JP2004114485A - Printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing device which facilitates a setting operation for carrying out printing on the basis of layout definition data stored in a removable memory without increasing a production cost. <P>SOLUTION: The printing device has a layout list printing means, a first selecting means and a second selecting means. The layout list printing means collects, arranges and prints to a medium for every layout definition data of layout definition data stored in the removable memory, an image 30 showing a layout defined for every layout definition data, an identification information 301 for every layout definition data, and a paper information 302 showing a printing paper size defined for every layout definition data. The first selecting means selects at least one layout definition data with the use of the identification information 301, and the second selecting means selects at least one image data stored in the removable memory. The selected image data is printed on the basis of the selected layout definition data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, and more particularly to a so-called stand-alone printing apparatus capable of executing data input to printing independently.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a so-called stand-alone printing apparatus capable of executing data input to printing independently has been known. The stand-alone printing apparatus has a function of printing image data recorded in a removable memory by a digital camera or the like by a simple operation without using a personal computer (PC).
[0003]
Some stand-alone printing apparatuses store a plurality of pieces of information (layout definition data) for printing image data on a predetermined print sheet in a predetermined layout in a ROM or the like in advance. Some layouts can print image data. Specifically, for example, image data recorded in a removable memory by a digital camera can be printed on a postcard-size sheet without borders according to a setting operation, or four images can be arranged and printed on A4 sheet in a stand-alone manner. 2. Description of the Related Art A type of printing apparatus is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0004]
In addition, a stand-alone printing apparatus is known in which a user can newly input layout definition data created by a PC or the like using a removable memory. When a predetermined editor program executed on a PC or the like is used, layout definition data in which, for example, a background image, a comment, an image arrangement, and the like are arbitrarily defined can be created. When the layout definition data created in this way is stored in the removable memory, the contents of the layout definition data cannot be known from the appearance of the removable memory.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-313390 A
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, a conventional stand-alone printing apparatus generally does not have a function of displaying the contents of layout definition data newly input by a user as an image. Since it is extremely difficult to display the contents of layout definition data in plain text only, it is difficult to understand what type of layout definition data is to be input when newly inputting layout definition data from a removable memory. There is a problem. Further, when a large amount of layout definition data is stored in the removable memory, it is difficult to select layout definition data to be input.
[0007]
On the other hand, when the function of displaying the contents of the layout definition data newly input by the user as an image is implemented in a stand-alone printing apparatus, a high-resolution dot matrix display device or the like is required. This will lead to an increase.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and facilitates a setting operation for printing based on layout definition data stored in a removable memory without increasing manufacturing costs. It is an object to provide a printing device.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein input means for inputting data stored in a removable memory, and an image representing a layout defined for each of the layout definition data with respect to the layout definition data stored in the removable memory; A layout list printing unit for collecting and arranging identification information for each layout definition data and paper information indicating a print paper size defined for each layout definition data for each layout definition data, and First selecting means for selecting at least one of the layout definition data using identification information, second selecting means for selecting at least one image data stored in a removable memory, and the selected image Printing means for printing data based on the selected layout definition data , Characterized in that it comprises a.
[0010]
According to the printing apparatus of the first aspect, for the layout definition data stored in the removable memory, an image representing a layout defined for each layout definition data and paper information representing a printing paper size can be printed. The content defined in the layout definition data stored in the memory can be known from the print result. That is, the contents defined in the layout definition data stored in the removable memory can be known via the image without being displayed. Further, according to this printing apparatus, for the layout definition data stored in the removable memory, identification information for each of the layout definition data can be printed, and at least one of the layout definition data can be selected using the identification information. After knowing the contents of the layout definition data stored in the memory, desired layout definition data can be selected. Therefore, the printing apparatus according to the first aspect can facilitate the setting operation for printing based on the layout definition data stored in the removable memory without increasing the manufacturing cost.
[0011]
The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein input means for inputting data stored in the removable memory, and an image representing a layout defined for each of the layout definition data with respect to the layout definition data stored in the removable memory; A layout list printing means for collecting and arranging the identification information for each of the layout definition data for each of the layout definition data and printing the layout list data; and a first for selecting at least one of the layout definition data using the identification information. A first selection unit, comprising: a paper selection unit for selecting a printing paper size; and a layout selection unit for displaying a menu of identification information of the layout definition data defining the selected printing paper size. Selecting means for selecting at least one image data stored in the removable memory A second selection means because, the image data selected, characterized in that it comprises a printing unit for printing based on the layout definition data selected.
