JP5544811B2 - Image output apparatus and image output method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image output device, an image output method, and an output product. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image output apparatus, an image output method, and an output product output thereby for the purpose of creating a photo book.

  In recent years, an image output apparatus capable of printing image data recorded on a recording medium brought in by a user has been put into practical use. The user inputs image data to the image output device, selects an output mode, and obtains a printed matter.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a photo print apparatus capable of outputting an album booklet in which a plurality of images are assigned to the same page as such an image output apparatus.

JP 2006-54716 A

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described example. Currently, more various functions are required for image output apparatuses that print image data.

  For example, when issuing a wedding letter of appreciation, there may be a case where a photograph obtained by reprinting a photograph taken is put in an envelope and sent together with a letter. In such a case, it takes time and effort to put the photo in an envelope, and the photo may be separated after being received.

  In such a case, if the photo or the photo and the letter are combined and bound as a photo book and the printed surface can be peeled and bonded in a form that can be mailed, the photo or the like will not be separated. It can be stored as it is.

  Similarly, a photo book of photo quality can be created. By making photo quality prints, you can create something with a sense of rareness, and you can understand it after removing the contents, so you can produce an exciting feeling. Further, the above photo book can be applied to, for example, a magazine appendix.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and prints input image data such as photographs in various formats and binds them, and the printed surface is bonded so that the print surface can be peeled off. An object of the present invention is to provide an image output device or the like from which an object can be obtained.

A first invention for solving the above-described problem is an image output apparatus that binds and outputs image data, and includes image data reading means for reading image data, bookbinding pattern selecting means for selecting a bookbinding pattern, and conveyance. Printing means for printing the image read by the image data reading means on the front and back sides of the roll paper to be printed by the sublimation type thermal transfer method according to the bookbinding pattern selected by the bookbinding pattern selection means. The printing means is an image output apparatus in which a first adhesive layer for releasably adhering the paper is formed on a part or all of the paper.

  The image output apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention further comprises a folding means for folding the paper on which the image data is printed in accordance with the bookbinding pattern selected by the bookbinding pattern selection means. Further, in the paper, an adhesive layer forming means for forming a second adhesive layer on a part or all of a binding margin when binding the paper, and the folded paper after folding the paper A cutting means for cutting the predetermined portion may be further provided. The printing unit may perform printing on both sides of the paper.

  The printing unit may print a detection mark on the paper, and the folding unit may detect the detection mark and perform alignment when the paper is folded.

  The image output apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention may further comprise a sheet selecting means for selecting the sheet.

  Further, the folding means folds the paper, closes the folded paper with another paper, and folds the folded paper so that one end of the folded paper corresponds to the folding line of the other paper. The image output apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention may further include a joining unit that joins the faces facing when the other sheet is folded at three sides excluding the side corresponding to the folding line.

  The printing unit may print a part or all of the address on a predetermined surface of the paper. Here, the address includes a postal code.

  By using the above-described image output device, input image data such as photographs can be printed in various formats and bound, and the printed surface can be peeled and bonded, so that a more attractive image output can be output. For example, you can create a photo-quality photo book with a sense of rareness by performing photo-quality prints, and you can create an exhilarating feeling because you can see the contents by peeling off with a peelable adhesive layer It is. In addition to the effects described above, this photo book can be stored as it is without being scattered after mailing. When creating this photobook, it is also possible to make the created photobook into a form that can be mailed at low cost (for example, postcard size). In addition, by selecting the paper according to the image to be printed, the edge of the paper and the color of the image can be matched so that the edge of the paper is not noticeable. Further, by forming a detection mark on the paper during printing and detecting the detection mark when folded, alignment can be performed, and more accurate bookbinding can be performed. In addition, by printing the address on a predetermined surface of the paper, the user can save the trouble of writing the address, and the address can be written in a uniform font. These also contribute to improving the attractiveness of the photo book that is the image output.

A second invention for achieving the above object is an image output method using an image output apparatus for binding and outputting image data, wherein the image output apparatus reads image data, and the image data reading process. According to the bookbinding pattern selected in the bookbinding pattern selection process, the image read by the image data reading process is selected on the front and back surfaces of the roll paper to be transported. And a printing step of printing by a sublimation type thermal transfer method , wherein in the printing step, a first adhesive layer that adheres the paper in a peelable manner is formed on a part or all of the paper. This is an image output method.

  The image output method of the second invention further comprises a folding step of folding the paper on which the image data is printed according to the bookbinding pattern selected in the bookbinding pattern selection step. An adhesive layer forming step of forming a second adhesive layer on a part or all of a binding margin when the paper is bound; and folding the paper after the paper is folded. And a cutting step for cutting the predetermined portion. In the printing step, printing can be performed on both sides of the paper.

  In the printing step, a detection mark may be printed on the paper, and in the folding step, alignment may be performed when the paper is folded by detecting the detection mark.

  The image output method of the second invention may further comprise a paper selection step of selecting the paper.

  In the folding step, after the sheet is folded, the folded sheet is folded with another sheet and folded so that one end of the folded sheet corresponds to the folding line of the other sheet, The image output method according to the second aspect of the present invention may further include a joining step of joining the faces facing when the other sheet is folded at three sides excluding the side corresponding to the folding line.

  In the printing step, a part or all of the address can be printed on a predetermined surface of the paper.

  According to the image output method described above, input image data such as photographs can be printed in various formats and bound, and the printed surface can be peeled and bonded to output a more attractive image output product. For example, you can create a photo-quality photo book with a sense of rareness by performing photo-quality prints, and you can create an exhilarating feeling because you can see the contents by peeling off with a peelable adhesive layer It is. In addition to the effects described above, this photo book can be stored as it is without being scattered after mailing. When creating this photobook, it is also possible to make the created photobook into a form that can be mailed at low cost (for example, postcard size). In addition, by selecting the paper according to the image to be printed, the edge of the paper and the color of the image can be matched so that the edge of the paper is not noticeable. Further, by forming a detection mark on the paper and detecting the detection mark when the sheet is folded, alignment can be performed, and more accurate bookbinding can be performed. In addition, by printing the address on a predetermined surface of the paper, the user can save the trouble of writing the address, and the address can be written in a uniform font. These also contribute to improving the attractiveness of the photo book that is the image output.

  In accordance with the present invention, an image output device or the like that can output a more attractive image output product by printing and binding input image data such as a photograph in various formats and bonding the print surface in a peelable manner. Can be provided.

Block diagram showing the configuration of the image output device Schematic perspective view of image output device The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the image output apparatus 101 Diagram showing an example of a printer and bookbinding machine The figure which shows an example of the plane structure of a thermal transfer sheet The figure which shows an example of the cross-sectional structure of roll paper Diagram showing an example of a printer and bookbinding machine Diagram showing an example of a printer and bookbinding machine The figure which shows an example of the detection mark formed in roll paper Flow chart showing an example of an image output method Figure showing an example of a bookbinding pattern selection screen An example of a bookbinding pattern An example of a bookbinding pattern An example of a bookbinding pattern An example of a bookbinding pattern An example of a bookbinding pattern Diagram showing selection of roll paper

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an image output apparatus and the like of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the configuration of the image output apparatus 101 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image output apparatus 101.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image output apparatus 101 includes an image data reading / writing unit 111, an image editing / synthesizing unit 112, a material database 113, a printing unit 114, a bookbinding unit 115, an order content input unit 116, a charging unit 117, and the like. Prepare.

