JP2006121486A - Photograph direct print system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing correction method for photographing with a digital camera a printing correction test pattern printed by a printer, and generating data for printing correction. <P>SOLUTION: If the digital camera is connected to the printer and is in a photographing mode, the digital camera transmits a photographed test pattern to the printer side. The printer having received generates correction data for printing its image. Consequently, the printer generate the correction data, after confirming that the camera is in the photographing mode, and that received image data are test patterns by analyzing the data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to printing in a photo direct printing system comprising an imaging device such as a digital camera capable of direct data communication with a printing device, and a printing device capable of directly communicating data with the imaging device and capable of printing received imaging data. This relates to the correction function.

  In recent years, digital cameras (imaging devices), so-called digital cameras, that can take an image with a simple operation and convert it into digital image data have been widely used. When printing an image taken with such a camera and using it as a photograph, the taken digital image data is usually once taken into a PC (computer) from the digital camera, and image processing is performed on the PC. After that, the data is generally output from the PC to a color printer and printed.

On the other hand, recently, a printing system for printing an image taken with a digital camera by directly connecting a digital camera and a printing apparatus with a cable or the like without using a PC and transferring the taken image has been developed. Yes. (See Patent Document 1)
Also, in recent printing apparatuses, for example, in an inkjet printer that is a printing apparatus that performs printing by ejecting ink onto a printing medium, a specific test pattern is printed as means for finely adjusting the timing of ejecting ink. Some of them have a print correction function that automatically corrects the ink ejection timing by reading the print pattern with an optical sensor or the like that incorporates the print pattern and analyzing the image.

Further, as a means for reading a printed test pattern, an apparatus that realizes a print correction function using an external imaging device such as a digital camera or a scanner has been proposed.
JP 2000-141837 A

  As a means for reading the printed test pattern, extra cost is required when a dedicated optical sensor or the like is provided in the printing apparatus itself or when a dedicated image reading apparatus is provided.

  On the other hand, in a system that shoots a test pattern using a photographic device such as a digital camera, the exposure, flash settings, photographic mode, subject distance, and photographic position relative to the frame are optimal for the test pattern for each printing device. If the image is not set to a certain value, the test pattern cannot be analyzed efficiently, and accurate print correction cannot be realized.

  However, if the digital camera is equipped with a dedicated mode for shooting a test pattern and the user is allowed to select it, the user interface becomes complicated and the usability of the digital camera deteriorates. There was a problem.

  Connect to the above-mentioned photographing device and a photographing device such as a digital camera to switch between a “shooting mode” for recording the subject image and a “playback mode” for displaying the recorded image on a liquid crystal monitor or the like provided in the main body. Thus, in a photo direct printing system comprising a printing device that can read out a photographed image and print the image, when the photographing device is connected to the printing device and the mode is set to “photographing mode”, a print correction test pattern When the mode is switched to a mode for optimally shooting and shooting is performed, the image data is automatically transferred to the printing apparatus. On the other hand, when a printing apparatus receives an image obtained by photographing a print correction test pattern, the printing system analyzes the image and automatically performs print correction.

  In the printing system according to the present invention, as a means for reading a printed test pattern, an extra cost is not required as compared with a case where a dedicated optical sensor or the like is provided in the printing apparatus itself or a case where a dedicated image reading apparatus is provided. .

  Also, unlike conventional systems that shoot test patterns using a photographic device such as a digital camera, the user does not have to set the exposure and flash settings, shooting mode, subject distance, shooting position with respect to the frame, etc. Since printing correction can be realized with a simple operation, it is possible to solve the problem of making the digital camera less usable.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a photo direct (PD) printer 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This photo direct printer has a function as a normal PC printer that receives and prints data from a host computer (PC), and a function that receives and prints image data from a digital camera.