[0012]
According to the printing apparatus of the present invention, since an image representing a layout defined for each layout definition data can be printed for the layout definition data stored in the removable memory, the layout definition data stored in the removable memory can be printed. It is possible to know what is being done from the print result. That is, it is possible to know via the image without displaying the contents defined in the layout definition data. Further, according to this printing apparatus, for the layout definition data stored in the removable memory, identification information for each of the layout definition data can be printed, and at least one of the layout definition data can be selected using the identification information. After knowing the contents of the layout definition data stored in the memory, desired layout definition data can be selected. Therefore, the printing apparatus according to claim 2 can facilitate the setting operation for printing based on the layout definition data stored in the removable memory without increasing the manufacturing cost.
[0013]
Further, according to the printing apparatus of the present invention, when the print paper size is selected, a menu of the identification information of the layout definition data defining the selected print paper size can be displayed. Generally, when a printed matter is created, the size of the printed matter according to the purpose, that is, the print paper size is determined, and then the layout according to the print paper size is determined. Specifically, for example, in order to create a New Year's postcard, the printing paper size is determined to be a postcard, and then a design according to the postcard size is determined. Therefore, according to this printing apparatus, since an interface suitable for a mental model when creating a printed matter is realized, the setting operation for printing based on the layout definition data stored in the removable memory is further facilitated. be able to. In addition, when a printing paper size is selected, a menu of identification information excluding layout definition data for which the size is not defined is displayed, so that it is easy to select layout definition data according to a printing purpose.
[0014]
The layout list printing means of the printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein images representing a layout defined for each of the layout definition data are collected and arranged for each printing paper size defined in the layout definition data. And According to this printing apparatus, it is easy to select a print paper size and subsequently select the layout definition data while viewing the paper on which the image representing the layout defined by the layout definition data is printed.
[0015]
The layout list printing means of the printing apparatus according to claim 4 prints an image representing a layout defined in the layout definition data based on image data previously associated with the layout definition data. . According to this printing apparatus, an image representing the layout defined by the layout definition data can be printed in a short time.
[0016]
The layout list printing means of the printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein image data representing the layout is created based on the layout defined in the layout definition data, and an image representing the layout is created based on the created image data. It is characterized by printing. According to this printing apparatus, an image representing a layout defined by layout definition data can be printed even when image data representing a layout is not stored in a removable memory in advance.
[0017]
Further, the present invention can be specified not only as an invention of a device but also as an invention of a method or a program. Each function of the plurality of means provided in the present invention is realized by a hardware resource whose function is specified by the configuration itself, a hardware resource whose function is specified by a program, or a combination thereof. The functions of the plurality of means are not limited to those realized by hardware resources which are physically independent of each other.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an example showing an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a printer 1 as a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of a display 11 and an operation unit 22 of the printer 1. It is a top view.
[0019]
The card slot 2 is an opening for detachably connecting the removable memory 4 to an input unit 14 (see FIG. 3) provided inside the housing 3.
As shown in FIG. 2B, the housing 3 is provided with a display 11, an operation unit 22, and the like. The operation unit 22 includes an upper switch 5, a lower switch 6, a decision switch 7, a return switch 8, and a print start switch 9. , A plurality of switches such as a stop switch 10 are provided. The display 11 displays a menu for making various settings. The upper switch 5, the lower switch 6, the decision switch 7, and the return switch 8 are switches for selecting menu items. The print start switch 9 is a switch for instructing the start of printing. The stop switch 10 is a switch for instructing stop of printing.
[0020]
The housing 3 houses a power supply circuit, a control circuit, a drive circuit, an actuator, and the like that constitute the printing unit.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the printer 1.
[0021]
The input unit 14 as input means is controlled by the control unit 15 to read layout definition data, image data, and the like stored in the removable memory 4 and store them in the work memory 16. The removable memory 4 is a recording medium that is detachably attached to the input unit 14, and is specifically a card-type flash memory that is detachably attachable to a digital camera, for example.
[0022]
The image processing unit 17 is an ASIC that executes a process for converting data stored in the work memory 16 into print data in cooperation with the control unit 15. Whether the control unit 15 or the image processing unit 17 performs the process for converting to print data is a design matter that can be selected as appropriate. Specifically, for example, the image processing unit 17 executes expansion processing, gamma correction, color space conversion processing, resolution conversion processing, halftone processing, interlace processing, and the like on the image data stored in the work memory 16.
[0023]
The printer engine 18 is controlled by the control unit 15 and forms an image on printing paper as a medium based on the print data generated by the image processing unit 17. The printer engine 18 forms an image on printing paper by, for example, an inkjet method, a laser method, a sublimation-type thermal transfer method, a dot impact method, or the like.
