, the process proceeds to step S7.

On the other hand, if the print permission switch is not operated in step S13, the operation status of the power switch of the printer operation switch 54 is determined based on the printer status information (step S20).

If the power switch is still on, the process proceeds to step S7. If the power switch is operated and turned off, the microcomputer 22 is turned off by the printer power circuit 55. A command to stop the operation is transmitted (step S21).

Upon receiving this command, the microcomputer 22 stops the DC / DC converter forming the printer power supply circuit 55 (step S209). As a result, the power supply from the printer power supply circuit 55 to each circuit inside the printer 21 and the power supply to the camera power supply circuit 11 of the DSC 1 are stopped, so that the operation of the printing system including the DSC 1 and the printer 21 is performed. Stops.

FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 are divided flowcharts showing a series of "printing process" routines executed in the above-mentioned step S15 and step S208.

The DSC controller 3 commands the microcomputer 22 to initialize the print-related information in the non-volatile memory 53 (step S31). The microcomputer 22 that has received this command erases the print-related information (step S211).

Here, referring to FIG. 9, the nonvolatile memory 5
The state of the information stored in No. 3 will be described. Figure 9
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a memory map of a non-volatile memory 53.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the areas 01 to 18 of the non-volatile memory 53 are mapped so as to store print-related information (processing specifying data), which is history information indicating a print execution state. ing. In order for the printer 21 to visualize the image data on the photographic paper 46,
Multiple processes must be executed in time series. Each process at this time is executed based on an instruction from the DSC controller 3. Every time each process is executed, the address information of the non-volatile memory 53 corresponding to each process is updated, that is, the history information of the print process is left.

More specifically, address 01 is transport operation information to the print start position, address 02 is head down position setting operation information, address 03 is Y image data printing operation information, and address 04 is address information. Is the head up position setting operation information, address 05 is information about the returning operation to the print position, address 06 is the head down position setting operation information, address 07 is the M image data printing operation information, and address 08 Indicates the head up position setting operation information, address 09 indicates the returning operation information to the print position, address 10 indicates the head down position setting operation information, address 11 indicates the C image data printing operation information, 12 shows the head up position setting operation information, address 13 shows the returning operation information to the print position, and address 14 shows the head down operation. Position setting operation information, address 15 includes overcoat operation information, address 16 includes head up position setting operation information, address 17 includes ribbon cueing operation information, and address 18 includes discharge operation information. , Are to be stored respectively.

As other information, for example, at address 00, a frame number (image specifying data), a media number (medium specifying data), a camera number (camera specifying data), a DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) information (DPOF) is used. Image recognition information including data) and printing parameter information including thermal head resolution, color correction data, and temperature characteristic data are stored at address 19.

In addition, the addresses 01 to 1 as described above
The print-related information stored in 8 is a start flag (start confirmation data) indicating that the operation is started,
It includes an end flag (end confirmation data) that indicates that the operation has ended, an end code (error data) that indicates what kind of error occurred when the operation ended normally or an error occurred, and so on. There is.

Even if the power is accidentally turned off and the print operation is interrupted during execution of the print operation, if the print-related information remains, it is possible to determine up to what process the print operation was executed. It is possible to judge with. The process of step S211 is an operation of resetting the old history information stored in the non-volatile memory 53 before performing a new printing operation.

Upon completion of step S31, the DSC
The controller 3 transfers the image recognition information and instructs it to be recorded in the nonvolatile memory 53 (step S).
32).

Upon receiving the image recognition information and the command, the microcomputer 22 records the image recognition information in the address 00 of the non-volatile memory 53 based on the command (step S212).

This image recognition information is used as follows.

Using the print-related information as described above,
Even if the power is turned off during printing, it may be possible to continue the interrupted printing operation after turning the power on again.

An example of a condition that enables this is that the image data being printed must exist in the DSC 1 when the printing operation is restarted. However, this condition alone is not enough.

That is, it is difficult to predict the behavior of the user, in particular, the behavior of the user while the power is cut off. Specifically, there may be a user who connects another DSC 1 to the printer 21 while the power is off, or the DSC 1
Are the same, but the recording medium 8 may be replaced by another one, and so on.

Therefore, using only the print-related information does not guarantee that the printing operation can be resumed. Therefore, it is necessary to record data for authenticating the image data being printed on the printer 21 side, which is the image recognition information recorded at address 00.

As the data that can be used as the image recognition information, as shown in FIG. 9, the frame number of the image, the ID number of the recording medium 8 and the ID of the camera.
A number etc. can be considered. In addition, DPOF (Digital Pr
int Order Format) D that can set the file
In the case of SC1, DPOF data corresponding to image data can be used as image recognition information.

Next, the DSC controller 3 requests the print parameter information from the microcomputer 22 (step S3).
3). In response to this request, the microcomputer 22 reads the print parameter information from the non-volatile memory 53 and transfers it to the DSC controller 3 (step S213). As described above, in the nonvolatile memory 53, the resolution of the thermal head 38, the color correction data, and
The temperature correction data and the like are stored.

Then, the DSC controller 3 uses the information indicating the resolution of the thermal head 38 included in the print parameter information to convert the image data by the image size conversion circuit 3d so as to match the number of pixels at the time of printing. (Step S34).

After that, the DSC controller 3 sends a paper feed operation command to the printer 21 (print paper conveyance control) (step S35).

Upon receiving the command for the feeding operation, the microcomputer 22 records a start flag at the address 01 of the non-volatile memory 53 before starting the operation (step S214). This address 01 is, as described above,
This is an area in which transport operation information to the print start position is recorded.

