JP2008073912A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer which can print a required address from a plurality of directory data acquired form an external terminal on an address side and print images and text on a communication side serving as its reverse side. <P>SOLUTION: The printer includes an image processing means to perform image processing for acquired directory data and image data and a printing means to print the acquired directory data, selection boxes added to the directory and the image data on a printing setting sheet. The printer also includes an image reading means to read the information of the printing setting sheet. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a printing apparatus such as a facsimile machine, a copier, or a multifunction machine, and more particularly to an apparatus having an automatic duplex printing function for performing efficient printing via a print setting sheet.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an image reading and recording apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a “printing apparatus”) called a multi-function machine that integrates a scanner and a printer function is rapidly spreading. Such a printing apparatus is known to read and print various data stored in an external storage device without using a host computer.

  However, in such a printing apparatus, it is complicated to display and operate image processing conditions such as selection of image data to be printed, the number of printed sheets, layout, and the like on the image reading apparatus.

  Thus, an invention of an efficient printing system using a print setting sheet (hereinafter referred to as “navigation sheet”) has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This proposal is an invention relating to image processing in which a user designates an image processing operation, parameters, and a specific image to which these are applied via device control and a navigation sheet filled in by the user.

  In addition, an invention of an image processing system that uses a navigation sheet to synthesize and display a message or the like on image data has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  On the other hand, an invention of a system that easily prints code data stored in a mobile phone outside the mobile phone has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 3). This printing system is a system in which code data is converted into image data in a mobile phone, synthesized with input image data such as a photograph, output to an external printing apparatus, and printed.

These inventions are important techniques for users who do not have a host computer or who are not good at complicated operations.
JP 2002-273974 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-244736 JP 2005-6295 A

  However, as in the above-described conventional invention, in a printing method that does not use a host computer, an address is printed on the address side based on data stored in the external terminal, and an image or image is printed on the communication side that is the back side. When printing text, proceed as follows: First, address book data is acquired from an external terminal, and only the address surface is printed. After that, it is necessary to set the printed material again in the paper feeding unit of the printing apparatus and print an image or text on the communication surface.

  Also, when printing on both sides automatically, the address book data must be confirmed and acquired one by one from the external terminal, or the address book data must be obtained at once by the printing device, and the destination must be selected on the printing device side. I must. At this time, it is necessary and complicated to repeat a similar operation such as confirming and selecting a destination to be printed on the display screen. In general, since the display screen provided in the external terminal or the printing apparatus is small and the resolution is not high, it is inconvenient to check the data to be printed on the address side and the communication side on the screen.

  In addition, the name and address may be inaccurate in the address book data, or there may be data in which the address is not stored. In this case, the user can accurately specify the necessary data on a small display screen. It is extremely difficult to grasp.

  In addition, when printing to multiple addresses at a time, such as New Year's card printing, many users print addresses only to a part of the address book data registered in the external terminal. There is a demand for it.

The present invention provides a printing apparatus capable of printing a desired address from a plurality of address book data acquired from an external terminal on an address surface and printing an image and text on a communication surface which is the back surface. For the purpose.

  The present invention prints the acquired address book data and image processing means for image processing the image data, the acquired address book data, the selection box added to the address book, and the image data on a print setting sheet. Printing means. Further, the present invention is a printing apparatus having an image reading unit that reads information on the print setting sheet.

Further, the present invention prints the acquired address book data, an image processing process for image processing of the image data, the acquired address book data, a selection box added to the address book, and the image data. And a printing process for printing on the sheet. Furthermore, the present invention is a method for controlling a printing apparatus including an image reading process for reading information on the print setting sheet.

  According to the present invention, even for a user who does not have a host computer, address printing to address book data acquired from an external terminal can be performed accurately and efficiently to a necessary destination by a single printing apparatus using a navigation sheet. The effect that only printing is possible is produced.

Conventional complicated operations and repeated operations can be eliminated, and convenience is improved.

