JP3403855B2 - Image printer device - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image printer for printing an image signal and the like, and more particularly to an image printer capable of changing the cutting position and the number of cuts of photographic paper. 2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 7 shows a schematic configuration of a printing mechanism (hereinafter referred to as a printer mechanism unit) 12 of a thermal transfer recording type video printer 90 using a roll type photographic paper. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the video printer will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 7, a thermal head 1 for patterning an image signal and thermally transferring the image signal to photographic paper.
The thermal transfer recording ink sheet 2 coated with the heat-meltable ink or the heat-sublimable ink is in contact therewith. A printing paper 3 is arranged below the ink sheet 2, and the ink sheet 2 and the printing paper 3 are brought into close contact with each other by being pressed against the thermal head 1 by a platen roller 4 provided to face the thermal head 1. One image pattern is thermally transferred to the printing paper 3 via the ink sheet 2. After the thermal transfer, the ink sheet 2 and the printing paper 3 are sent out by the rotation of the platen roller 4. The ink sheet 2 and the printing paper 3 are of a long roll type. The ink sheet 2 is supplied from an ink sheet supply roll 201 and is wound by an ink sheet take-up roll 202. The photographic paper 3 is supplied from a photographic paper supply roll 301 and is sent out by a pinch roller 5 via a platen roller 4. [0004] Next, referring to FIG.
Will be described. The video printer device 90
A device which receives an image signal input from outside and performs printing, and has an analog input terminal T for inputting an analog signal.
1 and a digital input terminal T2 for inputting a digital signal
have. The analog input terminal T1 is connected to the A / D converter 25
, And the digital input terminal T2 is directly connected to the memory controller 22. Here, the memory controller 22 is a device having a function of an input / output interface for image signals and control signals. The memory controller 22 is connected to a frame memory 21 for storing one frame of image information, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, and a transfer circuit 23. Here, the transfer circuit 23 is a circuit for performing data conversion for printing, and is connected to the thermal head 1 of the printer mechanism unit 12. Here, the CPU 10 has the frame memory 2
1 has a function of writing and reading an image signal to and from the printer unit 1 via a memory controller 22 and controlling a printer mechanical unit 12 via a mechanical controller 11 described later. The CPU 10 includes a printer mechanism unit 12
Is connected, and the mechanical controller 11 is connected to each device of the printer mechanical unit 12 described with reference to FIG. Also, CP
U10 is connected to a programmable ROM 13 for storing a preset cutting position of photographic paper. Next, the operation will be described. If the image signal is an analog signal, it is input via an analog input terminal T1 and is digitally converted by an A / D converter 25. If the image signal is a digital signal, the digital input terminal T2 is The data is input to the memory controller 22 and directly supplied to the memory controller 22, and is temporarily stored in the frame memory 21 via the memory controller 22. The image signal read from the frame memory 21 is sent to a transfer circuit 23 via a memory controller 22, where the data is converted for printing, for example, RGB.