After setting the start flag, the microcomputer 22
Is the paper tray 4 in step S214.
The photographic paper 46 is taken out from the sheet 5 and is conveyed to the print start position (print sheet conveying operation). Microcomputer 2
No. 2 also performs an error detection operation while carrying. On the other hand, the DSC 1 uses the matrix calculation formula while the printer 21 is carrying the photographic printing paper 46, and the predetermined color component data Y, Cr,
A color conversion process is executed to create Y (yellow) image data that is print target data from the Cb image data (step S36). At this time, the Y image data is also corrected based on the color correction data and the temperature correction data.

Since the printing operation is performed according to the order of the colors arranged on the ink ribbon 33, the DSC controller 3 follows the order of Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan). Image data is created in the order of.

When the creation of the image data is completed, the DSC controller 3 requests the completion code from the microcomputer 22 (step S37). When the paper feeding operation ends, the microcomputer 22 returns the end code to the DSC controller 3 and records the end flag and the end code in the address 01 of the nonvolatile memory 53 in step S214.

The start flag is a flag indicating that the operation is started, and the end flag is a flag indicating that the operation is ended. Therefore, if both of the pair of flags are recorded, the operation is performed. Indicates that it started and then ended. If the power is turned off during the operation, the end flag is not recorded and only the start flag remains. These pairs of flags are
Corresponding to each of a plurality of operation steps when printing is performed, the data is stored in the non-volatile memory 53 as shown in FIG. Therefore, when the power supply of the printing system is activated later, it is possible to determine under what circumstances the power supply is turned off by reading these flags.

The end code also includes error information set according to the cause of failure when the paper feeding operation is not performed properly. The cause of failure may be, for example, the case where the printing paper 46 is jammed in the printer. The DSC controller 3 determines whether or not to continue the printing operation depending on whether or not the end code includes error information (step S38).

If there is error information and the printing operation cannot be continued, the display information corresponding to the part where the error occurred is created (step S95), and the process returns to the main routine. In the main routine, a display is made on the liquid crystal monitor 5 in step S17 based on this display information.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S38 that there is no error information, the thermal head 38 is controlled according to the image data, and the thermal head 38 is controlled.
A printing operation of transferring the dye of the ink ribbon 33 to the photographic printing paper 46 by the heat of is performed.

That is, the DSC controller 1 first issues a command to set the thermal head 38 to the down position (head protrusion drive control) (step S39).

Upon receiving this command, the microcomputer 22 receives the command, and before starting the operation, the nonvolatile memory 53.
The start flag is recorded in the address 02 of (step S2
15). The address 02 is an area in which the down position setting operation information of the thermal head 38 is recorded as described above.

After setting the start flag, the microcomputer 22
Is the thermal head 3 in step S215.
8 is moved to the down position (head protrusion drive operation). As a result, the photographic printing paper 46 and the ink ribbon 33 are sandwiched between the thermal head 38 and the platen roller 52 in a close contact state.

On the other hand, the DSC controller 3 requests the end code and waits until the code is acquired (step S40).

When the head-down operation ends in step S215, the microcomputer 22 returns the end code to the DSC controller 3 and records the end flag and the end code in the address 02 of the non-volatile memory 53. At this time, if the thermal head 38 is not driven well, error information is created and added to the end code.

The DSC controller 3 executes the above step S
The presence or absence of error information is determined based on the end code acquired in step 40 (step S41), and when the operation is not normally performed, the process proceeds to step S95.

When the printing is normally completed, the DSC controller 3 commands the microcomputer 22 to start the printing operation (step S42).

Upon receiving this command, the microcomputer 22 receives the command, and before starting the operation, the nonvolatile memory 53.
The start flag is recorded at the address 03 (step S2).
16). The address 03 is an area in which the Y image data printing operation information is recorded, as described above.

After setting the start flag, the microcomputer 22 sets the paper feed motor 49 in step S216.
Then, driving of the ribbon motor 30 is started.

The DSC controller 3 executes the above step S
The Y image data created in 36 is decomposed line by line and transferred in synchronization with the paper feeding operation of the microcomputer 22 (data transfer process) (step S43). At this time, the image data is transferred to the microcomputer 22 using bulk transfer which is one of the USB communication modes.

The microcomputer 22 outputs the received image data to the thermal head control circuit 25 in synchronization with the paper feed (print operation) (step S217). The operation of step S217 is continuously performed until the Y image data ends. Note that, in parallel with this operation, an error detection operation is performed to detect, for example, the occurrence of paper jam of the printing paper 46, abnormal winding of the ink ribbon 33, and the like.

When the transfer of the Y image data ends, the DSC controller 3 requests the end code from the microcomputer 22 (step S44).

On the other hand, the microcomputer 22 uses the thermal head 3
When the transfer of the line data to 8 is completed, the drive of the paper feed motor 49 and the drive of the ribbon motor 30 are stopped. Then, the microcomputer 22 returns the end code to the DSC controller 3, and the nonvolatile memory 53.
The end flag and the end code are recorded in the address 03 (step S218). At this time, if the conveying operation of the photographic printing paper 46 and the winding operation of the ink ribbon 33 are not properly performed during printing, error information is added to the end code.

The DSC controller 3 determines whether or not the printing operation of the Y image is correctly completed based on the received completion code (step S45), and when it is not normally completed, the process proceeds to step S95. .

On the other hand, when the process is completed normally, the DSC controller 3 issues a command to set the thermal head 38 to the up position (head retract drive control) (step S46).