  The image data reading / writing unit 111 acquires image data by reading image data from an input medium 122 in which image data is stored in advance, or reading a document 121 by a document reading device such as a scanner device. The image data read / write unit 111 can also record the image data created by the image output apparatus 101 on the output medium 123.

  The input medium 122 and the output medium 123 are, for example, a smart medium, a compact flash (registered trademark), a mini SD (Secure Digital) card, an SD memory card, a memory stick, an xD picture card, a compact disk, a USB memory, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, as the image data reading / writing means 111, only a means for reading the document 121 by the scanner device and a means for reading the image data from the input medium 122 are shown, but the subject is an imaging device such as a digital camera. It is also possible to provide means for photographing and reading image data, or to provide only one reading means.

  The image editing / synthesizing unit 112 processes one or more inputs or selected images, such as processing such as graffiti or a stamp, cropping image data, scaling, and pasting a clipped image onto another image, etc. An interactive interface means for interactively editing the image and an image processing program. As image data handled in the composite editing, material image data, frame images, and the like held in the material database 113 are used.

  The printing unit 114 (printing unit) is a high-resolution color printer that prints image data. Double-sided printing or single-sided printing and a pseudo-adhesive layer (first adhesive layer that bonds the paper in a peelable manner) based on the bookbinding pattern For example, a sublimation thermal transfer printer. One or a plurality of printers may be installed, and both a printer that performs single-sided printing and a printer that performs double-sided printing may be installed. At this time, a conventionally known printer can be used as a printer for performing single-sided printing.

  The bookbinding means 115 folds the paper printed by the printing means based on the bookbinding pattern, and presses the opposing surfaces at that time. In addition, the detection mark printed by the printing unit can be detected to confirm that the sheet to be folded is in the correct position, thereby preventing folding deviation. Further, it is possible to paste a part or all of a portion that becomes a binding margin at the time of bookbinding and cut a predetermined portion. In addition, the folded sheet can be further folded and closed with another sheet, and the surfaces of the other sheets facing when the other sheet is folded can be joined by sewing or the like.

  The printed matter 124 is an output matter such as a photo book by the image output apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment, but other printed matter may be output. The printed matter 124 is discharged to the print takeout port 209.

  The order content input unit 116 (bookbinding pattern selection unit) is, for example, a touch panel integrated with a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, a keyboard, a mouse, or a trackball.

  The order content input means 116 allows the user to select and input the order content to be output. For example, you can select a pattern to fold the paper, display thumbnail images of the scanned images on the display means, select images to print on each side of the paper, specify the number of prints and size, Lets you select a bookbinding pattern.

  The bookbinding pattern includes a wide range of matters relating to the output form of the printed matter, such as a printing pattern, a folding pattern, the number of printed sheets, and a size.

  The billing unit 117 performs billing processing according to the order contents of the printed matter by the user, and requests the user for payment.

  Next, the external configuration of the image output apparatus 101 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the image output apparatus 101.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image output apparatus 101 is provided with a monitor screen 201 such as a monitor with a touch panel. The monitor screen 201 has a function as a display unit for displaying operation guidance, operation status, thumbnail image display of read image data, and the like, a photo to be printed, an image size, image processing, a folding pattern, an image It has a function as an input unit that allows a user to select a bookbinding pattern including a print pattern by touching the touch panel.

  A media insertion slot 202 is provided at the bottom of the monitor screen 201 with a touch panel. The media insertion slot 202 is an insertion slot for various media (smart media, compact flash (registered trademark) card (CF card), floppy (registered trademark) disk, PC card, CD-ROM, USB memory, etc.). The insertion openings are arranged in one place.

  In addition, in the housing of the image output apparatus 101, the main body (not shown) of each medium reading / writing apparatus is installed corresponding to each recording medium insertion port. Each insertion slot may be provided with a shutter (not shown) so that the recording medium cannot be taken out until fee collection is completed.

  In the lower part of the image output apparatus 101, there are a charge insertion slot (coin insertion slot 205, bill insertion slot 207), a return button 206, a return slot 208, a receipt outlet 204, and a printed matter outlet 209 (209-1, 209- 2, 209-3), a printed matter outlet door 210, and the like are respectively arranged.

  The charge input port (205, 207), the return button 206, the return port 208, and the receipt outlet 204 function as a charging unit 117.

  A user pays a fee by inserting a coin into the coin slot 205 or inserting a banknote into the banknote slot 207. When there is a change or when the user presses the return button 206, change or the like is released from the return port 208.

  In addition, after collecting the fee, a receipt on which the collected amount, order details, etc. are printed is discharged from the receipt outlet 204. A receipt printing printer is provided in the housing of the image output apparatus 101 corresponding to the receipt outlet 204.

  Printed printed matter is discharged from the printed matter outlet 209. In FIG. 2, three printed material outlets 209 are provided (209-1, 209-2, 209-3). In the housing of the image output apparatus 101, a plurality of printer bodies, a bookbinding machine, and the like (not shown) are installed at positions connected to the respective printed matter outlets 209 so that a plurality of bookbinding can be performed simultaneously.

  A printed matter outlet door 210 is provided outside the printed matter outlet 209 so as to cover the printed matter outlet 209, and serves to prevent the printed matter 124 from falling and to protect the printed matter 124 during printing.

  The user uses the touch panel provided on the monitor screen 201 with a touch panel to select an image, execute printing, and instruct a bookbinding pattern. Printing is performed by the printer main body according to the instruction, and the user receives the printed matter 124 discharged from the printed matter outlet 209.

  In addition, although not shown in the housing of the image output apparatus 101, a computer including a control unit for controlling each component of the image output apparatus 101, a power supply box for converting voltage, and a CPU of the control unit at the time of power failure And an uninterruptible power supply to prevent damage to the hard disk and the like.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the image output apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image output device 101 includes a control unit 301, a storage unit 302, an input / output unit 303 (CD-ROM drive device, keyboard, mouse, etc.), various media read / write units 304, a shutter 305, a monitor (with a touch panel) 306, a coin A MEC 307, a bill burr 308, a receipt journal processing unit 309, a printer 310, a bookbinding machine 311, and the like are connected via a bus 312.

  The control unit 301 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for executing a program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) for storing program instructions or data, a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. The control unit 301 controls each device connected via the bus 312 according to a program stored in the storage unit 302 or the like.

  The storage unit 302 includes a program for controlling each component, for example, a reading / writing program corresponding to each recording medium, a shutter opening / closing control program, a charging processing program, an image editing / synthesizing program, an order content input processing program, a printer control. A program, a bookbinding machine control program, a receipt print processing program, a maintenance program, and the like, image data, various control data, and the like are stored.

