JP2012048414A - Display image print system, display image print method, and storage medium with program recorded therein to execute display image print method by reading display image print method into controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display image print system, a display image print method, and a storage medium having a program recorded therein for executing the print method by reading it into a controller.SOLUTION: A signal indicating a painterly conversion (a conversion code) is added to an image signal and transmitted, the image signal of an image being converted to a painterly image with a DAF (Digital Art Frame) of a DPF 1 (Digital Photo Frame 1), a printer built-in DPF 9, a personal computer 4, a notebook computer 8 or the like on the transmission side. An electrophotographic printer 6, a printer built-in DPF 9, an ink jet printer 7 or the like on the reception side comprise a DAF mode which performs specified print processing corresponding to the conversion code different from a normal print. In the specified print processing, print image data is printed by modes such as: overlaying a background image; using a transparent toner, a pale gray toner, a foamable toner or a matte toner; suppressing a toner amount; applying toner thickly; thinning pixels out; and controlling application of bias voltage to a developing roller to be either stronger or weaker than a standard.

Description

  The present invention relates to a display image printing system, a display image printing method, and a storage medium on which a program for reading and executing the printing method in a control device is recorded.

  In recent years, with the spread of digital cameras, it has become common to obtain photographic images recorded with digital data. In this case, the photographed photographic image can be displayed and browsed on the display surface of the photographed digital camera, or can be displayed and browsed on a personal computer imported as digital image data from the digital camera.

  For this reason, changes have also occurred in the way digital photos are enjoyed. For example, a so-called digital photo frame (hereinafter referred to as DPF) is realized as a device for displaying and enjoying photographed digital photographs, such as a conventional photo frame for displaying printed photographs on a shelf or a desk. It has become.

  This DPF has been put on the market as a photo frame for digital photography, and its external appearance is generally made to resemble a photo frame. However, the display unit is often composed of a liquid crystal display. Also, there are generally slots for inserting a memory card on the back or side thereof.

  With such a DPF, it is possible to take advantage of the characteristics of the digital system and not to be able to do with a conventional photo frame that merely displays printed photographs. For example, it is possible to realize various display modes such as appropriately selecting and displaying a video file stored in a memory card, or automatically calling a plurality of photos and displaying them in a slide show format.

  In addition, there has been proposed an image having a function of converting a photograph to be displayed into a picture-like image written by a person (hereinafter referred to as a picture-like image) by giving a specific effect. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1.)

  Note that converting a digital photograph by giving a specific effect to the digital photograph in this way is hereinafter referred to as art conversion, and a DPF having such a conversion function is referred to as a digital art frame (DAF).

  There are also DPF products that are equipped with slots and built-in flash memories that support various types of memory cards and that support USB memory. There are also DPF products having network functions such as wireless communication (Bluetooth or wireless LAN).

  These are realized by software called a pict bridge. This PictBridge is a standard that directly connects a digital camera or printer with a USB cable and prints an image taken by the digital camera without using a personal computer, or displays and processes the image on a dedicated device.

  On the other hand, in order to obtain such a photographic image recorded with digital data as a printed photograph as in the prior art, printing is also performed from a printer via a personal computer or directly. Well-known printer methods include an electrophotographic method, a thermal transfer method, and an ink jet method, which are selectively used based on their advantages and disadvantages.

  In recent years, a product called a photo printer specializing in printing for digital photographic images has come out, but any one of the above methods is adopted. Therefore, there are products with both functions of the DPF and photo printer, but in any case, these printers are configured to faithfully print in accordance with image signals from a host device (such as a personal computer or the DPF). ing.

  Note that the printed materials include calendar-like image printing with high glossiness (gross value) and monochrome document image printing for office use. An electrophotographic printer that has been considered so that these can be sorted and printed has also been proposed. (For example, see Patent Documents 2, 3, 4, and 5.)

  Also, in the painting-like conversion, in a photo printing device, the image is printed by adding a painting-like effect to the image by a noise generator, the canvas processing is performed to express a painting-like that is close to an actual oil painting, or In order to form an image with a profound feeling like a painting, there has been proposed a technique in which a gel-like paint is applied to a specially processed sheet based on contour emphasis data to form irregularities. (For example, see Patent Documents 6, 7, and 8.)

JP 2004-213598 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 07-036308 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 07-120996 JP 2003-015459 A JP 2002-082508 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-341403 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-036636 Japanese Patent No. 3967622

  By the way, there is no problem when a normal photographic image is printed by a printer connected to the DPF as described above or a DPF with a printer (a printer having an image display unit). However, when an image that has been pictorially converted by the DAF described above is printed normally, it becomes basically a calendar-like print with a high glossiness. This is particularly noticeable in photo printers.

  Even though it is desirable that the gloss of the printed image is converted to a painting-like one, it is desirable that there is a gloss when the printed material is converted to a corner-like painting as described above. There was a problem of dissatisfaction with discomfort.

  Also, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 6, there is a thermal video printer that adds noise to obtain a picture-like sticker print, but faithfully prints and reproduces a DAF display image that is converted and displayed as a high-definition photographic image. It is not intended to be.

  Further, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 7, a processing method for generating a painting-like image from a photograph is disclosed, but the processing method is complicated, and like the above-mentioned Patent Document 6, the display (exhibition) image of the DAF is faithfully displayed. It is not intended to reproduce the print.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and communicates DAF and image data with a printer directly connected to the DAF (DAF with printer) or with a printer connected to the LAN. An object of the present invention is to provide a display image printing system that faithfully prints and reproduces display (exhibition) images.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a display image printing system according to a first aspect of the present invention first includes image conversion means for converting image data corresponding to an original image by a predetermined process, and conversion by the image data or the image conversion means. An image display device including at least an image display means for displaying the converted image data, and receiving a print instruction for a display image displayed on the image display means from the image display device to print a corresponding image on a print medium. A display image printing system comprising: an image printing apparatus to be executed, wherein the image display apparatus includes transmission means for transmitting the printing instruction to an external device by wire or wirelessly, and sends the printing instruction to the image printing apparatus. Identification for identifying whether image data to be printed is image data corresponding to the original image or converted image data converted by the image converting means when transmitting The image printing apparatus transmits the image data to be printed by the print execution means including the normal print mode and the specific print mode, and the identification signal added to the print instruction. Image data discriminating means for discriminating whether the image data corresponding to the original image or the converted image data, and the print executing means, wherein the image data discriminating means converts the image data to be printed into the converted data When it is determined that the data is image data, printing in the specific print mode is executed.