Upon receiving this command, the microcomputer 22 receives the command and, before starting the operation, the nonvolatile memory 53.
The start flag is recorded in the address 04 of the (step S2
19). The address 04 is an area in which the up position setting operation information of the thermal head 38 is recorded, as described above.

After setting the start flag, the microcomputer 22 sets the thermal head 3 in step S219.
8 is moved to the up position (head retraction drive operation). By this operation, the close contact between the ink ribbon 33 and the printing paper 46 is released, and the printing paper 46 can be freely moved.

The DSC controller 3 requests the end code and waits until the code is acquired (step S
47).

In step S219, the microcomputer 22 returns the end code to the DSC controller 3 when the operation is completed, and records the end flag and the end code in the address 04 of the nonvolatile memory 53. At this time, if the thermal head 38 is not driven well, error information is created and added to the end code.

The DSC controller 3 executes the above step S
The end code is acquired at 47, and it is determined whether there is error information based on the acquired end code (step S4
8) If the operation has not ended normally, then the flow shifts to step S95.

The Y image data is printed on the photographic printing paper 46 by the processing of steps S39 to S48 in the DSC 1 and the processing of steps S215 to S219 in the printer 21 as described above.

Next, it is necessary to reposition the photographic printing paper 46 to the print start position, create M image data, and print it on the photographic printing paper 46.

That is, in step S48,
When it is determined that the printing has been completed normally, the DSC controller 3 issues an instruction to return the printing paper 46 to the print start position (print paper transport control) (step S49).

Upon receipt of this command, the microcomputer 22 receives the command and, before starting the operation, the nonvolatile memory 53.
Sets the start flag to the address 05 (step S2)
20). As described above, the address 05 is an area in which information on the operation of returning to the print position is recorded.

After setting the start flag, the microcomputer 22
Is the paper feed motor 49 in step S220.
Is reversed to move the photographic printing paper 46 to the print start position (print paper transport operation).

While the printer 21 is returning the photographic printing paper 46, the DSC 1 uses the matrix calculation formula to calculate Y,
Color conversion processing for creating M (magenta) image data from the image data of Cr and Cb is executed (step S5).
0). At this time, the M image data is also corrected based on the color correction data and the temperature correction data.

When the creation of the image data is completed, the DSC controller 3 requests the completion code from the microcomputer 22 (step S51). When the paper feeding operation ends, the microcomputer 22 returns the end code to the DSC controller 3 and records the end flag and the end code in the address 05 of the nonvolatile memory 53 in step S220. At this time, if the operation of returning the photographic printing paper 46 is not properly performed, error information is created and added to the end code.

The DSC controller 3 determines the presence or absence of error information based on the received end code (step S52), and when the end is not normal, the above step S52 is executed.
Move to 95.

In step S52, when the process is completed normally, the process proceeds to the process of printing the M image data on the photographic printing paper 46.

The process of printing the M image data on the photographic printing paper 46 is performed by the DSC controller 3 in steps S53 to S62 and the microcomputer 22 in step S53.
221 to step S225, but except for the difference in the data whether it is a Y image or an M image, the above steps S39 to S48 and steps S215 to S219 perform Y.
Since the operations are the same as the image printing operation, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

By this series of M image printing operations, head down position setting operation information at address 06 of the non-volatile memory 53, M image data printing operation information at address 07,
The head-up position setting operation information at address 08 is updated.

Subsequently, the photographic printing paper 46 on which the Y image data and the M image data are printed is returned to the print start position by the processing of steps S63 to S66 in the DSC controller 3 and the processing of step S226 in the microcomputer 22. (Print paper conveyance operation), information of the operation of returning to the print position is set in the address 09 of the non-volatile memory 53, and while the printer 21 is returning the photographic paper 46, the DSC controller 3 outputs C (cyan) image data. Created and corrected.

In this process, the above-mentioned step S4
9 to step S52 and step S220 are different only in that C (cyan) image data is created by the color conversion processing in step S64, and other processing is the same.

The process of printing the C image data on the photographic printing paper 46 is performed by the DSC controller 3 in steps S67 to S76 and the microcomputer 22 in step S67.
227 to step S231, but except for the difference in the data whether it is a Y image or a C image, the above steps S39 to S48 and steps S215 to S219 perform Y.
Since the operations are the same as the image printing operation, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

By this series of C image printing operations, head down position setting operation information at address 10 of the non-volatile memory 53, C image data printing operation information at address 11,
The head-up position setting operation information of address 12 is updated.

By the operation so far, the Y, M, and C image data are printed on the photographic printing paper 46, and the image selected by the user is formed.

Finally, the photographic printing paper 46 is returned again to form a protective film for protecting the photographic printing paper 46.

That is, by the processing of steps S77 to S79 in the DSC controller 3 and the processing of step S232 in the microcomputer 22, Y,
The photographic printing paper 46 on which the M and C images have been printed is returned to the print start position (print paper conveyance operation), and information of the operation of returning to the print position is set in the address 13 of the non-volatile memory 53.

In these processes, the processes of steps S49 to S52 and step S22 described above are performed.
The difference from the process of 0 is that the color conversion process corresponding to step S50 does not exist, and the other processes are the same.

Subsequently, the head-down operation is performed by the processing of steps S80 to S82 in the DSC controller 3 and the processing of step S233 in the microcomputer 22, which is the above-described step S3.
This is the same as the processing from 9 to step S41 and the processing in step S215. By this operation, the head down position setting operation information is set at the address 14 of the non-volatile memory 53.