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

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a printing apparatus 10 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The printing apparatus 10 includes a reading unit 101 provided at an upper part, a paper feeding unit 102 that feeds printing paper behind the reading unit 101, a recording unit 103 provided at a lower part for recording on printing paper, an operation unit 105, And an infrared communication unit 106.

  An operation unit 105 is provided on the front upper surface of the recording unit 103. The operation unit 105 includes various keys that give various instructions when the printing apparatus 10 is operated and used as a scanner, a printer, a copier, and a facsimile machine, and a display control unit 104 that displays an operation status, a message, and the like. The infrared communication unit 106 acquires data stored in the external terminal.

  The reading unit 101 includes a CCD for reading a document, and outputs analog luminance data of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colors. Note that the reading unit 101 may use a contact image sensor (CIS) instead of the CCD.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the upper cover is fully opened in the printing apparatus 10.

  The state shown in FIG. 1 is a state in which the upper cover is closed. By fully opening the upper cover, the document can be placed on the document table as shown in FIG. In the state shown in FIG. 2, the paper discharge tray in front of the recording unit 103 is opened and functions as a paper discharge tray for printed sheets. Although not particularly shown here, a duplex conveying unit for automatic duplex printing is built in the printing apparatus 10.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the printing apparatus 10.

  The printing apparatus 10 includes a CPU 220, a ROM 200, a RAM 201, and a nonvolatile memory 202. The printing apparatus 10 includes an operation control unit 203, a display control unit 104, a communication control unit 205, a recording control unit 206, an image processing unit 207, a reading control unit 208, a sensor unit 209, and a driving unit. 210.

  The CPU 220 controls various functions of the printing apparatus 10 and executes programs for realizing data analysis means, data conversion means, and data synthesis means stored in the ROM 200 according to predetermined operations in the operation control unit 203. . The ROM 200 stores font data for printing the acquired text data.

  The nonvolatile memory 202 is a battery-backed SRAM or the like, and stores data or the like unique to the printing apparatus 10. The operation control unit 203 includes a print start key, a mode key for designating a navigation sheet print mode, and the like in order to select image data stored in the storage medium and start recording. The CPU 220 detects the pressed state of these keys and controls each unit according to the pressed state.

  The display control unit 104 includes a dot matrix type liquid crystal display unit (LCD) and an LCD driver, and performs various displays based on the control of the CPU 220. The communication control unit 205 has communication means for communicating with an external terminal, and controls data communication when acquiring data recorded in the external terminal 250 by infrared communication or the like.

  The recording control unit 206 includes a print control unit, and includes an inkjet type inkjet head, a general-purpose IC, and the like. When the recording data stored in the RAM 201 is read out and printed out as a hard copy under the control of the CPU 220. Control. The reading control unit 208 includes an image reading unit that reads information on a navigation sheet NS1, which will be described later, reads information on the navigation sheet NS1 placed on the document table, and controls it.

  The image processing unit 207 includes image processing means that performs image processing such as image analysis, image synthesis, and output image correction. Print data obtained by these image processing is stored in the RAM 201. When the print data stored in the RAM 201 reaches a predetermined amount necessary for recording by the recording control unit 206, a recording operation by the recording control unit 206 is executed.

  The sensor unit 209 includes a recording paper width sensor, a recording paper presence sensor, a document width sensor, a document presence sensor, a recording medium detection sensor, and the like. The CPU 220 detects the state of the original and the recording paper based on the state obtained from these sensors.

  The driving unit 210 includes a stepping motor for driving the paper supply / discharge roller, a gear for transmitting the driving force of the stepping motor, and a driver for controlling the stepping motor in each operation of the reading control unit 208 and the recording control unit 206. Circuit.

  Next, an operation in which the printing apparatus 10 acquires a plurality of address book data stored in the mobile phone, prints an address on the address face of a postcard, and prints an image and text on the communication face will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for creating a navigation sheet used in the printing apparatus 10.