  These program codes are read by the control unit 301 as necessary, transferred to the RAM, read to the CPU, and executed as various functions.

  An input / output unit 303 (CD-ROM drive device, keyboard, mouse, etc.) is used to update programs and information stored in the ROM of the control unit 301 and the storage unit 302, and to set the operation of the image output device 101. It is done. The image output apparatus 101 is switched to the management mode, an update CD-ROM is inserted into the input / output unit 303, data and programs are rewritten, and setting data is input.

  The various media read / write unit 304 corresponds to the image data read / write unit 111. The shutter 305 is provided in the media insertion slot 202 and opens and closes the recording media insertion slot so that the recording medium cannot be taken out during the reading process or until the accounting process is completed.

  In accordance with the operation guide displayed on the monitor 306, the user touches a touch panel installed on the monitor 306 to perform a series of operations from image selection at the time of image input, bookbinding pattern selection, print instruction, and printed matter output. Do.

  A coin mech 307, a bill burr 308, and a receipt journal processing unit 309 correspond to the charging unit 116, and perform coin insertion, bill insertion, and receipt issuance.

  The printer 310 corresponds to a printing unit and performs image printing processing. The bookbinding machine 311 has a gluing mechanism (adhesive layer forming means), a folding mechanism (folding means), a cutting mechanism (cutting means), and a joining mechanism (joining means). Bonding is performed.

  Next, embodiments of the thermal transfer printer 310 and the bookbinding machine 311 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that double-sided printing is performed. However, depending on the bookbinding pattern, single-sided printing can also be performed, and in this case, a known printer can be used.

  FIG. 4A illustrates an example of the printer 310 a and the bookbinding machine 311. In the printer 310a of FIG. 4A, 417 is roll paper (paper), 415 is a cutter, 403a and 403b are thermal transfer sheets, 405a and 405b are thermal transfer sheet supply rolls, 407a and 407b are thermal transfer sheet take-up rolls, 401a, 401b is a thermal head, 411a and 411b are platen rollers, 409a and 409b are nip rollers, and 413 is a sensor. In addition, the printer 310 a includes a roll paper conveyance mechanism including a roller, a conveyance path, and the like (not shown), and a control unit that performs print control.

  Roll paper 417 (paper) is conveyed by a conveyance roller or the like from a paper supply roll (not shown) to perform double-sided printing. Details of the roll paper 417 will be described later.

  The cutter 415 is used for cutting the roll paper 417 after performing double-sided printing.

  The thermal transfer sheet 403a (403b) is provided with a color material layer such as Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan), and a pseudo adhesive layer that is a peelable adhesive layer. Details of the thermal transfer sheet 403a (403b) will be described later.

  A thermal transfer sheet supply roll 405a (405b) is obtained by winding a thermal transfer sheet 403a (403b). The film is wound around a heat transfer sheet winding roll 407a (407b) via a heat generating portion 401a (401b).

  The thermal head 401a (401b) includes a heat generating unit, an image information input unit, an elevating unit, a control unit (not shown), and the like. At the time of printing, the thermal head 401a (401b) presses the thermal transfer sheet 403a (403b) and the roll paper 417 between the platen roller 411a (411b), and the heating element constituting the heating unit is an image information input unit. Heat is generated according to the input image data, and the color material of the color material layer of the thermal transfer sheet 403a (403b) is transferred to the roll paper 417. Further, the pseudo adhesive layer is transferred to a predetermined surface of the printed roll paper 417 according to the bookbinding pattern.

  The platen roller 411a (411b) has a cylindrical shape and conveys the roll paper 417. On the cylindrical surface of the platen roller 411a (411b), the roll paper 417 is conveyed and printing is performed by the thermal head 401a (401b).

  The nip rollers 409a (409b) are rollers that assist the conveyance of the roll paper 417. A pair of nip rollers 409a (409b) are provided close to the platen roller 411a (411b) so as to sandwich the thermal head 401a (401b) in the transport direction of the roll paper 417.

  When printing is performed, the platen roller 411a (411b) and the nip roller 409a (409b) are securely conveyed while the roll paper 417 is sandwiched between them. Further, the nip roller 409a (409b) has a smooth plane and does not cause unevenness on the surface of the roll paper 417.

  The sensor 413 detects a detection mark (described later) formed on the roll paper 417 when aligning the position of the image printed on the roll paper 417 on both sides. Various combinations of detection marks and sensors 413 are conceivable. For example, the sensor 413 can be an infrared sensor. In FIG. 4A, the sensor 413 is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the thermal head 401b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sensor 413 is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the thermal head 401b. Also good.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the bookbinding machine 311 includes a gluing mechanism 350, a folding mechanism 360, a cutting mechanism 370, a joining mechanism 380, and the like. In addition, a roll paper conveyance mechanism including a roller, a conveyance path, and the like, not shown, and a control unit that performs bookbinding control are provided.

  A gluing mechanism 350 (adhesive layer forming means) glues a part or all of a portion of the roll paper 417 cut by the cutter 415 as a binding margin at the time of binding in accordance with a bookbinding pattern, and forms an adhesive layer (second adhesive layer). ).

  The folding mechanism 360 (folding means) folds and rolls the roll paper 417 cut by the cutter 415 in accordance with the bookbinding pattern. In the case where a pseudo adhesive layer described later is provided on the opposing surfaces, the opposing surfaces are bonded to each other so as to be peeled off. In addition, the folded roll paper 417 may be further folded with another sheet (another sheet) and closed.

  The cutting mechanism 370 (cutting unit) cuts a predetermined portion of the roll paper 417 folded by the folding mechanism according to the bookbinding pattern.

  The joining mechanism 380 (joining means) is configured to perform a sewing process or the like on a predetermined portion of the separate sheet so that when the folded roll paper 417 is further folded with another sheet and closed according to the bookbinding pattern, the opposing surfaces of the separate sheet are joined. I do.

  It should be noted that known ones can be used as appropriate for the gluing mechanism 350, the folding mechanism 360, the cutting mechanism 370, and the joining mechanism 380 described above.

  Next, the configuration of the thermal transfer sheet 403a (403b) of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a planar configuration of the thermal transfer sheet 403a (403b).

  The thermal transfer sheet 403a (403b) is obtained by providing a color material layer on a base sheet. Various conventionally known thermal transfer sheets 403a (403b) can be used. As shown in FIG. 5, the planar configuration of the thermal transfer sheet 403 a (403 b) is provided with areas having color material layers of Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) in the surface order. The transfer order of the color materials is in the order of Y, M, and C.

  In this embodiment, in particular, since the pseudo adhesive layer is transferred to a predetermined surface of the roll paper 417 by printing, the planar configuration of the thermal transfer sheet 403a (403b) further includes a region having a pseudo adhesive layer (not shown). Provided.

  The pseudo adhesive layer contains, for example, a component composed of a monomer having a (meth) acryloyl group and / or an oligomer thereof disclosed in JP-A-2005-220204, and a component composed of fat and / or fatty oil. Can be used, and the cured film is formed on the surface of the roll paper 417, and is folded by the folding machine 311 so that the opposing surfaces of the roll paper 417 on which the pseudo-adhesion layer is formed can be peeled off. can do.