  In FIG. 1, the main body that forms the outer shell of the photo direct (PD) printer 1000 according to this embodiment includes a lower case 1001, an upper case 1002, an access cover 1003, and an exterior member for a discharge tray 1004. The lower case 1001 forms a substantially lower half portion of the apparatus 1000, and the upper case 1002 forms a substantially upper half portion of the main body. A combination of both cases provides a storage space for storing each mechanism described below. A hollow body structure is formed, and openings are formed on the upper surface portion and the front surface portion, respectively. Further, one end of the discharge tray 1004 is rotatably held by the lower case 1001, and an opening formed on the front surface of the lower case 1001 can be opened and closed by the rotation. For this reason, when executing the recording operation, the discharge tray 1004 is rotated to the front side to open the opening, so that the recording sheets can be discharged from here and the discharged recording sheets are sequentially stacked. It has come to be able to do. The paper discharge tray 1004 stores two auxiliary trays 1004a and 1004b. By pulling out the respective trays to the front as needed, the sheet support area can be expanded and reduced in three stages. It has become.

  One end of the access cover 1003 is rotatably held by the upper case 1002 so that an opening formed on the upper surface can be opened and closed. By opening the access cover 1003, the access cover 1003 is accommodated inside the main body. It is possible to replace the recording head cartridge (not shown) or the ink tank (not shown). Although not particularly shown here, when the access cover 1003 is opened and closed, the protrusion formed on the back surface rotates the cover opening and closing lever, and the rotation position of the lever is detected by a micro switch or the like. Thus, the open / closed state of the access cover can be detected.

  A power key 1005 is provided on the upper surface of the upper case 1002 so that it can be pressed. An automatic feeding unit 1007 automatically feeds the recording sheet into the apparatus main body. Reference numeral 1008 denotes a paper interval selection lever, which is a lever for adjusting the interval between the print head and the recording sheet. Reference numeral 1013 denotes a USB bus connector for connecting a personal computer (PC).

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the PD printer 1000 according to the present embodiment and the digital camera 3012 are connected.

  In the figure, a cable 5000 includes a connector 5001 that is connected to the connector 1012 of the PD printer apparatus 1000 and a connector 5002 that is connected to a connector 5003 of the digital camera 3012. The digital camera 3012 includes: The image data stored in the internal memory can be output via the connection connector 5003. Note that as the configuration of the digital camera 3012, various configurations such as a configuration having a memory as a storage unit inside and a configuration having a slot for mounting a removable memory can be employed. In this way, by connecting the PD printer apparatus 1000 and the digital camera 3012 via the cable 5000 shown in FIG. 5, the image data from the digital camera 3012 can be directly printed by the PD printer apparatus 1000.

  FIG. 3 shows the rear surface of the digital camera 3012. Reference numeral 9002 denotes a “shooting mode” for shooting a subject and recording it on a memory card, and “playback mode” for displaying a shot image recorded on the memory card on the liquid crystal display unit 9001. Mode switching switch 9001 is a liquid crystal display unit that displays an image or menu, 9005 is a shutter button that is pressed when the subject is photographed, 9004 is a viewfinder, 9003 is various settings during photographing, and a menu of the liquid crystal display unit The operation buttons to be used when selecting an item are shown.

  FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing the internal configuration of the entire printing system including a digital camera (DSC) and a printing apparatus (printer). In FIG. 4, reference numeral 3012 denotes the entire digital camera, 4003 an operation unit including a shutter button 9005 and a mode change switch, 4004 a display unit including a finder 9004 and a liquid crystal display unit 9001, and 4005 a lens and a sensor ( An imaging unit including an unillustrated), 4009 a removable memory card and a memory card including its control circuit, and 4001 a communication unit that performs data communication with the printer.

  Reference numeral 1000 denotes an entire printer, a DSC communication unit that performs communication with a 4006 digital camera, 4007 a control unit that controls the entire apparatus, and 4008 a printing unit that actually performs printing.

  FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 are diagrams showing an operation flow representing the features of the present invention in the digital camera (DSC) of the present embodiment. The operation on the digital camera side of the embodiment will be described.

  The digital camera of the present embodiment is a combination of whether the connection connector 5003 is connected to the printer 1000 and whether “shooting mode” is selected by the mode changeover switch 9002 or “reproduction mode” is selected. Thus, the operation is repeated, and one of the “normal photographing mode” (S504), “normal reproduction mode” (S505), “test pattern reading mode” (S506), and “photographed image printing mode” (S507) is performed. .