  Note that the printing apparatus 10 is switched to the navigation sheet mode via the operation unit 105 and is waiting to acquire address book data as a destination, and displays this on the display control unit 104. Further, it is assumed that the printing apparatus 10 and a mobile phone (not shown) communicate with each other by infrared rays, and the printing apparatus 10 can acquire data stored in the mobile phone.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing address book data stored in the mobile phone.

  In the first embodiment, the address book data includes a name and an address, but may include an image, a mail address, and the like.

  First, in S100 shown in FIG. 4, the infrared communication unit 106 acquires an address to be printed on the address face of the postcard from address book data in the storage area of the mobile phone.

  The printing apparatus 10 can acquire all the address book data stored in the mobile phone at a time, or can acquire address book data classified for each group, and a plurality of addresses at a time. Recording data is acquired and stored in a storage area in the printing apparatus 10. In the first embodiment, the address book data is acquired collectively, but it may be acquired one by one. When the image processing unit 207 confirms the acquired address book data, the display control unit 104 displays a message indicating that the address book data serving as the sender is waiting to be acquired.

  Next, in S101, the infrared communication unit 106 acquires the address indicating the sender who prints on the address face of the postcard from the personal data in the storage area of the mobile phone, and stores it in the storage area in the printing apparatus 10. When the image processing unit 207 confirms the acquired address book data, the image control unit 207 enters an image data acquisition waiting state, and the display control unit 104 displays this fact.

  Subsequently, when an image is printed on the communication surface of the postcard in S102, the image data in the storage area of the mobile phone is acquired by the infrared communication unit 106 and stored in the storage area in the printing apparatus 10 in S103. If the image processing unit 207 confirms the acquired image data, or if an operation is performed without printing the image via the operation unit 105, the display control unit 104 displays a text data acquisition waiting state. .

  After that, when text is printed on the communication surface of the postcard in S104, the infrared communication unit 106 acquires the text data in the storage device of the mobile phone and stores it in the storage area in the printing device 10 in S105. If the image processing unit 207 confirms the acquired text data or if the operation is performed without printing the text via the operation unit 105, the acquisition of data necessary for printing is completed, and the process proceeds to S106.

  In S106, one address is read out from a plurality of address book data as destinations stored in the storage area of the printing apparatus 10. In S107, it is determined whether the address book data read in S106 exists. If it is determined that the address book data read in S106 exists, the process proceeds to S108, and if it is determined that the address book data to be read does not exist, the process proceeds to S111. In S108, it is determined whether both the name and address are registered. If both are registered, the process proceeds to S109, and if not registered, the process proceeds to S110.

  In S109, a selection box is added to the address book data. In S110, the address book data is converted into the data of the navigation sheet NS1. Then, the process returns to S106. The processes in S106 to S110 are repeated to process all the address book data as the acquired destination, and the address book data of the navigation sheet NS1 is created.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the navigation sheet NS1 output in S111.

  The navigation sheet NS1 includes an image data field 151, a text field 152, a paper setting field 153, a text setting field 154, a layout setting field 155, and an address book data field 156.

  An image to be printed on the communication surface is printed in the image data field 151, and a text to be printed on the communication surface is printed in the text field 152. Printing paper settings are printed in the paper setting field 153, text settings are printed in the text setting field 154, and an entry field for selecting a layout is printed in the layout setting field 155.

  In the layout setting field 155, a list of address book data created in S110 is printed and corresponds to the name and address recorded in the mobile phone shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing address book data.

  In S110, when the address book data becomes enormous and there are a plurality of navigation sheets NS1, as shown in FIG. 7, the data to be printed on the communication surface from the second page and the contents overlapped with the first page in the setting information etc. Are omitted and the address book data list is printed. As a result, the number of recording media and ink consumption can be reduced, and a large number of address book data can be recorded with a small number of recording media.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which the printing apparatus 10 performs address printing using the navigation sheet NS1.

  First, in S200, the type of the recording medium to be printed is selected in the paper setting field 153 of the navigation sheet NS1 printed by the procedure shown in FIG. 4 by the user's manual operation, and the navigation sheet NS1 is marked. The text printing direction, font size, and font type to be printed on the communication surface are selected, and the text setting field 154 in the navigation sheet NS1 is marked.