Then, the DSC controller 3 commands the microcomputer 22 to apply the overcoat (protective film) to the printing paper 46 (step S83).

Upon receipt of this command, the microcomputer 22 sets a start flag at the address 15 of the non-volatile memory 53 before performing the operation (step S23).
4). The address 15 is an area in which the overcoat operation information is recorded, as described above. Then, in step S234, the microcomputer 22 starts the feeding operation of the printing paper 46 and the winding operation of the ink ribbon 33.

The microcomputer 22 transfers the data for thermally transferring the protective film to the thermal head control circuit 25 in synchronization with the feeding of the printing paper 46 (step S235). The operation of step S235 is continuously performed until the protective film is formed on the entire printing paper 46. Note that, in parallel with this operation, an error detection operation is performed to detect, for example, a paper jam of the printing paper 46, a winding abnormality of the ink ribbon 33, or the like.

Next, the microcomputer 22 causes the paper feed motor 49
And the ribbon motor 30 are stopped, the end code and the end flag are recorded in the non-volatile memory 53, and the end code is transmitted to the DSC controller 3 (step S236).

Upon receiving the requested end code (step S84), the DSC controller 3 determines whether or not there is error information based on the received end code (step S85). Here, if the process is not normally completed, the process proceeds to step S95.

When the process is normally completed, the DSC controller 3 executes steps S86 to S8.
8 and the processing of step S237 in the microcomputer 22, the head-up operation is performed. This processing is the same as the above-described processing of steps S46 to S48 and step S219. By this operation, the head up position setting operation information is set to the address 16 of the non-volatile memory 53.

Thereafter, the DSC controller 3 instructs the microcomputer 22 to perform the cueing operation of the ink ribbon 33 in preparation for the next printing (step S89).

Upon receiving this command, the microcomputer 22 executes the address 1 of the non-volatile memory 53 before executing the cueing operation.
The ribbon cueing operation information in 7 is updated, and the start flag is recorded (step S238).

In step S238, the microcomputer 22 further controls the ribbon motor 30 to wind up the ink ribbon 33 so that the Y-color dye transfer film is accurately positioned at the beginning, and in parallel with the winding operation, for example, An error inspection is performed to inspect whether the ink ribbon 33 is cut or has an abnormal winding condition.

Then, the microcomputer 22 uses the ink ribbon 3
When the winding operation of No. 3 is completed, the end code and the end flag are set in the nonvolatile memory 5 in step S238.
3 and the end code is transmitted to the DSC controller 3.

When the DSC controller 3 receives the requested end code (step S90), the DSC controller 3 determines whether or not the end is normally completed based on the received end code (step S91). Shifts to the above step S95.

When the processing is normally completed, the DSC controller 3 commands the microcomputer 22 to perform the paper discharge operation (step S92).

Upon receiving this command, the microcomputer 22 changes the paper discharge operation information at the address 18 of the nonvolatile memory 53 and sets the start flag before starting the paper discharge operation (step S239). .

Further, the microcomputer 22 executes this step S
In 239, by controlling the paper feed motor 49, the printing paper 46 that has completed printing is discharged to the outside of the printer 21, and in parallel with this discharging operation, an error check is performed to check whether a paper jam has occurred. To execute. If an abnormality is detected in this error check, error information is added to the end code.

When the discharging operation of the photographic printing paper 46 is completed, the microcomputer 22 proceeds to step S239,
The end code and the end flag are recorded in the non-volatile memory 53, and the end code is transmitted to the DSC controller 3.

When the DSC controller 3 receives the requested end code (step S93), it determines whether or not the operation has ended normally (step S94) based on the received end code, and the operation has ended normally. If not, the process proceeds to step S95.

When the operation is normally completed, the "printing process" subroutine is returned to the main routine as it is.

Next, referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, for details of the returning operation of steps S6 and S205 in the main routine shown in FIG.
Description will be given with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. 7 is a flowchart showing a part of the return operation routine, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another part of the return operation routine, FIG. 10 is a view showing some examples of display on the liquid crystal monitor, and FIG. It is a figure which shows some other examples of a display.
Although FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are divided into two for convenience of drawing, they show a series of operations as a whole.

This return operation is continued in the middle of the printing operation based on the information stored in the non-volatile memory 53 when the printing is interrupted due to the power interruption or the like in the above-mentioned printing processing. It is determined whether or not it is possible, and if it is possible, it is continued.

That is, the DSC controller 3 requests the microcomputer 22 to transmit the print related information and acquires the information (step S101).

Upon receipt of this request, the microcomputer 22 reads out the print-related information stored in the address 00 to the address 18 of the non-volatile memory 53 and sends it to the DSC controller 3 (step S241).

The DSC controller 3 searches the received printing-related information for error information (step S102). If the error information is present, the printing system cannot be operated until the cause of the error is removed. Therefore, it is necessary to notify the user to remove the factor, and stop the operation and wait until the factor disappears.

Therefore, first, it is determined whether or not the error information indicates abnormal winding of the ink ribbon 33 (step S).
103).

Here, when the winding abnormality of the ink ribbon 33 is detected, the DSC controller 3 displays a message as shown in FIG. 10A for explaining the content of the error to the user. 5 is displayed (step S104). In the display form 1 as illustrated in FIG. 10A, after the display of “Error (error)”, the part where the abnormality has occurred is the “ink ribbon 33” and the winding is abnormal. In addition to displaying "there is an error", the method of "Resetting the ribbon and then turning the power on again" is displayed after the display of "Operation".