  Further, for example, a region having a protective sheet layer for protecting an image after image printing may be further added to the planar configuration of the thermal transfer sheet 403a (403b). In addition, a region having a color material layer of K (black) can be further added. In addition, depending on the purpose of printing, a region having a gold / silver color material layer, a hologram layer, or the like may be added to perform spot color transfer.

  Next, the configuration of the roll paper 417 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional configuration of the roll paper 417.

  The roll paper 417 is configured such that an adhesive layer 507, a porous film 505, a primer 503, and a receiving layer 501 are sequentially provided on both sides of a paper material 509. For these, various structures or materials can be used in consideration of strength, heat resistance, dyeing property of color materials, and the like. Further, the color material of the thermal transfer sheet is transferred to the receiving layer 501 of the roll paper 417. By providing the receiving layer 501 on both sides, double-sided printing of the roll paper 417 is possible. In the case of single-sided printing, the receiving layer 501 may be provided only on one side.

  Next, the flow of the double-sided printing method in the printer 310a will be described.

  When double-sided printing is started, first, cueing is performed so that one end of the region of the thermal transfer sheet 403a where the Y (yellow) color material layer is provided comes to the position of the thermal head 401a. In addition, the roll paper 417 is transported by a transport roller or the like so that the printing start position of the first print area of the roll paper 417 comes to the position of the thermal head 401a above the platen roller 411a.

  In the vicinity of both sides of the thermal head 401a, the roll paper 417 is sandwiched between the platen roller 411a and the nip roller 409a. At the position of the thermal head 401a, the upper surface (first surface) of the roll paper 417 faces the thermal head 401a. The lower surface (second surface) of the roll paper 417 is in contact with the platen roller 411a. Since the roll paper 417 is sandwiched between the platen roller 411a and the nip roller 409a, the roll paper 417 can be reliably conveyed.

  Next, the thermal head 401 a presses the lower surface of the thermal transfer sheet 403 a (the surface on which the color material layer is provided) against the upper surface of the roll paper 417. That is, the thermal transfer sheet 403a and the roll paper 417 are overlapped and pressed between the thermal head 401a and the platen roller 411a so that the lower surface of the thermal transfer sheet 403a and the upper surface of the roll paper 417 are in contact with each other.

  Thereafter, while conveying the roll paper 417 and the thermal transfer sheet 403a, an image corresponding to the Y (yellow) component amount of the image to be printed is transferred by the thermal transfer method. That is, the heat generating element of the heat generating portion of the thermal head 401 a generates heat according to the Y component amount of the image data, and the Y color material of the thermal transfer sheet 403 a is applied to the upper surface of the roll paper 417 by an amount corresponding to the Y component amount of the image data. Transcribed.

  When the transfer of the Y color material is completed, the thermal head 401a is raised to separate the thermal transfer sheet 403a from the roll paper 417, and the roll paper 417 is pulled back. The amount by which the roll paper 417 is pulled back is the same as the amount by which the roll paper 417 at the time of transfer is conveyed, and the print start position of the first print image becomes the same position as the thermal head 401a again. Further, the thermal transfer sheet 403a is transported so that one end of the M (magenta) color material layer region of the thermal transfer sheet 403a is positioned at the position of the thermal head 401a, and the cueing is performed.

  Thereafter, the M and C (cyan) color materials are transferred in accordance with the amount of each color component of the image data in the same procedure. In addition, K (black), gold color, or silver color material or hologram can be transferred or a protective layer can be transferred depending on the printing purpose. Further, after the transfer of each color material, the above-described pseudo adhesive layer is transferred to a predetermined surface of the roll paper 417 according to the bookbinding pattern.

  In this way, the color material of each color is transferred in accordance with the image data, the pseudo adhesive layer is transferred to a predetermined surface, and printing of one image is performed on the upper surface (first surface) of the roll paper 417. Then, a predetermined amount of roll paper 417 is sent out to the next image printing area, and image printing and pseudo adhesive layer transfer are performed in the same procedure. However, the images may be printed one by one. In that case, after one image is printed on the upper surface (first surface) of the roll paper 417, the roll paper 417 is subsequently attached to the platen roller 411b. This is a double-sided printing procedure in which printing is performed on the lower surface (second surface) of the roll paper 417.

  Further, when printing an image, a detection mark can be formed on the roll paper 417. The detection marks formed on the roll paper 417 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The detection mark is formed on the roll paper 417 together with image printing. The detection mark 421 is a minute mark that is printed on the roll paper 417 and can be detected by the sensor 413. For example, the sensor 413 can be an infrared sensor, and the detection mark 421 can be formed of a color material containing carbon black. In addition, a minute area having a glossiness different from that of the surrounding area can be applied to the roll paper 417 to form a detection mark, which can be detected by an optical sensor as the sensor 413.

  In FIG. 9, reference numeral 423 denotes an area on which one image is printed, and the same area is provided on both sides. For example, the detection mark 421 such as a binding margin at the time of bookbinding can be provided in an area where an image is not printed on the roll paper 417. Moreover, the shape can also be defined variously.

  Further, the detection mark 421 may be printed on the roll paper 417 in advance. In this case, the detection mark 421 may not be formed on the roll paper 417 at the time of image printing.

  In addition, after the roll paper 417 is printed, the roll paper 417 is folded by a bookbinding machine 311 to be described later. A detection mark used for alignment at the time of folding can also be formed at the time of printing as described above. By detecting this with a sensor (not shown) provided in the bookbinding machine 311, folding can be prevented. In this case, the configuration of the detection mark and the sensor can be the same as that of the detection mark 421 and the sensor 413.

  After printing a predetermined number of sheets on the upper surface of the roll paper 417, the leading end of the roll paper 417 is sent out toward the platen roller 411b. The fed roll paper 417 reaches the platen roller 411b. At the position of the thermal head 401b, the upper surface (first surface) of the roll paper 417 printed earlier is in contact with the platen roller 411b, and the lower surface (second surface) of the roll paper 417 is opposed to the thermal head 401b. This is the surface on which printing is performed.

  The roll paper 417 is sandwiched between the platen roller 411b and the nip roller 409b in the vicinity of both sides of the thermal head 401b along the conveyance direction of the roll paper 417.

  When the sensor 413 detects the detection mark 421 formed at the tip of the first image print area 423 of the roll paper 417, the first image print area 423 of the roll paper 417 is set at the position of the thermal head 401b.

  The sensor 413 is provided so that the print start position of the image print area 423 of the roll paper 417 comes to the position of the thermal head 401b when the sensor 413 detects the detection mark 421. In this way, the printed images on both sides are aligned during printing.

  However, the sensor 413 may be arranged such that when the detection mark 421 is detected by the sensor 413, the print start position of the image print area 423 of the roll paper 417 is separated from the position of the thermal head 401b by a predetermined amount. In this case, the alignment of the printed images on both sides is performed by pulling back or sending out a predetermined amount of roll paper 417 after the detection mark 421 is detected by the sensor 413. The same applies to the case where the sensor 413 is arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction of the roll paper 417 with respect to the thermal head 401b.

