JPH02252563A - Image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To accurately confirm a position, a size to be recorded before an image recording on a recording medium and to accurately record an input image by visibly setting a recording region corresponding to the medium while variably displaying the position, size of the medium to be recorded with an image. CONSTITUTION:A recording area 11 is designated by a projected image of a light transmission window 8 after a recorder body is set at a desired position on a recording sheet 1. The window 8 provided at a mask member 7 is so composed in size that the image of the window focused on the sheet 1 when the magnification in a zoom optical unit 9 becomes maximum becomes a maximum effective region in the window 8, and the focusing area is varied in proportion to the variation in the magnification. An operator can set a recording area 11 in a desired size on the sheet 1 through a monitoring window 10 and easily align with pattern information 2 recorded in advance on the sheet 1 as required.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image recording device that records an image on a recording medium based on an input video signal.

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, this type of device includes a video recording system that records images using a silver salt recording method that records color images by connecting to a television, VTR, various computers, etc. as a color image signal source, or a sublimation type thermal transfer method, etc. Printers have been put into practical use.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, in the conventional example described above, input color image signals (for example, NTSC signals) are recorded on recording paper in units of one screen, so it is not possible to zoom the image to a desired size during recording, and a dedicated image processing processor is required. There is a problem in that the color image signal must be inputted after being converted into a desired format via a .

In addition, the recording paper used as the recording medium is configured to record images while being conveyed inside the device, and it is necessary to use standard-sized special paper (more expensive than regular paper). There have been problems such as the inability to obtain images in the desired position and size of postcards, stationery, etc.

This invention has been made to solve the above problems, and by variably displaying the position and size of the recording medium on which an image is recorded, and setting the recording area corresponding to the recording medium so that it can be viewed, The position to record before recording the image,
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image recording device that can accurately confirm the size on a recording medium and can accurately record an input image in a set recording area.

[Means to solve the problem]

The image recording device according to the present invention includes an image memory for storing a recorded image signal obtained by converting an input video signal into a signal, a recording means for recording an image on a recording medium, and a record recorded by the recording means. An imaging means for projecting light onto the recording medium as a rectangular image of a recording area of the medium, an area setting means for variably setting the area of the rectangular image, and monitoring a recording area of an arbitrary size set by the area setting means. a detection means for detecting area information for the recording area set by the area setting means; and a detection means for detecting area information for the recording area set by the area setting means, and outputting and recording the recorded image signal stored in the image memory based on the area information detected by the detection means. It is composed of a data creation means for creating data, and an image recording control means for controlling image recording on a recording medium by the recording means based on the output recording data created by the data creation means.

[Operation] In the present invention, a manually inputted video signal is converted into a predetermined recording signal and then written into the image memory. At this time, the recording area recorded by the recording means on the recording medium by the imaging means is a rectangular image and 1. When a request to enlarge or reduce the rectangular image is input, the area setting means changes the area of the rectangular image and forms the image on the recording medium.

Then, when the rectangular image on the recording medium is determined, the detection means detects area information for the imaging area that will be the recording area and outputs it to the data creation means. The data creation means analyzes the input area information and creates predetermined output recording data based on the recording image signal stored in the image memory. The image recording control means controls image recording of the recording means on the recording medium based on the created output recording data, and records an image of a desired size at the imaging position of the recording medium set by the area setting means.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of essential parts illustrating the configuration of an image recording apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a recording paper serving as a recording medium, on which pattern information 2 such as characters and figures recorded in advance is recorded. A recording paper holding member 3 is provided on the side of the apparatus and holds the recording paper 1.