"Normal shooting mode"
First, when the connection connector 5003 is not connected to the printer 1000 or is connected but communication is not established, and the mode changeover switch 9002 is in the “photographing mode”, the lens is connected. It operates as a “normal shooting mode” (S504) in which a subject is shot and recorded on a memory card.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation in the “normal recording mode” (S504). First, a subject imaged on the lens is imaged on the viewfinder 9004 and the liquid crystal display unit 9001 (S601). When the user presses the shutter button 9005 in this state (S602), the subject is photographed, and its image memory card (4009). To record.

"Normal playback mode"
If the connection connector 5003 is not connected to the printer 1000, or is connected but communication is not established, and the mode changeover switch 9002 is in the “playback mode”, the operation button 9003 In accordance with the user operation, it operates as a “normal playback mode” (S505) in which an image recorded on the memory card is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 9001.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the operation in the “normal playback mode” (S505). First, a captured image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 9001 at the top of the memory card (S701). Thereafter, the next or previous captured image is sequentially displayed in accordance with the operation of the operation button 9003. (S702, S703)
"Test pattern reading mode"
When the printer is connected to the printer 1000 by the connection connector 5003 and further data communication is possible, and the mode changeover switch 9002 is in the “shooting mode”, the most characteristic operation of the present invention is performed. The “test pattern reading mode” (S506) is operated.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation in the “test pattern reading mode” (S506).

First, the digital camera reads the recognition information from the printer to determine whether the connected printer is a printer that does not support a valid “test pattern reading mode”. finish. (S801)
In the case of a corresponding printer, the printer is notified that it is in the “test pattern reading mode” (S809).
Here, the “print correction test pattern” is as shown in FIG. 11. For example, a predetermined pattern image is printed side by side on a sheet of paper by changing the ink ejection timing little by little. The printing result is photographed with a digital camera, and the image is analyzed to estimate the optimum ink ejection timing and to correct it.

  Next, a message for confirming whether or not to print the “print correction test pattern” is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 9001 (S803). If the user designates printing of the “print correction test pattern” (S803), a command for instructing printing of the “print correction test pattern” is transmitted to the printer (S804). Wait for completion.

When printing is completed, the setting information related to the “print correction test pattern” is read from the printer, and shooting settings such as exposure and flash settings are used to shoot the “print correction test pattern” based on that information. Automatically set up anything. In addition, a shooting guide 9006 such as “line” or “rectangle” indicating which position and how large the “print correction test pattern” should be shot is displayed on the liquid crystal display portion 9001. Enable the user to shoot at the correct position. (S806)
When the shutter button is pressed and a “print correction test pattern” is photographed (S807), the image data is transferred to the printer (S808), and the process is terminated.

"Photograph printing mode"
If the printer 1000 is connected to the connector 10003 and the data communication is possible, and the mode switch 9002 is in the “reproduction mode”, the image data recorded on the memory card is stored. The “captured image print mode” (S507) is performed in which the image is transferred to the printer and printed. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an operation in the “photographed image printing mode” (S507).

First, the digital camera reads the recognition information from the printer to determine whether the connected printer is a printer that supports the “photographed image printing mode”, and if the printer is not compatible, the process ends. . (S901)
In the case of a corresponding printer, the printer is notified that it is in the “photographed image print mode” (S906), and a message for allowing the user to select which photographic data recorded on the memory card is to be printed is displayed on the liquid crystal. The information is displayed on the display unit 9001 (S902). If the user designates printing (S903), the designated shooting data and accompanying data such as print settings are transferred to the printer (S904). When printing is completed (S905), the above processing is repeated.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation of the printing apparatus (printer) 1000 completed in the present invention.

  First, when a command for instructing printing of a “print correction test pattern” is received in a state where a valid digital camera 3012 is connected by the cable 5000, the “print correction test pattern” is printed.

  When the digital camera is in the “photographed image print mode”, when image data is received, the image is printed.

  When the digital camera is in “test pattern reading mode”, when image data is received, the image is judged as a “print correction test pattern”, the image is analyzed, and the optimum ink ejection timing is estimated, Correct discharge timing.