  Further, cueing is performed so that one end of the Y (yellow) color material layer region of the thermal transfer sheet 403b comes to the position of the thermal head 401b.

  Subsequently, the thermal head 401b presses the upper surface (the surface on which the color material layer or the like is provided) of the thermal transfer sheet 403b against the lower surface (second surface) of the roll paper 417. That is, the thermal transfer sheet 403b and the roll paper 417 are overlapped and pressed between the thermal head 401b and the platen roller 411b so that the upper surface of the thermal transfer sheet 403b and the lower surface of the roll paper 417 are in contact with each other.

  Thereafter, while conveying the roll paper 417 and the thermal transfer sheet 403b, an image corresponding to the Y component amount of the image to be printed is transferred by the thermal transfer method.

  When the transfer of the Y color material is completed, the thermal head 401b is lowered to release the thermal transfer sheet 403b from the roll paper 417, and the roll paper 417 is pulled back until the sensor 413 detects the detection mark 421 again. When the sensor 413 detects the detection mark 421 again, the print start position of the first print image is again the same position as the thermal head 401b.

  Further, the thermal transfer sheet 403b is conveyed so that one end of the M (magenta) color material layer region of the thermal transfer sheet 403b comes to the position of the thermal head 401b, and cueing is performed.

  In the same procedure, M and C (cyan) color materials are transferred in accordance with the component amount of each color of the image data. In addition, K (black), gold color, or silver color material or hologram can be transferred or a protective layer can be transferred depending on the printing purpose. Further, the pseudo adhesive layer is transferred to a predetermined surface of the roll paper 417 according to the bookbinding pattern. When the color material of each color is transferred, one image is printed on the lower surface (second surface) of the roll paper 417.

  Thus, when printing of one image is completed, the roll paper 417 is sent out until the next detection mark 421 is detected. At this time, since the print start position of the next print image is aligned with the thermal head 401b, the next image is printed in the same procedure.

  However, as described above, images may be printed one by one. In that case, one image is printed on the lower surface (second surface) of the roll paper 417, and then the roll paper 417 is cut. Move on to the procedure.

  Although it has been described above that the detection mark 421 can be printed in advance on the roll paper 417, in this case, printing may be performed on the upper surface (first surface) of the roll paper 417. It is desirable to determine the print start position by the sensor. That is, when the sensor detects a predetermined detection mark 421 printed in advance by the sensor, or after the detection mark 421 is detected by the sensor, it is transported by a predetermined amount, and the print start position of the printed image on the roll paper 417 is the thermal head. It comes to come to the position of 401a. As a result, the position of the print image can be determined more accurately at the time when printing is performed on the upper surface of the roll paper 417, and the alignment of both sides can be performed accurately.

  In this way, a predetermined number of images are printed on the lower surface (second surface) of the roll paper 417, and when the predetermined amount of double-sided printing is completed, the roll paper 417 is cut by the cutter 415.

  Subsequently, the cut roll paper 417 is bound by the bookbinding machine 311. At this time, according to the bookbinding pattern, the roll paper 417 is folded and crimped by the folding mechanism 360 of the bookbinding machine 311, and a part of the opposing surface of the roll paper 417 is formed by a pseudo adhesive layer formed on a predetermined surface of the roll paper 417 or Everything is glued. When folding, as described above, a detection mark provided at the time of printing is detected by a sensor (not shown), so that the roll paper 417 can be aligned to prevent misalignment.

  Further, depending on the bookbinding pattern, the pasting mechanism 350 glues a part or the whole of the binding margin of the roll paper 417 at the time of bookbinding, and then the folding mechanism 360 folds and presses the roll paper 417 to cut the cutting mechanism 370. Then, a predetermined portion of the roll paper 417 folded by the folding mechanism 360 is cut, or the folded paper 417 folded by the folding mechanism 360 is further folded and closed, and the roll paper 417 is then closed by the joining mechanism 380. In some cases, a predetermined portion of a separate sheet that is closed by folding is joined by sewing or the like.

  Various examples of printers that perform double-sided printing by the thermal transfer method can be considered in addition to those shown in FIG. Although description is omitted in the following examples, the thermal transfer sheet 403, the roll paper 417, and the bookbinding machine 311 can be the same as those described in FIG. Further, the same method as described above is applied to the method of printing with the thermal head 401, or the detection marks, sensors, and the like. Further, each of the embodiments includes a control unit that controls a roll paper conveyance mechanism, a printing control, and a folding machine that are configured by rollers and conveyance paths (not shown).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the printer 310 b and the bookbinding machine 311. In the printer 310b, 419 is a guide vane and 425 is a transport roller.

  The guide vane 419 is used to change the transport direction of the roll paper 417 to above or below the transport roller 425 by switching the direction.

  The conveyance roller 425 is a part of a conveyance mechanism for the roll paper 417. The roll paper 417 can be conveyed above or below the conveyance roller 425.

  In FIG. 7, the sensor 413 is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the roll paper 417 with respect to the thermal head 401. However, the position of the sensor 413 is not limited thereto, and may be provided on the downstream side with respect to the thermal head 401, for example.

  The printer 310b performs duplex printing with one platen roller 411 and one thermal head 401. When the roll paper 417 is sent out by the conveying roller 425 or the like at the start of double-side printing, the guide vane 419 is disposed upward in the printer 310b, and the roll paper 417 is moved along the guide vane 419 as shown in FIG. It is sent out above the conveying roller 425, and thereafter, a predetermined number of images are printed on the upper surface (first surface) of the roll paper 417, a pseudo adhesive layer is transferred, and the like.

  Thereafter, the roll paper 417 is pulled back, and after the leading edge of the roll paper 417 is separated from the platen roller 411, the guide vane 419 is rotated so as to be inclined downward, and the conveyance path of the roll paper 417 toward the platen roller 411 is lowered downward. Switch.

  Next, the roll paper 417 is sent out toward the platen roller 411. At this time, the guide vane 419 is arranged downward, the roll paper 417 is conveyed along the guide vane 419 from below the conveyance roller 425, along the platen roller 411 by a conveyance mechanism (not shown), and the roll paper 417 is transferred to the thermal head 401. Reach up to. At this time, the surface of the roll paper 417 on which printing has been performed previously contacts the platen roller 411, and another surface (second surface) faces the thermal head 401. Thereafter, a predetermined number of images are printed on this surface, a pseudo adhesive layer is transferred, and the double-sided printing is completed. Thereafter, the roll paper 417 is cut and conveyed to a bookbinding machine by a conveyance mechanism (not shown), and bookbinding is performed by the bookbinding machine 311. When the roll paper 417 is printed, the roll paper 417 is nipped between the nip roller 409 and the platen roller 411 and conveyed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the printer 310 c and the bookbinding machine 311. The same elements as those in FIGS. 4 and 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  The printer 310 c has one platen roller 411 and two thermal heads 401 a (401 b), and conveys the roll paper 417 along the guide vane 419 above or below the conveyance roller 425.