A recording window 4 for recording an image in color on the recording paper 1 is provided near the center of the recording paper holding member 3. A halogen lamp 5 serves as a light source, and illuminates the mask member 7 through a condenser lens 6. The condenser lens 6 uniformly condenses the light emitted from the halogen lamp 5 in a predetermined direction to expose the entire surface of the mask member 7. The mask member 7 is provided with a rectangular light transmitting window 8 having a predetermined aspect ratio in its center. A zoom optical section 9 enlarges or reduces a mask image (rectangular image) to a desired magnification and forms the image on the recording paper 1. Note that details will be described later.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a monitoring window constituting a monitoring means, through which the operator can monitor the recording paper 1 and the recording area 11 clearly defined by the above-mentioned image (rectangular image).

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a main part of an example of the configuration of the zoom optical section 9 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. The configuration and operation will be explained below.

The zoom optical section 9 includes two imaging lenses 12a and 12b.
The zoom optical system is composed of a zoom optical system composed of the following, and an encoder 18 that electrically detects the lens position. The imaging lenses 12a and 12b are mounted on holders 13a and 1, respectively.
3b, and is held so that it can move along the guide member 14 in the optical axis direction (in the direction of the arrow in the figure).

In addition, a male screw is engraved on the outer periphery of the holder 13a. Reference numeral 15 denotes a zoom ring for adjusting the distance between the imaging lenses 12a and 12b and changing the zoom ratio, and is fixed in the optical axis direction and supported by a support member 16 in a rotatable state. It is. Also, zoom ring 15
There is a female screw carved into the inner circumference of the zoom ring 15.
When the operator rotates the image forming lens 12a held by the holder 13a, the imaging lens 12a held in the holder 13a moves in parallel in the optical axis direction in proportion to the rotation angle, and at the same time, a cam mechanism (not shown) keeps the distance between the objects and images constant. The imaging lens 12b, which is held by the holder 13b, is also configured to move in parallel relative to each other.

On the other hand, a gear is carved on the outer circumference C of the zoom ring 15, and rotation is transmitted to the encoder 18 via the gear 17. In this embodiment, the encoder 18 is constituted by, for example, an absolute rotary encoder, and detects the position of the imaging lens 12a from the rotation angle of the zoom ring 15, and outputs it as 8-bit position data to a controller to be described later. That's what I do.

The recording area 11 is specified by setting the main body of the apparatus at a desired position on the recording paper 1 and then using the projected image of the light transmitting window 8. Specifically, the designation of the recording area 11 is performed using the projected image of the light transmitting window 8 provided on the mask portion 7. 8 is configured to have a size such that when the magnification in the zoom optical section 9 reaches its maximum value, the image of the window formed on the recording paper 1 becomes the maximum effective area within the light transmission window 8. The imaging area changes in proportion to the change in magnification. That is, in this embodiment, the magnification variable range is 3.00 to 0.75, and when the magnification is 3.00, the maximum effective recording area is optically set, and when the magnification is 0.75, 1/16 of the maximum effective recording area is optically The structure is such that the light from the halogen lamp 5 transmitted through the transmission window 8 illuminates the room.

The operator can directly set the recording area 11 to a desired size on one side of the recording paper 1 through the monitor window 10, and if necessary, pattern information 2 can be pre-recorded on the recording paper 1. It is possible to easily align the

Further, when a white recording paper 1 is used, visibility can be improved by configuring the light transmission window 8 with a mask member 7 having a red filter.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of essential parts for explaining the recording process for the recording window 4 shown in FIG. 1, and the same parts as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

In the figure, numeral 20 denotes a recording head section of an inkjet recording system constituting the recording means of the present invention, and the recording colors are yellow (Y) and magenta (M).

Recording heads 20-1, 20-2, 20-3 and 20-4 corresponding to four colors of cyan (C) and black (BK) are arranged in the y direction.

Each recording head 20-1.2C)-2,20-3°20-
No. 4 has a configuration in which 256 orifices are arranged at a density of 16 dots/I1m, each arranged at a pitch of 5 mm. The recording head unit 20 is configured to record a color image by sequentially scanning a strip of 16 mm width on the recording paper 1 through the recording window 4.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the scanning path of the recording head section 20 shown in FIG. 3, where ANH indicates a scanning route point;
In particular, the scanning route point H is the home position, and the shaded area in the figure corresponds to the setting recording area 11a, and the setting recording area 11a has an X-direction start address Xs and an X-direction end address X. and y direction start address Xs+3' direction end address X. 70 indicates an effective recording area.