  The layout of the image to be printed on the communication surface is selected, and the layout setting field 155 in the navigation sheet NS1 is marked. Further, the selection box described in the address book data field 156 of the navigation sheet NS1 is marked with a selection box corresponding to the address to be printed.

  In S <b> 204, the reading unit 101 of the printing apparatus 10 reads the described navigation sheet NS <b> 1. When there are a plurality of navigation sheets NS1, the reading unit 101 of the printing apparatus 10 reads in the order printed in S111.

  In S205, based on the information in the navigation sheet NS1 read in S204, the image and text to be printed on the communication surface are edited and combined to create print data. In S206, the address book data corresponding to the selection box marked from the selection box in the address book data field 156 of the navigation sheet NS1 read in S204 is obtained by referring to the storage area of the printing apparatus 10.

  In S207, the address book data acquired in S206 is read one by one. In S208, it is determined whether the address book data read in S207 exists. If the address book data read in S207 exists, the sensor unit 209 confirms that a postcard is set in the paper feeding unit 102 in S209. If it is determined that there is no address book data to be read in S208, printing is terminated.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the address side and the communication side of a postcard.

In S <b> 210, the address and name of the sender are printed in the address area 301 of the sender, and the read address book data is printed in the address area 302 of the postcard. Thereafter, the postcard printed by the duplex conveying unit for automatic duplex printing in the printing apparatus 10 is once taken in and the front and back sides are reversed. In step S211, the print data created in step S205 is printed in the image data area 303 on the communication surface of the postcard, and the process returns to step S207. These processes of S207 to S211 are repeated, and all addresses selected on the navigation sheet NS1 are printed as addresses.

  The printing apparatus 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is an embodiment that classifies the acquired address book data registration information for each group when creating the navigation sheet NS2.

  Note that the configuration of the printing apparatus 20 is the same as the configuration of the printing apparatus 10, and components that are substantially the same as those of the printing apparatus 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating address book data stored in the mobile phone according to the second embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, names, addresses, and group names into which the names are classified are described as address book data. In addition, you may make it include an image, an e-mail address, etc.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation of creating the navigation sheet NS2 used in the printing apparatus 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The operation of the second embodiment is basically the same as the operation of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, and S120 and S121 are added between S107 and S108. Is different.

  In S120, it is determined whether group information exists in the address book data read out in S107. If group information exists, the address book data is classified for each group in S121. Subsequent processes in S108 and S109 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  If it is determined in S120 that there is no group information, the process proceeds to S108.

  In S110, the address book data grouped in S121 is converted into data of the navigation sheet NS2. Then, the process returns to S106. The processes in S106 to S110 are repeated to process all the address book data as the acquired destination, and the address book data of the navigation sheet NS2 is created.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the navigation sheet NS2 output in S111 in the second embodiment.

  The navigation sheet NS2 includes an image data field 151, a text field 152, a paper setting field 153, a text setting field 154, a layout setting field 155, an address book data field 156, and a group display field 157. Have.

  In the group display field 157, a list is printed for each group in which the address book data created in S110 is classified into mobile phones, and corresponds to the names and addresses recorded in the mobile phone shown in FIG. . In the group display field 157, the group name that classifies the address book data is printed together with the selection box. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the classification for each group is surrounded by a frame. However, the classification may be performed by drawing a line or inserting a space.

  When the user marks the selection box of the group information, when the navigation sheet NS2 is read, all address book data included in the group in which the mark is written are stored in the storage area of the printing apparatus 20 Refer to and get.

  In the second embodiment, the printing apparatus 20 reads the group information selection box in the address printing operation using the navigation sheet NS2. As a result, all of the address book data selection boxes included in the group have been selected, so that substantially the same operation as in the first embodiment is possible.