  As shown in FIG. 8, after the roll paper 417 is transported above the transport roller 425 with the guide vane 419 facing upward as in the printer 310b, printing is performed on the upper surface (first surface) using the thermal head 401a. Transfer the pseudo adhesive layer. Thereafter, similarly to the printer 310b, the roll paper 417 is conveyed below the platen roller 411, and the roll paper 417 reaches the position of the thermal head 401b. At this time, the lower surface (second surface) of the roll paper 417 is opposed to the thermal head 401b and becomes a surface on which printing is performed. Thereafter, printing, pseudo adhesive layer transfer, and the like are performed in the same manner. Thereafter, the roll paper 417 is cut by the cutter 415 and conveyed to the bookbinding machine 311 by a conveyance mechanism (not shown), and bookbinding by the bookbinding machine 311 is performed. When printing is performed, conveyance is performed while the roll paper 417 is sandwiched between the nip rollers 409a (409b) and the platen roller 411.

  In FIG. 8, the sensor 413 is provided between the conveyance roller 425 and the nip roller 409b. However, the position of the sensor 413 is not limited thereto, and may be provided inside the platen roller 411 on the downstream side in the transport direction of the roll paper 417, for example, in the vicinity of the thermal head 401b.

  In the above example, instead of the nip rollers 409, 409a, and 409b, the roll paper 417 may be sandwiched and conveyed by a clamp and a platen roller. When the clamp is used, the roll paper 417 can be held more reliably and the roll paper 417 can be accurately conveyed. Therefore, the detection mark used for the double-sided printing alignment or a sensor for detecting the detection mark can be used. Configuration is not necessarily required.

  Further, as described above, the image output apparatus 101 of the present invention may be provided with a printer that performs single-sided printing. In this case, a conventionally known printer can be used.

Next, an image output method using the image output apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an image output method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The user inputs image data to be printed and bound into the image output apparatus 101 by inserting the input medium 122 or having the scanner 121 read the document 121 (step 501).

  The image output apparatus 101 displays an output mode selection screen for selecting a print form, size, number of sheets, and the like on the monitor screen 201, and the user selects an output mode (step 502).

If the selected output mode is not a photobook (“No” in step 503), the process proceeds to another printing method. However, if the output mode is a photobook (“Yes” in step 503), the image output apparatus 101 Subsequently, a bookbinding pattern selection screen 550 as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed, and the user selects a desired bookbinding pattern (step 504). The bookbinding pattern refers to a roll paper printing pattern including a transfer of a pseudo adhesive layer, a roll paper folding pattern, an adhesive layer forming location or a cutting location, and as described later, further folding with a separate paper or a separate paper This includes a wide range of matters relating to the output form of the photobook (printed matter 124) such as joining, the size, and the number of images to be printed.
By selecting these items, a bookbinding pattern is selected.
FIG. 11A shows an example of selecting a folding pattern, and the folding pattern of the photobook to be output can be selected. For example, two folds, outer three folds, zigzag folds, and the like can be selected, but are not limited to these.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 11B, the size of the photobook to be output can be selected. For example, it is possible to select output in the size of a postcard, but the present invention is not limited to this.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11C, the number of images to be output can be selected. For example, it is possible to select to output a total of four images, but the present invention is not limited to this.
By making these selections, the user can select a bookbinding pattern corresponding to the selection item. These selections may be performed by selecting a plurality of items as described above, for example, selecting a folding pattern and a printing pattern, or only one item may be selected. For example, it can be selected to output only the size, for example, the postcard size.
A bookbinding pattern corresponding to the selected item (items other than the selected item are determined in advance) is stored in the storage unit 302 or the like of the image output apparatus 101, and is automatically controlled based on the selected bookbinding pattern. The unit 301 performs control during printing and bookbinding. For example, when a bookbinding pattern is selected by selecting only the size, printing and bookbinding are subsequently performed according to a corresponding bookbinding pattern corresponding to the size selection (for example, postcard size).
When a bookbinding pattern is selected, an image to be printed on each surface of the roll paper 417 is also specified according to the display on the screen. At this time, one image can be printed over the entire surface of the roll paper 417 or over a plurality of print areas.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the bookbinding pattern selection screen 550 shows, for example, several types of patterns that are printed on a roll paper 417, transferred by transferring a pseudo-adhesive layer, cut and then folded, and a photo that can be selected or outputted. It is possible to select a book form, the number of images to be output, and the like, and various other items related to the output form of a photo book. By these selections, the user can select various bookbinding patterns. Depending on the selection, a detailed description of the bookbinding pattern may be displayed.

  The bookbinding pattern will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of a bookbinding pattern, in which bookbinding is performed by folding in half. That is, as shown in FIG. 12A, the roll paper 417 (paper) has a print pattern 601 on which two sides are printed on the front and back sides, and a pseudo adhesive layer 602 is further formed on the two back sides. A photo book (printed matter 124) is created by folding and press-bonding the two back surfaces so that the two back surfaces face each other with the fold line between the print surfaces.

  As shown in FIG. 12B, since the roll paper 417 is used for alignment when folded, the detection mark 603 formed during printing may be detected as described above. With this detection mark 603, it is possible to confirm whether or not the roll paper 417 is set at the correct position during folding, and to prevent folding deviation.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12C, when printing, a mailing address (including a zip code) may be printed on a predetermined surface. For this reason, for example, after selecting a bookbinding pattern on the bookbinding pattern selection screen 550, an input screen for inputting an address may be displayed. Alternatively, a part of the address may be printed, and the user may write the remaining part after the output.

  The predetermined surface on which the address and the message are printed can be selected as a part of the bookbinding pattern. Of course, when selecting the print image to be printed on the roll paper 417, the predetermined surface includes It is also possible not to select an image to be printed and not print an image. As a result, this surface can be used as a location where the user will write the address or message later. Further, similarly to the above address, it is possible to print a message input by a user in advance on a message input screen or the like.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of a printing pattern and a folding pattern for other bookbinding patterns. FIG. 13 (a) shows zigzag folding on one side, FIG. 13 (b) shows four-fold folding, and FIG. This is an example of two-fold right-angle winding and four-fold. Each is printed as shown on the right side of the figure and a pseudo adhesive layer 602 is formed, and then folded and pressed as shown on the left side of the figure to create a photo book. In the case of FIG. 13C, a plurality of (for example, two) images are printed in the width direction of the roll paper 417.

  That is, when a bookbinding pattern as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is selected (“pattern A” in step 505), printing and formation of a pseudo adhesive layer 602 are performed by the printer along the selected bookbinding pattern (step 505). 506), the folding mechanism 360 of the bookbinding machine 311 is folded and pressure-bonded (step 507), the printed matter 124 which is a photo book is output (step 518), and the bookbinding ends.