Next, the control configuration of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. The color separation signals R, G, and B are developed in the memory 32. 3
Reference numeral 3 denotes a memory controller that controls data writing/reading into/from the memory 32 based on commands from the CPU 34 and timing signals output from the timing generation circuit 51.

The CPU 34 transfers the control program (including the procedure of the flowchart described later) stored in the ROM 3S to the RAM 3.
7 as a work area, performs various control information processing such as recording area detection and magnification calculation, and sends various control information to the CPU 57, which serves as a recording controller.

35 is a console with operation keys and area setting keys SW
It also has a display device, etc.

Reference numeral 36 denotes an encoder circuit constituting the detection means of the present invention, in which the operator operates the zoom ring 15 (area setting means) to adjust the distance between the imaging lenses 12a and 12b and change the zoom ratio. When the rotation angle corresponding to the zoom ratio is output from the encoder 18, position data for determining the imaging area is output to the CPU 34.

The CPU 34 sets recording control constants such as a magnification ratio and a recording control address during image recording from the position information output from the encoder circuit 36.

A timing generation circuit 51 reads R data, G data, and B data from the memory 32 and generates a timing signal for synchronizing drive control and scanning control of the recording head section 20.

52 is a digital signal processor (DSP), R
The control program stored in the ROM 54 is executed using the AM 53 as a work area, and the R data and G data separated by color and stored in the memory 32 constituting the image memory of the present invention are
Data and B data are read and data interpolation processing is performed based on the area information and control information notified from the CPU 34.

Performs data thinning processing at high speed and delays buffer memory 55
Output recording data DY, DM, DC, and DBK of Y, M, C, and BK, which become binary recording signals, are written for a predetermined line. 56 is a recording head drive circuit, and a delay buffer memory 5
Each output recording data DY, DM, DC,
DBK is transmitted to each recording head 20-1.20-2.20 according to the synchronization signal output from the timing generation circuit 51.
-3.20-4 is driven to record a color image on the recording paper 1 for a predetermined line width.

Reference numeral 58 denotes a console, on which keys and displays for inputting various mode information such as recording mode, recording start instructions, recording stop instructions, etc. are arranged.

On the 5th, the recording head scanning circuit outputs a drive command to a pulse motor, for example, a stepping motor (not shown), which scans the recording head section 20 in a predetermined direction, and scans the scanning path points A-*B-#C as shown in FIG. -$D-E -m F -*
The recording head section 2o is caused to scan the recording paper 1 in a scanning path called G-*)i. 62 is a lamp drive circuit.

Note that the input video signal is converted into predetermined recording signals, that is, R data, G data, and B data, and then stored in the memory 3.
It is sewn into 2. A recording window 4 serves as a monitoring means.
When the recording area on the recording paper 1 that can be visually observed via the zoom ring 15 constituting the area setting means is set, the encoder 18 constituting the detection means is set. Encoding circuit 36
The CPU 34 or CPU 5 detects area information (imaging area information) for the recording area and also serves as data creation means.
Output to 7. The CPU 34 or CPU 57 analyzes the input area information and records the recorded image signals (each output recording data DY, DM, DC, DB) stored in the memory 32.
K) The CPU 57, which also serves as an image recording control means, creates predetermined output recording data based on the output recording data created, and the recording head unit 20, which constitutes a recording means, based on the created output recording data.
control the image recording on the recording paper 1 of the zoom ring 1.
5, an image of a desired size (corresponding to the imaging area) is recorded at the imaging position of the mask image on the recording paper 1 that has been set.

