JP2007001133A - Image recording apparatus and control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recording apparatus which can do printing even if a memory card is not inserted, when image data printed once by a user are reprinted, and a control method for the image recording apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: Characteristically, this image recording apparatus comprises: a mounting part for mounting a recording medium with the stored image data; an image processing part which performs the image processing of the image data; an image recording part which prints the image data; a manual operation button/a liquid crystal screen or a reprinting button; an operation part which makes the user perform printing/reprinting setting; and an image storage means which possesses a nonvolatile memory for storing the image data and manages it. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus that inputs an imaging result of a digital camera or image data stored in a nonvolatile storage medium, performs image processing, and prints the image data based on settings designated by a user.

  In recent years, the spread of PCs (personal computers) in ordinary homes has been remarkable, and with the widespread use of PCs, high-resolution digital cameras as image input devices and image recording apparatuses such as inkjet systems as image output devices have become widespread. A user inputs image data from a digital camera to a PC, displays the image on a PC monitor, selects a desired image, and prints it with an image recording apparatus such as a printer.

  On the other hand, there are many cases where a general household does not have a PC but has a digital camera. In such a case, the user can use a memory card or the like as an image output device via the PC. Instead, by purchasing a sublimation or ink jet image recording apparatus that prints directly, a memory card to which image data is input is taken out from the digital camera and printed by each method of the image recording apparatus.

In addition, a memory is installed in order to efficiently find a desired image that has been printed once, and to quickly print an image that has been printed once. For example, a thumbnail image, an image file number, an ID number of an SSFDC in which the image file is recorded, and the like are recorded as job information, and the user wants to reprint by referring to the job information. It is known to efficiently find an image and a file in which the image is recorded and quickly reprint (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-108468 A

  By the way, when reprinting an image once printed by a user in an image recording apparatus that directly prints without going through a PC, a memory card in which desired image data is input is inserted into the image recording apparatus, Currently, printing is performed by selecting data, selecting a printing profile such as the type and size of printing paper, and specifying the number of sheets.

  However, if you keep the captured image on the memory card as it is, the capacity of the memory card will be full and the user will have to shoot again with a digital camera unless you purchase a new memory card or erase the image. Is difficult.

  On the other hand, there is a means to attach an external storage device to a PC or the image recording device, move the image in the memory card to the attached external storage device, and perform reprinting. However, users who do not have a PC However, it has not yet reached the point where it can be reprinted at a low price.

The present invention provides an image recording apparatus and an image recording apparatus control method capable of performing reprinting without inserting a memory card when reprinting image data once printed by a user in the image recording apparatus. With the goal.

The present invention provides a mounting unit for mounting a storage medium storing image data, an image processing unit for image processing the image data, an image recording unit for printing the image data, an operation button, a liquid crystal screen, or a reprint button An image recording apparatus having an operation unit on which a user performs print / reprint settings, and an image storage unit that has a nonvolatile memory for storing the image data and manages the nonvolatile memory.

  According to the present invention, a mounting unit for mounting a storage medium storing image data, an image processing unit for performing image processing of the image data, an image recording unit for printing the image data, an operation button / liquid crystal Since it has an operation unit that is configured by a screen or a reprint button and is set by the user to print / reprint and an image storage unit that stores the image data, the user reprints the image data that has been printed once. In this case, there is an effect that reprinting can be performed without inserting a memory card.

Further, according to the present invention, when storing image data, the function of storing image data whose data size is reduced by resolution conversion, the function of storing print settings, and the capacity of the nonvolatile memory are insufficient. Since it has a function of automatically erasing or selecting a deleted image by the user, there is an effect that the optimum use of the nonvolatile memory and the operability of the user are improved.

  The best mode for carrying out the invention is the following embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an image recording apparatus 1000 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The image recording apparatus 1000 has a function as a normal PC printer that receives and prints data from a PC, and a function that directly reads and prints image data stored in a storage medium such as a memory card.

  The image recording apparatus 1000 also includes a lower case 1001, an upper case 1002, an access cover 1003, a discharge tray 1004, a power key 1005, a liquid crystal display unit 1006, an automatic feeding unit 1007, and a paper gap selection lever. 1008, a card slot 1009, an operation panel 1010, and a PC connection terminal 1011.