  The image display unit is configured to further include, for example, an image data storage unit and a data reception unit from an external device.

  Next, a display image printing method according to a second aspect of the invention is an image conversion unit that converts image data corresponding to an original image by a predetermined process, and the image data or the converted image data converted by the image conversion unit. An image display device comprising at least an image display means for displaying; and an image printing device for receiving a print instruction for a display image displayed on the image display means from the image display device and printing a corresponding image on a print medium; The image data to be printed corresponds to the original image when a print instruction is transmitted from the image display device to the image printing device by wire or wirelessly. Adding an identification signal for identifying whether it is image data or converted image data converted by the image conversion means to the print instruction, and transmitting to the image printing apparatus Determining whether the image data to be printed is image data corresponding to the original image or the converted image data based on the identification signal added to the print instruction; and the image to be printed by the step And a step of executing printing in the specific print mode of the normal print mode and the specific print mode included in the image printing apparatus when it is determined that the data is the converted image data.

  In this display image printing method, in the step of printing the converted image data in the specific print mode according to the content of the identification signal, for example, the color tone is not changed by thinning out pixels according to a predetermined constant rule. Print with reduced density.

  Further, in the step of executing printing in the specific printing mode, for example, printing is performed using matte toner for each color, or, for example, the halftone image is overprinted on the printing in the normal printing mode to make the whole matte. Or make an image.

  In the step of executing printing in the specific print mode, for example, a solid image with transparent or light gray matte toner is overprinted on the print in the normal print mode to make the whole matte image.

  Further, in the step of executing printing in the specific print mode, for example, printing is performed so that toner or ink is partially raised at a predetermined rate, and the whole is made into an oil painting-like image.

  In this case, the printing for partially enlarging the toner or ink at a predetermined ratio may be performed, for example, by overprinting the raised portion, or, for example, using a foaming toner or ink for the raised portion. May be performed by printing.

  The storage medium according to the third aspect of the invention stores, for example, a program for reading and executing a method for printing the converted image data converted by the image converting means by the image printing apparatus into the control apparatus. .

  The present invention has an effect that it is possible to provide a display image printing system that faithfully prints and reproduces a DAF display (exhibition) image.

It is a figure which shows an example of the whole structure of the display image printing system which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the DPF (digital photo frame) shown in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram of the control system of DPF shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of the electrophotographic printer shown in FIG. 1 in more detail. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of the electrophotographic printer illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram including a control device of the electrophotographic printer shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the printer integrated DPF shown in FIG. 1 in more detail. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the internal structure of the printer integrated DPF shown to FIG.1 and FIG.7A. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the printing mechanism in the internal structure of printer integrated DPF shown to FIG. 7B. FIG. 8 is a circuit block diagram including a control device for the printer-integrated DPF shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. 6 is a chart for explaining an example in which the toner application amount varies depending on the speed difference between the photosensitive drum and the transfer belt in the primary transfer portion of the electrophotographic printer shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. 10 is a chart for explaining an example of setting printing conditions on the printing apparatus side (reception side) desirable for the type of converted image corresponding to the conversion code transmitted from the print instruction side (transmission side). 3 is a flowchart showing processing operations on the transmission side of the display image printing system shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing processing operations on the receiving side of the display image printing system shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a display image printing system of the present invention. In the figure, from the upper left, DPF 1, wireless LAN router 3 as an access point to the Internet / intranet 2, personal computer 4, electrophotographic printer 6 with external wireless LAN communication device 5, inkjet printer 7, notebook computer 8 1 shows a printer-integrated DPF 9.

  The DPF 1, the notebook personal computer 8, and the printer-integrated DPF 9 all include a wireless LAN communication device.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the DPF 1. As shown in FIG. 2, a frame 11, a digital image display unit 12 surrounded on all sides by the frame 11 on the front surface of the frame 11, and three pieces arranged separately on the left and right below the digital image display unit 12. Operating buttons 13 (13a, 13b, 13c).

  The DPF 1 has an image conversion processing unit 14 covered with a protective cover on the back surface of the frame 11, and two types of memory card mounting units 15 are provided on the side surfaces of the protective cover. A support bar (or a support plate) 16 is provided on the back surface of the frame 11.

  Further, the DPF 1 includes a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) 17 so that it can be operated remotely without performing various operations directly with the three operation buttons 13 while looking at the menu displayed on the screen. It has been.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control system of the DPF 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the control system of the DPF 1 includes an image conversion processing unit 14, a display control unit 19, a ROM (read only memory) 21, a RAM (Random Access), and a central processing unit (CPU) 18. Memory) 22, a network (external) data input / output unit 23, a reading control unit 24, and an operation control unit 25 are connected.

  The image conversion processing unit 14 has a DAF function for converting photographic image data (original image) being displayed or stored in a storage device into a painting style. When the converted image data is transmitted to another printing apparatus and a print instruction is issued, processing for adding a conversion code corresponding to the converted image to the image data is performed.

  2 is connected to the display control unit 19, the memory card mounting unit 15 is connected to the reading control unit 24, three operation buttons 13 are connected to the operation control unit 25, and The remote controller 17 is wirelessly connected by infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, or Bluetooth.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of the electrophotographic printer 6 shown in FIG. 1 in more detail. As shown in FIG. 4, the electrophotographic printer 6 includes a front door 27 having a handle 26 at the front, and includes two sheet feeding cassettes 28 that are divided into upper and lower stages below the front door 27. In addition, a discharge tray 29 is provided on almost the entire upper surface, and a display panel 30 and an operation unit 31 are provided on the right front side.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the internal configuration of the electrophotographic printer 6. An electrophotographic printer 6 shown in FIG. 5 is an electrophotographic secondary transfer tandem type color image forming apparatus, and includes an image forming unit 32, an intermediate transfer belt unit 33, a paper feeding unit 34, and a duplex printing conveyance. The unit 35 is configured.