In addition, each output recording data DY, DM, DC, DBK (2
Since the digitized recording signal) is developed in the subsequent delay buffer memory 55 and sequentially outputted, each recording head 20-1.20-2.20 of the recording head unit 20 shown in FIG.
-3.20-4 are arranged at a pitch of approximately 5 mm, image information can be recorded on the same line.

Next, Fig. 6 (a), (b) and Fig. 7 (a) to (C)
The processing operations of the CPUs 34 and 57 shown in FIG. 5 will be explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6(a) is a flowchart showing an example of a setting recording area determination processing procedure by the CPU 34 shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (8) indicate each step.

First, the CPU 34 waits for the area setting key SW on the console 35 to be pressed to instruct the start of area setting (1), and if the area setting key SW is pressed, it waits for the area setting key SW to be pressed to request a memory write request, which will be described later. After disabling interrupts (2
), position data of the imaging lens 12a (recording area detection) is detected by the encoding circuit 36 (3), and constants related to the recording area 11 are calculated and generated. Next, by storing each constant in the RAM 37 (data storage), (4)
, - Even if the recording operation is interrupted, the same image recording as before the interruption can be performed when the recording operation is resumed.

Next, from each of the above constant values, it is converted into a recording control address in the X direction (X control address) in the effective image recording area and output to the CPU 57 (5), and the detected recording area Fg and the standard total image recording It is converted into a recording control address in the X direction in the area (X control address) and output to the CPU 57 (6).

Next, the x and y magnification ratios at the time of image recording are calculated based on the image recording control address value and outputted to the memory controller 33 (7)0.
3 executes necessary data interpolation or thinning processing based on the X13' scaling factor, and sequentially outputs the color separation signal data R, G, and B stored in the memory 32 to the DSP 52.

Next, enable interrupts for memory write requests.
), the generation and output of recording control data ends.

On the other hand, when writing a color image signal to the memory 32 from the outside, when a memory write request interrupt is enabled, pressing of the memory write start key SW on the console 35 is detected, and 6) shown in Figure (b)).

FIG. 6(b) is a flowchart showing an example of an interrupt processing routine by the CPU 34 shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (3) indicate each step.

When an interrupt occurs, the CPU 34
(2) A write permission signal instructing to write image data into the memory 32 is output to the memory controller 33 (2).

Note that the memory controller 33 executes a process of sequentially storing each RGB image data in the memory 32 in synchronization with the output of the RGB separation circuit 31 at the previous stage.

Next, the process waits until the storage of one screen's worth of image data in the memory 32 is completed (3), and returns when the storage is completed.

FIG. 7(a) is a flowchart showing an example of image recording processing by the CPU 57 shown in FIG. In addition,(
1) to (9) indicate each step.

First, after initializing each part of the device, the CPU 57 waits for an instruction to start recording from the console 5B by pressing the recording start key SSW (1), and when the recording start key SSW is pressed, the CPU 34 A read request signal is output (2).

Next, output a line synchronization signal to instruct the DSP 52 to start data processing and image recording. 3)
The recording head section 20 is scanned to perform image recording on the designated area, for example, according to the scanning path shown in FIG. 3 (4).

Next, it is determined whether the scanning recording of the recording head section 20 has been completed for one scan (5), and if No, step (3) is performed.
If YES, it is determined whether the entire surface scanning recording has been completed (6), and if NO, shift scanning (dotted line scanning in the figure) is executed (9), and the process returns to step (3).

On the other hand, if YES in step (6), the scanning route point G
Perform a return scan to return to the scanning route point H from 7),
Stop all drive systems 8) and end the process.

For example, when performing color image recording over the entire effective recording area as shown in FIG.
Drive pulses are continuously output to the drive pulse motor while counting the number of scans in the y direction. When this one scan is completed and the judgment in step 6 becomes No, the scanning path point A
- $B, scanning path point CmD, scanning path point E-IF, and in order to perform shift scanning, the pulse motor is controlled to rotate in the reverse direction in the y direction and in the forward direction in the X direction, and the determination in step (6) is made. If YES (in this embodiment, a total of four recording scans have been completed), a return scan is executed to return to the scanning route points G-IH, and the color image recording of one screen is completed.