  The main body forming the outer shell of the image recording apparatus 1000 includes exterior members such as a lower case 1001, an upper case 1002, an access cover 1003, and a discharge tray 1004. The lower case 1001 forms a substantially lower half of the apparatus 1000, and the upper case 1002 forms a substantially upper half of the main body. A combination of both cases accommodates the mechanisms described below. The hollow body structure which has the storage space for doing this is comprised, The opening part is formed in the upper surface part and the front-surface part, respectively.

  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 performing the recording operation, by rotating the discharge tray 1004 to the front side and opening the opening portion, the recording sheets can be discharged from here, and the discharged recording sheets can be sequentially stacked. .

  The paper discharge tray 1004 accommodates two auxiliary trays 1004a and 1004b. If necessary, the paper support area is expanded or reduced in three stages by pulling each tray forward.

  One end of the access cover 1003 is rotatably held by the upper case 1002 and can open and close an opening formed on the upper surface. By opening the access cover 1003, the recording head housed inside the main body is opened. A cartridge (not shown), an ink tank (not shown), or the like can be replaced.

  Although not shown, when the access cover 1003 is opened and closed, the protrusions formed on the back surface of the access cover 1003 rotate the cover opening and closing lever, and the rotation position of the lever is detected by a microswitch or the like, thereby opening and closing the access cover Can be detected.

  A power key 1005 can be pressed on the upper surface of the upper case 1002, and an operation panel 1010 including a liquid crystal display unit 1006 and various key switches is provided on the right side of the upper case 1002. The structure of the operation panel 1010 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

  The automatic feeding unit 1007 automatically feeds the recording sheet into the apparatus main body. The paper gap selection lever 1008 is a lever for adjusting the interval between the print head and the recording sheet.

  In the card slot 1009, a memory card is inserted, and image data stored in the memory card is directly captured and printed. The memory card is a flash memory card such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory, a smart media (registered trademark), or a memory stick. In addition, although not shown, it has a PC connection terminal 1011 that is an interface with a PC, and printing can be executed from the connected PC.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the operation panel 1010.

  The operation panel 1010 includes a liquid crystal display unit 1006 for displaying image data, a print setting menu, and the like, a cross button 2000 for selecting image data and selecting a menu, a print start button 2001 used for starting printing, and printing. A cancel button 2002 for stopping the process and returning the setting, a determination button 2003 used when determining the print setting, and a reprint button 2004 used when reprinting the image once printed by the user. Have.

  The cross button 2000 has an upper button 2000a for moving up, a lower button 2000b for moving down, a left button 2000c for moving left, and a right button 2000d for moving right. .

  Next, the configuration of the main part related to the control of the image recording apparatus 1000 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part related to the control of the image recording apparatus 1000.

  3, parts that are the same as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  The controller unit 3000 is a controller unit of the image recording apparatus 1000.

  The system controller 3001 is configured by a CPU and dedicated hardware, and controls the entire image recording apparatus 1000, conversion from a luminance signal (RGB) to a density signal (CMYK), and images such as scaling, gamma conversion, and error diffusion. Perform processing.

  The ROM 3002 stores a program that stores a control program.

  A RAM 3003 is a memory area that stores a program that drives the image recording apparatus 1000 and a memory area that functions as a work memory that stores image data and the like.

  A motor 3004 mechanically drives the image recording apparatus 1000, and a head 3005 ejects ink based on print data transferred from the system controller 3001.

  The nonvolatile memory 4011 is a readable / writable memory.

  Next, the configuration of the system controller 3001 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system controller 3001.

  Also in FIG. 4, parts that are the same as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  One or more CPUs 4000 are provided.

  The memory card interface unit 4002 reads image data stored in the memory card 3006 mounted via the card slot 1009 or writes data to the memory card 3006.

  The operation panel / interface unit 4003 inputs various operation signals from the operation panel 1010 and outputs display data.

  The USB interface unit 4004 exchanges data with the PC 3007.

  The motor control unit 4005 controls motor driving. A head control unit 4006 controls data transfer to the head. The interface unit 4007 performs interface control with the power key 1005 and the LED. An image processing unit 4008 processes an image read from the memory card 3006.