  The image forming section 32 has a configuration in which four image forming units 36 (36M, 36C, 36Y, 36K) are arranged side by side in a multistage manner from right to left in FIG.

  Of the four image forming units 36, three image forming units 36M, 36C, and 36Y on the upstream side (right side in the figure) are magenta (M), cyan (C), and yellow (subtractive three primary colors), respectively. A mono-color image is formed with the color toner of Y), and the image forming unit 36K forms a monochrome image with the black (K) toner mainly used for characters and dark portions of the image.

  Each of the image forming units 36 has the same configuration except for the color of toner stored in a toner container (toner cartridge). Therefore, the configuration of the black (K) image forming unit 36K will be described below as an example.

  The image forming unit 36 includes a photosensitive drum 37 at the bottom. The peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 37 is made of, for example, an organic photoconductive material. A cleaner 38, a charging roller 39, an optical writing head 41, and a developing roller 43 of the developing device 42 are arranged around the periphery of the photosensitive drum 37.

  The developing unit 42 applies magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), or black (K) toner to the upper toner container as indicated by M, C, Y, and K in FIG. An intermediate portion is provided with a toner replenishing mechanism for the lower portion.

  In addition, the developing roller 43 is provided at the lower side of the developing unit 42 in the side opening, and a toner stirring member, a toner supply roller 49 for supplying toner to the developing roller 43, and a toner layer on the developing roller 43 are fixed. A doctor blade that regulates the layer thickness is provided.

  The intermediate transfer belt unit 33 has an endless transfer belt 44 extending in a flat loop shape from substantially the left and right sides of the drawing at approximately the center of the main body device, and the transfer belt 44 is stretched over the transfer belt 44. A driving roller 45 and a driven roller 46 are provided to circulate and move the belt 44 counterclockwise in the figure.

  The transfer belt 44 transfers the toner image directly to the belt surface (primary transfer) and conveys the toner image to the transfer position to the paper for further transfer (secondary transfer). The whole is called an intermediate transfer belt unit.

  The intermediate transfer belt unit 33 includes a belt position control mechanism 47 in the loop of the flat loop-shaped transfer belt 44. The belt position control mechanism 47 includes a primary transfer roller 48 made of a conductive foam sponge that presses against the lower peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 37 via the transfer belt 44.

  The belt position control mechanism 47 has three primary transfer rollers 48 corresponding to the three image forming units 36M, 36C, and 36Y of magenta (M), cyan (C), and yellow (Y) as vertical support shafts. Rotate to the center with the same period.

  Then, the belt position control mechanism 47 rotates and moves one primary transfer roller 48 corresponding to the black (K) image forming unit 36K with a rotational movement period different from the period of the three primary transfer rollers 48. The belt 44 is moved away from the photosensitive drum 37.

  That is, the belt position control mechanism 47 determines the position of the transfer belt 44 of the intermediate transfer belt unit 33 in the full color mode (all four primary transfer rollers 48 are in contact with the transfer belt 44), monochrome mode (in the image forming unit 36K). Only the corresponding primary transfer roller 48 is in contact with the transfer belt 44) and all non-transfer modes (all four primary transfer rollers 48 are separated from the transfer belt 44).

  In the intermediate transfer belt unit 33, a belt cleaner unit is disposed further upstream of the uppermost image forming unit 36M on the upstream side in the belt movement direction, and is flat so as to be almost along the entire lower surface. A thin waste toner collecting container 51 is detachably disposed.

  The paper feed unit 34 includes two paper feed cassettes 28 arranged in two upper and lower stages as shown in FIG. 4, and near the paper feed port (right side of the figure) of the two paper feed cassettes 28. A sheet take-out roller 52, a feeding roller 53, a separating roller 54, and a standby conveyance roller pair 55 are disposed.

  In the paper conveyance direction (vertical upward direction in the figure) of the standby conveyance roller pair 55, a secondary transfer roller 56 that is in pressure contact with the driven roller 46 via the transfer belt 44 is disposed, and the secondary transfer portion to the paper is arranged. Forming.

  A belt-type thermal fixing device 57 is disposed downstream (upward in the drawing) of the secondary transfer portion, and the belt after the fixing of the belt-type thermal fixing device 57 is further downstream of the belt-type thermal fixing device 57. And a pair of discharge rollers 61 for discharging the discharged paper to a discharge tray 29 formed on the upper surface of the apparatus.

  The duplex printing transport unit 35 includes a start return path 62a branched from the intermediate transport path between the carry-out roller pair 58 and the discharge roller pair 61 in the right lateral direction in the figure, and then an intermediate return path 62b that bends downward. A terminal return path 62c that bends in the left lateral direction opposite to the above and eventually reverses the return sheet, and four return roller pairs 63a, 63b, 63c, and 63d arranged in the middle of these return paths. ing.

  The exit of the end return path 62c communicates with a conveyance path to a pair of standby conveyance rollers 55 corresponding to the sheet feeding cassette 28 below the sheet feeding section 34. In this example, a cleaning unit 64 of the belt cleaner unit is disposed on the upper surface of the intermediate transfer belt unit 33.

  The cleaning unit 64 abuts on the upper surface of the transfer belt 44 to scrape and remove the waste toner, and stores it in a temporary storage unit of a belt cleaner unit (not shown). The inside is conveyed to the upper part, and sent to the waste toner collecting container 51 through a dropping cylinder.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the electrophotographic printer 6 does not directly transfer a toner image onto a conventional sheet, but an intermediate transfer belt on a sheet that is vertically conveyed by a standby conveyance roller pair 55 to a secondary transfer unit. The toner image is transferred via 44.

  Therefore, the maintenance process for recovering from a problem such as a paper jam occurring in the paper transport path can be dealt with by simply opening the right side of FIG.