After the color conversion from the signal to the Y (yellow) M (magenta) C (cyan) signal and the conversion from the YMC signal to the pulse signal for operating the thermal head, the thermal head attached to the printer mechanism unit 12 is provided. Sent to 1. By heating the thermal head 1 for a predetermined time, the hot-melt ink or the hot-sublimable ink applied to the ink sheet 2 is hot-melted or hot-sublimated and penetrated into the printing paper 3 to print an image. The printed photographic paper on which printing has been completed is sent out by the pinch roller 5 of the printer mechanism unit 12 and cut at a predetermined position by a cutter 6 for cutting. The cutting position of the printed photographic paper is set in advance and stored in the programmable ROM 13. To change the cutting position, the programmable ROM 13 had to be rewritten. FIG. 9 shows an example of the cut photographic paper 30 output from the video printer device 90. As shown in FIG. 9, due to the structure of the printer mechanical unit 12, there is a blank area between the pinch roller 5 and the heater line of the thermal head 1 (the row of heating elements arranged on the head). In FIG. 9, a blank area extends from the leading edge of the printing paper to the printing start position RS, and this blank area is referred to as a photographic paper gripping distance L. Then, in the conventional video printer device 90,
After the printing, the cutting is performed only once in the vicinity of the printing end position RE (referred to as a conventional cutting position CP) in accordance with the prescribed photographic paper size. It remained large. [0013] As described above,
Since the conventional video printer 90 cuts only once near the printing end position, there is a problem that a large margin remains on the cut printing paper. Further, in the case of a multi-print in which a plurality of images are vertically and horizontally closely printed in one print area, such as the cut photographic paper 31 shown in FIG. 10, the print area in which the multi-print is performed cannot be separated. Was. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a seal body having an adhesive applied to the back surface of the printing screen and a peelable backing sheet to which the seal body is attached are pre-cut on four sides in advance. When only the body is cut so as to have a cut line: hereinafter referred to as a half cut), when a seal type photographic paper 32 is used, in addition to the leading position of the photographic paper,
A sensor for detecting the leading position of the pre-cut area is required, and the mechanism of the printer mechanical unit 12 is complicated. In addition, when using the photographic paper 32 in which four sides are precut in advance, there is a problem that the print area is limited within the precut area, and the size of the print area can only be made the same. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and it is possible to cut an unnecessary portion of a margin by performing a plurality of cutting operations, and to cut a multi-printed image. Provided is an image printer device that does not require a sensor for detecting the pre-cut head position even when a type of printing paper is used, and that can change the size of a printing area. [0016] [0017] [0018] The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein according to the present invention SUMMARY OF] is conveying means for conveying the printing paper,
Printing at least one or more images on the printing paper;
A printing means for forming an area, the printing paper is placed at a predetermined cutting position.
Printer mechanism having at least cutting means for cutting
Unit and the printer connected to the printer mechanical unit.
Mechanical controller that controls the operation of the mechanical unit
And the mechanical controller connected to the mechanical controller.
Printer device having a CPU for giving an operation instruction to the printer
The CPU has the mechanical controller.
Based on the printing information for the printing to be performed,
Cutting that automatically specifies at least one fixed cutting position
It has an automatic position designation function and the photographic paper
Cutting to specify at least one or more predetermined cutting positions
The position designation means is connected, and the cutting position automatic designation function
Or selectively use either of the cutting position designation means
The printing paper is composed of a seal body having an adhesive applied to the back surface of the printing screen, and a peelable backing sheet to which the seal body is adhered, and both sides of the seal body have cut lines only in the seal body. Is a precut type printing paper half-cut as described above, wherein the printing area is inside the cut lines on both sides, and the predetermined cutting positions are two places of a printing start position and a printing end position of the printing area. . [0020] [0021] [0022] [0023] According to the image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein according to the present invention, the CPU comprises a cutting position automatic designation function DOO
Also, the cutting position designation means is connected to the CPU.
To print information for printing that the mechanical controller has
The photographic paper cutting position can be automatically specified based on
The cutting position can be arbitrarily set using the cutting position
Can also be specified. In addition, a pre-cut type printing paper in which both sides are half-cut is used, the printing area is inside the cutting lines on both sides, and a predetermined cutting position is a printing start position and a printing end position of the printing area. As a result, the printing start position is no longer regulated, and substantially all the blank areas caused by the mechanism of the printer mechanical unit are removed. Examples <A. Apparatus Configuration> FIG. 1 shows a thermal transfer video printer 1 as an embodiment of an image printer according to the present invention.
00 is shown in a block diagram. In FIG. 1, the CPU
10A is connected to a cutting position specifying device 14 that can arbitrarily specify a cutting position of the photographic paper. Also, the CPU 10A
Has a cutting position automatic designating function for automatically designating a cutting position based on information on printing held by the mechanical controller 11. The other components that are the same as those of the video printer device 90 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. Since the configuration of the printer mechanism unit 12 is the same as that of FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is used in the following description. Next, the operation will be described. If the image signal is an analog signal, it is input via an analog input terminal T1 and is digitally converted by an A / D converter 25. If the image signal is a digital signal, the digital input terminal T2 is The data is input to the memory controller 22 and directly supplied to the memory controller 22, and is temporarily stored in the frame memory 21 via the memory controller 22. An image signal read from the frame memory 21 is sent to a transfer circuit 23 via a memory controller 22, where the data is converted for printing, for example, RGB.