  The image storage unit 4009 is a unit that manages the nonvolatile memory 4011 that can be read and written. Specifically, the image storage unit 4009 writes the image data in the memory card 3006 into the nonvolatile memory 4011 or the nonvolatile memory 4011. It is means for performing storage management of image data such as reading out the image data.

  FIGS. 5-1 to 5-6 are diagrams illustrating display examples of the liquid crystal display unit 1006 that displays images and the like in the memory card 3006 when the memory card 3006 is inserted into the image recording apparatus 1000. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the liquid crystal display unit 1006 displays an image data number 5002 in the image data 5000 using the operation panel interface unit 4004.

  The print menu 5001 includes a “frame designation” 5003 for designating a frame to be printed from “index printing”, “all frame printing”, and “single frame printing”, and an “image selection” 5004 for selecting an image. , “Paper Type” 5005 for selecting the printing paper from “plain paper”, “photo paper”, “super photo paper”, and the paper size among “L”, “2L”, “A4” A “paper size” 5006 for selecting from the above and a “number of printed sheets” 5007 for designating the number of printed sheets are displayed.

  Next, a print setting method when performing single-frame printing will be described.

  The user uses the cross-shaped button 2000 to move the cursor to “frame designation” 5003 on the menu display and operate the cursor 5003a as shown in FIG. “Print one frame” is selected from “print” and “all frame print”, and the determination button 2003 is pressed.

  Next, the user selects “image selection” 5004 and uses the cross button 2000 to operate the cursor 5004a and the cursor 5004b as shown in FIG. Invoke, select image data to be printed, and press the enter button 2003.

  Next, the user moves the cursor to “paper type” 5005, uses the cross button 2000, and operates the cursor 5005a to select a paper to be printed as shown in FIG. Press.

  Next, the user moves the cursor to “paper size” 5006 and uses the cross button 2000 to select the paper size by operating the cursor 5006a as shown in FIG. Press.

  Finally, the user moves the cursor to “number of prints” 5007, uses the cross-shaped button 2000, and operates the cursors 5007a and 5007b as shown in FIG. A button 2003 is pressed.

  Thereafter, when a print start button 2001 is pressed, printing is performed based on the user's print settings.

  A feature of the first embodiment is that the image recording apparatus 1000 has a reprint button 2004, an image storage unit 4009, and a nonvolatile memory 4011. Therefore, reprinting can be performed without the memory card 3006.

  Next, an operation in which the user performs reprinting in the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the user performs reprinting according to the first exemplary embodiment.

  First, the user inserts a memory card 3006 containing image data into the image recording apparatus 1000 via the card slot 1009 (S601).

  When the memory card 3006 is inserted, the memory card interface unit 4002 notifies the CPU 4000 of an interrupt indicating that the memory card 3006 has been inserted. Then, the CPU 4000 reads the first image data existing in the memory card 3006 to the memory card interface unit 4002 and gives an instruction to the RAM 3003 to store the data. Then, the memory card interface unit 4002 reads the top image data existing in the memory card 3006 and stores the data in the RAM 3003.

  Next, the CPU 4000 instructs the operation panel / interface unit 4003 to display the image data on the RAM 3003 on the liquid crystal display unit 1006. The operation panel interface unit 4003 displays the first image data 5000 in the memory card 3006 stored in the RAM 3003 and the print menu 5001 stored in advance in the ROM 3002 (S602).

  Next, the user uses the cross-shaped button 2000 to move the cursor to “frame designation” 5003 on the menu display, uses the cross-shaped button 2000 to select “frame designation” 5003, and further, “paper type” 5005. “Paper size” 5006 and “Number of printed sheets” 5007 are respectively designated, and the print start button 2001 is pressed (S603).

  The RAM 3003 is provided with an area for storing print settings, and the operation panel interface unit 4003 stores an item selected by the user on the RAM 3003 in an area for storing the print settings each time the determination button 2003 is pressed. store. When the print start button 2001 is pressed, a print operation is started based on the setting data stored in the print setting area on the RAM 3003, and user-desired printing is performed (S604).

  The CPU 4000 instructs the image storage unit 4009 to store the image data of the print image. The image storage unit 4009 reads the image data selected by the user from the memory card 3006 and stores it in the nonvolatile memory 4011 connected to the image storage unit 4009 (S605).