  In the first and second embodiments, when acquiring data, the Push type that stores all data acquired from the mobile phone in the storage area of the printing apparatuses 10 and 20 is handled. However, a Pull type model that acquires necessary data stored in a mobile phone only when necessary may be handled.

  In the Pull type model, data stored in the mobile phone is analyzed during communication, and the data itself is not stored in the storage area of the printing apparatuses 10 and 20. Necessary data is acquired from a mobile phone when necessary, such as navigation sheets NS1, NS2 or address printing.

Moreover, in the said Example 1, 2, it handles a mobile phone and communicates by infrared rays. However, as long as it can store not only a mobile phone but also address book data such as a PDA and can be acquired by the printing apparatuses 10 and 20 by communication means such as a USB connection, it may be used instead of the mobile phone. .

1 is a schematic perspective view of a printing apparatus 10 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state where the upper cover is fully opened in the printing apparatus 10. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the printing apparatus 10. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for creating a navigation sheet used in the printing apparatus 10. It is a figure which shows the address book data memorize | stored in the mobile telephone. It is a figure which shows the example of the navigation sheet NS1 output by S111. It is a figure which shows address book data. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which the printing apparatus 10 performs address printing using a navigation sheet NS1. It is a figure which shows the example of the address surface of a postcard, and a communication surface. It is a figure which shows the address book data memorize | stored in the mobile telephone in Example 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which produces the navigation sheet NS2 of the printing apparatus 20 which is Example 2 of this invention. In Example 2, it is a figure which shows the navigation sheet NS2 output by S111.

Explanation of symbols

10: Printing device,
101: Reading unit,
103 ... recording section,
104 ... display control unit,
105 ... operation unit,
106: Infrared communication unit.

Claims (10)

In a printing apparatus comprising a communication means for communicating with an external terminal and capable of printing address book data and image data acquired by the communication means,
Image processing means for performing image processing on the acquired address book data and image data;
Printing means for printing the acquired address book data, a selection box added to the address book, and the image data on a print setting sheet;
Image reading means for reading information on the print setting sheet;
A printing apparatus comprising: In claim 1,
The printing means outputs the print setting sheet describing the recording output conditions, the address of the print setting sheet read by the image reading means, the address for which the selection box is checked, and the first of the recording medium. A printing apparatus comprising: means for printing on a surface and printing image data on a second surface of a recording medium. In claim 1,
The image processing means has a judging means for judging whether or not the address information acquired by the communication means includes group information.
A printing apparatus, wherein when the determination unit determines that the group information is included, printing is performed in a grouped manner. In claim 1,
The acquired image data includes text data,
The printing apparatus, wherein the image processing means is means for synthesizing the text data and the image data. In claim 1,
When the print setting sheet has a plurality of print sheets, the printing unit omits duplicate contents in the setting information and image data described in the first sheet for the second and subsequent print setting sheets. A printing apparatus characterized by output. In a control method of a printing apparatus comprising a communication means for communicating with an external terminal, and capable of printing address book data and image data acquired by the communication means,
An image processing step of performing image processing on the acquired address book data and image data;
A printing step of printing the acquired address book data, a selection box added to the address book, and the image data on a print setting sheet;
An image reading step for reading information on the print setting sheet;
A control method for a printing apparatus, comprising: In claim 6,
In the printing step, the print setting sheet in which the recording output condition is described, the address for which the selection box is checked among the address book data of the print setting sheet read by the image reading unit, is used as the first recording medium. A control method for a printing apparatus, comprising: printing on a surface and controlling to print image data on a second surface of a recording medium. In claim 6,
In the image processing step, determine whether the address book data acquired by the communication means includes group information,
When determining that the group information is included, the printing apparatus is grouped and printed. In claim 6,
The acquired image data includes text data,
A control method for a printing apparatus, wherein in the image processing step, control is performed so as to synthesize the text data and the image data. In claim 6,
In the printing process, when the number of print setting sheets to be printed is plural, the second and subsequent print setting sheets omit the overlapping contents in the setting information and image data described in the first sheet. A control method for a printing apparatus, wherein the control is performed so that the output is performed.

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