  Since troubles such as paper jams do not occur in the arrangement portion of the kits, the operation of attaching and detaching consumables such as kits concentrated on the left side of FIG. 5 is performed by opening the front door 27 (see FIG. 4). It is configured so that a small space that can be swapped in the direction is sufficient.

  FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram including the control device of the electrophotographic printer 6 described above. As shown in FIG. 6, the circuit block is centered on a central processing unit (CPU) 65. A data input / output unit 66, a conversion code comparison unit 67, and a printer control unit 68 are connected to the CPU 65 via a data bus. It is connected. A printer printing unit 69 is connected to the printer control unit 68.

  The CPU 65 is connected to a ROM (read only memory) 71, an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable ROM) 72, and the operation panel 31 of the main body operation unit. A system program is stored in the ROM 71, and the CPU 65 performs processing by controlling each unit in accordance with the system program.

  That is, in each unit, first, the data input / output unit 66 converts print data supplied from a host device such as a personal computer into bitmap data and develops it in the frame memory 73. In the frame memory 73, a storage area is set for each of black (K), magenta (M), cyan (C), and yellow (Y), and data of each color is developed in a corresponding area.

  The data developed in the frame memory 73 is output to the printer control unit 68, and is output from the printer control unit 68 to the printer printing unit 69.

  The printer printing unit 69 is an engine unit, and under the control of the printer control unit 68, via the developing unit 74, a rotation drive system including the photosensitive drum 37, the primary transfer roller 48, and the like shown in FIG. A drive output to a process load such as an applied voltage of an image forming unit having a driven unit such as the roller 39 and the optical writing head 41 is controlled.

  Further, the printer printing unit 69 applies a voltage applied to the heat generating unit built in the heat generating roller of the belt-type heat fixing device 57 through the fixing unit 75, and a pressure applied by the pressure roller that presses the heating roller through the heat conducting belt. A drive output for performing various controls such as adjustment is controlled.

  Further, the printer printing unit 69 performs a belt driving unit 76 that performs vertical movement of the belt position control mechanism 47 of the intermediate transfer belt unit 33, rotation driving of the transfer belt 44, rotation driving of the heat conduction belt of the belt-type heat fixing device 57, and the like. Controls the drive output to

  Then, the printer control unit 68 supplies the image data of each color of black (K), magenta (M), cyan (C), and yellow (Y) to the corresponding optical writing head 41 shown in FIG. The developing unit 74 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 37 based on the image data by the optical writing head 41 with the corresponding color toner.

  The conversion code comparison unit 67 converts the image data to be formed by the image forming unit 32 from the original image into a command attached to the image data transmitted from another device to the own apparatus (the electrophotographic printer 6). When the conversion code indicating that the converted image data is included, the conversion code is compared with the conversion code stored in the EEPROM 72, and what kind of conversion image data the received conversion image data is. To detect.

  7A is an external perspective view showing the printer-integrated DPF 9 shown in FIG. 1 in more detail, and FIG. 7B is a block diagram schematically showing the internal structure thereof.

  This printer-integrated DPF 9 creates an address book, edits a postcard or other text or a desired document, prints a postcard address print, postcard text, or prints a document (hereinafter referred to as a word processor). ) It has a function. The printer-integrated DPF 9 has a photographic image printing function for capturing and printing photographic images taken with a digital camera.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, this printer-integrated DPF 9 includes a box-type device main body 77, and the front side of the front surface of the device main body 77 is used to input or edit document data when used as a word processor. A keyboard 78 provided with various keys necessary for printing and keys necessary for printing edited document data is provided.

  The keyboard 78 is detachably attached to a lower portion of the main body side portion 79 of the apparatus main body 77. When performing key input such as inputting and editing document data as a word processor, the main body side portion of the apparatus main body 77 is provided. It is removed from 79 and placed in a substantially horizontal state at the front of the apparatus main body 77 with the upper surface on which the key is arranged facing upward.

  The keyboard 78 includes a base 81 and a number of data input keys 82 arranged on the base 81. Even if the keyboard 78 is removed from the main body side 79, the keyboard 78 and the apparatus main body 77 are maintained in communication connection by the cord 83. When the keyboard 78 is not used, it is raised vertically and stored in contact with the main body side 79 of the apparatus main body 77.

  In addition, a discharge port 84 for discharging the paper P printed by the printing mechanism in the apparatus main body 77 to the outside of the apparatus main body 77 is provided in the lower front portion of the apparatus main body 77. Further, the main body side portion 79 of the apparatus main body 77 is provided with a card slot into which a plurality of types of memory cards can be inserted, although the main body side portion 79 is not visible since it is the other side in the depth direction of the drawing. .

  When the memory card is inserted into the card slot, the terminal of the memory card is connected to the connector terminal in the card slot so that the image data recorded on the memory card can be read.

  A display panel storage portion 85 is provided on the upper surface portion of the apparatus main body 77. The display panel storage unit 85 is configured to store the display panel 86 with the panel surface 87 facing downward when the apparatus main body 77 is not used.

  FIGS. 7A and 7B show a state when the apparatus main body 77 is in use, and the display panel 86 is vertically raised in front of the apparatus main body 77 with the hinge 88 as a rotation axis, and further 180 degrees in the front lower direction. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the panel surface 87 is pulled forward and the position is fixed toward the front of the main unit 77.

  The panel surface 87 of the display panel 86 is composed of a liquid crystal display surface. On the liquid crystal display surface, data input from the keyboard 78, a menu screen necessary for various settings, a photographic image of a digital camera captured from a memory card, Furthermore, various data necessary for this printing apparatus is displayed.

  Further, a handle 89 that is rotatable between the rear side of the apparatus main body 77 and the upper surface of the apparatus main body 77 is provided on the upper portion of the apparatus main body 77 of the printer-integrated DPF 9. The printer-integrated DPF 9 can be carried using this handle 89.

  A paper feed tray 91 is provided on the back surface of the apparatus main body 77. An opening is provided in the upper portion of the paper feed tray 91, and a plurality of printing sheets P can be stacked and accommodated inside the paper feed tray 91 from the opening.