  Next, the user presses the reprint button 2004 in order to perform reprinting (S606). The CPU 4000 instructs the operation panel / interface unit 4003 to display the image data stored in the nonvolatile memory 4011 on the liquid crystal display unit 1006.

  The operation panel interface 4003 displays the first image data stored in the nonvolatile memory 4011 and the print menu 5001 stored in advance in the ROM 3002 via the image storage unit 4009 (S607). .

  The user uses the cross-shaped button 2000 to move the cursor to “frame designation” 5003 on the menu display, use the cross-shaped button 2000 to select “frame designation” 5003, and further select “paper type” 5005, “ A “paper size” 5006 and a “number of printed sheets” 5007 are respectively designated, and the print start button 2001 is pressed (S608).

  The RAM 3003 is provided with an area for storing print settings, and the operation panel interface unit 4003 stores an item selected by the user on the RAM 3003 in an area for storing the print settings each time the determination button 2003 is pressed. Transfer data. Then, the image recording apparatus 1000 starts a printing operation based on the setting data stored in the print setting area on the RAM 3003 and performs reprinting desired by the user (S609).

That is, according to the first embodiment, a mounting unit for mounting a storage medium storing image data, an image processing unit that performs image processing of the image data, an image recording unit that prints the image data, and an operation Since it has an operation unit that is configured with buttons, a liquid crystal screen, and the like, and the user performs print settings and the like, and an image storage unit that stores the image data, the user can print image data that has been printed once without inserting a memory card. Can be reprinted.

  In the second embodiment, when the image data stored in the nonvolatile memory 4011 for storing the image data in the image processing unit 4008 is reduced by resolution conversion in the first embodiment, the stored image data is In this embodiment, the image data is stored according to the image data size.

  Specifically, with respect to the print settings designated by the user and the recording resolution of the image recording apparatus 1000 in the previous stage of image processing in the image recording apparatus 1000, the resolution such as enlargement / reduction to make the image data an optimum image size. It has a function of resolution conversion to change.

  When the size of the image data is large, but the size of the printing paper is small, such as L size, the size of the image data used for the subsequent image processing is reduced by the resolution conversion than the size of the original image data. Size is used. Conversely, if the size of the image data is small, but the size of the printing paper is large, the image data is enlarged. Thereafter, image processing such as error diffusion is applied to the resolution-converted image data at a subsequent stage of image processing, and printing is performed.

  In the second embodiment, when storing image data, the image storage unit 4009 stores the image data after resolution conversion when the image size is reduced by the resolution conversion than the size of the original image data.

  Next, an operation in which the user performs reprinting in the second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which the user performs reprinting in the second embodiment.

  First, the user inserts a memory card 3006 storing image data into the image recording apparatus 1000 (S701).

  When the memory card 3006 is inserted, the memory card interface unit 4002 notifies the CPU 4000 of an interrupt indicating that the memory card has been inserted. Then, the CPU 4000 instructs the memory card interface unit 4002 to read the first image data existing in the memory card 3006 and instructs the RAM 3003 to store the data.

  The memory card interface unit 4002 reads the first image data existing in the memory card 3006 and stores the data in the RAM 3003.

  Next, the CPU 4000 instructs the operation panel / interface unit 4003 to display the image data on the RAM 3003 on the liquid crystal display unit 1006.

  The operation panel interface unit 4003 displays the first image data 5000 in the memory card 3006 stored in the RAM 3003 and the print menu 5001 stored in advance in the ROM 3002 (S702).

  Next, the user uses the cross-shaped button 2000 to move the cursor to “frame designation” 5003 on the menu display, uses the cross-shaped button 2000 to select “frame designation” 5003, and further, “paper type” 5005. “Paper size” 5006 and “Number of printed sheets” 5007 are respectively designated, and the print start button 2001 is pressed (S703).

  The RAM 3003 has an area for storing print settings. The operation panel interface unit 4003 stores items selected by the user on the RAM 3003 in an area for storing the print settings each time the determination button 2003 is pressed. Forward. When the print start button 2001 is pressed, image processing is started based on setting data stored in the print setting area on the RAM 3003.

  Then, in the previous stage of image processing, resolution conversion is performed and the image data is converted into a size suitable for the designated paper size 5006, and then the subsequent stage of image processing is executed to start the printing operation and perform printing desired by the user. (S704).