On the other hand, when the recording area (recording area) 11 shown in FIG. Address (XS * yIJ
) + end address (X!+yt) controls the recording head drive circuit 56 via the DSP 52 to print the required area (4th
Variable-magnification image recording is performed only for the shaded area in the figure).

FIG. 7(b) is a flowchart showing an example of a three-color separation image processing procedure by the DSP 52 shown in FIG.

Note that (1) to (5) indicate each step. Also, DS
P52 is processed in synchronization with the timing signal output from the timing generation circuit 51.

First, the DSP 52 processes the 8-bit three-color image data read from the memory 32 and stores it in the RAM 53.
The data is corrected based on the correction data stored in the internal memory (1).

This correction processing is configured to prevent changes in image quality due to variations in input color image signals due to differences in color image signal generation devices.

Next, each 8-bit recording data (each output recording data DY,
DM, DC) are obtained by arithmetic processing, so-called masking processing is executed. 2) A product-sum calculation processing is performed between the respective pre-stored coefficients and each color separation data of RGB. In step 1, black extraction processing is performed (2).

Next, among the YMC output recording data DY, DM, and DC obtained by the above calculation process, the minimum (light) value is set as data DBK, and the above minimum value is subtracted from each output recording data DY, DM, and DC data. The recorded value is recorded data.

Next, so-called dither processing is performed using 8×8 pixels as a unit matrix, and binarization processing is performed in which each color is processed independently using a different dither threshold value with a different dot arrangement (
4).

Next, Y and M obtained by the binarization processing.

C, BK 4-color recording signal (each output recording data DY
, DM, and DC) are each output to the delay buffer memory 26 (5), thereby completing m filling.

The above image data processing is performed for each pixel, but the correction data for each pixel is stored in step (1) of FIG. 7(C) by the line synchronization signal output from the CPtJ57. The address value of the memory area where the memory area is located is preset to the leading value, and the dither ROM address value used for binarization is also sequentially updated.

FIG. 7(c) is a flowchart showing an example of an interrupt processing routine based on the CPU 57 shown in FIG.

Note that (1) indicates a step.

When the CPU 57 outputs a 1-line synchronization signal image, line interrupt processing is started, address initialization processing is performed (1), and the processing is ended.

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which sequence control is executed by the CPU 34 and image processing is executed by a dedicated digital signal processor (DSP) 52. You can also use the diagram.

Further, in the above embodiment, the recording head unit 20 is an inkjet type recording head 20-1.2C)-2, 20-3,
20-4 has been described, however, it may be configured with a recording means that performs a sublimation type thermal transfer process, and a color image may be recorded by overlapping ink of each color using a donor film serving as a recording material.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the recording area 11 for the recording paper 1 is set by operating the zoom ring 15 has been described, but as shown in FIG. The recording area may be set as described later.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of an image recording device showing a second embodiment of the present invention, and the same components as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals. .

In the figure, 100 is a mask part, and a rectangular light transmitting window 8 having a predetermined aspect ratio is provided in the center thereof. The mask portion 100 includes a pair of light shielding plates 101 and 102.
By varying the light transmitting area of the light transmitting window 8, the area illuminated onto the recording paper 1 is changed, and the area on the recording paper 1 where the image is formed is set as the recording area 11.