  Inside the paper feed tray 91 is provided a pickup roller 92 that feeds the stacked sheets P one by one into the apparatus main body 77, and this pickup roller 92 is rotationally driven by a drive motor (not shown) at the start of printing. The

  Inside the apparatus main body 77, a paper conveyance path 93 for conveying and guiding the paper P sent out by the pickup roller 92 is provided. Before and after the sheet conveyance path 93 (left and right in the figure), a pair of paper feed rollers 94a and 94b that convey the sheet P from the back side to the front side inside the apparatus main body 77 along the sheet conveyance path 93, and Discharge roller pairs 95a and 95b are disposed. An ink jet printing mechanism 96 is provided in the middle of the paper transport path 93.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the printing mechanism 96. In FIG. 8, the same components or functions as those in FIG. 7B are given the same numbers as in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8 (see also FIG. 7B), the printing mechanism 96 includes a carriage 97 provided so as to be capable of reciprocating in a direction indicated by an arrow B orthogonal to the paper transport path 93.

  A print head 98 that executes printing and an ink cartridge 99 that contains ink are attached to the carriage 97. The cartridge 99 is configured to store each color ink of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) individually or separately in each ink chamber. It is connected to a print head 98 having each nozzle for discharging.

  On the one hand, the carriage 97 is slidably supported by the guide rail 101, and on the other hand, it is fixed to the toothed drive belt 102. As a result, the print head 98 and the ink cartridge 99 are driven to reciprocate together with the carriage 97 in a direction orthogonal to the paper conveyance path 93 indicated by the double-pointed arrow B in FIG.

  A flexible communication cable 103 is connected between the print head 98 and a control device (described later) of the apparatus main body 77. Print data and control signals are sent from the control device to the print head 98 via the flexible communication cable 103.

  A platen 105 that constitutes a part of the sheet conveyance path 93 is disposed at the lower end of the frame 104 of the apparatus main body 77 so as to face the print head 98 and extend in the main scanning direction of the print head 98. ing.

  In contact with the platen 105, the paper P is a pair of paper feed rollers 94b and 94a (the lower roller 94a is behind the paper P and cannot be seen in the figure) and the paper discharge roller pairs 95b and 94a (the lower roller 95a is the same). Is not visible in the shade), and is intermittently conveyed in the printing sub-scanning direction indicated by arrow C in the figure.

  During the period in which the intermittent conveyance of the paper P is stopped, the print head 98 is driven by the motor 106 via the toothed drive belt 102 and the carriage 97 and ejects ink droplets in the state of being close to the paper P to the paper surface. Print. In this way, printing (printing) is performed on the entire surface of the paper P by repeating the intermittent conveyance of the paper P and the printing during the reciprocating movement by the print head 98.

  The paper P on which a predetermined image is printed is discharged out of the apparatus main body 77 through a paper discharge port 84 positioned on the downstream side of the paper conveyance path 93 shown in FIG. 7B. As shown in FIG. 7B, a paper type detection sensor 107 that detects the paper type is disposed at a position near the paper carry-in entrance below the paper conveyance path 93.

  In this printer-integrated DPF 9, as paper P, in addition to postcard paper and L-size photo paper, sticker paper in which sticker paper is arranged in a matrix on a mount is used. A reduced image is printed on the sticker sheet.

  Further, this sticker sheet is thin because the mount is thin and divided into a large number of sticker sheets. This sticker sheet is marked with a sheet type detection mark. The mark can be read by the paper type detection sensor 107 described above.

  FIG. 9 is a circuit block diagram including a control device for the printer-integrated DPF 9 described above. As shown in FIG. 9, the circuit block has a central processing unit (CPU) 110 as a center, and a read only memory (ROM) 111 and a random access memory (RAM) 112 are connected to the CPU 110 via a data bus. ing.

  The ROM 111 stores a system program. The CPU 110 controls each unit of the printer-integrated DPF 9 via other circuit blocks connected to the CPU 110 according to this system program.

  Other circuit blocks include an image conversion processing unit 113, a keyboard 78, a network (external) data input / output unit 114, a display unit 115, a printer controller 116, a conversion code comparison unit 117, a paper type detection sensor 107, and a reading control unit 118. Etc. are connected to the CPU 110.

  The image conversion processing unit 113 has a DAF function for converting photographic image data (original image) being displayed on the panel surface 87 of the display panel 86 or stored in the RAM 112 or the like into a painting style. When the converted image data is transmitted to another printing apparatus and a print instruction is issued, processing for adding a conversion code corresponding to the converted image to the image data is performed.

  The network (external) data input / output unit 114 sends image data and a print command related to the image data to another device with a wireless transmission / reception device such as the DPF 1 or the electrophotographic printer 6 via the wireless LAN router 3. Input and output with the external wireless LAN communication device 5.

  Similarly, the image data and the print command are received from the notebook personal computer 8 or the personal computer 4 via the wireless LAN router 3, or the image data and the print command are transmitted to the inkjet printer 7.

  A display panel 86 is connected to the display unit 115. The display unit 115 controls display output of an image displayed on the panel surface of the display panel 86. A printing mechanism 96 is connected to the printer controller 116.

  The printer controller 116 controls the ejection of ink from the print head 98 via the flexible communication cable 103 according to the image data to be printed, and also controls the reciprocation of the carriage 97 by driving the motor 106, and the pair of feed rollers 94a, The conveyance of the paper P in the sub-scanning direction is controlled by driving the 94b and the paper discharge roller pair 95a and 95b.

  The printer-integrated DPF 9 has a DAF mode for performing a specific printing process, which will be described later, different from normal printing, and stores various conversion codes for image conversion corresponding to the DAF mode in a predetermined area of the ROM 111. ing.

  The conversion code comparison unit 117 converts the image data to be printed by the printing mechanism 96 from the original image into a command attached to the image data transmitted from the other device to the own device (printer integrated DPF 9). When a conversion code indicating conversion image data is included, the conversion code is compared with the conversion code stored in the ROM 111 to determine what type of conversion image data the received conversion image data is. Is detected.

  The reading control unit 118 is connected to a plurality of types of memory card mounting units (card slots) 119 that are not shown in the shade in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The read control unit 118 reads the image data of the memory card inserted in the card slot 119 and transmits it to the CPU 110.