After the color conversion from the signal to the Y (yellow) M (magenta) C (cyan) signal and the conversion from the YMC signal to the pulse signal for operating the thermal head, the thermal head attached to the printer mechanism unit 12 is provided. 1 (FIG. 7). By heating the thermal head 1 for a predetermined time, the hot-melt ink or the hot-sublimable ink applied to the ink sheet 2 is hot-melted or hot-sublimated and penetrated into the printing paper 3 to print an image. <B. Designation of cutting position><B-1. Arbitrary designation> The printing paper 3 on which printing has been completed is sent out by the pinch roller 5 of the printer mechanism unit 12 and cut at a predetermined position by the cutter 6 for cutting. At this time, for example, when an image of a specified size is printed on a printing paper of a specified size as shown in FIG.
The cutting position can be designated using the cutting position designation device 14 based on the conventional cutting position CP. Here, two cuts are performed with the first cutting position C1 near the printing start position RS and the conventional cutting position CP near the printing end position RE as the second cutting position C2. At this time, the second cutting position C2 is set in advance in the programmable ROM
The first cutting position C1 is designated based on the cutting position C2. The information on the designated cutting position is stored in the CPU 10A.
The controller 11 controls the operation of the pinch roller 5 and the cutter 6 on the basis of the information on the cutting position and controls the first cutting position C1.
2B, and then cut at the second cutting position C2, as shown in FIG. 2B, most of the gripping margin L is cut off, and the cut printing paper occupying most of the printing area. 3
3 will be obtained. Here, the programmable RO
The conventional cutting position CP set in M13 does not have to be used as the second cutting position C2.
4 may be newly specified. Note that the cutting position designated by the cutting position designation device 14 is not limited to two places, and a plurality of cutting positions and the number of times of cutting can be set, and it has a function as a so-called user interface to the CPU 10A. . For example, as shown in FIG. 3, even in the case of a multi-print in which a plurality of images are vertically and horizontally closely printed in one print area, the cutting position specifying device 14 is used based on the conventional cutting position. To specify the cutting position.
Here, FIG. 3A shows a printed photographic paper 34 on which 16 screens of 4 columns and 4 rows are printed as an example of multi-printing. In the multi-printing, all the screens can be the same image, or all the individual screens can be different images. In FIG. 3A, the printing start position RS is defined as a first cutting position C1, and the cutting positions are sequentially specified for each image array arranged in the width direction, and the fifth cutting position corresponding to the printing end position RE is designated. The cutting is performed five times with the position as the fifth cutting position C5. Then, the conventional cutting position CP near the printing end position is finally cut as the final cutting position CE. FIG. 3B shows a cutting state in which the printing paper is cut for each image array in the width direction. Here, the final cutting position C
E is, for example, previously stored in the programmable ROM 13
And the first cutting position C1 is designated on the basis of the final cutting position CE. As described above, even in the case of multi-printing, the cutting position is designated by using the cutting position designation device 14 and the printed photographic paper 34 is cut, so that each image array arranged in the width direction of the photographic paper is obtained. The separated image array 341 is obtained. Here, the step of obtaining the cut photographic paper 33,
In the case where a simple cutting operation is repeatedly performed at a fixed position as in the process of obtaining the image array 341, the printing paper can be easily cut by using the cutting position designation device 14, and the user can easily cut the printing paper. An easy-to-use video printer device is obtained. <B-2. Automatic designation> Also, CPU 10A
Has a cutting position automatic designation function for automatically designating a cutting position based on printing information from the mechanical controller 11, and in the case of multi-printing or the like, an appropriate cutting operation is automatically performed using this function. You can also specify a location. Here, the printing information of the mechanical controller 11 is information for controlling the mechanism of the printer mechanical unit 12, and includes, for example, multi-printing, single printing, and multi-printing. In this case, the number of screens and the type of photographic paper are required. The information regarding these prints has been input to the mechanical controller 11 by information input means (not shown) prior to the prints. C
The PU 10A receives the information about the print and automatically designates the cutting position. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the CPU 10A in the case of multi-printing. First, in step S1 shown in FIG. 4, information on printing is received from the mechanical controller 11 to determine whether or not multi-printing is performed. If it is a multi-print, the number of multi-print screens is determined in step S2. Although the number of screens for multi-printing is various, here, four screens or other cases will be described as an example. If it is determined in step S2 that there are four screens, then in step S3 the first cutting position C1
To the third cutting position C3. Here, FIG. 5A shows the cutting position of the printed photographic paper 35 on which four screens of two rows and two columns are printed, and FIG. Indicates the status. In calculating the cutting position, the dimensions per screen are automatically determined by the number of screens.