After that, the operation is stopped and waits until the user solves the problem according to the coping method (step S1).
05), when it is resolved, the process returns to the main routine.

If it is determined in the above step S103 that there is no abnormality in the winding of the ink ribbon 33, D
The SC controller 3 then prints the photographic paper 46 on the error information.
It is determined whether there is a conveyance abnormality (for example, paper jam, etc.) (step S106).

Here, when there is an abnormality in the conveyance of the photographic printing paper 46, the DSC controller 3 sends to the liquid crystal monitor 5 a message as shown in FIG. 10 (B) for explaining the content of the error to the user. Display (step S10)
7). In the display form 2 as illustrated in FIG. 10B, after the "Error (error)" is displayed, the portion where the abnormality has occurred is the "printing paper 46", and there is an abnormality in the conveyance. In addition to displaying that there is,
After the display of "Operation", the coping method of "remove the printing paper 46 and turn on the power again" is continuously displayed.

After that, the processing shifts to the above step S105, and the operation is stopped and waits until the user solves the problem according to the coping method.

If it is determined in step S106 that the printing paper 46 is not conveyed abnormally, DSC is selected.
The controller 3 stores the corresponding image data in the recording medium 8 based on the image recognition information acquired from the microcomputer 22.
Is searched (step S108).

Then, it is judged whether or not the image data is found in the recording medium 8 (step S109). If not found, the DSC controller 3 displays a warning display as shown in FIG. 10C, for example. , Are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 5 (step S110). In the display form 2 as illustrated in FIG. 10B, after the display of "Error (error)", "there is no data corresponding to the image being printed", Photographic paper 4
"Eject 6" is displayed to notify the user.

As a case corresponding to such a case, for example, when the user replaces the DSC1 connected to the printer 21 with another one while the power is off, or the DSC1 is the same. Even if there is, it is possible to replace the recording medium 8 with another one.

In any case, it is obviously impossible to continue printing as long as there is no corresponding image data. Therefore, after that, the above-mentioned "print processing" is performed.
Step S89 (FIG. 6) of (RCV10),
The photographic printing paper 46 is discharged, and the ink ribbon 33 is cued in preparation for the next printing.

Further, in the step S109, when the image data corresponding to the image recognition information is found in the recording medium 8, the image data is recorded.
Is read from (step S111).

Then, the read image data is JPEG
The data is decoded and expanded (step S112), and the expanded image data is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 5 (step S112).
113). This allows the user to recognize what kind of image the image being printed was.

Next, based on the information read from the non-volatile memory 53, it is determined whether or not the power is turned off while the Y image, the M image, or the C image is being printed. (Step S114).

If it is determined that the power is turned off during the printing of any one, the DSC controller 3 displays the display as shown in FIG. Is displayed (step S115). In the display form 4 illustrated in FIG. 10D,
After the display of "Notice", "the printing paper 46 in the middle of printing is present in the printer 21, but the printing operation cannot be continued", and "the printing paper 46 is ejected "Perform operation" is displayed. Further, in this display form 4, after "Cause (cause)", the cause of the error (cause) is displayed, for example, "because the power is turned off during printing of the Y image".

The user can understand from the image data displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 5 and these messages why the image to be printed cannot be printed. After that, the process proceeds to step S89 (FIG. 6) of the "printing process" (RCV10), the photographic printing paper 46 is discharged, and the ink ribbon 33 is cueed for the next printing.

In step S114, the Y image,
If it is determined that the power is not turned off while printing either the M image or the C image, then the printing position is moved to after the printing of at least one color is completed. During the returning operation, it is determined whether the power is turned off (step S116).

Here, when the power is turned off during the operation of returning to the printing position, the DSC controller 3 causes the liquid crystal monitor 5 to display, for example, the display shown in FIG. 10 (E) (step S117). ). In the display mode 5 as illustrated in FIG. 10E, “Notice” is displayed and then “printing paper 46 in the middle of printing is present in the printer 21, but the printing operation is continued. It is impossible to do so ”and“ execute the discharging operation of the printing paper 46 ”are displayed. Further, in this display form 5, after "Cause (cause)", the cause of the error (cause) is, for example, "power is turned off after printing the Y image, but position the image. Is impossible ”is displayed.

When the photographic printing paper 46 is returned to the print start position for printing the next color (or overcoat) after the image of a certain color is printed, the position of the photographic printing paper 46 is detected using a sensor or the like. Instead of detecting, the position is calculated from the number of pulse signals applied to the paper feed motor 49 which is a stepping motor. And
If the power is turned off during this paper feeding, the information on the number of pulses indicating the movement amount of the photographic printing paper 46 is lost, and it is impossible to accurately determine the position of the photographic printing paper 46. Therefore, even if the printing is forcibly continued as it is, it is not desirable to continue the printing because the color shift occurs. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S89 (FIG. 6) of the "printing process" (RCV10), the photographic printing paper 46 is discharged, and the ink ribbon 33 is indexed in preparation for the next printing.

If it is determined in step S116 that the power has not been turned off during the operation of returning to the printing position, then, based on the data in the nonvolatile memory 53, the ink ribbon 33 It is determined whether the power is turned off during the cueing operation (step S118).

Here, if the power is turned off during the cueing operation of the ink ribbon 33, the DSC controller 3
Causes the liquid crystal monitor 5 to display, for example, the display as shown in FIG. 11 (A) (step S119). This FIG.
In the display form 6 as illustrated in (A), “No
After the display of “Tice”, “Printer 2
1 indicates that there is photographic paper 46 for which printing has been completed ”and“ execute the discharge operation of photographic paper 46 ”. Further, in this display form 6, after "Cause (cause)", the cause (cause) of the error is, for example, "power is turned off while positioning the ink ribbon 33, but Y image, M image , C image, and overcoat printing have been completed ”.