  FIG. 10 is a table for explaining an example in which the toner application amount varies depending on the speed difference between the photosensitive drum 37 and the transfer belt 44 in the primary transfer portion of the electrophotographic printer 6. The method of changing the amount of toner applied is used when a paint-like image is raised in a picture-like image or the like.

  As a method of changing the toner application amount, the toner can be applied twice. However, as shown in FIG. 10, the peripheral surface speed of the photosensitive drum 37 is relative to the linear speed of the transfer belt 44. The toner can also be excited by making it faster.

  FIG. 10 is a chart showing a list of ratios between the setting conditions and the development results of Test Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples described below when the setting conditions and results in the standard state are “1”.

  In the invention prior to this, the applicant of the present invention examined the development amount (development density) of the toner and reduced the linear velocity of the primary transfer belt with respect to the circumferential velocity of the photosensitive drum. It has been found that the toner development amount on the primary transfer belt increases in proportion to the ratio between the peripheral speed and the linear speed of the primary transfer belt.

  Therefore, as Test Example 1, plain paper was used to investigate the phenomenon in which the toner development amount changes in accordance with the ratio between the peripheral speed of the photosensitive drum 37 of the electrophotographic printer 6 and the linear speed of the transfer belt 44. A printing test was performed in the printing mode.

  Here, the standard printing conditions are: the peripheral speed of the photosensitive drum 37 is 136 mm / s (30 ppm), the linear speed of the transfer belt 44 is 136 mm / s, the paper conveyance speed of the fixing unit is also 136 mm / s, and the printing pattern is rectangular. Solid printing.

  In this standard printing, the toner development amount was about 10 μm or less. Therefore, only the peripheral speed of the photosensitive drum 37 was changed. In this case, the amount of exposure to the photosensitive drum 37 is also proportionally increased / decreased according to the peripheral speed of the photosensitive drum 37, and the paper feeding speed of the paper feeding unit is proportional to the paper conveyance speed of the fixing unit. And set to increase or decrease.

  Then, only the peripheral speed of the photosensitive drum 37 was set to 112% (152 mm / s) with respect to the speed in the standard state, and rectangular solid printing was performed. As a result, the toner development amount increased to 117% in the standard state.

  Next, as Test Example 2, only the linear velocity of the transfer belt 44 and the sheet conveying speed of the fixing unit are reduced to 50% (76 mm / s) in the standard state, and the others are printed under the setting conditions in the standard state. Went. As a result, the toner development amount increased to 198% in the standard state.

  Further, as Test Example 3, the linear velocity of the transfer belt 44 and the sheet conveyance speed of the fixing unit are reduced to 33% (51 mm / s) in the standard state, and the others are subjected to a print test under the setting conditions in the standard state. It was. As a result, the toner development amount increased to 295% in the standard state.

  In the electrophotographic printer 6, as shown in FIG. 5, the transfer to the transfer belt 44, the secondary transfer to the paper before fixing (transfer by the secondary transfer roller 56), and the transfer operation occur twice. .

  Therefore, the speed ratio between the transfer belt 44 and the conveyance speed of the sheet (secondary transfer roller 56) before fixing can be changed.

  Based on this, as Test Example 4, the linear speed of the transfer belt 44 is reduced to 33% speed (51 mm / s) in the standard state, and the sheet conveyance speed of the fixing unit is set to 17% speed in the standard state. A printing test was conducted.

  As a result, the toner development amount was 295% in the standard state, which was the same as in Example 3. However, the print area was ½ of that in Example 3, and the toner development density was compared with Example 3. And doubled, that is, increased to 590% compared to the standard state.

  Here, as a comparative example, only the peripheral speed of the photosensitive drum 37 was reduced to 88% of the standard speed (120 mm / s) as a comparative example, and the others were subjected to a printing test under the standard conditions. As a result, the toner development amount decreased to 89% of the standard state.

  Therefore, as shown in Test Examples 1 to 3 in the chart of FIG. 10, by reducing the linear velocity of the transfer belt 44 with respect to the peripheral velocity of the photosensitive drum 37, the toner development amount, that is, the development density is set to the standard state. It was possible to increase it according to the speed ratio.

  By the way, as shown in Test Examples 1 to 4 above, if the circumferential speed of the photosensitive drum and the conveyance speed of the printing medium are greatly different, the image transferred from the photosensitive drum (or intermediate transfer belt) to the printing medium is sub-imaged. Distortion in the scanning direction occurs.

  Specifically, the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum in a normal shape is transferred in a contracted state in the print medium conveyance direction, that is, the sub-scanning direction.

  In consideration of this, in Test Examples 1 to 4, the solid image developed on the photosensitive drum 37 is the difference between the peripheral surface speed of the photosensitive drum 37 and the linear velocity of the transfer belt 44 in the sub-scanning direction. It is developed at an extension degree according to

  That is, development is performed in a state of extending in the sub-scanning direction. As a result, a normal solid image is printed on the transfer belt 44 having a relatively low speed.

  By the way, the image printing system shown in FIG. 1 shows an example in which the upper left DPF 1, the lower right printer-integrated DPF 9, and the left middle electrophotographic printer 6 are included as basic configurations.

  In this image printing system, when photographic image data is transmitted to another printing apparatus, a print instruction is issued as converted image data converted from the original image data, not image data corresponding to the original image itself. As described above, the code indicating the conversion, that is, the conversion code corresponding to the converted image is added to the image data and transmitted to the printing side.

  The printing side identifies the conversion code and executes an appropriate printing process. For this printing process, as in other prior arts, the glossiness (gloss value) is lowered by controlling the fixing pressure and temperature. In order to express the rising of the paint, the toner is applied twice or a foamable toner is used. When a matte feeling is given, it is conceivable to use matte toner or to lower the fixing pressure and fixing temperature.

  FIG. 11 is a chart for explaining an example of setting printing conditions on the printing apparatus side that is desirable for the types of converted images as described above. The chart shows three types of paintings, “oil painting”, “pastel”, and “watercolor” in the three vertical columns at the left end.