The light shielding plates 101 and 102 are moved in the arrow direction in the figure by a plurality of gears (not shown) so that the light shielding plates 101 and 102 are moved in parallel with the diagonal of the light transmitting window 8 in opposite directions. By moving 102, the light transmitting area of the light transmitting window 8 can be changed within the range of 1.00 to 0.067. Further, the amount of displacement of light shielding &101 and 102 is detected by an encoder (not shown) and inputted to the CPU 34 shown in FIG. 5, thereby making it possible to set the recording area in the same manner as in the above embodiment. Note that 103 is an imaging lens.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments described above, the case where the binarization process is executed by the dither method has been described, but the method is not limited to this method, and the well-known binarization process (for example, density pattern method, etc.) does not preclude application of the present invention.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, the present invention includes an image memory for storing a recorded image signal obtained by converting an input video signal into a recording signal, a recording means for recording an image on a recording medium, and a recording medium on which the recording means records. an imaging means for projecting and forming a rectangular image of a recording area on a recording medium; an area setting means for variably setting the area of the rectangular image; and monitoring a recording area of an arbitrary size set by the area setting means. a monitor means, a detection means for detecting area information for the recording area set by the area setting means, and a recording image signal stored in the image memory based on the area information detected by the detection means, and a predetermined output recording data. and an image recording control means that controls the image recording on the recording medium of the recording means based on the output recording data created by the data creation means. The area for enlarging or reducing the image size to be recorded can be set as a finished image rather than as a numerical value.

Therefore, it is possible to record an arbitrary scaled image that has been scaled to a fixed size with a simple operation.

Furthermore, since the image recording area can be set directly on the recording medium, the recording area on the recording medium can be clearly recognized.

Furthermore, since regularity as a recording medium is not required,
An image can be recorded in a desired size at any position on an irregularly shaped recording medium, such as stationery of any size.

Therefore, with a simple configuration, excellent effects such as being able to record compact and easily operable images at low cost are achieved.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main part illustrating the configuration of an image recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a main part illustrating an example of the configuration of the zoom optical section shown in FIG. A sectional view, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part explaining the recording process for the light transmission window shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram explaining the scanning path of the recording head section shown in FIG. 3. , FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 6(a) is a flowchart showing an example of the set recording area determination processing procedure by the CPU shown in FIG.
) is a flowchart showing an example of the interrupt processing routine by the CPU shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 7(a) is a flowchart showing an example of the image recording process by the CPU shown in FIG. ) is a flowchart showing an example of a three-color separation image processing procedure by the DSP shown in FIG.
FIG. 7(C) is a flowchart showing an example of an interrupt processing routine based on the CPU shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of an image recording apparatus showing a second embodiment of the present invention. It is. In the figure, 1 is recording paper, 2 is pattern information, 3 is recording paper holding member, 4 is recording window, 5 is halogen lamp, 6 is condenser lens, 7 is mask member, 8 is light transmission window, 9 is zoom optical 10 is a monitor window, 11 is a recording area, 12a
, 12b is an imaging lens, 13a and 13b are holders, 1
4 is a guide member, 15 is a zoom ring, 16 is a support member, 17 is a gear, 18 is an encoder, 20 is a recording head section, 31 is an RGB separation circuit, 32 is a memory, 33 is a memory controller, 34.57 is a cpU, 35.58 is the console, 36 is the encode circuit, 37.60 is the RAM,
38.61 is ROM551 is a timing generation circuit, 52
is DSP. 55 is a delay buffer memory, 56 is a recording head drive circuit, 59 is a recording head scanning circuit, 7o is an effective recording area, 1
00 is a mask portion, 101.102 is a light shielding plate. Fig. 1 Fig. 2] 8, Work, '-Coater Fig. Fig. Fig. 70 Effective record tilting Fig. Fig. Fig.

Claims (1)

[Claims] an image memory for storing a recorded image signal obtained by converting an input video signal into a recording signal; a recording means for recording an image on a recording medium; an imaging means for projecting and forming an image on a medium; an area setting means for variably setting the area of the rectangular image; a monitor means for monitoring a recording area of an arbitrary size set by the area setting means; and the area setting means. a detection means for detecting area information for a recording area set by the means; and data creation for creating predetermined output recording data from the recorded image signal stored in the image memory based on the area information detected by the detection means. and an image recording control means for controlling image recording on a recording medium by the recording means based on the output recording data created by the data creation means.