In this case, step S of "printing process"
After shifting to 89 (FIG. 6) (RCV10), the cueing operation of the ink ribbon 33 is restarted and the paper discharging operation is executed.

If it is determined in step S118 that the power is not turned off during the cueing operation of the ink ribbon 33, it is determined whether or not the power is turned off during the paper discharging operation (step S118). S120).

Here, if the power is turned off during the paper discharge operation, the DSC controller 3 operates as shown in FIG.
The display as shown in (B) is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 5 (step S121). In the display form 7 illustrated in FIG. 11B, “Notice” is displayed.
After the display of, the message that "the printing paper 46 for which printing has been completed exists in the printer 21" and that "the discharging operation of the printing paper 46 is executed" are displayed. Further, in this display form 7, after "Cause (cause)" is displayed, it is displayed that the cause of the error (cause) is, for example, "power is turned off during the paper discharge operation".

In this case, step S of "print processing"
The process proceeds to 92 (FIG. 6) (RCV11), and the paper discharge operation is executed.

When it is determined in step S120 that the power is not turned off during the paper discharge operation, it is determined whether the power is turned off during the overcoat operation (step S122).

Here, when the power is turned off during the overcoating operation, the DSC controller 3 displays the display as shown in FIG. 11C on the liquid crystal monitor 5 (step S123). In the display form 8 illustrated in FIG. 11C, “Notice
After "(Caution)" is displayed, a message that "the printing paper 46 being printed is present in the printer 21" and a message that "the printing operation is continued" are displayed. Furthermore, in this display form 8, after "Cause (cause)", the cause (cause) of the error is, for example, "power off occurred during overcoat operation, but Y image, M image, and C The image has been printed. "Is displayed.

In this case, step S of "print processing"
After shifting to 83 (FIG. 6) (RCV08), the overcoat is continued.

When it is determined in step S122 that the power is not turned off during the overcoat operation, the DSC controller 3 causes the microcomputer 22 to operate.
To request print parameters (step S12)
4).

Upon receipt of this request, the microcomputer 22 reads the print parameter information from the non-volatile memory 53 and sends it to the DSC controller 3 (step S24).
2).

The DSC controller 3 executes the above step S
Based on the print parameter information received in 124, the same pixel number conversion process as that shown in step S34 of FIG. 3 is executed (step S125).

Then, the DSC controller 3 determines whether or not the power is turned off during the operation of taking out the printing paper 46 from the paper tray 45 (step S12).
6).

Here, the photographic printing paper 4 is fed from the paper tray 45.
If the power is turned off during the operation of taking out 6,
The DSC controller 3 displays the display as shown in FIG. 11D on the liquid crystal monitor 5 (step S1).
27). Display form 9 as illustrated in FIG.
In the display, “Notice” is displayed, and subsequently, “printing paper 46 being printed is present in printer 21” and “printing operation can be continued” are displayed. Furthermore, in this display form 9, "O
"operation" is displayed,
In addition to displaying the coping method of "If the print permission switch is operated, the printing operation is continued, and if the other switches are operated, the paper ejection operation is performed", and "Cause (cause)" is displayed. Subsequently, it is displayed that the cause (or cause) of the error is, for example, "the power is turned off while the photographic paper 46 is being taken out from the paper tray 45".

Then, the DSC controller 3 requests and obtains information regarding the state of the printer operation switch 54 from the microcomputer 22 (step S128).

In response to this, the microcomputer 22 detects the state of the printer operation switch 54 and sends it to the DSC controller 3 (step S243).

The DSC controller 3 determines whether the user who has viewed the image on the liquid crystal monitor 5 has operated the print permission switch or another switch based on the received information regarding the state of the printer operation switch 54. It is determined (step S129).

If the print permission switch is operated and turned on, the process proceeds to step S35 (FIG. 3) of "print processing" (RCV00) to continue the printing operation. There is.

If any switch other than the print permission switch is operated, the process proceeds to step S89 (FIG. 6) of "print processing" (RCV10) to discharge the photographic printing paper 46 and prepare for the next printing. The ink ribbon 33 is cueed.

Further, if the operation of the printer operation switch 54 is not detected, the process returns to the step S128 to obtain the information again.

Although it is possible to select whether to continue printing or eject the paper here, the invention is not limited to this, and another image may be selected so that printing can be continued. .

If it is determined in step S126 that the power is not turned off during the operation of taking out the printing paper 46 from the paper tray 45, the power is turned off while the thermal head 38 is being positioned. It is determined whether or not (step S130).

If the power is not turned off during the positioning operation of the thermal head 38, the process directly returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the power supply is turned off during the positioning operation of the thermal head 38, DS
The C controller 3 displays the display as shown in FIG. 11E on the liquid crystal monitor 5 (step S13).
1). A display form 10 as illustrated in FIG.
In the display, “Notice” is displayed, and subsequently, “printing paper 46 being printed is present in printer 21” and “printing operation can be continued” are displayed. Furthermore, in this display form 10,
After the display of "Operation (operation)", continue with the coping method "If the print permission switch is operated, the printing operation is continued, and if the other switches are operated, the paper ejection operation is performed" In addition to the display, “Cause (cause)” is followed by a message indicating that the cause of the error (cause) is, for example, “power off has occurred during up / down drive of the thermal head 38”.