  To the right of these, “thick”, “normal”, and “thin” are associated with the setting state of the toner amount at the time of printing. There are various methods for setting the toner amount, and as shown in parentheses above, transfer speed, foaming toner, matte toner, transparent or gray toner, etc. are used.

  As described with reference to FIG. 10, the transfer speed increases the toner at a desired position in the image by increasing the peripheral speed of the photosensitive drum 37 relative to the linear speed of the transfer belt 44 (thickening the toner). If you are) how to point.

  Foamable toner is a transparent foamable toner that prints a desired position in an image, and a color image is overlaid and transferred with four or four color toners that are mixed with black on the toner. Is a method of enlarging (thickening) a color toner image by foaming.

  Matte toner is a toner that does not give a lot of gloss and is used when glossy printing is not preferred, such as for character printing, and is used to obtain, for example, a watercolor tone converted from a photographic image. It is done.

  The transparent or gray toner is used, for example, for obtaining an effect that makes the shape of the canvas background stand out on the image surface.

  On the right side of the chart, “fixing pressure” and “fixing temperature” at the time of fixing when mat toner is used corresponding to “thick”, “normal”, and “thin” It is shown that each is set lower than when the fixing condition at the time of image printing is used as a reference.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing operations on the transmission side in the display image printing system shown in FIG. 1 configured as described above. Here, the transmission side is DPF1, printer-integrated DPF9, or the like. A personal computer 4 and a notebook computer 8 may also be included.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing processing operations on the receiving side in the display image printing system shown in FIG. 1 configured as described above. Here, the receiving side includes the electrophotographic printer 6, the printer-integrated DPF 9, the ink jet printer 7, and the like.

  First, in FIG. 12, when processing is started on the transmission side, the CPU 18 of the DPF 1 or the CPU 110 of the printer-integrated DPF 9 (hereinafter referred to as the transmission side CPU) displays the display image data as an original image (taken by a digital camera). It is determined whether or not the image has been converted from (photo image data) (step S1).

  If the image has been converted (Yes at S1), the transmitting CPU adds the conversion code corresponding to the image conversion to the display image data, and prints the display image data to which the conversion code is added. The print image data is transmitted to the transmission destination (step S3).

  On the other hand, when the image conversion is not performed in the determination in the above step S1 (No determination in S1), the transmission side CPU adds the conversion code “0” to the display image data as it is or adds the conversion code “0” to the display image data. Data (step S4), and the print image data is transmitted to the transmission destination (step S3).

  Next, in FIG. 13, when participating in the display image printing system, the CPU 65 of the electrophotographic printer 6, the CPU 110 of the printer-integrated DPF 9, the CPU (not shown) of the inkjet printer 7, etc. A processing mode capable of selecting normal printing processing or special printing processing is set (step S11).

  Subsequently, the receiving CPU receives print data via the external wireless LAN communication device 5, the built-in wireless LAN communication device, or the wireless LAN router 3 and the Internet / intranet 2 (step S12).

  Then, the receiving CPU determines whether or not the print image data in the received print data has been converted from the original image (step S13). This determination processing is processing for determining whether or not a conversion code is added to the print data, and if so, whether the conversion code is a value other than “0” or “0”.

  If the conversion code is not added to the print data or is added but the conversion code is “0” in the above determination (No in S13), the receiving CPU performs normal print processing. Is instructed to the printer controller (step S16), and printing is started (step S15).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that a conversion code is added to the print data and the conversion code has a value equal to or greater than “1” (YES in S13), the receiving CPU determines that the conversion code is the same. Is instructed to the printer controller (step S14).

  In the print processing instruction, the following instruction is output according to the conversion code. That is, in some cases, “print image data is overlaid with the background image overlaid”, and in other cases, “print using transparent toner or light gray toner, foaming toner, or matte toner”.

  It should be noted that if a solid image with a transparent or light gray matte toner is overprinted on a photographic image printed in the normal printing mode, the entire image can be made a matte image. Of course, a matte image can be obtained even if printing is performed using matte toner for each color instead of overprinting.

  In addition, when a solid image with a transparent or light gray foaming toner is overprinted on a photographic image printed in the normal printing mode, an image with a feeling of unevenness can be obtained as a whole. In the case of an inkjet printer, foamable ink is used. The foamable ink automatically foams and rises after the ink droplets have landed on the paper surface.

  Also, in some cases, “print in the toner save mode (in order to print the whole thinly, lower the exposure intensity to the photosensitive drum and reduce the amount of developed toner)”, and in other cases, “thick coating” Print in mode (double up the toner or swell the desired area with a speed difference to produce a three-dimensional tone of the oil painting) "

  Also, in some cases, “print in the mode of thinning out (set pixels to non-printing at a predetermined interval to represent a tone with reduced density without changing the color tone)”, and in other cases, “bias Print in the control mode (control the bias voltage applied to the developing roller to either stronger or weaker than the reference to make the toner amount thicker or thinner overall) "

  Also, in some cases, “print in a mode in which no solid fixing is performed (in order to represent a printed image in a painting style, the fixing pressure is reduced so that a gloss like a photograph does not appear)”, and in other cases, “solid halftone dot” An instruction such as “print in image (obtain matte-like image tone) mode” is output to the printer controller. Then, the receiving CPU executes printing (step S15).

  As described above, according to the display image printing system of the present invention, when a display image is instructed to be printed, a conversion code is added as a signal for identifying whether or not painting-like conversion is being performed. Ordinary photographic images are printed in a calendar tone (gross tone), while images such as painting-like images can be printed with glossiness and texture suitable for the display. This can contribute to doubling how to enjoy digital photographs.

  In particular, since the painting-like conversion identification and the printing process are linked, a printed matter suitable for the converted image such as the painting-like can be obtained without any special operation. In addition, when the image is thinned out, the processing speed can be increased.

  The present invention can be used for a display image printing system, a display image printing method, and a storage medium in which a program for reading and executing the printing method in a control device is recorded.