[0024]
The control unit 15 includes a CPU and a ROM. The CPU controls each unit of the printing apparatus by executing a control program stored in the ROM. The ROM is a memory that stores a printing program, various data, and the like in advance.
[0025]
Next, the layout definition data will be described.
FIG. 4A is a conceptual diagram showing layout definition data. Identification information is defined as a file name in the layout definition data. The layout definition data is data that defines a print frame indicating the arrangement and size of the object, a background image, a paper size, a print direction (vertical, horizontal) of the print paper, and the like. The layout definition data defines a print frame, a background image, a paper size, and the like as a script. The layout definition data specifically defines, for example, the number of print frames shown in FIG. 4B, the file name of the background image data, and variables storing the coordinates of each point shown in FIG. 4A as a script. are doing. Objects allocated to the print frame include image data, text data, and the like. FIG. 5 is a view showing a list of sheet information indicating the print sheet size. In FIG. 5, for example, "HAGA" is paper information that defines a postcard size as a print paper size.
[0026]
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a background image 34 represented by the background image data. The background image data is composed of data indicating RGB density and transmittance for each pixel. Here, the transmittance is a value indicating which pixel of the two images to be combined is reflected in the combined image. Hereinafter, data representing the transmittance of the background image data is referred to as an α channel. In FIG. 6, a white area 33 indicates an area in which the α channel specifies that the pixels of the image 35 input by the user should be reflected in the composite image 36 rather than the pixels of the background image 34.
[0027]
The layout definition data is associated with data (layout image data) representing an image representing a layout defined by the layout definition data. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a sheet S on which a list of images 30 representing layouts defined by layout definition data stored in the removable memory 4 is printed. The image 30 representing the layout can be printed based on the layout image data created by the control unit 15 by interpreting the layout definition data.
[0028]
The outer frame of the image 30 representing the layout indicates the aspect ratio of the printing paper. The hatched area and the ellipse of the image 30 representing the layout indicate that the image is arranged on the paper in a similar relationship to the position and size of the combined area in the outer frame. An outer peripheral line of the hatched area or a rectangular line circumscribing the hatched area indicates a print frame. The ellipse of the image 30 representing the layout indicates that the image is scaled up or down at a different aspect ratio in accordance with the aspect ratio of the print frame. The perfect circle of the image 30 representing the layout indicates that the image is enlarged or reduced at the same aspect ratio. The character string "AIUEO" in the image 30 representing the layout indicates that those character strings are replaced with character strings input by the user.
[0029]
Specifically, for example, the image 31 is a horizontally long print frame to which the image input by the user is allocated, and the print frame in which the image is enlarged or reduced at a different ratio in the aspect ratio according to the aspect ratio of the print frame is a horizontally long print frame. 9 is an image showing a layout arranged in the middle of a sheet. Further, for example, the image 32 is a print frame on which an image input by the user is allocated, and the image is enlarged or reduced at the same ratio in length and width according to the horizontal length of the print frame. Is an image representing a layout in which a print frame to which text data input by the user is allocated is arranged in the lower part of the sheet.
[0030]
On the paper S, images 30 representing the layout are printed side by side for each print paper size. Immediately below the image 30 representing each layout, identification information 301 of layout definition data defining the layout and paper information 302 are printed. That is, on the sheet S, the image 30 representing the layout, the identification information 301 and the sheet information 302 are collected and arranged for each layout definition data. The user can know the contents defined in the layout definition data stored in the removable memory 4 via the image printed on the sheet S without displaying the contents. Further, since the layout is represented as an image, it is possible to easily recognize what kind of layout can be printed using the layout definition data stored in the removable memory 4.
[0031]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing for printing image data according to the layout defined in the layout definition data.
In S105, the user inserts the removable memory 4 in which one or more layout definition data and one or more image data are recorded into the card slot 2 and connects to the input unit 14, and a predetermined menu displayed on the display 11 is displayed. Is selected, and the print start switch 9 is pressed. This instructs printing of the layout list.
[0032]
In S110, when the control unit 15 detects that [layout list print] is selected and the print start switch 9 is pressed, the control unit 15 defines all layout definition data stored in the removable memory 4 in each layout definition data. The file name and the sheet information, and the layout image data associated with each layout definition data are read into the work memory, and an image (index image) representing the layout list is created. If the layout image data is stored in advance in association with the layout definition data, it is not necessary to create the layout image data, so that the index image can be created in a short time. For layout definition data not associated with layout image data, the control unit 15 interprets the layout definition data and creates layout image data representing a layout defined in the layout definition data.