For example, it can be easily calculated by using a conventional cutting position CP preset in the programmable ROM 13 as a reference. Here, all cutting positions may be newly set without using the conventional cutting position CP set in the programmable ROM 13 as a reference. If it is determined in step S2 that the screen is other than 4 screens, it is determined in step S4 whether the screen is 16 screens or not. Step S4
If it is determined that there are 16 screens in step S5, the cutting positions from the first cutting position C1 to the fifth cutting position C5 are calculated in step S5. The calculation method is the same as in step S3. The cutting position and cutting state in the case of multi-printing of 16 screens are the same as in FIG. If it is determined in step S4 that the number of screens is not 16 screens, the number of screens is continuously determined. When the cutting position corresponding to the number of screens is calculated in steps S3 and S5, the data of the cutting position is transferred to the mechanical controller 11 in step S6.
In step S7, the operation of the cutter 6 is controlled to cut the photographic paper for each image array in the width direction to obtain an image array. As described above, an appropriate cutting position can be automatically designated in the case of multi-printing or the like by using the cutting position automatic designation function of the CPU 10A. The advantage is linked to the information about the printing that the mechanical controller 11 has,
Even when the size of the printing area is changed for each printing and the cutting position is different for each printing, the cutting of the printing paper can be automatically and accurately performed. <C. Use of both side pre-cut photographic paper>
When a seal-type photographic paper having four sides precut is used, a sensor for detecting the leading position of the precut is required to print in a preset precut area. In addition, there is a problem that only cut photographic paper having the same size of the print area can be obtained. The above problem can be solved by using a seal type photographic paper in which only both sides are precut instead of a seal type photographic paper in which four sides are precut. FIG. 6 shows a photographic paper 36 precut on both sides.
7 shows a cutting position and a cutting state in the case of using. FIG.
As shown in (a), since both sides of the printing paper 36 are precut (half cut) in advance, printing must be performed in an area sandwiched between the precut lines PL1 and PL2 on both sides. Since no precut line is provided in the longitudinal direction, there is no restriction on the printing position in the longitudinal direction of the printing paper 36. That is, in the longitudinal direction of the printing paper 36, an area from any position to any position can be set as the printing area. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the first print area R1 is relatively short, and the second print area R2 is relatively long. A blank area is provided at a predetermined interval from the print end position RE of the first print area R1 to the print start position RS of the second print area R2. This part serves as a so-called grip. Next, the specification of the cutting position of the photographic paper 36 will be described. For example, assuming that the leading position of the printing paper 36 is TP, a sensor (not shown) for detecting the leading position detects the leading position TP. The print start position RS of the first print area R1 is a position after a predetermined grip. The printing end position RE is determined by the end of the printing, and the position after passing the predetermined grip again becomes the printing start position RS of the second printing region R2. Thus, the leading position T of the printing paper 36 is
By using P as a reference, the position of the print area can be sequentially determined. The print start position RS and print end position RE are stored in the mechanical controller 11 as information relating to printing. The CPU 10A has a cutting position automatic designation function for automatically designating a cutting position in response to information on printing of the mechanical controller 11. If the function is used, the printing start position RS and the printing end position RE of each printing area can be designated as the cutting position, as shown in FIG. 6A. In FIG. 6A, the first print area R1
Are the first and second cutting positions C1 and C2, and the cutting positions of the second print region R2 are the third and fourth cutting positions C.