  Then, the CPU 4000 instructs the image storage unit 4009 to store the image data of the print image at the same time as starting printing. When the size of the resolution-converted image data is smaller than the original image data size, the image storage unit 4009 stores the image data after the resolution conversion in the nonvolatile memory 4011 via the image storage unit 4009. When it is larger than the data size, the original image data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 4011 via the image storage unit 4009 (S705, S706, S707).

  Next, the user presses the reprint button 2004 to perform reprinting (S708).

  The CPU 4000 instructs the operation panel / interface unit 4003 to display the image data stored in the nonvolatile memory 4011 on the liquid crystal display unit 1006.

  The operation panel interface unit 4003 displays the first image data stored in the nonvolatile memory 4011 and the print menu 5001 stored in advance in the ROM 3002 via the image storage unit 4009 (S709). .

  The user uses the cross-shaped button 2000 to move the cursor to “frame designation” 5003 on the menu display, use the cross-shaped button 2000 to select “frame designation” 5003, and further select “paper type” 5005, “ A “paper size” 5006 and a “number of printed sheets” 5007 are respectively designated, and the print start button 2001 is pressed (S710).

  The RAM 3003 has an area for storing print settings. The operation panel interface unit 4003 stores items selected by the user on the RAM 3003 in an area for storing the print settings each time the determination button 2003 is pressed. Forward. Then, the image recording apparatus 1000 starts a printing operation based on the setting data stored in the print setting area on the RAM 3003 and performs reprinting desired by the user (S711).

The image storage unit 4009 stores the image data after the resolution conversion when the image size is reduced compared to the size of the original image data by the resolution conversion when storing the image data. Therefore, the limited nonvolatile memory 4011 is used. Can be used efficiently.

  The third embodiment is an embodiment in which not only image data but also print settings are stored in the nonvolatile memory 4011 of the image recording apparatus 1000 according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is an image diagram of image data stored in the nonvolatile memory 4011 by the image storage unit 4009 in the third embodiment.

  An image data name 8000 to be stored is used as a header, print settings 8001 and image data 8002 to be stored are formed below the header, and these are stored in the nonvolatile memory 4011.

  Specifically, when the user presses the print start button, the image storage unit 4009 displays the stored image data 8002 and the print settings 8001 performed for the stored image data 8002 with the stored image data name 8000 as a header. ,Store.

  Thereafter, when the reprint button 2004 is pressed, the CPU 4000 causes the operation panel / interface unit 4003 to store stored image data 8002 stored in the nonvolatile memory 4011 and print settings associated with the stored image data 8002. An instruction is given to display on the liquid crystal display unit 1006.

  The operation panel / interface unit 4003 displays print settings of image data in the nonvolatile memory 4011 on the liquid crystal display unit 1006 via the image storage unit 4009.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of display contents on the liquid crystal display unit 1006 in the third embodiment.

  When the user presses the reprint button 2004 and selects an image, the operation panel interface unit 4003 uses a print menu 5001 prepared in advance in the ROM 3002 and the same print settings as when the user previously printed. Message 9000 asking whether or not, and “YES” and “NO” 9001 options are displayed. As shown in FIG. 9A, the user operates the cursor 9001a to select whether to use the previous setting.

  When YES is selected, the operation panel interface unit 4003 displays the previous print settings via the image storage unit 4009 as shown in FIG. Thereafter, when the user presses the print start button 2001, reprinting can be executed without performing print settings.

  When NO is selected, reprinting is performed by the user himself / herself performing print settings.

  When the user performs print settings different from the previous one during reprinting, the print settings are stored.

  Next, an operation when the user performs reprinting in the third embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the user performs reprinting in the third embodiment.

  First, the user inserts a memory card 3006 containing image data into the image recording apparatus 1000 (S1001).

  When the memory card 3006 is inserted, the memory card interface unit 4002 notifies the CPU 4000 of an interrupt indicating that the memory card 3006 has been inserted. Then, the CPU 4000 instructs the RAM 3003 to read the first image data present in the memory card 3006 and store the data in the memory card interface unit 4002. The memory card interface unit 4002 reads the first image data existing in the memory card 3006 and stores the data in the RAM 3003.