[0033]
The identification information, the sheet information, and the layout image data are combined based on the index layout definition data stored in the ROM of the control unit 15 in advance to create one index image. The index layout definition data is data in which the layout of layout image data, identification information, and sheet information as objects is described in a script, similarly to the layout definition data stored in the removable memory 4. For example, the index layout definition data includes layout image data arranged in four columns and four columns, and a file name of the layout definition data in which each layout image data is associated immediately below an area where each layout image data is arranged, and the layout. A layout for arranging the paper information defined by the definition data is defined.
[0034]
The control unit 15 sorts the layout definition data read from the removable memory 4 by the paper information defined respectively, and assigns a serial number to each layout definition data in ascending order of the paper size defined. . The identification information of each layout definition data, the paper information, and the layout image data associated with each layout definition data are sequentially allocated to the print frames defined by the index layout definition data based on the serial numbers thus assigned. Create index image data. For example, the control unit 15 determines each of the layouts defined by the index layout definition data so that the layout image data is arranged on the paper in raster order, that is, in the order of decreasing paper size defined from the upper left to the lower right of the paper. Allocate layout image data to print frames.
[0035]
In S115, the index image data is converted into print data by the image processing unit 17, and the printer engine 18 generates an index image on the sheet S based on the print data, that is, an image 30 representing a layout at a predetermined position in a predetermined order, a layout definition. The image shown in FIG. 1 in which the data identification information 301 and the paper information 302 are arranged is printed. A control unit 15 for creating index image data, an image processing unit 17 for converting the index image data into print data, and a printer engine 18 for printing an image based on the print data correspond to a layout list printing unit according to the present invention. I do.
[0036]
In S120, the user selects an item for designating printing of image data based on layout definition data (this item is referred to as [layout printing]) from a predetermined menu displayed on the display 11. When [Layout printing] is selected, the control unit 15 displays a paper size selection menu 50 shown in FIG. 8 on the display 11, and uses the upper switch 5, the lower switch 6, and the confirm switch 7 to select a desired print paper size. Let the user choose. The control unit 15 for displaying the paper size selection menu 50, the display 11 and the display control unit 46, and the upper switch 5, the lower switch 6, and the confirmation switch 7 for operating the paper size selection menu 50 are the papers described in the claims. It corresponds to a selection means.
[0037]
In S125, as shown in FIG. 9, a layout selection menu 56 showing a list of identification information of all layout definition data in which the print paper size selected in S120 is defined is displayed on the display 11, and the upper switch 5, The user selects the identification information of the desired layout definition data by using the lower switch 6 and the confirmation switch 7. Since the layout selection menu 56 does not display the identification information of the layout definition data that does not define the print paper size selected in S120, the user can efficiently select the layout definition data according to the size of the print to be created. . The control unit 15 for displaying the layout selection menu 56, the display 11 and the display control unit 46, and the upper switch 5, the lower switch 6, and the confirmation switch 7 for operating the paper size selection menu 50 are the layout selection described in the claims. It corresponds to a means.
[0038]
In S130, the control unit 15 allows the user to select at least one of the image data stored in the removable memory 4. First, the control unit 15 assigns consecutive frame numbers to image data (excluding layout image data) stored in the removable memory 4. Next, as shown in FIG. 10, an image data selection menu 51 showing a list of frame numbers assigned to the image data is displayed on the display 11, and a desired frame is displayed by using the upper switch 5, the lower switch 6, and the decision switch 7. Let the user select a number. The control unit 15 for displaying the image data selection menu 51, the display 11 and the display control unit 46, and the upper switch 5, the lower switch 6, and the confirmation switch 7 for operating the image data selection menu 51 are the same as those of the first embodiment. This corresponds to two selection means.
[0039]
In S135, when detecting that the print start switch 9 has been pressed, the control unit 15 prints the image data selected in S130 on printing paper according to the layout defined in the layout definition data selected in S125.
[0040]
The overall flow of the process for printing image data according to the layout defined in the layout definition data has been described above.
Next, the details of the process of printing the selected image data in S135 based on the selected layout definition data will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the process of S135.
[0041]
In S305, the control unit 15 reads the selected image data from the removable memory 4 into the work memory 16.
In S310, for example, image data compressed by the JPEG method is expanded by the JPEG method. Next, the image data is enlarged or reduced according to the size of the print frame, that is, pixels are interpolated or thinned out and stored in the work area on the work memory 16.