During the positioning operation of the thermal head 38,
Since the photographic printing paper 46 is stopped, the color misregistration does not occur even if the printing operation is continued. So, like this,
I am able to choose.

The DSC controller 3 requests and obtains information regarding the state of the printer operation switch 54 from the microcomputer 22 (step S132).

In response to this, the microcomputer 22 detects the state of the printer operation switch 54 and sends it to the DSC controller 3 (step S244).

The DSC controller 3 judges the state of the printer operation switch 54 from the received information and branches the process (step S133).

If the operation of the printer operation switch 54 is not detected, the process returns to the step S132 and the information is acquired again.

If any switch other than the print permission switch is turned on, step S89 of "print processing" is performed.
After shifting to (FIG. 6) (RCV10), the photographic printing paper 46 is discharged, and the ink ribbon 33 is indexed in preparation for the next printing.

Further, when the print permission switch is operated, it is determined in which step of the printing operation the driving operation of the thermal head 38 is performed, and the process branches to continue the printing operation according to the determination result. (Step S
134).

First, when the power is turned off while the head position is being driven before the Y screen printing is started (during the operation of step S215 of "print processing"), the step S of "print processing" is performed.
The same color conversion processing as in step 36 is performed (step S135),
Then, in order to continue printing, the process proceeds to step S39 of "print processing" (RCV01).

If the power is turned off while the head position is being driven after the Y screen printing is completed (during the operation of step S219 of "print processing"), the process proceeds to step S46 of "print processing" (RCV02). , Continue printing.

Further, the head position is being driven before the start of M screen printing (during the operation of step S221 of "print processing").
When the power is turned off, the color conversion processing similar to step S50 of the above-mentioned "print processing" is performed (step S13).
6) After that, in order to continue printing, the process proceeds to step S53 of "print processing" (RCV03).

Then, the head position is being driven after the completion of M screen printing (during the operation of step S225 of "print processing").
When the power is turned off, the step S60 of "print processing" is performed.
(RCV04), and printing is continued.

[0232] In addition, the head position is being driven before the start of C screen printing (during the operation of step S227 of "print processing").
When the power is turned off, the color conversion process similar to step S64 of the above-mentioned "printing process" is performed (step S13).
7) After that, in order to continue printing, the process proceeds to step S67 of "print processing" (RCV05).

When the power is turned off while the head position is being driven after the printing of the C screen (during the operation of step S231 of "print processing"), the process proceeds to step S74 of "print processing" (RCV06). , Continue printing.

On the other hand, when the power is turned off while the head is positioned (before the operation of step S233 of "printing process") before the start of the overcoat operation, the process proceeds to step S80 of "printing process" (RCV07).

Further, when the power is turned off while the head is positioned after the overcoating operation is completed (during the operation of step S237 of "printing process"), the process proceeds to step S86 of "printing process" (RCV09).

According to such an embodiment, in a system including a digital camera and a printer which prints an image taken by the digital camera, the power may be turned off and the printing operation may be interrupted due to some factor. Even if there is, depending on the situation, it is possible to restart or selectively restart the printing operation if possible, and if it is not possible, discharge the paper or cue the ink ribbon in preparation for the next printing. Therefore, the most appropriate coping operation is performed at the time of restarting, and the convenience for the user is sufficiently achieved.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0238]

As described above, according to the print system of the present invention and the digital camera and printer constituting this system, even if the print operation may be interrupted due to some cause, the situation will be reduced. Accordingly, the most appropriate coping operation is performed at the time of restart, and the convenience for the user is sufficiently achieved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a print system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of a main routine executed by a DSC controller on the DSC side and a microcomputer on the printer side in the above embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a part of a printing process in the above embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a part of a printing process in the above embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of a printing process in the above embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a part of print processing in the above embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a part of a return operation routine in the above embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another part of the return operation routine in the above embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a memory map of the nonvolatile memory in the above embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing some examples of displays on the liquid crystal monitor of the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing some other examples of display on the liquid crystal monitor of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Image input device (camera, electronic still camera (DS
C)) (Digital camera) 3 ... DSC controller (control means) 8 ... Recording medium (information recording medium) 9 ... USB host controller 12 ... Connection means 21 ... Image forming apparatus (printer, sublimation printer unit) 22 ... Microcomputer (Microcomputer) (Control means) 22a ... USB device controller 25 ... Thermal head control circuit 30 ... Ribbon motor 31 ... Ribbon motor drive circuit 33 ... Ink ribbon 38 ... Thermal head (head) 41 ... Head position control motor 42 ... Head motor drive Circuit 46 ... Printing paper 49 ... Paper feed motor 50 ... Stepping motor drive circuit 53 ... Non-volatile memory (storage means)

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) // H04N 101: 00 H04N 101: 00 F term (reference) 2C061 AP10 AR01 BB15 HH03 HK04 HK11 HN02 HN15 HV02 HV33 HV56 5B021 AA23 BB04 CC05 MM04 5C022 AA13 5C052 AA12 DD02 FA02 FA03 FC01 FC06 FD13 FE07