3, shown as C4. FIG. 6B shows a cut state. In FIG. 6B, the first printing area R1 and the second printing area R2 are cut, and the cut printing paper 3 is cut.
7 and 38. The first print area R1 and the second print area R2 may be cut by specifying the cut position using the cut position specifying device 14 based on the head position TP detected by the sensor. . As described above, by using the photographic paper 36 with both sides precut and using the automatic cutting position designation function of the CPU 10A, the head position of the precut can be detected even when a precut type photographic paper is used. Is unnecessary, the configuration of the printer mechanical unit is simplified, and the size of the printing area can be changed.The size of the printing area is changed for each printing, and the cutting position is different for each printing. In this case, the photographic paper can be cut accurately. <D. Modified Example> In the above-described embodiment according to the present invention, an example in which a roll type photographic paper is used has been described. However, similar effects can be obtained by using a cut paper type photographic paper. Further, in the embodiment according to the present invention, a thermal transfer recording type video printer using an ink sheet coated with a heat fusible ink or a heat sublimable ink as a transfer method has been described. The same effect can be obtained when the present invention is applied to the printer device. [0053] [0054] [0055] [0056] According to the image printing apparatus of the present invention according to claim 1, wherein, according to the present invention, or cutting position there is a plurality, printing area
Size is changed for each print, and the cutting position is changed for each print
Use the automatic cutting position designation function if different
This makes it possible to cut the photographic paper accurately,
When a simple cutting operation is repeatedly performed at a fixed position
Prints easily by using the cutting position designation means.
Paper cutting can be done, making it more user-friendly
A self-contained image printer can be obtained. In addition, since the printing start position is not restricted even for the pre-cut type printing paper, a sensor for detecting the printing start position is not required, which simplifies the configuration of the printer mechanical unit and limits the size of the printing area. Is only in the width direction of the printing paper, and the size of the printing area can be changed. Further, since substantially all of the blank area generated due to the mechanism of the printer mechanical unit is removed, there is no unnecessary blank area for the user, and an image printer apparatus capable of providing a cut photographic paper of only a necessary print area. Is obtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of an image printer device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a cutting state of photographic paper according to an embodiment of the image printer device according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a cutting state of photographic paper according to an embodiment of the image printer device according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a cutting operation of photographic paper in the embodiment of the image printer device according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a cutting state of photographic paper according to an embodiment of the image printer device according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a cutting state of photographic paper according to an embodiment of the image printer device according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mechanical unit of the image printer. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional image printer device. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a cutting state of photographic paper by a conventional image printer. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cutting state of photographic paper by a conventional image printer device. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a cutting state of photographic paper by a conventional image printer. [Description of Signs] 33, 37, 38 Cut photographic paper, 34, 35 Printed photographic paper, 341 image array.

Claims (1)

(57) [Claim 1] Conveying means for conveying photographic paper, printing means for printing at least one image on the photographic paper to form a printing area, and cutting the photographic paper in a predetermined manner A printer mechanical unit including at least cutting means for cutting at a position,
An image printing apparatus comprising: a mechanical controller connected to the printer mechanical unit for controlling the operation of the printer mechanical unit; and a CPU connected to the mechanical controller and providing an operation instruction to the mechanical controller, wherein the CPU comprises the mechanical controller A cutting position automatic designation function for automatically designating at least one or more of the predetermined cutting positions of the printing paper based on the printing information for printing having the printing paper, and at least the predetermined cutting position of the printing paper is specified. One or more arbitrarily designated cutting position designation means is connected, and either the automatic cutting position designation function or the cutting position designation means is selectively used, and the photographic paper is coated with an adhesive material on the back surface of the printing screen. Seal
Consisting of a body and a peelable backing to which the seal body is attached
On both sides, only the sealing body has a score line.
Pre-cut type mark half-cut to have
A printing paper, wherein the printing area is inside a cut line on both sides, and the predetermined cutting position is a printing start position and a printing start position of the printing area.
And an image printing end position .