[0042]
In S315, background image data uniquely specified by the file name set for the selected print frame is read from the removable memory 4 to the work memory 16.
In S320, for example, the background image data compressed by the JPEG method is decompressed by the JPEG method and stored in the work area on the work memory 16.
[0043]
S325 is executed when the superimposition synthesis of the background image data and the image data is specified by the script. In S325, the control unit 15 superimposes and synthesizes the background image data and the image data based on the α channel set in the background image data. At this time, for the pixel for which the α channel specifies that the pixel on the image data side is to be reflected in the composite image, the pixel value of the image data is set to the value of the corresponding pixel of the composite image, and the α channel is set to the background. For a pixel that specifies that the pixel on the image data side is to be reflected in the composite image, the value of the pixel in the background image data is set to the value of the corresponding pixel in the composite image.
[0044]
In S330, the control unit 15 allocates the image data or the composite image data selected by the user to the print frame of the layout definition data selected by the user, and creates image data to be converted into print data.
[0045]
In S340, the image processing unit 17 converts the image data created in S330 into print data, and the printer engine 18 prints an image on a sheet based on the print data. As a result, the image data selected by the user is printed based on the layout definition data selected by the user. The printing method according to claim 1, wherein the control unit 15 creates image data for converting the print data, the image processing unit 17 converts the image data into print data, and the printer engine 18 prints an image based on the print data. It corresponds to a means.
[0046]
According to the printer 1 described above, by printing the layout list, it is possible to know the content defined in the layout definition data stored in the removable memory 4 via an image without displaying it. In addition, since the identification information for each layout definition data is printed on the layout list, the user can select at least one layout definition data using the identification information, and know the contents of the layout definition data stored in the removable memory 4. After that, desired layout definition data can be selected. Therefore, the printer 1 according to the present embodiment can easily perform a setting operation for printing based on the layout definition data stored in the removable memory 4 without increasing the manufacturing cost.
[0047]
In the present embodiment, the print information is printed immediately below the image representing the layout in the layout list, but the print information need not be printed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a result of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention collecting and arranging an image representing a layout, identification information, and sheet information for each layout definition data and printing the collected data.
FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is an enlarged plan view illustrating a display 11 and an operation unit of the printing apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing layout definition data in a printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating sheet information defining a printing sheet size in the printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a background image represented by background image data according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process of printing image data according to a layout defined in layout definition data in a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a paper size selection menu according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a layout selection menu according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image data selection menu according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a detailed flowchart showing a part of a process of printing image data according to a layout defined in layout definition data in a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 printer (printing device)
11 Display (first selection means, second selection means, paper selection means)
14. Input unit (input means)
15 control section (layout list printing means, first selection means, second selection means, printing means, paper selection means)
17 Image processing unit (layout list printing means, printing means)
18 Printer engine (layout list printing means, printing means)
22 Operation unit (first selection unit, second selection unit, paper selection unit)

Claims (5)

Input means for inputting data stored in the removable memory;
For the layout definition data stored in the removable memory, an image representing a layout defined for each of the layout definition data, identification information for each of the layout definition data, and a printing paper size defined for each of the layout definition data Layout list printing means for collecting and arranging and printing sheet information representing each of the layout definition data,
First selecting means for selecting at least one of the layout definition data using the identification information;
Second selection means for selecting at least one image data stored in the removable memory;
A printing unit that prints the selected image data based on the selected layout definition data;
A printing apparatus comprising: Input means for inputting data stored in the removable memory;
For the layout definition data stored in the removable memory, an image representing a layout defined for each of the layout definition data and identification information for each of the layout definition data are collected and arranged for each of the layout definition data and printed. Layout list printing means,
Paper selection means for selecting at least one of the layout definition data using the identification information, wherein the paper selection means for selecting a print paper size;
First selection means having layout selection means for displaying a menu of identification information of the layout definition data defining the selected print paper size,
Second selection means for selecting at least one image data stored in the removable memory;
A printing unit that prints the selected image data based on the selected layout definition data;
A printing apparatus comprising: The layout list printing unit collects and arranges an image representing a layout defined for each layout definition data and identification information for each layout definition data for each printing paper size defined in the layout definition data. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: 4. The layout list printing unit prints an image representing a layout defined in the layout definition data based on image data previously associated with the layout definition data. A printing device according to claim 1. The layout list printing means creates image data representing the layout based on the layout defined in the layout definition data, and prints an image representing the layout based on the created image data. The printing device according to claim 1, 2 or 3.

Images