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A printing system in which a digital camera and a printer, each of which is provided with control means for controlling its operation, are functionally coupled to each other, wherein the digital camera is data representing an image to be printed. To the printer side, and a print command operation for issuing each print command to sequentially execute the print operation at each predetermined step for printing one image by the printer. The printer is configured to be able to execute the operation under the control of its own control means, and the printer corresponds to the data sequentially transferred from the digital camera side in response to a print command issued from the digital camera side. The printing operation at each predetermined step for printing the one image is sequentially executed under the control of the control means of its own. And each step of the printing operation performed in the process of printing the one image on the printer side in response to each print command for printing the one image from the digital camera side. Is configured to cooperate with each other so as to maintain the history of the stage so that it can be recognized at a time later than the time when the operation of the stage should be executed. Printing system. 2. A printing system in which a digital camera and a printer each provided with control means for controlling the operation are functionally coupled to each other, wherein the digital camera is controlled by its own control means. Then, for each image to be printed, print paper transport control for transporting the print paper to a predetermined position for printing on the printer, and each predetermined color component data relating to the image by the printer. A color conversion process for converting to print data in a form suitable for printing; a data transfer process for transferring print data of the color component of one image formed by this color conversion process to the printer side; Head protrusion drive control for causing the head to protrude to a predetermined print operation position, the head of the printer performing the print operation Head retraction drive control for retracting from a position, and the following processes and processing are executed. Under the control of the control unit of the printer, the printer prints each image to be printed. Print paper transport operation for transporting paper, print operation for printing on the print paper with its own head in a form corresponding to the print data transferred from the digital camera side, projecting the head to a predetermined print operation position And a head retraction driving operation for retracting the head from the printing operation position.
Process specifying data for specifying each one of the controls or processes, start and end of the control or process represented by the process specifying data, start confirmation data and end confirmation data, and errors The printer is configured to request error data from the printer to obtain these data, and the printer controls the processing specific data requested from the digital camera side by the control unit of the printer.
Each start confirmation data, each end confirmation data, and each error data are held in its own storage means, and the corresponding one of the start confirmation data and each end confirmation data is received from the digital camera side. The printing system is configured to be updated to match the actual situation at that time. 3. The digital camera, when activated, requests the process specifying data, the start confirmation data, the end confirmation data, and the error data from the printer by the control means of the digital camera itself. It is configured to acquire these data and determine the command content to be transmitted to the control means on the printer side based on the acquired data, and the printer controls the command content by its own control means. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the printing system is configured to respond. 4. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the storage means of the printer is a non-volatile memory. 5. The digital camera includes image specifying data for specifying an image to be printed, medium specifying data for specifying an information recording medium in which the image data is stored, camera specifying data for identifying itself. Alternatively, the printer is configured to supply any data of DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) data related to the image to the printer, and the printer supplies the data supplied from the digital camera to a digital device connected to itself. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the printing system is configured to be held so that it can be read from the camera side. 6. A digital camera applied to a print system in which a digital camera and a printer each provided with a control unit for controlling the operation are functionally coupled to each other, wherein the control unit controls the control unit. Below, 1 to be printed
For each sheet of image, print paper transport control for transporting the print paper to a predetermined position for printing by the printer, and printing each predetermined color component data relating to the image in a form suitable for printing by the printer. Color conversion processing for converting to print data, data transfer processing for transferring print data of the relevant color component relating to one image formed by this color conversion processing to the printer side, head of the printer at a predetermined printing operation position Head protrusion drive control for ejecting the head of the printer, head retraction drive control for retracting the head of the printer from the printing operation position, and Process identification data identifying each one of them for control or processing,
It is configured to request the printer for each start confirmation data, each end confirmation data, and each error data that respectively indicate the start and end of the control or the process and the error represented by the process specific data, and acquire these data. A digital camera characterized by being a digital camera. 7. When the self is started, the control means of the self requests the printer to request each of the process specifying data, each of the start confirmation data, each of the end confirmation data, and each of the error data. 7. The digital camera according to claim 6, wherein the digital camera is configured to determine the command content to be transmitted to the control means on the printer side, based on the acquired data. 8. A printer applied to a printing system in which a digital camera and a printer each provided with control means for controlling the operation are functionally coupled, the printer being controlled by the control means of its own. Then, 1 to be printed
A print paper transport operation that transports print paper for each image, a print operation that prints on the print paper by its own head in a form corresponding to the print data transferred from the digital camera side, It is configured to execute a head protruding drive operation for protruding the print head to a predetermined print operation position, a head retraction drive operation for retracting the head from the print operation position, and the control means on the digital camera side. Print paper conveyance control for causing the printer to convey the print paper to a predetermined position for performing printing for each image to be printed, and each predetermined color component data regarding the image is described above. A color conversion process that converts the print data into a form suitable for printing by a printer. A data transfer process for transferring print data of the color component relating to one image formed by the replacement process to the printer side; a head protrusion drive control for protruding the head of the printer to a predetermined printing operation position; Head withdrawal drive control for withdrawing the head of the printer from the printing operation position; process specifying data for specifying each one of the above controls or processes; control or process represented by the process specifying data When the digital camera side requests the start confirmation data, the end confirmation data, the end confirmation data, and the error data respectively indicating the start and end of the error and the error, the corresponding data can be supplied to the digital camera in response to the request. It is stored in its own storage means and the start confirmation data and end confirmation data are stored. Printer, characterized in that the a corresponding one of the data are those that are configured to update in order to meet the real-life situations at the time when receiving a request from the digital camera. 9. The printer according to claim 8, wherein the storage unit is a non-volatile memory. 10. The digital camera includes image specifying data for specifying an image to be printed, medium specifying data for specifying an information recording medium in which the image data is stored, camera specifying data for identifying itself. Alternatively, any one of DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) data relating to the image is configured to be supplied to the printer, and the data supplied from the digital camera is digitally connected to itself. The printer according to claim 8, wherein the printer is configured to be held so that it can be read from the camera side.