1 DPF
2 Internet / Intranet 3 Wireless LAN router 4 Personal computer 5 External wireless LAN communication device 6 Electrophotographic printer 7 Inkjet printer 8 Notebook computer 9 Printer-integrated DPF
11 Frame 12 Digital image display unit 13 (13a, 13b, 13c) Operation button 14 Image processing unit 15 Memory card mounting unit 16 Support rod (support plate)
17 Remote controller 18 CPU (central processing unit)
19 Display controller 21 ROM (read only memory)
22 RAM (Random Access Memory)
23 Network (external) data input / output unit 24 Reading control unit 25 Operation control unit 26 Front handle 27 Front door 28 Paper feed cassette 29 Paper discharge tray 30 Display panel 31 Operation unit 32 Image forming unit 33 Intermediate transfer belt unit 34 Paper feed Section 35 Conveying unit for double-sided printing 36 (36M, 36C, 36Y, 36K) Image forming unit 37 Photosensitive drum 38 Cleaner 39 Charging roller 41 Optical writing head 42 Developing kit 43 Developing roller 44 Transfer belt 45 Drive roller 46 Driven roller 47 Belt position control mechanism 48 Primary transfer roller 49 Supply roller 51 Waste toner collection container 52 Paper take-out roller 53 Feed roller 54 Rolling roller 55 Standby conveyance roller pair 56 Secondary transfer roller 57 Belt-type heat fixing device 58 Unloading roller pair 61 Paper discharge Roller pair 62a Start return path 62b Intermediate return path 62c End return path 63a, 63b, 63c, 63d Return roller pair 64 Cleaning unit 65 CPU (central processing unit)
66 Data Input / Output Unit 67 Conversion Code Comparison Unit 68 Printer Control Unit 69 Printer Printing Unit 71 ROM (read only memory)
72 EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable ROM)
73 frame memory 74 developing unit 75 fixing unit 76 belt driving unit 77 apparatus main body 78 keyboard 79 main body side part 81 base 82 data input key 83 code 84 paper discharge port P paper 84 paper discharge port 85 display panel storage unit 86 display panel 87 Panel surface 88 Hinge 89 Handle 91 Paper feed tray 92 Pickup roller 93 Paper transport path 94a, 94b Paper feed roller pair 95a, 95b Paper discharge roller pair 96 Printing mechanism 97 Carriage 98 Print head 99 Ink cartridge 101 Guide rail 102 Toothed drive belt 103 flexible communication cable 104 frame 105 platen 106 motor 107 paper type detection sensor 110 CPU (central processing unit)
111 ROM (read only memory)
112 RAM (Random Access Memory)
113 Image conversion processing unit 114 Network (external) data input / output unit 115 Display unit 116 Printer controller 117 Conversion code comparison unit 118 Reading control unit 119 Memory card mounting unit (card slot)

Claims (11)

An image display device comprising at least image conversion means for converting image data corresponding to the original image by predetermined processing, and image display means for displaying the image data or the converted image data converted by the image conversion means; ,
An image printing apparatus for receiving a print instruction for a display image displayed on the image display means from the image display apparatus and printing a corresponding image on a print medium;
A display image printing system comprising:
The image display device includes transmission means for transmitting the print instruction to an external device by wire or wirelessly. When transmitting the print instruction to the image printing device, the image data to be printed is image data corresponding to the original image Or an identification signal for identifying whether the image data is converted image data converted by the image conversion means is added to the print instruction and transmitted,
The image printing apparatus includes: a print execution unit including a normal print mode and a specific print mode; and whether the image data to be printed is image data corresponding to the original image based on the identification signal added to the print instruction. Image data discriminating means for discriminating whether the image data is the image data, and the print executing means determines the specific print mode when the image data discriminating means discriminates that the image data to be printed is the converted image data. Print by
A display image printing system characterized by that.   2. The image printing system according to claim 1, wherein the image display means further comprises image data storage means and data receiving means from an external device. An image display device comprising at least image conversion means for converting image data corresponding to the original image by predetermined processing, and image display means for displaying the image data or the converted image data converted by the image conversion means; ,
An image printing apparatus for receiving a print instruction for a display image displayed on the image display means from the image display apparatus and printing a corresponding image on a print medium;
A display image printing method for printing a display image having
When the image display device transmits a print instruction to the image printing device in a wired or wireless manner, the image data to be printed is identified as image data corresponding to an original image or converted image data converted by the image conversion unit Adding an identification signal to the print instruction and transmitting it;
Determining whether the image data to be printed is image data corresponding to the original image or the converted image data based on the identification signal added to the print instruction by the image printing apparatus; A step of executing printing in the specific print mode out of a normal print mode and a specific print mode provided in the image printing apparatus when it is determined that the image data to be converted is the converted image data;
A display image printing method comprising:   In the step of printing the converted image data in the specific print mode according to the content of the identification signal, printing is performed by reducing the density without changing the color tone by thinning out pixels according to a predetermined constant law. The image printing method according to claim 3, wherein:   4. The display image printing method according to claim 3, wherein, in the step of executing printing on the converted image data in the specific print mode according to the content of the identification signal, printing is performed using matte toner for each color. .   In the step of executing printing in the specific printing mode according to the content of the identification signal on the converted image data, the halftone image is overprinted on the printing in the normal printing mode to make the whole matte image. The display image printing method according to claim 3.   In the step of printing the converted image data in the specific print mode according to the content of the identification signal, a solid image with a transparent or light gray matte toner is overprinted on top of the print in the normal print mode, The display image printing method according to claim 3, wherein the image is a matte image.   In the step of printing the converted image data in the specific print mode according to the content of the identification signal, the toner or ink is partially printed at a predetermined rate to make the entire image an oil painting-like image. The display image printing method according to claim 3, wherein:   9. The display image printing method according to claim 8, wherein the printing for partially enlarging the toner or ink at a predetermined ratio is performed by overprinting the raised portion.   The display image printing method according to claim 8, wherein the printing that partially raises the toner or ink at a predetermined ratio is performed by printing the raised portion using foamable toner or ink.   11. A storage for storing a program for reading a control device and executing a method for printing the converted image data converted by the image conversion means according to claim 3 using the image printing device. Medium.