  FIG. 14 shows another example of a bookbinding pattern, in which bookbinding is performed by outer three-folding. In this example, as shown in FIG. 14B, the roll paper 417 (paper) is printed on the front and back surfaces for three sides, and the pseudo adhesive layer 602 is formed on the front and back surfaces. A print pattern 601 is included. Further, an adhesive layer 607 is formed by a gluing mechanism 350 of the bookbinding machine 311 on a part or all of a portion that becomes a binding margin when bookbinding.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, the roll paper 417 is folded by the folding mechanism 360 of the bookbinding machine 311 so that the two surfaces on which the front and back pseudo adhesive layers 602 are formed face each other. The folded roll paper 417 is cut by a cutting mechanism 370 at a cutting portion 609 (an end portion facing one end where a binding margin is formed) shown in FIG. Then, a photo book as a printed matter 124 as shown in FIG. 14D, in which the binding margin is bonded by the adhesive layer 607, is created.

  Also in this case, as described above, the detection mark formed during printing may be detected because it is used for alignment when the roll paper 417 is folded. In addition, when printing, the mailing address may be printed on a predetermined surface, and a part of the mailing address may be printed, and the user will write the remaining part after the output. Also good. In addition, the image may not be printed on a predetermined surface, and the location where the user writes an address, a message, or the like later can be used. As with the address, the message entered in advance by the user can be printed.

  FIG. 15 shows a print pattern 601, a folding pattern, and a cutting position for another bookbinding pattern. FIG. 15A is an example of zigzag folding, and FIG. 15B is an example of winding three-folding. After printing and forming the pseudo-adhesive layer 602, the adhesive layer 607 is formed by gluing. After folding and crimping as shown in the figure, the cut portion 609 is cut to create a photo book.

  That is, when a bookbinding pattern as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 is selected (“pattern B” in step 505), printing and formation of a pseudo-adhesive layer 602 are performed by the printer along the selected bookbinding pattern (step 505). 508), the glue layer 350 of the bookbinding machine 311 is glued to the binding margin portion at the time of bookbinding to form the adhesive layer 607 (step 509), and the folding mechanism 360 is folded and pressure-bonded (step 510), and the cutting mechanism After cutting a predetermined portion by 370 (step 511), the printed matter 124, which is a photo book, is output (step 518), and bookbinding ends.

  With the above method, a photo book of photo quality can be created. By performing photographic quality printing, it is possible to produce a feeling of rareness, and since the contents are peeled off by adhesion by the pseudo adhesive layer 602, it is possible to produce an exciting feeling. In addition, a photo book can be obtained that can be stored as it is without being separated after mailing.

  Furthermore, when creating this photobook, it is also desirable to have a form in which the created photobook can be mailed as it is. Therefore, it is preferable to determine the width of the roll paper 417 and the size of the print area so that the photobook after creation is cheap and can be mailed (for example, postcard size or standard mail size). The width of the roll paper 417 can be made equal to the size of the long side of the postcard (about 14 to 15.4 cm) so that it can be as large as a postcard. A simple photo book. In addition, after binding the photobook, a predetermined one surface that will be the cover (front surface) of the photobook should be printed as described above, or a part of the address may be printed, or the address may be entered by the user himself / herself. In order to achieve this, it is also preferable that the surface not print an image. As described above, mail can be sent at a low cost with the above effects.

  In addition, for example, in the case of the above-described two-fold (FIG. 12), it is conceivable that an image is not printed in advance on the surface of the roll paper 417 and is blank (a space for describing an address or a message). In this case, the printer may perform single-sided printing, and a conventionally known printer can be used.

  FIG. 16 shows still another bookbinding pattern. In this example, a pseudo adhesive layer 602 is formed on the back surface of the roll paper 417 during printing as shown in FIG. 16B according to the bookbinding pattern. To do. Further, in the gluing mechanism 350 of the bookbinding machine, the adhesive layer 607 is formed on the four surfaces (the image is not printed) and the binding margin after bookbinding.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, the folding mechanism 360 folds and presses in a zigzag manner so that each surface on the back surface becomes one of the opposing surfaces.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 16C, the cutting portion 609 is cut by the cutting mechanism 370. Although this may be output as a photobook, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16D, after the roll paper 417 is cut at the folding cut portion, the roll is further folded by the folding mechanism 360. When the paper 417 is folded with another sheet 611 (another sheet) and folded so that the back end of the folded roll paper 417 corresponds to the fold line of the separated sheet 611 and closed, and the joining mechanism 380 folds the separate sheet 611. The surfaces of the separate sheet 611 that face each other are joined by sewing or the like on three sides excluding the side corresponding to the fold line so as to be bound as a photo book.

  That is, when a bookbinding pattern as shown in FIG. 16 is selected (“pattern C” in step 505), printing and pseudo-adhesive layer 602 are formed by the printer along the selected bookbinding pattern (step 512). An adhesive layer 607 is formed by gluing the binding margin portion 507 at the time of bookbinding by the gluing mechanism 350 of the bookbinding machine 311 (step 513), folded and crimped by the folding mechanism 360 (step 514), and predetermined by the cutting mechanism 370. Is cut (step 515). In the pattern C, as described above, another sheet is used and folded by the folding mechanism 360 and closed (step 516), and a predetermined portion of the other sheet is joined by the joining mechanism 380 (step 517), and then a print which is a photo book The product 124 is output (step 518), and the bookbinding ends.

  This method can also create a photo quality photo book. By performing photographic quality printing, it is possible to produce a feeling of rareness, and since the contents are peeled off by adhesion by the pseudo adhesive layer 602, it is possible to produce an exciting feeling. In addition, a photo book can be obtained that can be stored as it is without being separated after mailing. Furthermore, as described above, the size of the separate paper and the size of the roll paper can be mailed at a low cost, for example, as a standard mail, with predetermined sizes. When the outer portion of the machined portion 613 joined by the sewing process is cut out, the bound photo book can be opened as shown in FIG. Thereby, it becomes possible to mail at low cost together with the above effects. Note that the user can write the address on one side of a separate sheet as a cover of the photo book. Further, a part or all of the address inputted in advance can be printed on one side of another sheet by a printing means (not shown).

  Also in this case, as described above, the detection mark formed during printing may be detected because it is used for alignment when the roll paper 417 is folded. In addition, an image may not be printed on a predetermined surface, but may be a place where a user writes a message or the like later. Similar to the above, the message inputted by the user in advance can be printed. Further, depending on the form of bookbinding, for example, an image may not be printed on the surface of the roll paper 417 but may be blank (a space for describing a message). In this case, the printer performs single-sided printing. A thing known conventionally can be used.

  Note that the printing procedure can be controlled via the control unit 301 of the image output apparatus 101, but the control method can be determined by the maximum number of prints that can be printed on one side by one transport. Hereinafter, an example of double-sided printing control performed by the control unit will be described.

  For example, assume that M images are printed in a bookbinding pattern for the purpose of creating a photo book or the like. At this time, the maximum number of prints that can be printed on one side in one transport is N. The control unit calculates M / (2 · N) and obtains the quotient A and the remainder B. As a result, the image output apparatus 301 repeats double-sided printing on the roll paper 417 A times. Thereafter, the remaining B images are printed. The remaining B images can be printed one by one on the upper surface or lower surface of the roll paper 417, for example.