  As described above, the digital camera that operates by switching between the “shooting mode” for recording the image of the subject and the “playback mode” for displaying the recorded image on a liquid crystal monitor or the like provided in the main body, and the digital camera In a printing system consisting of a printing device that can read out the captured image and print the image by connecting to the cable with (1) When the digital camera is set to “Playback mode” while connected to the printing device When the shooting data recorded on the memory card is transferred from the digital camera to the printing device and the image is printed. (2) When the digital camera is set to the “shooting mode” while connected to the printing device, (With the fact that the user does not need to shoot a normal subject with the printing device and digital camera connected), the digital camera can be used as a test pattern for print correction. To the dedicated mode for shooting with the optimal settings, and when shooting is performed, it can be automatically transferred to the printing device, and printing correction can be performed on the printing device side. Without correction, print correction can be performed by utilizing the resources of the conventional photo direct printing system.

Overview perspective view of printer Overall system consisting of digital camera and printer Overview of digital camera Configuration diagram of digital camera and printer Digital camera flowchart 1 Digital camera flowchart 2 (Normal shooting mode) Digital camera flowchart 3 (normal playback mode) Digital camera flowchart 4 (Test pattern reading mode) Digital camera flowchart 5 (photographed image printing mode) Printer flowchart Example of print correction test pattern print result

Explanation of symbols

1000 Printer 3012 Digital printer 5000 USB communication cable

Claims (8)

A shooting unit for shooting an image, a mounting unit for mounting a storage medium for storing the shot image,
In an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera having a display unit that displays a captured image and additional information, a communication unit that can communicate with a specific printing apparatus, and a function switching unit that switches the function of the apparatus.
The function switching means can switch between at least two modes,
Means for notifying which of the at least two modes is selected to the specific printing device in the communication unit;
(1) In the first mode (playback mode), in a state where the communication unit cannot communicate with the specific printing apparatus, a process for displaying each captured image on the recording medium on the display unit is performed. Have
(2) In a state where the communication unit can communicate with the specific printing apparatus in the first mode (playback mode), shooting data stored in the recording medium is transferred to the specific unit by the communication unit. A process of transferring to a printing device,
(3) In the second mode (photographing mode), in a state where the communication unit cannot communicate with the specific printing device, the photographing data photographed by the photographing unit is stored in the recording medium. ,
(4) In the second mode (photographing mode), in a state where the communication unit can communicate with the specific printing device, processing for transferring photographing data photographed by the photographing unit to the printing device by the communication unit Have An imaging apparatus characterized by that. In the printing apparatus which has a printing part which prints with respect to a printing medium, and a communication part which can communicate with the imaging device of Claim 1,
Means for printing a test pattern for specifying a print correction amount;
Means for determining whether the imaging device is in a first mode (reproduction mode) or a second mode (imaging mode) when receiving shooting data from the imaging device;
(1) The image data received in the first mode (playback mode) is subjected to a printing process on the printing medium by the printing unit,
(2) If the image data received in the second mode (photographing mode) is analyzed, the image content is analyzed and it is determined that the data is a photo of the printing medium printed with the test pattern. A printing apparatus that determines the print correction amount according to the analysis result and changes the print correction amount.   A photo direct printing system comprising the digital camera according to claim 1 and the printing apparatus according to claim 2.   In the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 3, when the communication with the printing apparatus is possible in the second mode (imaging mode), the setting relating to imaging in the imaging unit is the printing target. A photographing apparatus, wherein a test pattern printed on a medium is automatically changed to a setting for photographing.   5. The photographing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the setting relating to photographing is a close-up photographing setting for optimally photographing a close subject.   In the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 3, 4, and 5, when the communication with the printing apparatus is possible in the second mode (imaging mode), a test pattern printed on the printing medium is displayed. An imaging apparatus, wherein a rectangular line, a line, or a specific figure is displayed on the display unit in order to print and shoot at a specific position.   5. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein communication between the communication unit between printing apparatuses and the communication unit between digital cameras is serial communication conforming to the USB standard.   In the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects, the communication between the communication unit between printing apparatuses and the communication unit between digital cameras is short-range wireless communication using infrared rays, an electric field, or the like. Printing system to do.

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