  Next, the CPU 4000 instructs the operation panel / interface unit 4003 to display the image data on the RAM 3003 on the liquid crystal display unit 1006. The operation panel interface unit 4003 displays the first image data 5000 in the memory card 3006 stored in the RAM 3003 and the print menu 5001 stored in advance in the ROM 3002 (S1002).

  Next, the user uses the cross-shaped button 2000 to move the cursor to “frame designation” 5003 on the menu display, uses the cross-shaped button 2000 to select “frame designation” 5003, and further, “paper type” 5005. “Paper size” 5006 and “Number of printed sheets” 5007 are respectively designated, and the print start button 2001 is pressed (S1003).

  The RAM 3003 has an area for storing print settings, and the operation panel interface unit 4003 stores an item selected by the user in the RAM 3003 in an area for storing the print settings each time the determination button 2003 is pressed. Store data. When the print start button 2001 is pressed, a print operation is started based on the setting data stored in the print setting area on the RAM 3003, and user-desired printing is performed (S1004).

  The CPU 4000 instructs the image storage unit 4009 to store the image data of the print image. The image storage unit 4009 stores the stored image data 8002 and the print settings 8001 performed for the stored image data 8002 in the nonvolatile memory 4011 via the image storage unit 4009 using the stored image data name 8000 as a header. (S1005).

  Next, the user presses the reprint button 2004 to perform reprinting (S1006).

  The CPU 4000 instructs the operation panel / interface unit 4003 to display the stored image data 8002 stored in the nonvolatile memory 4011 on the liquid crystal display unit 1006. The operation panel interface unit 4003 displays the first stored image data 8002 stored in the nonvolatile memory 4011 and the print menu 5001 stored in advance in the ROM 3002 via the image storage unit 4009 ( S1007).

  When the user selects an image, the operation panel interface unit 4003 displays a print menu 5001 prepared in advance in the ROM 3002, a message 9000 that asks the user whether to use the same print settings as when the previous print was performed, “YES” and “NO” 9001 options are displayed. The user operates the cursor 9001a to select whether or not to use the previous setting (S1008).

  When the user selects YES, the operation panel / interface unit 4003 displays the previous print settings as shown in FIG. 9B via the image storage unit 4009 (S1009).

  When NO is selected, the user himself performs print settings (S1010).

  When the print start button 2001 is pressed, the image recording apparatus 1000 starts a printing operation based on the setting data and performs reprinting desired by the user (S1011 and 1012).

According to the third embodiment, the image storage unit 4009 stores not only the image data but also the print settings when storing the image data. Therefore, when the user performs reprinting, the same print settings as the previous time are stored. It is possible to save the trouble of performing again.

  In the fourth embodiment, the user is notified when the capacity of the nonvolatile memory 4011 in the image recording apparatus 1000 in the first embodiment is insufficient, and the image recording apparatus 1000 automatically sets the setting for eliminating the capacity shortage, or This is an embodiment arbitrarily performed by the user.

  Specifically, in the fourth embodiment, when the user presses the print start button 2001, the image storage unit 4009 has a capacity of the nonvolatile memory 4011 and the CPU 4000 cannot store image data when the image data cannot be stored. To notify the lack of capacity.

  The CPU 4000 displays on the liquid crystal display unit 1006 a message for prompting a lack of capacity and a response, and instructs the operation panel interface unit 4004 to notify the user.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of display contents on the liquid crystal display unit 1006 in the fourth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, the operation panel interface unit 4003 includes a message 1100 that prompts the user to deal with a shortage of capacity prepared in advance in the ROM 3002, a “delete from old print history” 1101, A selection of “Erase image by selecting and deleting” 1102 is displayed.

  The user selects an erasing method by operating the cursor 1103.

  When “Delete from oldest print history” is selected, the image storage unit 4009 deletes the image data stored in the nonvolatile memory 4011 from the oldest print date and newly prints the image. Store the data.

  When “Erase images are selected and erased” is selected, the operation panel interface unit 4003 displays options of “Save” 1104 and “Erase” 1105 as shown in FIG. The user operates the cursor 1106 to select whether to save or delete the image data. As a result, the image storage unit 4009 erases the image data designated by the user from among the image data stored in the nonvolatile memory 4011 and stores the newly printed image data.

  Next, an operation in which the user performs reprinting in the fourth embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which the user performs reprinting in the fourth embodiment.