  This will be described with a specific example. Consider printing on roll paper 417 seven images (stored in the memory of the control unit) of a, b, c, d, e, f, and g in page order. In addition, the maximum number of prints that can be printed on one side by one transport is two. At this time, the quotient A of M / (2 · N) is 1, and the remainder B is 3.

  The printing procedure at this time will be described as follows. That is, first, two images a and c are printed in this order on the first surface of the roll paper 417, and then two images b and d are printed in this order on the second surface of the roll paper 417. Thus, double-sided printing is performed once (A = 1), and three images e, f, and g are left (B = 3). Thereafter, the image output apparatus 101 prints e, f, and g images one by one on the first surface and the second surface of the roll paper 417 in this order.

  Furthermore, by calculating B / 2 and obtaining the quotient C and the remainder D, it is possible to determine whether an image is printed on the last second sheet. When the remainder D is 0, an image is printed on the last second sheet. On the other hand, when the remainder D is 1, no image is printed on the last second sheet.

  In this example, when B / 2 is calculated, the quotient C is 1 and the remainder D is 1. Therefore, no image is printed on the last second surface, that is, the opposite surface on which the image g is printed. This surface may be a surface on which an address is written, for example.

  The method of bookbinding by closing with separate paper as described above can also be applied to other bookbinding patterns as shown in FIGS. 12 to 15, for example, selected on the bookbinding pattern selection screen 550 shown in FIG. 11. Is possible. Further, the joining mechanism 380 is not limited to the one that is joined by sewing, and can be joined using various known methods.

  Further, the type of roll paper 417 to be printed by the user may be changed according to the image selected to be bound. The white roll paper 417 as shown in FIG. 17A is used when printing an image with many bright colors such as a day scene. For example, when printing an image with many dark parts such as a night scene, In order to prevent the edge portion that is not printed on the roll paper 417 from being noticeable, a dark roll paper 417 as shown in FIG. 17B is selected.

  In order to make this selection possible, as shown in FIG. 17C, the printer 310 is provided with a plurality of supply rolls 419 so that several types of roll paper 417 can be supplied, and according to the user's selection. The roll paper 417 can be supplied.

  The user can select the roll paper 417 by selecting a bookbinding pattern on the bookbinding pattern selection screen 550 and determining an image to be printed on each side, and then selecting a paper selection screen 560 as shown in FIG. It can be displayed and selected on the screen.

  As described above, according to the image output device or the like of the present embodiment, the input image data such as a photograph is printed in various formats and bound, and the printed surface is bonded in a peelable manner to make it more attractive. Output image can be output. For example, you can create a photo-quality photo book with a sense of rareness by performing photo-quality prints, and you can create an exhilarating feeling because you can see the contents by peeling off with a peelable adhesive layer It is. In addition to the effects described above, this photo book can be stored as it is without being scattered after mailing. When creating this photo book, the created photo book can be in a form that can be mailed at low cost (for example, a postcard size). In addition, by selecting the paper according to the image to be printed, the edge of the paper and the color of the image can be matched so that the edge of the paper is not noticeable. Further, by forming a detection mark on the paper and detecting the detection mark when the sheet is folded, alignment can be performed, and more accurate bookbinding can be performed. In addition, by printing the address on a predetermined surface of the paper, the user can save the trouble of writing the address, and the address can be written in a uniform font. These also contribute to improving the attractiveness of the photo book that is the image output.

  The preferred embodiments of the image output apparatus and the like according to the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea disclosed in the present application, and these naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. is there.

101 ......... Image output device 111 ......... Image data reading / writing means 114 ......... Print means 115 ......... Bookbinding means 116 ......... Order content input means 124 ......... Printed matter 301 ......... Control unit 303 ......... Input / output unit 304 ......... Various media reading / writing unit 306 ......... Monitors 310, 310a, 310b, 310c ......... Printer 311 ......... Binder 350 ...... Gluing mechanism 360 ......... Folding mechanism 370... Cutting mechanism 380... Joining mechanism 403, 403 a, 403 b... Thermal transfer sheet 417... Roll paper 421, 603 ... Detection mark 550 ... Bookbinding pattern selection screen 560. Screen 601 ... Print pattern 602 ... Pseudo adhesive layer 605 ... Address 607 ... Adhesive layer 609 ... Cut location 611 ... Separate sheet 613 ... ... sewing machine processing locations

Claims (14)

An image output device that binds and outputs image data,
Image data reading means for reading image data;
A bookbinding pattern selection means for selecting a bookbinding pattern;
Printing means for printing the image read by the image data reading means on the front and back sides of the roll paper conveyed by the bookbinding pattern selection means by the sublimation type thermal transfer method according to the bookbinding pattern selected by the bookbinding pattern selection means;
Comprising
The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit forms a first adhesive layer on a part or all of the paper so that the paper can be peeled off.   2. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a folding unit configured to fold the paper on which the image data is printed according to the bookbinding pattern selected by the bookbinding pattern selection unit. In the paper, an adhesive layer forming means for forming a second adhesive layer on a part or all of a portion that becomes a binding margin when the paper is bound;
Cutting means for cutting a predetermined portion of the folded paper after folding the paper;
The image output apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: The printing means prints a detection mark on the paper;
The image output apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the folding unit performs alignment when the sheet is folded by detecting the detection mark.   The image output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising paper selection means for selecting the paper. The folding means folds the paper, and then closes the folded paper with another paper so that one end of the folded paper corresponds to the fold line of the other paper,
The image output apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a joining unit that joins surfaces facing each other when the other sheet is folded at three sides excluding the side corresponding to the folding line.   The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit prints a part or all of the address on a predetermined surface of the paper. An image output method using an image output device that binds and outputs image data,
An image data reading step in which the image output device reads image data; and
A bookbinding pattern selection step of selecting a bookbinding pattern in the image output device;
According to the bookbinding pattern selected in the bookbinding pattern selection step on both front and back sides of the roll paper to be conveyed, a printing step for printing the image read by the image data reading step by a sublimation type thermal transfer method,
Comprising
In the printing step, an image output method is characterized in that a first adhesive layer for releasably adhering the paper is formed on a part or all of the paper.   9. The image output method according to claim 8, further comprising a folding step of folding the paper on which the image data is printed in accordance with the bookbinding pattern selected in the bookbinding pattern selection step. In the paper, an adhesive layer forming step of forming a second adhesive layer on a part or all of a portion that becomes a binding margin when the paper is bound;
A cutting step of cutting a predetermined portion of the folded paper after folding the paper;
The image output method according to claim 9, further comprising: In the printing step, a detection mark is printed on the paper,
The image output method according to claim 9, wherein the folding step performs alignment when the sheet is folded by detecting the detection mark.   The image output method according to claim 8, further comprising a paper selection step of selecting the paper. In the folding step, after the paper is folded, the folded paper is folded with another paper and folded so that one end of the folded paper corresponds to the folding line of the other paper,
The image output method according to claim 9, further comprising a joining step of joining faces facing when the other sheet is folded at three sides excluding a side corresponding to a fold line.   9. The image output method according to claim 8, wherein in the printing step, part or all of the address is printed on a predetermined surface of the paper.

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