  First, a user inserts a memory card 3006 containing image data into the image recording apparatus 1000 (S1201).

  When the memory card 3006 is inserted, the memory card interface unit 4002 notifies the CPU 4000 of an interrupt indicating that the memory card has been inserted. Then, the CPU 4000 instructs the memory card interface unit 4002 to read the first image data existing in the memory card 3006 and store the data in the RAM 3003. Then, the memory card interface unit 4002 reads the first image data in the memory card 3006 and stores the data in the RAM 3003.

  Next, the CPU 4000 instructs the operation panel / interface unit 4003 to display the image data on the RAM 3003 on the liquid crystal display unit 1006. The operation panel interface unit 4003 displays the first image data 5000 in the memory card 3006 stored in the RAM 3003 and the print menu 5001 stored in advance in the ROM 3002 (S1202).

  Next, the user uses the cross-shaped button 2000 to move the cursor to “frame designation” 5003 on the menu display, uses the cross-shaped button 2000 to select “frame designation” 5003, and further, “paper type” 5005. “Paper size” 5006 and “Number of printed sheets” 5007 are respectively designated, and the print start button 2001 is pressed (S1203).

  The RAM 3003 has an area for storing print settings. The operation panel interface unit 4003 stores items selected by the user on the RAM 3003 in the area for storing the print settings each time the determination button 2003 is pressed. store. When the print start button 2001 is pressed, the image storage unit 4009 checks whether or not the capacity of the non-volatile memory 4011 is insufficient. If the image data cannot be stored any more, the CPU 4000 is informed. The lack of capacity is notified (S1204).

  The CPU 4000 displays an insufficient capacity and a message for prompting this response on the liquid crystal display unit 1006 and instructs the operation panel interface unit 4003 to notify the user.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, the operation panel interface unit 4003 displays a message 1100 for prompting a response to a shortage of capacity prepared in the ROM 3002, “delete from oldest print history” 1101, and “delete”. The user selects and deletes the image by selecting and deleting the image by himself and notifies the user (S1205).

  Then, the user selects an erasing method by operating the cursor 1103 (S1206).

  When the user selects “Delete from oldest print history” 1101, the image storage unit 4009 deletes the image data stored in the non-volatile memory 4011 from the oldest date and time of printing (S 1207).

  When the user selects “Delete and erase image by himself” 1102, the operation panel interface unit 4003 displays options of “Save” 1104 and “Delete” 1105 as shown in FIG. To do. The user operates the cursor 1106 to select whether to save or delete the image data. In response to this selection, the image storage unit 4009 deletes the image data designated by the user from among the image data stored in the nonvolatile memory 4011 (S1208).

  When the erasure is completed, the image recording apparatus 1000 starts a printing operation based on the setting data stored in the print setting area on the RAM 3003, and performs printing desired by the user. Then, the CPU 4000 instructs the image storage unit 4009 to store the image data of the print image. The image storage unit 4009 reads the image data selected by the user from the memory card 3006 and stores it in the nonvolatile memory 4011 (S1209).

  Next, when the user presses the reprint button 2004 to perform reprinting (S1210), the CPU 4000 displays the image data stored in the nonvolatile memory 4011 on the liquid crystal display unit 1006. The operation panel interface unit 4003 is instructed.

  The operation panel interface 4003 displays the first image data stored in the nonvolatile memory 4011 and the print menu 5001 stored in advance in the ROM 3002 via the image storage unit 4009 (S1211). .

  The user uses the cross-shaped button 2000 to move the cursor to “frame designation” 5003 on the menu display, uses the cross-shaped button 2000 to select “frame designation” 5003, and further selects “paper type” 5005 and “paper”. “Size” 5006 and “Number of printed sheets” 5007 are respectively designated, and the print start button 2001 is pressed (S1212).

  The RAM 3003 has an area for storing print settings. The operation panel interface unit 4003 stores items selected by the user on the RAM 3003 in an area for storing the print settings each time the determination button 2003 is pressed. Forward. Then, the image recording apparatus 1000 starts a printing operation based on the setting data stored in the print setting area on the RAM 3003, thereby performing reprinting desired by the user (S1213).

According to the fourth embodiment, when the capacity of the nonvolatile memory 4011 is insufficient, the data storage unit 4009 notifies the user, and the image recording apparatus 1000 automatically sets the setting for eliminating the capacity shortage, or Since the user has a function to be arbitrarily performed, convenience when the capacity in the nonvolatile memory 4011 is insufficient is improved.

1 is an overview perspective view showing an image recording apparatus 1000 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an overview of an operation panel 1010. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part related to control of the image recording apparatus 1000. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system controller 3001. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of a liquid crystal display unit 1006 that displays an image or the like in the memory card 3006 when the memory card 3006 is inserted into the image recording apparatus 1000. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of a liquid crystal display unit 1006 that displays an image or the like in the memory card 3006 when the memory card 3006 is inserted into the image recording apparatus 1000. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of a liquid crystal display unit 1006 that displays an image or the like in the memory card 3006 when the memory card 3006 is inserted into the image recording apparatus 1000. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of a liquid crystal display unit 1006 that displays an image or the like in the memory card 3006 when the memory card 3006 is inserted into the image recording apparatus 1000. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of a liquid crystal display unit 1006 that displays an image or the like in the memory card 3006 when the memory card 3006 is inserted into the image recording apparatus 1000. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of a liquid crystal display unit 1006 that displays an image or the like in the memory card 3006 when the memory card 3006 is inserted into the image recording apparatus 1000. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when a user performs reprinting according to the first exemplary embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which a user performs reprinting in the second embodiment. 10 is an image diagram of image data stored in a nonvolatile memory 4011 by an image storage unit 4009 in Embodiment 3. FIG. In Example 3, it is a figure which shows the example of a display content on the liquid crystal display part. In Example 3, it is a figure which shows the example of a display content on the liquid crystal display part. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when a user performs reprinting in the third embodiment. In Example 4, it is a figure which shows the example of a display content on the liquid crystal display part 1006. FIG. In Example 4, it is a figure which shows the example of a display content on the liquid crystal display part 1006. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of reprinting by a user in the fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1000: Image recording device,
1006 ... Liquid crystal display unit,
1010 ... operation panel,
1009 ... Card slot,
3000 ... Controller part,
3001 ... System controller,
3006 ... Memory card,
3007 ... PC,
4009 ... Image storage means,
4011: Non-volatile memory.

Claims (13)

A mounting unit for mounting a storage medium storing image data;
An image processing unit for image processing the image data;
An image recording unit for printing the image data;
Operation buttons / LCD screen or reprint button;
An operation unit for the user to perform print / reprint settings;
Image storage means comprising a nonvolatile memory for storing the image data, and managing the nonvolatile memory;
An image recording apparatus comprising: In claim 1,
An image recording apparatus, wherein the image storage means is means for storing print settings together with image data. In claim 1 or claim 2,
The image recording apparatus, wherein the image storage unit is a unit that displays the stored print settings on the operation unit at the time of reprinting and uses the stored print settings. In claim 1,
An image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image storage means is means for storing image data whose resolution has been converted and whose data size has been reduced when the image data is stored. In claim 1,
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image storage means is means for erasing image data when the capacity of the nonvolatile memory is insufficient. In claim 1 or claim 5,
The image storage device, wherein the image storage means is a means for the user to arbitrarily set whether to erase the image data automatically or by the user. In claim 1,
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit includes a reprint button and serves as a trigger for starting reprinting when the user presses the reprint button. An image processing step of image processing image data;
An image recording step for printing the image data;
An image storage process for managing a non-volatile memory for storing the image data;
A control method for an image recording apparatus, comprising: In claim 8,
The method of controlling an image recording apparatus, wherein the image storage step is a step of storing print settings as well as image data. In claim 8 or claim 9,
The method of controlling an image recording apparatus, wherein the image storage step is a step of displaying stored print settings on the operation unit during reprinting and using the stored print settings. In claim 8,
The method of controlling an image recording apparatus, wherein the image storage step is a step of storing image data whose resolution has been converted and whose data size has been reduced when the image data is stored. In claim 8,
The method of controlling an image recording apparatus, wherein the image storage step is a step of erasing image data when a capacity of the nonvolatile memory is insufficient. In claim 8 or claim 12,
The method for controlling an image recording apparatus, wherein the image archiving step is a step in which the user arbitrarily sets whether the image data is automatically erased or is performed by the user.

Images